If you two keep this up, we are gonna end up with a regular ref in here again, and believe me...nobody needs that nonsense.
- Ogilthorpe2

Agreed. Exchange emails and fight on there. No one wants to read your bickering.

Thank you.

Yeah, the Strome comp is a little weak to me, honestly. I mean, anything is possible but Strome was better at every level than Nylander. Like Strome had 50+ more points in the OHL his draft season than Nylander did and then Strome was over a PPG in the AHL while Nylander has been at best a .6 something.

I think Nylander can be much better offensively than his AHL numbers show, he's has good vision and his hands are top-notch, but there's a lot of consistency issues with his play, his pace is weirdly slow for being a good skater, and he's been a perimeter type of player at every level so far.

It was interesting that someone on here said the Hawks were looking to get bigger with this trade but they're pretty much the exact same size, though Jokiharju is probably stronger and is def more physical than Nylander.
- L_B_R

Like Lazarus said in the Athletic article, it seems that they dubbed Jokiharju to have a lower ceiling than the other D prospects in the system. Dealing from an organizational “surplus” of young Dmen for an area of need...top 6 projected forward prospects.

If he can get open and bury 1 timers from Kane it will be a slam dunk... but whether he can has yet to be seen.

Nylander was happy about the trade today, he has a twitter video with our home jersey with his dads number on it. He did the bottle cap challenge.
- gifman

Got some high end skill and its sink or swim time for him, surrounded by Champions. Ill buy on it.

I also like both goalies going into UFA status . Usually get players best seasons when they are about to go UFA.

If you two keep this up, we are gonna end up with a regular ref in here again, and believe me...nobody needs that nonsense.
- Ogilthorpe2

Good maybe the ref can get rid of that troll. All he does is insult and demean everyone here. That type of nonsense has to stop sooner or later.

NO it attest to their player development ,it horrible
- oldduffman

Or the kid has no heart.

Good maybe the ref can get rid of that troll. All he does is insult and demean everyone here. That type of nonsense has to stop sooner or later.
- BGKarras

No. We really don't need a ref. Trust me. No one needs to get banned for saying good morning or posting a laughie.

Just ignore the mutant. Though, I wonder if his parents had any other abortions that survived.

Or the kid has no heart.
- Elbows15

- EnzoD

Or people can keep on posting line combos with him on the top line.

Like Lazarus said in the Athletic article, it seems that they dubbed Jokiharju to have a lower ceiling than the other D prospects in the system. Dealing from an organizational “surplus” of young Dmen for an area of need...top 6 projected forward prospects.

If he can get open and bury 1 timers from Kane it will be a slam dunk... but whether he can has yet to be seen.
- EnzoD

I feel like calling 4 to 5 decently rated defense prospects a surplus most of which are at least year away is kind of overstating it but I'd guess this is indeed how the org saw it. It's the most depth the Hawks have had in forever, but they also haven't been able to develop and graduate a defender they drafted since Hjammer so personally, I'd have keep them all a bit longer to see more before making any cuts because 18-20 year olds are just so varied.

It's interesting about the ceiling because I felt like Jokiharju is the best of the group defensively with Mitchell a close second. Boqvist def has the highest pure skill level obvs, and while I've been high on Beaudin since he was drafted, he was at the bottom of the 4 for me. Vlasic slides in at 5, but he could move around depending on growth D+.

I'm not totally sold on Nylander being a top 6 forward - his AHL numbers do not translate to that at all - but I'm willing to see what happens before I judge him too much. I'm somewhat optimistic he can reach his offensive potential, but also worried his defensive deficiencies will negate the offense. No one outside of Toews and Saad are even average defensive in the projected top 6 currently (maybe Caggiula if he's still slotted up there).

I’m trying my best not to react too harshly to any one individual transaction this offseason, and to wait and see what the sum total of all moves made looks like before forming a true opinion, but this one is a head scratcher for sure.

I’m baffled. Not so much that they made a trade that none of us really saw coming, but more so for the return that they got.

I feel like there’s another shoe to drop on this one. Hopefully Stan’s working on a trade centered on Nylander for Gusev or something like that.

No. We really don't need a ref. Trust me. No one needs to get banned for saying good morning or posting a laughie.

Just ignore the mutant. Though, I wonder if his parents had any other abortions that survived.
- Elbows15

Good maybe the ref can get rid of that troll. All he does is insult and demean everyone here. That type of nonsense has to stop sooner or later.
- BGKarras

Or people can keep on posting line combos with him on the top line.
- Elbows15

I posted that with the caveat, “Ideally”...plus I took those line combos directly from StanBo’s office this afternoon.

LBR: Agreed on all counts. The poise and smarts and simplicity of Jokiharju’s game has me exited he was a Top 4 staple in Chicago for years to come....sigh...trying to be positive on nylander but I don’t like the trade

Stay on your meds you bi-polar Hillrod.
Go back to your cave you pathetic waste of sperm. Someone should arrest your parents for bringing such a douchbag into the world.
- BGKarras

Hahaha

I’m trying my best not to react too harshly to any one individual transaction this offseason, and to wait and see what the sum total of all moves made looks like before forming a true opinion, but this one is a head scratcher for sure.

I’m baffled. Not so much that they made a trade that none of us really saw coming, but more so for the return that they got.

I feel like there’s another shoe to drop on this one. Hopefully Stan’s working on a trade centered on Nylander for Gusev or something like that.
- Ogilthorpe2

I wonder when they decided to trade Jokiharju. You would have to think someone would’ve offered a pick or possibly a better option then Nylander he may turn out ok but have to wonder when they said ok let’s trade him

I feel like calling 4 to 5 decently rated defense prospects a surplus most of which are at least year away is kind of overstating it but I'd guess this is indeed how the org saw it. It's the most depth the Hawks have had in forever, but they also haven't been able to develop and graduate a defender they drafted since Hjammer so personally, I'd have keep them all a bit longer to see more before making any cuts because 18-20 year olds are just so varied.

It's interesting about the ceiling because I felt like Jokiharju is the best of the group defensively with Mitchell a close second. Boqvist def has the highest pure skill level obvs, and while I've been high on Beaudin since he was drafted, he was at the bottom of the 4 for me. Vlasic slides in at 5, but he could move around depending on growth D+.

I'm not totally sold on Nylander being a top 6 forward - his AHL numbers do not translate to that at all - but I'm willing to see what happens before I judge him too much. I'm somewhat optimistic he can reach his offensive potential, but also worried his defensive deficiencies will negate the offense. No one outside of Toews and Saad are even average defensive in the projected top 6 currently (maybe Caggiula if he's still slotted up there).
- L_B_R

I actually think Mitchell is better defensively but is lacking in some physical development at this point. I openly admit I am really high on Mitchell, tho. So, there is that.

Some of the moves this summer is making me wonder if Mitchell doesn't have some doubts about signing with the Hawks.

I posted that with the caveat, “Ideally”...plus I took those line combos directly from StanBo’s office this afternoon.

LBR: Agreed on all counts. The poise and smarts and simplicity of Jokiharju’s game has me exited he was a Top 4 staple in Chicago for years to come....sigh...trying to be positive on nylander but I don’t like the trade
- EnzoD

Ideally, Nylander would have shown something at the A level. lol

I’m trying my best not to react too harshly to any one individual transaction this offseason, and to wait and see what the sum total of all moves made looks like before forming a true opinion, but this one is a head scratcher for sure.

I’m baffled. Not so much that they made a trade that none of us really saw coming, but more so for the return that they got.

I feel like there’s another shoe to drop on this one. Hopefully Stan’s working on a trade centered on Nylander for Gusev or something like that.
- Ogilthorpe2

I have the same feeling.. seems like an outright loss. I liked the idea of Maata mentoring his countryman. If we had extra defensemen wouldn't we have used one to get someone more legit? I like the potential of nylander, but AA, joker, and a 1st would be enough to get stud, no?

Thought some more aboutvthe trade. Try to digest the following:

Schmaultz deemed too soft just wasn't going to work out here and he was due for a new contract. Not worth what he would be asking for.

So isn"t skill wise both Schmaultz and Nylander very similar players.

Um....cough....how exactly then is Nylander going to fit in here?

I noticed that Stan looks to grab these under the radar prospects as if he is hitting a home run (hopes to anyway). Well ok Boqvist was no secret highly visible. Edjsell was maybe a hiddrn gem. Yeah had some nicecqualities but overiding concern was his weaknesses. Some signings/additions are indicative of solid scouting. Entwhistle. I really am intrigued by both Hagel and Reece Johnson. Kubalik might be a stealnofvgreater proportion than Kahun. Just to name some examples

Also have Kempny, Rutta
Koekkoek
Runsblad

Nylander.
- jhawk59

To be fair, Stan Bowman has - since assuming the GM title - not had an offseason where he had cap space to work with. Every ensuing summer (especially after cup-winning seasons), he had to purge the roster and work his financial magic to put together competitive rosters.

With limited draft capital (and lower draft picks due to playing well all these years), you have to be able to find gems via Europe or underachieving talent in NA in order to keep infusing your roster with talent. It would be very difficult otherwise, so it makes sense that Stan continues to operate with the mentality of unearthing hidden gems.

I still think the Hawks see Chad Krys as an NHL caliber Dmen too.

He was their 2nd round pick in 2016.

I have the same feeling.. seems like an outright loss. I liked the idea of Maata mentoring his countryman. If we had extra defensemen wouldn't we have used one to get someone more legit? I like the potential of nylander, but AA, joker, and a 1st would be enough to get stud, no?
- ge1002

Maybe Buffalo wants Joker to mentor Risto.

I feel like calling 4 to 5 decently rated defense prospects a surplus most of which are at least year away is kind of overstating it but I'd guess this is indeed how the org saw it. It's the most depth the Hawks have had in forever, but they also haven't been able to develop and graduate a defender they drafted since Hjammer so personally, I'd have keep them all a bit longer to see more before making any cuts because 18-20 year olds are just so varied.

It's interesting about the ceiling because I felt like Jokiharju is the best of the group defensively with Mitchell a close second. Boqvist def has the highest pure skill level obvs, and while I've been high on Beaudin since he was drafted, he was at the bottom of the 4 for me. Vlasic slides in at 5, but he could move around depending on growth D+.

I'm not totally sold on Nylander being a top 6 forward - his AHL numbers do not translate to that at all - but I'm willing to see what happens before I judge him too much. I'm somewhat optimistic he can reach his offensive potential, but also worried his defensive deficiencies will negate the offense. No one outside of Toews and Saad are even average defensive in the projected top 6 currently (maybe Caggiula if he's still slotted up there).
- L_B_R

With the moves that Stan has made so far, it seems like they want to give the young guys time to properly develop.

They’ve added two contracts with a bit of term and the only expiring contracts are Gus and 4K.

Like Lazarus said in the Athletic article, it seems that they dubbed Jokiharju to have a lower ceiling than the other D prospects in the system. Dealing from an organizational “surplus” of young Dmen for an area of need...top 6 projected forward prospects.

If he can get open and bury 1 timers from Kane it will be a slam dunk... but whether he can has yet to be seen.
- EnzoD

I am perplexed by the necessity and timing of this trade. If you didn't see him on the roster as a regular this year why not let him play more in Rck...why move him now for a guy like Nylander that sabres might have let go for less.

There has to be the "rest of the story" that only the organ-i-zation knows at the moment.

Or the kid has no heart.
- Elbows15

Maybe or he has been mishandled from the get go like 6 or 7 of Buff top picks in the last 10 years .

Just like with all the draft talking heads, who told you what they "learned" about Bowen Byram and Alex Turcotte and you got your feeling hurt when it was someone completely different in Kirby Dach...and the frankers cannot let it go --- saying "this pick will be what Bowman and Kelley are judged on...."

Good!

Let that be. But I know ultimately that they ONLY way Powers and Lazarus keep your jobs as "hockey explainers" is if we PAY for their terrific Athletic service, and that means continual examples of them trying to help them learn as they go, so we are happy and feel they were expert in their analysis...it is almost as if the articles and opinions MUST continue to tell us, the various stats to make the opinions so, they all are to help us and THEM form opinions on LEVELS they really know little abiout.

Oh, so you talked to some one in another reorganization and they said ????

I refuse to put much value of Lazarus or Powers opinion on things over the folks that run the organizations and many of you here.

Clearly both players wanted out, and felt like they deserved to bemused to THEIR STRENGTHS.

Jokiharju WAS timid and regressed - you can tell me all you want about you think he is a "top 4 guy" and I will tell you, he is a possible long term solution for a team in that capacity (and being #4 , well that is a whole lot players filling in there... and tell me about his IQ...(I grade IQ all year at the junior level) but whether some here want to belic=ve it he "kittied" under pressure, and in some of those last games he was gone for almost the entire rest of the minutes after gets roughed up.
That doesn't mean to say he actually cannot help a team, but when an NHL team trades a guy, they see him as less likely to be along term answer in their starting four in their all round play.

So your feelings got hurt tonight acquiring Alex Nylander, and when they took Dach, because the media had no idea AND STILL DOESN'T in regard to backstories and the organizational reasoning.
Clearly Jason Botterill (and you know how someone said no one has any insiders? - I gonna get one questioned asked to him by an old teammate hopefully soon on Nylander-Jokihaju...)is still learning his job, and if this deal endears him to the Sabres fans, great. But O'Reilly left because there was lots wrong, right?

I will say one thing:
The Blackhawks didn't have guy like Nylander in their system, a guy who if he gets his ass together, makes the PP better and just like the other offensive guys around the league, will be forgiven for defensive lapses if he is dominant with real NHL players giving him that opportunity.

They didn't have a guy like Dach in their system...a large beast who gets it defensively and once he progresses physically starts to possibly impose his will offensively...the pieces are there, more in place than any other guy in the at draft to help them all over and eventually as guy who is a big problem each shift offensively.

If you want to be sad because you really like Jokiharju and the hype train that got attached so quickly, make sure you do not do the same to Dach...or Nylander, if Alex can in, some us how he navigates the attack zone when he is not injured as he was with various maladies for three rushed years in minor pro.

If you move him to minor pro AHL, you don't place him in a position to NOT BE what he is ...a goal scorer.

Bowman already placed the vocal carrot out there for him to come to camp to be a top six guy, but it wasn't / isn't gonna be given to him, just like Jokiharju wasn't gonna her handed a sport as situational offense man, and I bet he won't in Buffalo either except they really aren'ta team in a position where there leaders haver stepped up...and if Nylander got his feelings hurt not being on "captain" Jack Eichel's wing, he will be disappointed if he expects it handed to him here or anywhere.

But clearly the hawks possibly added something theydont have in the system, fot=r something they had an abundance of....