I've allowed myself to get way too invested in who the Hawks take versus don't take. The truth is a good case can be made for each of the top 5 or 6 guys and regardless who my favorite is today - the only thing that matters is that the player they select turns out to be a top notch player. Second guessing Stan is a favorite pastime on this and other Hawks blogs but this is as big of a put up or shut up decision as Stan has made as a GM so if he gets this one wrong it will be very difficult for even the most ardent Stan supporters to defend him.

This is fun. Less than 2 hours to go.

Holy cow has been drafted yet and we have him going on IR
- HamiltonHawk

I am anxiously awaiting the first trade proposal involving the guy drafted at 3.

I am anxiously awaiting the first trade proposal involving the guy drafted at 3.
- Elbows15

Did we trade Boquist yet?

Did we trade Boquist yet?
- EnzoD

Several times.

I've allowed myself to get way too invested in who the Hawks take versus don't take. The truth is a good case can be made for each of the top 5 or 6 guys and regardless who my favorite is today - the only thing that matters is that the player they select turns out to be a top notch player. Second guessing Stan is a favorite pastime on this and other Hawks blogs but this is as big of a put up or shut up decision as Stan has made as a GM so if he gets this one wrong it will be very difficult for even the most ardent Stan supporters to defend him.

This is fun. Less than 2 hours to go.
- EbonyRaptor

Even if he takes the player you like the least he is still likely better then who you would have got at 12!

Even if he takes the player you like the least he is still likely better then who you would have got at 12!
- Devilish4

Agreed Al :

Since the Rocky era began it is almost impossible to get any meaningful info concerning trades etc. The only info that comes out is what is the Hawks intentionally leak. So I have to chuckle, as right now the hot name linked to #3 is Dach. So it's been Byram-Turcotte & now Dach.

Even if he takes the player you like the least he is still likely better then who you would have got at 12!
- Devilish4

Absolutely.

Other than the obvious benefit of getting the player selected at #3 versus the player selected at #12 - the lead up to the draft since the ping pong balls dropped has been exponentially more entertaining for Hawks fans than past years because we're not going to be held captive to teams picking above us - we get the pick of the litter (minus the 2 no brainer picks above us). Last year picking at #8 - we didn't know who would still be available so the level of excitement and discussion was no where near what it has been this year.

If Faulk is available then so too should be Gustaffson. This would drive up the return Stan gets even more.

Coincidentally, agree with others that if Stan wants Dach then he should trade down to do it. I still think Detroit is the team to watch too, as they’re light on impact blueline prospects. I’d be asking for Veleno with that 6th too.

Absolutely.

Other than the obvious benefit of getting the player selected at #3 versus the player selected at #12 - the lead up to the draft since the ping pong balls dropped has been exponentially more entertaining for Hawks fans than past years because we're not going to be held captive to teams picking above us - we get the pick of the litter (minus the 2 no brainer picks above us). Last year picking at #8 - we didn't know who would still be available so the level of excitement and discussion was no where near what it has been this year.
- EbonyRaptor

The lead up has been more entertaining than much of the past two regular seasons....

I've allowed myself to get way too invested in who the Hawks take versus don't take. The truth is a good case can be made for each of the top 5 or 6 guys and regardless who my favorite is today - the only thing that matters is that the player they select turns out to be a top notch player. Second guessing Stan is a favorite pastime on this and other Hawks blogs but this is as big of a put up or shut up decision as Stan has made as a GM so if he gets this one wrong it will be very difficult for even the most ardent Stan supporters to defend him.

This is fun. Less than 2 hours to go.
- EbonyRaptor

EB, don't get around as much as I used to and after scrubbing the internets for weeks now about the draft just wanna say the last few days that I get here your posts have been extremely informative and helpful......... Enjoy.

I know they might be gone but heres who im hoping might still be around when NJ picks again at 34.
Matthew Robertson
Tobias Bjornfot
Alex Vlasic
Brayden Tracey
Egor Afanasyev
Albin Grewe
Robert Mastrosimone
Samual Fagemo
Mads Sogaard
Maxim Cajkovic

Im hoping we can get a couple of these guys but wont be heartbroken if not lol.
- Devilish4

Throw Dman Ryan Johnson on your list. Super poised, head up, skilled, lotta IQ, +skater, defense first but will jump in.

I think Marner is equal or better than Matthews, so he is worthy of an equal salary or he will go shopping.
- wiz1901

Assuming they are equal you pay the center more, no?

kings interested in perry..so says ek...

just what the kings need another old and done guy...

EB, don't get around as much as I used to and after scrubbing the internets for weeks now about the draft just wanna say the last few days that I get here your posts have been extremely informative and helpful......... Enjoy.
- Mr Ricochet

Thanks ... and, your check's in the mail.

I am placing my profile evaluation on Kirby Dach so those who keep talking about his skating can simply stop.

Got an early taste in the "Dub" when injuries befell the forwards on Saksatoon. Showed off his competitive nature and was able to set up and score goals as a 16 year old. Displays smarts, size, good feet and a 200 foot commitment. Not a speedster, but has a great stick and soft hands as a high-end playmaker. Can control the pace and the play. Another wing-centre who is very strong on his skates. Can move with above average speed while he maintains possession. Uses his soft hands to find open line mates when he has the puck, and quickly goes into quiet, soft areas to receive returns and scoring looks. When watching a guy this big, you think he is going to get held up. But, he seems to keep effortlessly driving the defenders away from the puck with his long reach and staying in motion while he supports the play. He avoids attackers with side-stepping and a quick stick. He follows the action but the action tends to follow him too. Strong in so many phases of the game already, he is always close to attackers in his end nudging close deterring their advance. Is a regular on the PK and PP. I think there is upside as a pro scorer. But many of his goals will continue to come with plays he started where he positioned himself between the circles, stick on the ice, and wasn’t stopped. He is able to read coverages, make sharp cuts, by driving into the turns. His edge work keeps him away from closing traffic, and frequently leaving him uncovered in the dirty areas. Plenty of room to imagine him as blossoming as a scorer as well as set-up guy. May project as an NHL centre. Big guy with big strong wrists, who gets in close and difficult to move out from the front or take the puck away from. It might take time but no NHL team is going to pass on big man with these tools.
- wiz1901

Very well said. Kid can really work his edges and his IQ and reach make him faster. Simply said only a handful of players on earth have his combo of vision/IQ/skill/hands/edge work/size. ............ Curious what you think his floor would be, Wiz?

I know they might be gone but heres who im hoping might still be around when NJ picks again at 34.
Matthew Robertson
Tobias Bjornfot
Alex Vlasic
Brayden Tracey
Egor Afanasyev
Albin Grewe
Robert Mastrosimone
Samual Fagemo
Mads Sogaard
Maxim Cajkovic

Im hoping we can get a couple of these guys but wont be heartbroken if not lol.
- Devilish4

Very glad to see you have no interest in a guy named Beecher.

Thanks ... and, your check's in the mail.
- EbonyRaptor

I'm serious. Either I forgot how insightful you can be or you've upped your game. Personally I'm not looking for people who agree with me or see what I see I'm looking for people who show me something I've missed and it seems the last couple days most of your posts do just that. .............. Now lets get that 10-13 yr game changer!!

Very glad to see you have no interest in a guy named Beecher.
- RickJ

I'm starting to think he doesn't get out of the 1st, Rick. Beast is thrown around a lot but this kid is a bonafide monster, a freight train on skates.

Who you have ranked 3rd and who are the Hawks taking?

I'm serious. Either I forgot how insightful you can be or you've upped your game. Personally I'm not looking for people who agree with me or see what I see I'm looking for people who show me something I've missed and it seems the last couple days most of your posts do just that. .............. Now lets get that 10-13 yr game changer!!
- Mr Ricochet

Here's some more insight I just stumbled on to - watching a clock doesn't make time go faster ... will 7:00 get here already.

Here's some more insight I just stumbled on to - watching a clock doesn't make time go faster ... will 7:00 get here already.
- EbonyRaptor

Draft starts at 7 but think they are on the air at 6:30.

Ok, now I really want Dach.
- Chief4Feathers

Oh and why’s that?

Here we go guys and gals!

Much quieter than I anticipated today. Lots of chatter on the Draft floor... we'll see if anything materializes.

How much "on the clock" time does each team get for the 1st round - I don't remember. Whatever it is I hope NJ and NYR don't drag it out and make us wait those extra few minutes.

If Faulk is available then so too should be Gustaffson. This would drive up the return Stan gets even more.

Coincidentally, agree with others that if Stan wants Dach then he should trade down to do it. I still think Detroit is the team to watch too, as they’re light on impact blueline prospects. I’d be asking for Veleno with that 6th too.
- Bjm84

Takes two to tango. Can only trade down if there’s a willing partner, and even then dropping down just enough to still get your guy is virtually impossible. If Stan thinks Dach is the best choice at 3, then go for it.