Hey Wiz. What kind of players are Nemec and Jiricek? Similar to Korchinski, or more all-around players?
- Chunk

I am sorry to say I don't see the dynamic whole to their play.
These were safe picks who will make rosters, and very different in their own ways.

All year (And last yr too) I had David Jiricek ranked higher, b/c eveytime he played whether he showed little offense, or no offense, he was an angry tough to play against dude ready to hit you, stick you etc. It just seemed a matter of time and soon he will have all the parts in place to exert the toolbox, because he had the crisp outlet, showing toughness everywhere all game, and had some creative and ability with the puck. NO one saw him as a big time offensive generator now, or maybe ever, I am gonna guess, but they do improve.
And more and more even though big I think teams decided he doesn't defends well enough to be a top pairing defenceman, just a tough one, and though he has upside on the offensive side, so far his puck handling and smarts on offense are not there but the cannon shot IS. He is an elusive skater for his size, but his durability, feet, shot and gets him the opportunity to be a top four guy, at least -no guaranteed but closer a guarantee he plays for you hard, with possible upsides.

Nemec ranked lower because I also saw him as a tweeter (Not real big, although a defender who is similar to Korchinski b/c i with of his above-average skating, handling, shooting, and passing skill, but he is not going to pull you out of your seat with creativity. So he has a higher FLOOR than David Jiricek but also may level out as a top four player. He also with all the skill simply is good on break-out on transition with natural gifts, that should be the factor that gives you an idea if you are getting a puck carry that builds your offensive game.

Again both are taken by teams looking for defense and no home run swings, basically because this draft was one with few (two) closer to ready dee-men and then a short list of two way defenders that scouts could develop both D & O talent in their system.

I got wind that the Anaheim Ducks were scouting Korchinski heavily and they ere picking ten, so I figured that MAYBE Pavel Mintyukov (who had an entire season in the OHL could go before Korchinski or after and then Denton Mateychuk, and Owen Pickering had more offensive upside than the Swiss Giant Lian Bichsel, who will need much work to grow an attack pack.

I think that the NHL team scouts knew they were waiting longer for all of that second tier of Korchinski, Pavel Mintyukov,Denton Mateychuk and that the rest of the class. The fact that 16 defenders were all that were picked in the first 53 says to me that the 2022 had about one out of three picks in the cream, which is about average.

First round picks unless a teams cupboard is area at defense, usually become best players available and forwards get more jobs on rosters, so you more certainty especially when 31 other teams are go go to the. mike before your next chance at a do-over.

I was surprised they went for Korchinski but totally understand there is plenty of upside and safeness to him playing (when ready).
Same with Nazar.
Did they know he is not big? Sure
Did they care?, NO, b/c the kid seems to not see any thing as a deterrent to him going in and putting the puck in, and the feet to help minimize slowdowns or ambushes, and he is really strong and fit, for a "little guy."
I marveled how I liked their games - I never thought we were gonna get a chance that they could be Hawks that improve and possibly be special.

I totally understand the Rinzel pick as it's pay-off might be a second pair big man who also is offensively inclined.
I guess I am a chickenpoop b/c my third choice is going to be a safe one, not an attempt at knocking it out of the ball park. He is FOUR YEARS at least from turning pro. You know he will be on a different pay cycle to 2nd contract and maybe even that had something to do with it, over taking a kid who plays quicker and gets re-upped quicker.

I am gonna say I am simply tickled at the amount of talent I can already see as future pros and not ordinary kids, but special dynamic hockey smart kids.

I keep reshuffling the 2023 prospects and there are too many factors of the 2022-23 seasons that will have to set of their final slot values, but every slot in the first round is a chance for more than a "safe" player.... and the Blackhawks could get three really PRIME prospects even as the second gets to the end where we have our 2 round TAMPA pick from the Seabrook trade.

Find a game Bedard is in at YouTube. Every. Single. Shift. This dude is flat out dangerous and in so so many ways. Shot, creativity, vision, speed, touch, feet, hands, pure skill, compete, will, hunger, IQ, anticipation, reads. If there is a way to be dangerous this kid has it in his tool kit..... And this is against kids 2-3-4 yrs older than him.
- Mr Ricochet

He is the undisputed first...no chance Gretzky is calling HIM (Like he did Shane Wright).

Fantilli is the tough HORSE centre
who scores.

But with me NOT placing many defenseman in my first round, just take a look at the names,https://www.lines.com/nhl/drafts/2023
Watch Canada vs anyone in the Ivan HLinka (U-17), and then tell me if you recognize Calum Ritchie, Zach Benson, Brayden Yager, Ethan Gauthier, ultra defender Cameron Allen, their captain, Riley Heidt, Matthew Wood, Andrew Cristal, and Colby Barlow....
Then in mid-August, WATCH BEDARD, please watch him.


Watch Bedard in World Junior U-20 and you will see how much talent there is coming out of Canada this next year and more from abroad.
Most in U-20 have been selected, none in Hlinka

Bedard was playing with older kids for years and he hasn't met a formidable defender who can shut him down...the speed is every part of his body, and short area quick twitch hands shoulders, feet and little thinking about what he is gonna do...it seems each time it is a different thought on how to create opportunities.

BUT the Canada HLINKA team is an eye opener and that is w/o me mentioning goalie grandsonbVachon, Martin Louis defenseman second son,Lucas, Radek Bonk's defender son, OLIVER, soon too.
and go watch you some USA Lil Will Whitelaw the Shattuck player who fits so well with the big boys including Quentin Musty, while you watch the rest of the older USA kids on the top team BIG Charlie Stramel, Oliver Moore, Will Smith, Gavin Brindley, Ryan Leonard, Gabriel Perreault, Carey Terrance, and I haven't named one US defender yet.

Or a Finn (1), Swede (4), Slovak (2), Czech (1)or a Russian. (2) ...

He is the undisputed first...no chance Gretzky is calling HIM (Like he did Shane Wright).

Fantilli is the tough HORSE centre
who scores.



Or a Finn (1), Swede (4), Slovak (2), Czech (1)or a Russian. (2) ...
- wiz1901

Landing Bedard is hitting to lottery x10. A true generational player.... What interests me most is the team with the #2 pick. IMO on talent alone the Russian Michkov rates ahead of Fantill by more than a slim margin but him being a Russian AND signed in the KHL for the 2 seasons following his draft yr complicates drafting him in a big way. Scary as hell using a #2 on him and just as scary passing on a talent like him.

Interested to see Fantilli at MI this yr. One of the few times he won't be the best player on the team to start the season. It took him awhile to get going as a 16 yr old with the Steel but by seasons end kid was a difference maker. In fact kid won playoff MVP on that cup winning squad.

Still not sure on him yet. No doubt a 1st line NHLer but not sure if he's a Peter Forsberg type or a Svechnikov. Kid plays a physical hungry game with an abundance of skill and a strong skater. Think he ends up at about 210 pounds. Kid really like mixing it up his 2nd yr as a 17 yr old in the USHL and will and does drop the gloves.

Have you noticed Sale with CZE in the Hlinka tournament? Some serious jump in that kid's feet and think he's 6ft 1in. He's new to me but watching two of his Hlinka games gotta believe he's a 1st rd pick.

Landing Bedard is hitting to lottery x10. A true generational player.... What interests me most is the team with the #2 pick. IMO on talent alone the Russian Michkov rates ahead of Fantill by more than a slim margin but him being a Russian AND signed in the KHL for the 2 seasons following his draft yr complicates drafting him in a big way. Scary as hell using a #2 on him and just as scary passing on a talent like him.

Interested to see Fantilli at MI this yr. One of the few times he won't be the best player on the team to start the season. It took him awhile to get going as a 16 yr old with the Steel but by seasons end kid was a difference maker. In fact kid won playoff MVP on that cup winning squad.

Still not sure on him yet. No doubt a 1st line NHLer but not sure if he's a Peter Forsberg type or a Svechnikov. Kid plays a physical hungry game with an abundance of skill and a strong skater. Think he ends up at about 210 pounds. Kid really like mixing it up his 2nd yr as a 17 yr old in the USHL and will and does drop the gloves.

Have you noticed Sale with CZE in the Hlinka tournament? Some serious jump in that kid's feet and think he's 6ft 1in. He's new to me but watching two of his Hlinka games gotta believe he's a 1st rd pick.
- Mr Ricochet

There are some who wonder if Bedard is better than McDavid.

There are some who wonder if Bedard is better than McDavid.
- paulr

For some, if not most, it's sacrilegious to say anyone is even in McJesus' stratosphere, and I'd agree, but I will say this, Bedard has some off the chart qualities that few have. Never say never but I didn't think there was a chance to say I would see anyone near McDavid. The very definition of a freak.......... No matter how many times I see him play I still shake my head.

Worth noting McDavid is a good few inches taller than Bedard. His reach alone gives him an edge but Bedard uses his shorter frame (he's a smaller elusive target) to his advantage squeezing/zooming/darting in and out of tight spots.

Have you noticed Sale with CZE in the Hlinka tournament? Some serious jump in that kid's feet and think he's 6ft 1in. He's new to me but watching two of his Hlinka games gotta believe he's a 1st rd pick.
- Mr Ricochet

Just looked at your mock Wiz, indeed you're aware of Sale. One helluva burst and has the hands/skill to make you pay.

I see you have six of the Canadians from the current Hlinka team in your top 12 mock draft. That squad is absolutely loaded and they play nasty too.

And I was impressed with Vachon in the US goal. Interesting Noreen (USHL Tri City coach) came back with Slukynski in that must win v CZE today. Vachon is quick, tracks/reads really well to where he's always square to the 1st, and is in such control, even the 2nd shot. Being under 6ft tall will hurt him come draft day..... Waterloo of the USHL has his rights.

CZE goalie Hrabal has not disappointed. Huge kid, was told by a USHL GM before the Hlinka in his opinion he's the top 05 goalie in the world. Dubuque of the USHL owns his rights. Love to see hm come over to the US and get acclimated to the smaller surface but as of now believe he's gonna play jrs at home in CZE. He has committed to UMass though so maybe he comes.

I’m watching the Hlinka cup, Canada is very dominant and what is scary is Bedard and Fantilli could both be on this team and would be the top players on it.

For some, if not most, it's sacrilegious to say anyone is even in McJesus' stratosphere, and I'd agree, but I will say this, Bedard has some off the chart qualities that few have. Never say never but I didn't think there was a chance to say I would see anyone near McDavid. The very definition of a freak.......... No matter how many times I see him play I still shake my head.

Worth noting McDavid is a good few inches taller than Bedard. His reach alone gives him an edge but Bedard uses his shorter frame (he's a smaller elusive target) to his advantage squeezing/zooming/darting in and out of tight spots.
- Mr Ricochet

I thought I read somewhere that Bedard is putting up better numbers at his age than McDavid or Crosby did.

I thought I read somewhere that Bedard is putting up better numbers at his age than McDavid or Crosby did.
- HawksGuy1881

It’s tough to compare because all three played in different Canadian Junior leagues. In the Quebec league not known for defense, Crosby had great numbers but he’s also a very good two way player. In the Ontario league where there’s more emphasis on defense McDavid put up great numbers but he’s not as strong a two way player. And the western Canadian league known for being tough a relatively diminutive Bedard put up great numbers without being intimidated.

Landing Bedard is hitting to lottery x10. A true generational player.... What interests me most is the team with the #2 pick. IMO on talent alone the Russian Michkov rates ahead of Fantill by more than a slim margin but him being a Russian AND signed in the KHL for the 2 seasons following his draft yr complicates drafting him in a big way. Scary as hell using a #2 on him and just as scary passing on a talent like him.

Interested to see Fantilli at MI this yr. One of the few times he won't be the best player on the team to start the season. It took him awhile to get going as a 16 yr old with the Steel but by seasons end kid was a difference maker. In fact kid won playoff MVP on that cup winning squad.

Still not sure on him yet. No doubt a 1st line NHLer but not sure if he's a Peter Forsberg type or a Svechnikov. Kid plays a physical hungry game with an abundance of skill and a strong skater. Think he ends up at about 210 pounds. Kid really like mixing it up his 2nd yr as a 17 yr old in the USHL and will and does drop the gloves.

Have you noticed Sale with CZE in the Hlinka tournament? Some serious jump in that kid's feet and think he's 6ft 1in. He's new to me but watching two of his Hlinka games gotta believe he's a 1st rd pick.
- Mr Ricochet

If the Hawks draft #2 they’ll take Fantilli, no doubt about it.

However, the Hawks will finish 4th worst and 2 teams will leap frog them in the draft and the Hawks will end up with #6. With the 6th overall pick the Hawks will take Cameron Allen.

If the Hawks draft #2 they’ll take Fantilli, no doubt about it.

However, the Hawks will finish 4th worst and 2 teams will leap frog them in the draft and the Hawks will end up with #6. With the 6th overall pick the Hawks will take Cameron Allen.
- DarthKane

That would be great. Is Allen supposed to be the best dman in next year's draft?

Still interested to see if Vlasic, Regula and/or Mitchell end up with the big club and how they progress.

If you're other scenario plays out, the Hawks will have at least one other first rounder, and hopefully another, so go with the best guy on the board...unless there's a fwd they have rated the same as Allen.

That would be great. Is Allen supposed to be the best dman in next year's draft?

Still interested to see if Vlasic, Regula and/or Mitchell end up with the big club and how they progress.

If you're other scenario plays out, the Hawks will have at least one other first rounder, and hopefully another, so go with the best guy on the board...unless there's a fwd they have rated the same as Allen.
- HawkintheD

I’m hopeful for Vlasic, Regula and Mitchell. Unless he blows away the competition I’d start Vlasic in Rockford to continue his development. I expect Regula to be a regular but I’m not sure what the 22/23 season will bring for Mitchell.

If the Hawks draft at #3 or later and the Russian is there they’ll draft him (assuming no prospects surpass him between now and June). The Hawks can’t afford to miss with their 2023 pick, they can afford to no get the #1 guy, but they need a prospect who will develop into an NHL difference-maker. I’d like to see KD get a 3rd 1st round pick for 2023, but that may only happen if Kane is dealt or a GM overpays for Murphy.

If the Hawks draft #2 they’ll take Fantilli, no doubt about it.

However, the Hawks will finish 4th worst and 2 teams will leap frog them in the draft and the Hawks will end up with #6. With the 6th overall pick the Hawks will take Cameron Allen.
- DarthKane

I really hope so, i don't want this rebuild to go to quick.

I'm calling it now, Arizona gets #1 pick as part of the deal to play in the college arena.

I'm calling it now, Arizona gets #1 pick as part of the deal to play in the college arena.
- powerenforcer

Arizona is going to have a better record than the Hawks partly due to a slightly better roster, and they play in a much weaker division.

Plus that college arena is going to be a big home ice advantage IMO, who wants to play a road game in front of 5,000 people ?

That would be great. Is Allen supposed to be the best dman in next year's draft?

Still interested to see if Vlasic, Regula and/or Mitchell end up with the big club and how they progress.

If you're other scenario plays out, the Hawks will have at least one other first rounder, and hopefully another, so go with the best guy on the board...unless there's a fwd they have rated the same as Allen.
- HawkintheD

If you take Allen you have to pass on
Brayden Yager
Kasper Halttunen
Dalibor Dvorsky
Matvei Michkov, who will not be available for 4 seasons
Otto Stenberg
Ethan Gauthier. Denis' son
Eduard Sale
Quentin Musty
Charlie Stramel and SO MANY MORE solid forwards
and more than a few good defenders in
Theo Lindstein
Caden Price

I haven't watched the Sweden Canada game from yesterday and any of the Czechia recent ones.
Sale had success in Under-18 during the nHL playoff time, but more as a smart passer and didn't score on many attempts.
I just seems like I have never seen a draft like this...

Arizona is going to have a better record than the Hawks partly due to a slightly better roster, and they play in a much weaker division.

Plus that college arena is going to be a big home ice advantage IMO, who wants to play a road game in front of 5,000 people ?
- LAHawk

Guys who play in the show played in a smaller arena either in college or juniors and might think it's nostalgic and cool. Plus in a smaller building it's possible to get loud easier. For fans it doesn't figure to be the poop show getting out of the parking lot like it can be in a big league barn. Everyone gets the opportunity to see NHL players close up. I think they will probably schedule a game or two there once their building is ready, especially in pre-season. I like it.

I'm calling it now, Arizona gets #1 pick as part of the deal to play in the college arena.
- powerenforcer

I’m calling Bettman to manipulate the draft so Pittsburgh gets the number one over, just like he manipulated the 2005 draft Crosby was selected in. Can you remind me again how Bettman manipulated that draft?

I’m calling Bettman to manipulate the draft so Pittsburgh gets the number one over, just like he manipulated the 2005 draft Crosby was selected in. Can you remind me again how Bettman manipulated that draft?
- paulr

Hawks trade their #1 for Kaspeiri Kapenien? Hawks help the Penguins get under the cap

Hawks trade their #1 for Kaspeiri Kapenien? Hawks help the Penguins get under the cap
- LAHawk

In a shocking about face, KD declares the Hawks are ready to contend.

Hawks trade their #1 for Kaspeiri Kapenien? Hawks help the Penguins get under the cap
- LAHawk

Hawks can give them both #1’s and take Malkin as well, he can be the man!

Arizona is going to have a better record than the Hawks partly due to a slightly better roster, and they play in a much weaker division.

Plus that college arena is going to be a big home ice advantage IMO, who wants to play a road game in front of 5,000 people ?
- LAHawk

Arizona and the Hawks are in the same division, LA. Yotes moved when the Kraken came into the league

If you take Allen you have to pass on
Brayden Yager
Kasper Halttunen
Dalibor Dvorsky
Matvei Michkov, who will not be available for 4 seasons
Otto Stenberg
Ethan Gauthier. Denis' son
Eduard Sale
Quentin Musty
Charlie Stramel and SO MANY MORE solid forwards
and more than a few good defenders in
Theo Lindstein
Caden Price

I haven't watched the Sweden Canada game from yesterday and any of the Czechia recent ones.
Sale had success in Under-18 during the nHL playoff time, but more as a smart passer and didn't score on many attempts.
I just seems like I have never seen a draft like this...
- wiz1901

Pass. His skating needs work.

Mishkov may be in some serious injury trouble. Took a hit from Emelin and his left knee was flying all over the place and he landed awkward on it. Clip had him still on the bench but in a lot of pain.

https://twitter.com/vorky...&t=KMUefJrHyXjKL9OpPEvt4A

I’m calling Bettman to manipulate the draft so Pittsburgh gets the number one over, just like he manipulated the 2005 draft Crosby was selected in. Can you remind me again how Bettman manipulated that draft?
- paulr

Just because you didn't see it doesn't mean it didn't happen, paul