Well, Mitchell is the 152nd best prospect in the league. Can't count on him.
- boilermaker100

That's BS.

He'll be better than Boqvist, you'll see.

Why do you think Lou is such a great GM? He hasn't won a SC since what, 2000? Are you willing to give Stan 20 years to win a SC?
- powerenforcer

Thank you

Agreed...has never shown he is an NHL goalie...but getting him through waivers is the only way he is expansion fodder...
- wiz1901

He will be the back-up. Why would he have to go through waivers?

In my mind, it still is a sort of handcuff. 32 mil is big with or without a stagnant cap. Those elc's won't last & some of them end at the same time. Dach & Boq notably. If they progress, as expected. I'm hoping they don't break the bank. Plus, they are spots mixed with known placeholders. That together limits who sees the ice & available spots. Some don't earn it, I agree, & need the time in Rock. We only have 5 mil to fill the last spots & sign Strome. Some aren't happy that we could see all 4 goaltenders this season. It's more big picture, but my 2 cents.
- I Am The Breadman

It really isn't tho, Bread. Just about every team has that much cap space tied up in 4-5 players. It's the way of the league in a hard cap world. Pay the stars. Fill in the rest.

Saw this on an Islander blog. Stan, hope Rocky gave you the quarter to make the call to Lou:

ISLANDERS GET
DYLAN STROME

BLACKHAWKS GET
2021 2ND ROUND PICK
BODE WILDE
- LAHawk

eww, no. Hawks need forward prospects. Wilde isn't any better than a couple prospects the Hawks have in their system.

I could be wrong but I am not really a fan of Wilde.

Sorry that's not going to happen, no way uncle Lou trades Wilde since he traded Toews to sign Barzal. I imagine Wilde will be given every chance to make the big club next season.
- BetweenTheDots

Dobson is who they made room for by trading Toews.

One would think Alex would get tired of his big brother kicking his ass in practice everyday.
- rpeters01

Alex is good in practice. Didn't we hear how he was dominant at the COVID training camp? It's the games that he struggles with. When the opponent checks and tries to take the puck from him.

How’s Wilde progressing? What is his ceiling/floor?
Edit: Just saw your update, thanks. We’ll take him, get Stan on the phone.
- Angotti

That is from his draft profile. His progress seems to have regressed a bit. Progress isn't linear, tho. Aside from size, Mitchell is a better prospect, IMESHO!

I'm interested to see how the "marks" integrate into the lineup. I'm bullish on Janmark. I really haven't seen much on Wallmark.
- Chunk

I give it 20 games. Janmark is a black hole offensively. Wallmark is slow but smart. Neither will bring much in the way of offense. Both are above average defensively.

But. One year deals so who cares.

Although far from elite players, I think both Janmark and Wallmark will be unsung heroes in the bottom 6 and PK. Wallmark could be a PP option, too.

They may make it tough to flip them at the TDL. That's a good problem to have, I guess.
- Theo Fox

Hardly. let's hope a couple of teams out there want them. Wallmark isn't going to get PP time. Oh wait. JC did play Smith and Carpenter on the PP. Nevermind.

Cool thought. I'd do it in a minute, but the Leaves would not, imo. Anyway, the cap might be a problem. The Hawks, after losing 10.5 of salary for the twins, would have about 15.5 available. The trio from the Leaves are at about 21. Of course, if Seabs and Shaw are done.....
- mohel

Only one has their salary retained. Kane. Not both. It fits, barely.

The Canucks signed Virtanen to a 2 year deal with an AAV of $2.55.

I wonder if this will impact Strome's contract? Virtanen has played more NHL games (279 vs 164) but has fewer points (95 vs 105).

I'm still expecting Strome's deal to come in around 2-3 years with an AAV between $2.75 - $3.0 million.
- DarthKane

It shouldn't.

It really isn't tho, Bread. Just about every team has that much cap space tied up in 4-5 players. It's the way of the league in a hard cap world. Pay the stars. Fill in the rest.
- Elbows15

I do see it both ways & can understand it. The only really salary cap. If we were Toronto or Edmonton or some other crap team who hasn't won a cup let alone multiple cups, this would be an entirely different conversation & probably have been a part of the gm shuffle through the years.

Taking from elite prospects:

Bode Wilde is a talented and competitive defender that plays a tenacious 200-foot game. His balance and acceleration in-stride is noteworthy and he is never caught in no-man's land, or doing nothing. He is proactive and hard-nosed in pursuit if puck control, and he reads queues in all three zones naturally and quickly. Defensively, he is a beast and always looks to take time and space away from the opposition. He erases the open lane, keeps opponents to the outside, and is physical along the wall. In-transition, he is able to make that outlet pass or, more than likely, take it up himself to set up the trap. Offensively, he showcases a very hard, accurate shot that leaps off his stick. He can also open up space by way of his skating ability, size, and handling of the puck. Thanks to his quick thinking in making the high-percentage decision, he can be very difficult to read and play against. All-in-all, Wilde is a smart, competitive, and sizey two-way D-man that can provide a team with numbers on the board and stability on the ice.
- LAHawk[EP 2018]

From me:
He is over 6 foot 2 and the first thing you notice is how fast he transports himself and the puck around the sheet. He is a good passer but you can’t help but notice he wants to hold on to the puck, come into the attack zone, and be the difference maker. He stands out on the power play or whenever his team is in attack mode. Gets a lot of power behind his heavy shot. Easily slips down to soft areas, receive pucks, and take shots between the dots -- and he loves to do it. Uses his skating ability as an asset when being a defender. Harnesses his balance and smooth stride to get there to seal attackers off to the wall, closes gaps quickly, and close soft spots by filling them. Willing to use his size to step up and into opponents, and will clear the front. He won’t seem anything but calm in his own end, even when you may think he need to be. The wild colt aspect about so many of this draft classes defenseman has been noted so much already, but this is yet another player who seems less inclined to play conservatively by holding back in transition. He wants to make the clean entry by his lonesome and is good at it! He wants to get the transitioned pucks and go back down so he can see the defending goalie's eyes -- then score. It is this all-in, I'm-gonna-win-it-for-us play. Many times it comes back and hurts his team, but there is so much to like about his abilities. Projects as a possible top 2 pairing NHLer whom you cannot deny on the carries. Takes chances to be the difference maker. There is high upside if he continues to grow his all around game. I know I would select him. Big physical blue line presence with keen two-way game and skill set. Displays big time physicality that sets the tone. A terrific skater with a booming shot. Decide to de-commit so that he might play in the OHL and maybe be a bit more desirable to NHL suitors....

But you ask yourself: What is holding him back?
and you have to answer hockey sense.

Dobson is who they made room for by trading Toews.
- Elbows15

yeah I agree...he is the real deal, Wilde is still. . . wild.


A productive day on DraftSite

I got profiles up for my current top 17 ... not a bad day.

I put cabinet handles in the laundry room and painted a little side table too.

I give it 20 games. Janmark is a black hole offensively. Wallmark is slow but smart. Neither will bring much in the way of offense. Both are above average defensively.

But. One year deals so who cares.
- Elbows15

It depends on how he will be deployed. With Saad gone, there is basically a blank slate for line combinations. We've seen some strange options in the top six in the last couple years. He may be next.

Alex is good in practice. Didn't we hear how he was dominant at the COVID training camp? It's the games that he struggles with. When the opponent checks and tries to take the puck from him.
- scottak

What about when it's one Hawk against two opponents in the corner and he's watching waiting for the puck?

It depends on how he will be deployed. With Saad gone, there is basically a blank slate for line combinations. We've seen some strange options in the top six in the last couple years. He may be next.
- Chunk

It won't matter how he is deployed. He is about to be 28. There is no hidden offense to him. He is a 25 point guy who can't shoot for poop. When he had his most productive years, he needed to shoot over 13% to top out at 30ish points.

Again, tho. Its a one year deal so who cares. He won't be the reason they stink.

It won't matter how he is deployed. He is about to be 28. There is no hidden offense to him. He is a 25 point guy who can't shoot for poop. When he had his most productive years, he needed to shoot over 13% to top out at 30ish points.

Again, tho. Its a one year deal so who cares. He won't be the reason they stink.
- Elbows15

That’d be Stanblow.

yeah I agree...he is the real deal, Wilde is still. . . wild.


A productive day on DraftSite

I got profiles up for my current top 17 ... not a bad day.

I put cabinet handles in the laundry room and painted a little side table too.
- wiz1901

Yeah I read Kevin Allen on hockeybuzz talk how the 2021 draft is loaded with a deep tier I group. No clear cut #1 but eight teams could choose eight different #1. There is a deep deep run on centers, but a few top dmen first then more dmen sprinkled in with all those centers. Most of the review on draftsite.com has centers who will go through heavy traffic with puck or for puck. So they are possible cycle willing but more driving and shoot pass. Several pay attention to defense as well.

The dmen are more well rounded not all strictly new age skill skate only. There are a few dmen who look to be nhl ceiling first pair.

There is the physical yet skill dmen Boeman wants to round put his defense. There is also so many attractive dmen. Hughes brother and Sillinger son both projected as first round. Some of the centers reportedly Big Ten collegiate bound. Or maybe not due to the Covid. Where do they think they get to play? I know Mr Richotchet could comment on the one local USHL kid.

No goaltenders at least not so far I have seen to go early.

This is the year Chicago gets rewarded with a nice early 2021 pick. Cannot go too far back in lottery.

From me:
He is over 6 foot 2 and the first thing you notice is how fast he transports himself and the puck around the sheet. He is a good passer but you can’t help but notice he wants to hold on to the puck, come into the attack zone, and be the difference maker. He stands out on the power play or whenever his team is in attack mode. Gets a lot of power behind his heavy shot. Easily slips down to soft areas, receive pucks, and take shots between the dots -- and he loves to do it. Uses his skating ability as an asset when being a defender. Harnesses his balance and smooth stride to get there to seal attackers off to the wall, closes gaps quickly, and close soft spots by filling them. Willing to use his size to step up and into opponents, and will clear the front. He won’t seem anything but calm in his own end, even when you may think he need to be. The wild colt aspect about so many of this draft classes defenseman has been noted so much already, but this is yet another player who seems less inclined to play conservatively by holding back in transition. He wants to make the clean entry by his lonesome and is good at it! He wants to get the transitioned pucks and go back down so he can see the defending goalie's eyes -- then score. It is this all-in, I'm-gonna-win-it-for-us play. Many times it comes back and hurts his team, but there is so much to like about his abilities. Projects as a possible top 2 pairing NHLer whom you cannot deny on the carries. Takes chances to be the difference maker. There is high upside if he continues to grow his all around game. I know I would select him. Big physical blue line presence with keen two-way game and skill set. Displays big time physicality that sets the tone. A terrific skater with a booming shot. Decide to de-commit so that he might play in the OHL and maybe be a bit more desirable to NHL suitors....

But you ask yourself: What is holding him back?
and you have to answer hockey sense.
- wiz1901

Danger Danger Will Robinson......er ...i mean NHL fans.....Wilde too similar to Byram on Colorado. If it is hockey sense that is an issue - though maybe not as much a serious flaw as Byram I gather - then how much better would Wilde turn out than Zadorov. Oh sure Wilde has the offensive gift but at future time for Blackhawks we are looking at adding foremost as far as dmen.....some nasty checking but descent skater and descent overall. So look at Wilde for what he is.....does he look for sure what we need defensively? Not too sure.

eww, no. Hawks need forward prospects. Wilde isn't any better than a couple prospects the Hawks have in their system.

I could be wrong but I am not really a fan of Wilde.
- Elbows15

Different strength offensively than some of our offensive gifted dman prospects. Kaylnuk can be like Wilde as mail carrier although not the same shot. Meanwhile we need a prospect or some new dman who had some nasty and checks. Get that from. #1 2021 draft unless we go afyer a center.

Different strength offensively than some of our offensive gifted dman prospects. Kaylnuk can be like Wilde as mail carrier although not the same shot. Meanwhile we need a prospect or some new dman who had so.e nasty and checks. Get that from. #1 2021 draft unless we go afyer a center.
- jhawk59

Hawks prospect have higher hockey IQs than Wilde.

Different strength offensively than some of our offensive gifted dman prospects. Kaylnuk can be like Wilde as mail carrier although not the same shot. Meanwhile we need a prospect or some new dman who had so.e nasty and checks. Get that from. #1 2021 draft unless we go afyer a center.
- jhawk59

Hawks need a lot still need goaltending a couple bickell type players big physical can skate shoot go to the net. More mobile and physical d core top six forwards and third line center. Now hopefully some of these holes can be filled in house and others through trades drafting and smart free agent signings. So the next two to three years are key in filling these holes.

Outside of the Tampa Bay Rays and KC Royals there are very few farm systems in any sport you can take to the bank. Maybe the NE Patriots and TB Lightening?

Therefore, if everybody else is lumped together, ratings are meaningless.

I don't know what it is about those two baseball teams you can't tell me they spend more than the Cubs on scouting and development. You would think over time Cubs would pass them up. Same goes for Blackhawks. Thing was, for 10 years Hawks drafted at the bottom and traded away assets. I think Hawks will catch up.
- rpeters01

Baseball is not a good comparison for hockey. Meaningful assets, an extensive minor league system tied to the organization. Soft cap. An established analytics system that is a fairly good predictor of success. To be fair to the Cubs (though it pains me to say it) they have been one of the better teams in Baseball the last half dozen years and quite a bit of that has been home grown talent or adding the right players which doesn't happen with an incompetent front office.

In Baseball you can also burn your best talent for up and coming stars or trade a top prospect for pitching help - like Q for Eloy to try and win now before Bryant decides to walk - Thanks (:

The Hawks
1. couldn't move their best player because hard cap (Kane)
2. the best prospect or a top 5 prospect wouldn't be coming back and he'd (probably) only waive to go to a contender so you're talking 1st round pick(s) in the 20s. There's some value there but not compared to the player leaving.
3. most teams don't have the surplus of talent to make it worth it either. Even half the assets necessary for it to be a 'fair' trade would probably hurt that team more than help it

For Bowman and his group, in terms of drafting and evaluating talent - there have been more misses than hits and a lot of swings at other teams garbage. Every now and then you get a piece of poop to stick to the wall but that is really all this team has done outside of their European scouting which has been pretty good.