I think Cozens is a better overall mix of talent.
- Return of the Roar

I think you are wrong here sir.

Here's an article singing the praises of Bowen Byram.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/...am-best-defenceman-draft/

Should have been excommunicated from the NHL... for sacrilege against St Hossa... the patron saint of 200’ ft hockey.
- Chief4Feathers

Another candidate for the all time douche bag line

The players determine that?
- just69sayin

The main factor is Hockey Related Revenue which is a bit more black and white, but the players have a say in the optional growth factor that is often applied. I think it can be anywhere from a 0% to 5% bump to factor in growing revenues.

- DarthKane

I know this is a hard day for you pal. CC is going to end up with Detroit at 6. Sucks buddy. Im sorry.

I don't understand the nuances - but I think it has something to do with the escrow and players approving or not to use the escalator.
- EbonyRaptor

Thanks...they figured it out last year on Jun. 21st. I guess there really hasn't been a ton of time between the last game and now to figure it out or however they do it

The kid could not have done much more in the playoffs, as he led it in scoring and played over 30 minutes a night. I am not saying he is perfect, but the kid put on a great show in the playoffs, and everybody did take notice how good he was during that run he had. His regular season was very good too, but he really amped it up in the postseason. How often do defensemen lead an entire league in scoring in the postseason. Very rarely, if ever.
- ChicagoHope

Again I am not saying Byram does not have positive attributes he does. However, what I am saying is, after reading and watching, to take him as a D at 3, over the elite forwards, he would need to be a generational talent or near that and nothing suggests that he is.

Again I am not saying Byram does not have positive attributes he does. However, what I am saying is, after reading and watching, to take him as a D at 3, over the elite forwards, he would need to be a generational talent or near that and nothing suggests that he is.
- Z3Hawk

Elite forwards? Hughes and Kakko are the only true elite forwards. Turcotte, Cozens, Dach and Zegras are very promising talents but none fall into that elite category. That is the problem with this year's draft. There is Hughes/Kakko and then everyone else.

So this is all simply your opinion vs knowing for sure Cozens ceiling is higher? Depending on the report, I've read similar for other players like Byram, Dach or Turcotte.

Also, one of the knocks I have read on Cozens is that he doesn't necessarily think the game well and that other than his speed he doesn't possess any elite qualities.

Like others have mentioned though, if that's who Kelly and Stanbo decide, I'll go with there judgement.

Other than McNeil, they really haven't whiffed on any first round picks since Bowman's been GM. Don't (frank) it up now Stanbo!
- HawkintheD

What sets Cozens apart is his top of the Draft world class skating. What also sets Cozens apart is he won Rookie of the Year in the WHL over scores of incredibly talented first year players. Comparison at its best as the WHL is crazy tough. His skating gives him a higher ceiling.

Because no one agrees on who is the best talent available, let's trade #3 to Colorado for #4 and #16 or to LA for #5 and #22.
- hankscorpio

Stan will do that right after he is sure that the Devils and Rangers don't go off-script and Hughes and Kakko are off the board.

First thanks Tyler for the blogs all year but in particular since the Hawks won the lottery to move to third. This has been great reading not only your blogs but all the posts , such a passionate fan base.
I know Tyler has the poll of who we want/think Hawks to pick but I think it's time we put our picks on record. This so we have proof of who we wanted and can't come in a years time and say how bad Stan blew it even though we wanted that player. Lol
I have faith they know who to take but I would like to see what everyone thinks and yes I flow take the best player available Yadd a yadda
Let's pick who we want and also who we think the Hawks will pick could be the same player

Want Hawks to pick
TURCOTTE
Hawks will pick
BOWEN

Stan will do that right after he is sure that the Devils and Rangers don't go off-script and Hughes and Kakko are off the board.
- Rota's Rooter

Your lips to Bettman's hears so he can announce "We have a trade"

Stan will do that right after he is sure that the Devils and Rangers don't go off-script and Hughes and Kakko are off the board.
- Rota's Rooter

That's the price of the gamble, they'll only have that offer BEFORE the draft. That's the risk/reward for swapping #3 for 2 other first round picks. What's the point of moving up one or two slots, otherwise.

Stan will do that right after he is sure that the Devils and Rangers don't go off-script and Hughes and Kakko are off the board.
- Rota's Rooter

Sounds good to me.

I know this is a hard day for you pal. CC is going to end up with Detroit at 6. Sucks buddy. Im sorry.
- mrpaulish

First thanks Tyler for the blogs all year but in particular since the Hawks won the lottery to move to third. This has been great reading not only your blogs but all the posts , such a passionate fan base.
I know Tyler has the poll of who we want/think Hawks to pick but I think it's time we put our picks on record. This so we have proof of who we wanted and can't come in a years time and say how bad Stan blew it even though we wanted that player. Lol
I have faith they know who to take but I would like to see what everyone thinks and yes I flow take the best player available Yadd a yadda
Let's pick who we want and also who we think the Hawks will pick could be the same player

Want Hawks to pick
TURCOTTE
Hawks will pick
BOWEN
- HamiltonHawk

That's how I would line up as well. I picked Byram in the poll because that's who I think the Hawks pick. Still wouldn't be upset if he's the pick or even Zegras or Dach and Cozens to a lesser extent.

First thanks Tyler for the blogs all year but in particular since the Hawks won the lottery to move to third. This has been great reading not only your blogs but all the posts , such a passionate fan base.
I know Tyler has the poll of who we want/think Hawks to pick but I think it's time we put our picks on record. This so we have proof of who we wanted and can't come in a years time and say how bad Stan blew it even though we wanted that player. Lol
I have faith they know who to take but I would like to see what everyone thinks and yes I flow take the best player available Yadd a yadda
Let's pick who we want and also who we think the Hawks will pick could be the same player

Want Hawks to pick
TURCOTTE
Hawks will pick
BOWEN
- HamiltonHawk

Want the HAWKS to pick
Cozens
HAWKS will pick
Turcotte

So. what about rounds 2-3-4 etc?

Any players stick out that the Hawks may be looking at?
- stan-ley-cups

I think he may be gone by the time Bowman pick in the second round, but hopefully the top rated goaltender In the draft.

If BB isn't the guy, then trade down. After the top 2 there are literally 5 or 6 names that are in the mix. Trade down, add more talent.

What sets Cozens apart is his top of the Draft world class skating. What also sets Cozens apart is he won Rookie of the Year in the WHL over scores of incredibly talented first year players. Comparison at its best as the WHL is crazy tough. His skating gives him a higher ceiling.
- Z3Hawk

Kyle Beach also won WHL ROY...so am I to be impressed by that?

If BB isn't the guy, then trade down. After the top 2 there are literally 5 or 6 names that are in the mix. Trade down, add more talent.
- kwolf68

AVs or KINGS would be the only desirable trade partners

AVs or KINGS would be the only desirable trade partners
- mrpaulish

Kings need help on offense and defense, so I do not think they are going to give up assets to move up 2 spots.

From watching and reading. Byram does not transition well from O to D. If a play stalls often does not chose the most sound strategy. He has defensive holes.
- Z3Hawk

Well you've convinced me. You would think at the ripe old age of 18 he would have figured that out by now.

Kings need help on offense and defense, so I do not think they are going to give up assets to move up 2 spots.
- LAHawk

Neither do I .

Just not seeing a budding war for the 3rd pick.

Kyle Beach also won WHL ROY...so am I to be impressed by that?
- PatShart

Yes, sort of...

Cozens, like Beach, is physically gifted at playing hockey... but, the reason why Beach never panned out in the NHL was because of what was (or wasn’t ) between his ears.