1 for 1 deal. Edm just got better.
- Assman22

If they did, it isn't by much.

That is more cheddar than I'd give him. Who do you think won out in the Neal/Lucic deal?

I think Neal is more likely to bounce back.
- breadbag

They both lost.

The Oilers suckkkkkkkkk . Lol


And the Flames way over reacting to a first round out and 1 hit wonder Blues. What the hell would they want Lucic for?

Scott Powers has an article in TheAthletic titled "Are Adam Boqvist and Kirby Dach ready for the NHL right now?"

https://theathletic.com/1...dy-for-the-nhl-right-now/

Powers does the obligatory disclaimer that they probably shouldn't make the team but then plays "what if" where he explores some reasons and possibilities where they could make the team. For a wishy washy koolaid drinker like myself - if was throwing gas on my fired up expectations after watching Boqvist and Dach in the scrimmage today. As Powers qualifies at the top of the article - yes, it was prospect pond hockey which is nothing like they would face in the NHL - agreed. But, it was the undeniable talent of those two players that shown through so clearly that has me juiced and reconsidering the possibility of them perhaps playing in the NHL this season - and I don't mean merely a handful of games at the beginning of the season before they're dispatched to lesser horizons.

What if indeed.

Scott Powers has an article in TheAthletic titled "Are Adam Boqvist and Kirby Dach ready for the NHL right now?"

https://theathletic.com/1...dy-for-the-nhl-right-now/

Powers does the obligatory disclaimer that they probably shouldn't make the team but then plays "what if" where he explores some reasons and possibilities where they could make the team. For a wishy washy koolaid drinker like myself - if was throwing gas on my fired up expectations after watching Boqvist and Dach in the scrimmage today. As Powers qualifies at the top of the article - yes, it was prospect pond hockey which is nothing like they would face in the NHL - agreed. But, it was the undeniable talent of those two players that shown through so clearly that has me juiced and reconsidering the possibility of them perhaps playing in the NHL this season - and I don't mean merely a handful of games at the beginning of the season before they're dispatched to lesser horizons.

What if indeed.
- EbonyRaptor

I hear ya.

My biggest take away ftom the scrimmage was just confirmation of the praise or laudinqg AEL_FOX has given for Hagel in particular and Re Johnson.

I foresee both would start in Rockford. Hagel as a wing may have a quick trajectory and his continual effort really stands out. I hope that Carlson has this sort of compete level too. I have read it is his never giving up on a play so that is where his effort is traced to?

Eventually it is not merely the superlative skill level from newbies like Dach and Boqvist, but also the third and fourth line newbies who also shine. Rolling four talented skill lines is a key. Our third and fourth line guys being better or outplaying the opponent is so helpful. Kruger. Bolland. The 2010 team in particular. Too often in non playoff years there was an over reliance or hope for Kane and Toews to be a savior.

In short we never have had it so good with yes a plethora of prospects. And yes i could envision Mitchell one day as a top pair. Want to see Kurasev in exhibition games.

To me Kusashev was impressive during the preseason last year. He just seemed much more physically mature on the ice compared to many of the other young guys. Takes some of the sting out of the Ejdsell disappointment to see Kurashev and Beaudin heading in a positive direction.

One spot that could open up in the next 12 months is Caggiula's. He is RFA and probably gonna get some form of pay bump too. Kubalik will be an interesting one to watch too, because his deal is only a one year. If he plays well he could price himself out of Chicago.
- breadbag

I think you are on to something re: The Drake, like him in general and he did show some versatility last year. Would like to see more, but I think he might be the odd man out if some of the prospects are ready. If Dach is kept he could be traded for a mid-round pick.

Thats awesome stuff, thanks for that LIVE recap
- glennjpawlak22

yes, very good, thanks for taking the time to share impressions.

Scott Powers has an article in TheAthletic titled "Are Adam Boqvist and Kirby Dach ready for the NHL right now?"

https://theathletic.com/1...dy-for-the-nhl-right-now/

Powers does the obligatory disclaimer that they probably shouldn't make the team but then plays "what if" where he explores some reasons and possibilities where they could make the team. For a wishy washy koolaid drinker like myself - if was throwing gas on my fired up expectations after watching Boqvist and Dach in the scrimmage today. As Powers qualifies at the top of the article - yes, it was prospect pond hockey which is nothing like they would face in the NHL - agreed. But, it was the undeniable talent of those two players that shown through so clearly that has me juiced and reconsidering the possibility of them perhaps playing in the NHL this season - and I don't mean merely a handful of games at the beginning of the season before they're dispatched to lesser horizons.

What if indeed.
- EbonyRaptor

It's just refreshing that the best prospects both stood out at the camp. People say don't get to excited and i say why not, they both stood out with rookies and players that were older then them who are working hard to get better to be pros. For young athletes i always look for glimpses and they both show them more times than not and that's a big step in the right direction for me. Honestly don't care if they play in the NHL or not this year but they are a Blackhawks property and they both will be there soon and contributing in a real way.

he refused to listen to the staff on anything to do with his offensive game.

Oh C'mon...this has got to be 99% pure speculation, no? Correct me if I'm way off base but how could you or any other fan/writer possibly have that level of detailed insight into his interactions with the coaching staff...it's not like either of those parties involved are going to leak it.
- nikel

.... the moment Buffalo fans realize their new top line defensive acquisition is tainted goods....

Supremely underrated movie
- pdx2ord

Omg yes!

You can clearly see the top level skill that Boqvist has while out there especially on the offensive end. If he can take that next step defensively next year he's gonna be fun to watch in Hawks sweater.

Hagel and Kurshev look like those pesky bottom six guys you need to win in the NHL where they have no quit in their game and just battle for the puck and it seems to find them. Both fun to watch.
- Savetheembers33

Shouldn't rush Boqvist but if he is ready mid-season it does give the opportunity to trade Magic Gus for a good return. Or could trade one of the others for enough cap space to re-sign Gus if that's the right way to go.

If other Alex can find the soft spots on that left side and his release is as goof as advertised ...
- fattybeef

'as goof as advertised'... funniest mistake line of the night. Here's hoping this doesn't turn into a prophetic statement on his upcoming season.

I am in Chicago this week and got to see the scrimmage live. The following is based only on today -- for most of these guys, the first time I've seen them live.


Today's Winners

Kurashev - to me was today's most impressive player on the ice, consistent across three periods, in all three zones; loved watching him away from the puck

Dach - very impressive debut; he made a couple mistakes, but mostly a great display of skill and strength/size. Loved his goal with a guy on his back. He had a couple noticeable back-checks, including breaking up a Teply breakaway from behind with tremendous effort.

Mitchell - he looked every bit the part of a potential top pair dman and really surprised with the snipe on his shootout goal. he's ready to play pro, too bad for us he's going back to college for another year.

Boqvist - noticeable in good ways; really excited to see how he develops this year

McLaughlin - I had forgotten about this kid, but his skill and awareness impressed. He did not stand out in terms of production, but first impression is he is someone to watch over next two years.


Today's Losers

Hakkarainen - was most noticeable the handful of times he failed to execute

Entwistle - I was disappointed as I've loved him on paper and video. Scrimmage he looked a bit out of control and wasn't a factor. Got the sense today wasn't conducive to the type of role player he would be at the nhl level.

Teply - appeared slow, tentative, and did not display his skill level


Other Notable

Hagel - had some nice shifts but disappeared some too

Slavin - seemed to get tired; was very noticeable (and on the scoresheet) early and then disappeared for much of the rest of the game until late.

Saarela - showed some great flashes

Beaudin - skating seemed effortless, he's a step behind Mitchell and Boqvist in overall game

Krys - wanted to see more

Vlasic - handled himself well for a young kid, lots of potential to work with

Moberg - couple nice shifts

Nylander - clearly has elite skill; I'll be generous and reserve judgment on his effort level. My read is he needs other top notch skill guys to play off of, but did not have instant chemistry with Dach.
- gmurban

Thanks for sharing these observations. Always nice to read what others see and think about prospects.

In particular I like your comment about the scrimmage not being conducive to bringing out the best of certain players like Entwistle. Regardless of what we all think, I'm sure it a fun way to end the week of drills, workshops, and lectures.

Agree with you on Nylander. At least today. He has some nice speed and hands but didn't stick out to me at all. Completely disagree on Boqvist.
- thepld

What was your take on Boqvist?

For me, he did really well in the drills where he could show off exactly where he excels with his skating and offense. I guess I hold the elite prospects who are in their 2nd or 3rd prospect camp to a higher standard. We know what he can do with the puck and while that's fun to watch, I was hoping to see more from him on the defensive side of things.

The same went for Nylander. His play without the puck was still a lot left to be desired.

On the flipside, you can see defensive growth in players like Beaudin, Mitchell, and Krys. Galvas as well.

Is Hagel gonna get an invite to training camp? That guy could be a steal of a pick up for Stan.
- z1990z

I'm pretty sure that any prospect on an ELC and slated to be in Rockford will be at training camp so Hagel should be there. Then players who are not under contract or are on AHL contracts only (i.e. Versteeg) will not be there.

It's always interesting to see who may get PTOs. With the improved depth in Rockford, I'm guessing there won't be many if any PTOs this September.

Shouldn't rush Boqvist but if he is ready mid-season it does give the opportunity to trade Magic Gus for a good return. Or could trade one of the others for enough cap space to re-sign Gus if that's the right way to go.
- totem

Exactly. And as Tyler referenced in a previous blog, what you just described is one reason why the Hawks seem to be leaning towards having him in Rockford playing pro rather than back in London. May be better for his development but it also brings him that much closer (literally and figuratively) to being in Chicago if his growth moves at a favorable pace.

I liked the guy I told you guys to watch for me, Cole Moberg.
- wiz1901

Wiz, if I recall something you said a few blogs ago, you commented that Moberg is reminiscent of Shea Weber (apologies if that wasn't you). I saw glimpses of that in clips I saw of him in prospect camp. If he can refine his game, I can see Moberg in a Weber or Seabrook mold.

It could just be a comfort thing but I noticed Moberg uses a really long stick so wonder if using a shorter one might help him. Every little thing counts for prospects and especially for pros so a tweak here or there for any of the youngsters could tip the scale towards growth in certain aspects of their game.

1 for 1 deal. Edm just got better.
- Assman22

Thanks, I read something that was just a proposal, not the actual thing. I think there is retention & a conditional pick as well.

Thanks, I read something that was just a proposal, not the actual thing. I think there is retention & a conditional pick as well.
- I Am The Breadman

Yes there was. 12.5% retained on Lucic and a conditional third. Edmonton has to give up the 3rd if Neal scores 21 goals or more and if Lucic scores less goals by 10 or more.

But...I am also the guy that didn't see all the hubbub during the early parts of the year when Henri Jokiharju was canonized on every level of the media and fandom...
- wiz1901

See, I disagree - I think that you probably did see it for what it was ... people gushing about points per game and thinking that was all that there was to playing defense ...

says more about those making the comments- but I suppose if one is trying to analyse hockey play, none of that commentary is particularly useful.

I also noticed Nylander playing centre ... I didn't think that he looked all that bad, but -well ... it was as stated ... effectively pond hockey with officiating.

No, he either plays for the Blackhawks or he goes back to his old team, due to the NHL/CHL agreement.
- walleyeb1

If he plays more than 9 games, can he still go back to Jrs? I know that would burn a year off his ELC, but if he does well in camp, and for the first 15 games, but then starts to show that he's in over his head, do the Hawks have any options other than the press box?

Yes there was. 12.5% retained on Lucic and a conditional third. Edmonton has to give up the 3rd if Neal scores 21 goals or more and if Lucic scores less goals by 10 or more.
- breadbag

Thanks for the info. I had never heard of a condition like that before. That's kind of dumb.

It's good to see a big man able to skate like he does, he's going to be a big pain in the ass to play against
- BetweenTheDots

Can't be, I remember being here the day of the draft and was told he can't skate, he was slow and plodding.

he refused to listen to the staff on anything to do with his offensive game.

Oh C'mon...this has got to be 99% pure speculation, no? Correct me if I'm way off base but how could you or any other fan/writer possibly have that level of detailed insight into his interactions with the coaching staff...it's not like either of those parties involved are going to leak it.
- nikel

No, If you heard it here, it has to be true!

To be fair though, our blogger isn't Tanner, so someone is telling him that. Its not made up.

hearsay is ok? maybe after being demoted for being their best
Dman maybe a 19 year old Joker saw the handwriting....

But it's ok we got a 21year old entitled guy who needs to be
motivated instead.
- gazza53

I wish people would stop this narrative

He was playing OK, he wasn't their best dman, especially after he got hit a bit. If he would've stayed up all year, he would have shown his weakness when being roughed up, and teams would've been pounding him.

The board would have wanted him traded.

He showed talent, and I'm sure he will get better and will probably have a good career, but he wasn't their best dman.