Sorry Zach, I am not built that way. I cannot hope that the Hawks lose so that they get a 25% chance of getting a single hockey player no matter how great he is supposed to be. I am actually enjoying watching this ragtag bunch improve, and show that thy belong on a NHL roster, if not in Chicago but elsewhere.
- LAHawk

I am 100% with you, I would love for them to have that 25% chance but at the same time its fun to watch hockey in a time I thought it was going to be like pulling teeth. Honestly, if the whole rebuild was built around being bad and landing Bedard I think we may have some bigger issues for this organization

this is just fools gold wining these meaningless games now to lower your odds at a player who comes around maybe every ten years is just foolish swallow some pride and take a dive for the common good .
- oldduffman

This article sums up my position

https://www.bleachernatio...set-theyre-winning-games/

This article sums up my position

https://www.bleachernatio...set-theyre-winning-games/
- LAHawk

Feeling the worst overall team is not getting it this year because the Habs got it last year even if its independent each draw.

With only 2 balls pulled, it helps all of the worst 3 teams. I see the Hawks ending at this position 4, and then getting bumped up to 5. The hype train starts moving in the month or so before the draft and other than Bedard, Fantilli and Carlsson, I see 4-7 moving. Michkov should be in the top three, but given the uncertainty I see him falling in the 4-7 range. That said, I see the Hawks picking Smith or Michkov, nice players to add to your lineup.

Even winning, as bad as the Habs and Flyers have been playing, I still can't imagine the Hawks passing them with the 5-6 point lead and only 14 games left. Likewise, I can't see the Hawks catching the Sharks or Jackets because both are playing pitiful hockey.

Wyatt Kaiser will wear Patrick Poulin’s #44.
- DarthKane

Blasphemy number should be retired.

Maybe I missed something, how many Stanley Cups has Edmonton won since they drafted the last generational player?
- scottak

Counting their next cup one

Top tier is four and it is an easy debate that at very least the next 8 are gonna be really good to. It does have a number one no other player in the class can aspire to match from their current production, skills, attitude, and abilities. So top tier 1 and top tier 1-B (2-6)



The culture is what that newbie adds to, not inspires the already pros.

The top pick gives you an elite scorer and playmaker and it is a loot all top ten teams get a shot at, no matter where we pick, right?



Believe me, I know what my evalutions are and where I ranked prospects, but if you were to take all draft prognosticators mock first two rounds, you are gonna find almost
90 names there.
And these are all us guessers not the varied opinion of the NHL draft selection teams who may have OTHERS there too, their dark horse favorites.

It astounds me that we have three other picks in approximately the top 42.
That TB pick between 24 & 32 (if the win the Cup) could be more than a"NHL player" you regularly see come to fruition about here, not usually you have to get lucky.
NOT SO, this time the second two chances may not get a Nazar level speedster with hands, but there is so much I like in the upside and chances to me really excellent Blackhawks of the future; by TB pick in a average draft, you are looking at "guys developing working out...and a pIck of a "Nick Schmaltz" type is what an average draft gives you....you work ion his game, hope he progresses quick enough that you WANT to give him a that better deal b/c he did show it.

This draft that type starts coming up at an astounding end of the second!
(It has to do with Covid, scouting, and the new grades, based on new higher levels of excellence.

Sure that second round and third are somewhat bigger dice rolls because of size, present production.

If you want to start a report card for our GM and his scouting staff, you can base it on the eventual high water marks from THIS years choices.




I heard we do not know until the lotto balls pop out.

(I saw somewhere that the grade for Eduard Šalé has become a 2nd Rounder...)
Don't agree, but that tells you the strength of the class if you have seen any of Šalé ability and play....
- wiz1901

Thanks Wiz, i have to say, considering the draft picks they picked last year are excelling this year in their respected leagues, you believing this years draft is deeper than many others and we might have 6 picks this year in the top 64, KDs ability to find second hand talent around the league just makes me so very optimistic about the Blackhawks future. FFS he has a $48 million dollar roster competing with playoff teams. Love his decision on hiring LR to me all arrows are pointing up for this franchise, to me its not if but when...

Would there be anyone say mid 1st that might be worth packaging TB 1st and our 2nd or one of the other 2nds? Just a thought....

Would there be anyone say mid 1st that might be worth packaging TB 1st and our 2nd or one of the other 2nds? Just a thought....
- Matt_Foleys_bro

Or just even eating more salary like we did with Mrazek last year. When you look at Rinzel's profile, 6' 4, 180, elite skating, booming shot, another late birthday kid, can't teach any of that, more of a project but at the same time he already has traits that can become a pretty damn good nhl defenseman

Yup, Hawks had the 5th best odds to get Kane in 2007.
- LAHawk

Glad you brought up Kaner and the 2007 draft. If the Hawks don't draft 1st do they win 3 cups, 2 cups or even 1? Would drafting 2nd and getting JVR instead of Kane changed history? https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl2007e.html

Now, lets pretend we're looking back at the 2023 draft from the yr 2038. If the Hawks draft 5th instead of the top 3 and drafting the closest we've seen to McDavid, Bedard, or what most agree would be 1st overalls in any other draft, Fantilli-Michkov, change history?

I've been accused of loving most every 3rd line player around jr's arenas. I have to admit that's true. I love high energy, high compete, physical, hungry, speed, hair on fire hockey. Probably even more than watching Kaner play but even so I knpw you don't win cups without Kaner types.

Yea man, this Hawk's group, and the style they play, is right up my alley. But watching Chicago teams for over 50 yrs, some that were bad for DECADES, I am beyond willing to suffer a crap season or two to draft a history altering player.

Now, it doesn't matter what any of us want, the lottery balls will land as they will, but I will take 5 more losses for even a 1% better chance to draft Bedard, Fantilli or Michkov, maybe even Carlson.

I hope any reader clicks on the link I posted to the 2007 draft and think about that for a even just a few seconds.

Glad you brought up Kaner and the 2007 draft. If the Hawks don't draft 1st do they win 3 cups, 2 cups or even 1? Would drafting 2nd and getting JVR instead of Kane changed history? https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl2007e.html

Now, lets pretend we're looking back at the 2023 draft from the yr 2038. If the Hawks draft 5th instead of the top 3 and drafting the closest we've seen to McDavid, Bedard, or what most agree would be 1st overalls in any other draft, Fantilli-Michkov, change history?

I've been accused of loving most every 3rd line player around jr's arenas. I have to admit that's true. I love high energy, high compete, physical, hungry, speed, hair on fire hockey. Probably even more than watching Kaner play but even so I knpw you don't win cups without Kaner types.

Yea man, this Hawk's group, and the style they play, is right up my alley. But watching Chicago teams for over 50 yrs, some that were bad for DECADES, I am beyond willing to suffer a crap season or two to draft a history altering player.

Now, it doesn't matter what any of us want, the lottery balls will land as they will, but I will take 5 more losses for even a 1% better chance to draft Bedard, Fantilli or Michkov, maybe even Carlson.

I hope any reader clicks on the link I posted to the 2007 draft and think about that for a even just a few seconds.
- Mr Ricochet

I think we all would Rico but LR and the team have different plans, at the same time what if that team tanked on purpose only to lose the draft lottery

https://twitter.com/Mario.../1636831233597480961?s=01

That really makes me sad, a person who gave his all and sacrificed so much to win. I really hope the best for my captain of 3 Cups.

I think we all would Rico but LR and the team have different plans, at the same time what if that team tanked on purpose only to lose the draft lottery
- BetweenTheDots

Bedard is the prize but a top 3 pick is the goal for me. ........ Again, it doesn't matter what we think or even hope for, the lottery balls will fall where they will, but man what a God damned shame if they don't come out with a top 3 pick in a yr where that could very well be a franchise altering player.

IMO KD has done a masterful job in setting up a plan and executing the tank while acquiring picks, players to flip for picks and maybe even players (Katchouk/Raddysh) who might be part of the future. Masterful.

And IMO LR has done a fantastic job with the players he's been given to not only compete but set up systems for them and create a culture of effort and execution. All the while developing kids like Guttman, Phillips, Katchouk types. Could not have hoped for better.

All that said if they don't get a top 3 pick, looking back at that 2007 draft for reference and the benefit of hindsight, it may be history altering in a negative way.

Remember when most of us, myself included, just a few weeks ago said you think this roster is bad wait until next yr it'll be worse and the Hawks may draft top 3 again in 2024 and get a Celebrini or Eiserman? ...... That doesn't look likely any more, does it?

So we go from possibly Bedard/Fantilli and Celebrini/Eiserman to Will Smith and a 7th overall in 2024. Not terrible but it seems the Hawks go from the very top tier of a limited number of possibilities of franchise altering players to a lower tier in two consecutive drafts.

What do I hope for? A 65 game losing streak!!!!

Again Dots, if the Hawks don't get Kane in 2007 and JVR, or anyone else, instead in 2007 do they win even 1 cup?

I like Musty what about the giant Russian kid But
- oldduffman

yeah, he is a guy easily picked here, but I was "afraid"to mention him, thin king it takes the emphasis away from my thought. Yes him too!

Many months ago I would have had him as a first rounder, but between Putinese and his lack of a upward swing in production, Daniil , but maybe backing up on the boards as he hasn't jumped up from best foreigner slot #11 on CentralScouting.
He his not really a creator.

Bedard is the prize but a top 3 pick is the goal for me. ........ Again, it doesn't matter what we think or even hope for, the lottery balls will fall where they will, but man what a God damned shame if they don't come out with a top 3 pick in a yr where that could very well be a franchise altering player.

IMO KD has done a masterful job in setting up a plan and executing the tank while acquiring picks, players to flip for picks and maybe even players (Katchouk/Raddysh) who might be part of the future. Masterful.

And IMO LR has done a fantastic job with the players he's been given to not only compete but set up systems for them and create a culture of effort and execution. All the while developing kids like Guttman, Phillips, Katchouk types. Could not have hoped for better.

All that said if they don't get a top 3 pick, looking back at that 2007 draft for reference and the benefit of hindsight, it may be history altering in a negative way.

Remember when most of us, myself included, just a few weeks ago said you think this roster is bad wait until next yr it'll be worse and the Hawks may draft top 3 again in 2024 and get a Celebrini or Eiserman? ...... That doesn't look likely any more, does it?

So we go from possibly Bedard/Fantilli and Celebrini/Eiserman to Will Smith and a 7th overall in 2024. Not terrible but it seems the Hawks go from the very top tier of a limited number of possibilities of franchise altering players to a lower tier in two consecutive drafts.

What do I hope for? A 65 game losing streak!!!!

Again Dots, if the Hawks don't get Kane in 2007 and JVR, or anyone else, instead in 2007 do they win even 1 cup?
- Mr Ricochet

Rico, it is just like buying a stock. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Would there be anyone say mid 1st that might be worth packaging TB 1st and our 2nd or one of the other 2nds? Just a thought....
- Matt_Foleys_bro

Yeah, I think you won't find many takers even though the draft is strong...unless you find a team with little in the system, like the Hawks.

And if you are the worst team, and the ping pong balls don't go your way which there is a 75% chance that they won't, then what?, you tank every year until the next generational talent arrives?
- LAHawk

I don't see generational talents as guys in every draft though we have two good ones in 2024 & 2025, but generational, I am not sure.

Thanks Wiz, i have to say, considering the draft picks they picked last year are excelling this year in their respected leagues, you believing this years draft is deeper than many others and we might have 6 picks this year in the top 64, KDs ability to find second hand talent around the league just makes me so very optimistic about the Blackhawks future.
- BetweenTheDots

! think that the true drop off comes after pick 100...we will get good chances at player who can be players around #65 and 95 and 97...

Rico, it is just like buying a stock. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
- LAHawk

Understood, and before someone chimes in and points out a Kopitar was drafted something like 18th overall and Nolan Patrick went 2nd overall, past performance shows me the favorite in a horse race hits maybe 20% of the time.

Rare to get a swing near the top when most agree the first 3 players in the 2023 draft would go #1 overall in the majority of drafts. Same is being said for the top 2 of the 2024 draft.

Love watching the Hawks since Kane was traded but it doesn't compare to what might be for the next 15 yrs.

Bedard is the prize but a top 3 pick is the goal for me. ........ Again, it doesn't matter what we think or even hope for, the lottery balls will fall where they will, but man what a God damned shame if they don't come out with a top 3 pick in a yr where that could very well be a franchise altering player.

IMO KD has done a masterful job in setting up a plan and executing the tank while acquiring picks, players to flip for picks and maybe even players (Katchouk/Raddysh) who might be part of the future. Masterful.

And IMO LR has done a fantastic job with the players he's been given to not only compete but set up systems for them and create a culture of effort and execution. All the while developing kids like Guttman, Phillips, Katchouk types. Could not have hoped for better.

All that said if they don't get a top 3 pick, looking back at that 2007 draft for reference and the benefit of hindsight, it may be history altering in a negative way.

Remember when most of us, myself included, just a few weeks ago said you think this roster is bad wait until next yr it'll be worse and the Hawks may draft top 3 again in 2024 and get a Celebrini or Eiserman? ...... That doesn't look likely any more, does it?

So we go from possibly Bedard/Fantilli and Celebrini/Eiserman to Will Smith and a 7th overall in 2024. Not terrible but it seems the Hawks go from the very top tier of a limited number of possibilities of franchise altering players to a lower tier in two consecutive drafts.

What do I hope for? A 65 game losing streak!!!!

Again Dots, if the Hawks don't get Kane in 2007 and JVR, or anyone else, instead in 2007 do they win even 1 cup?
- Mr Ricochet

I hear you Rico but the Blackhawks don't get the 1st pick unless they finished 5th that year? Just saying you can't control destiny it controls us.

Glad you brought up Kaner and the 2007 draft. If the Hawks don't draft 1st do they win 3 cups, 2 cups or even 1? Would drafting 2nd and getting JVR instead of Kane changed history? https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl2007e.html

Now, lets pretend we're looking back at the 2023 draft from the yr 2038. If the Hawks draft 5th instead of the top 3 and drafting the closest we've seen to McDavid, Bedard, or what most agree would be 1st overalls in any other draft, Fantilli-Michkov, change history?

I've been accused of loving most every 3rd line player around jr's arenas. I have to admit that's true. I love high energy, high compete, physical, hungry, speed, hair on fire hockey. Probably even more than watching Kaner play but even so I knpw you don't win cups without Kaner types.

Yea man, this Hawk's group, and the style they play, is right up my alley. But watching Chicago teams for over 50 yrs, some that were bad for DECADES, I am beyond willing to suffer a crap season or two to draft a history altering player.

Now, it doesn't matter what any of us want, the lottery balls will land as they will, but I will take 5 more losses for even a 1% better chance to draft Bedard, Fantilli or Michkov, maybe even Carlson.

I hope any reader clicks on the link I posted to the 2007 draft and think about that for a even just a few seconds.
- Mr Ricochet

Colby Cohen was selected just two picks after P.K. Subban… that hurts my brain when I think about it.

Colby Cohen was selected just two picks after P.K. Subban… that hurts my brain when I think about it.
- Chief4Feathers

GTFO hahaha

Understood, and before someone chimes in and points out a Kopitar was drafted something like 18th overall and Nolan Patrick went 2nd overall, past performance shows me the favorite in a horse race hits maybe 20% of the time.

Rare to get a swing near the top when most agree the first 3 players in the 2023 draft would go #1 overall in the majority of drafts. Same is being said for the top 2 of the 2024 draft.

Love watching the Hawks since Kane was traded but it doesn't compare to what might be for the next 15 yrs.
- Mr Ricochet

I really don't think Kane was considered a generational talent either? Many had him tabbed as to small to succeed in the NHL

I also want to point out Kane and Toews were players that became part of the franchise at the end of the rebuild not the beginning

Bedard is the prize but a top 3 pick is the goal for me. ........ Again, it doesn't matter what we think or even hope for, the lottery balls will fall where they will, but man what a God damned shame if they don't come out with a top 3 pick in a yr where that could very well be a franchise altering player.

IMO KD has done a masterful job in setting up a plan and executing the tank while acquiring picks, players to flip for picks and maybe even players (Katchouk/Raddysh) who might be part of the future. Masterful.

And IMO LR has done a fantastic job with the players he's been given to not only compete but set up systems for them and create a culture of effort and execution. All the while developing kids like Guttman, Phillips, Katchouk types. Could not have hoped for better.

All that said if they don't get a top 3 pick, looking back at that 2007 draft for reference and the benefit of hindsight, it may be history altering in a negative way.

Remember when most of us, myself included, just a few weeks ago said you think this roster is bad wait until next yr it'll be worse and the Hawks may draft top 3 again in 2024 and get a Celebrini or Eiserman? ...... That doesn't look likely any more, does it?

So we go from possibly Bedard/Fantilli and Celebrini/Eiserman to Will Smith and a 7th overall in 2024. Not terrible but it seems the Hawks go from the very top tier of a limited number of possibilities of franchise altering players to a lower tier in two consecutive drafts.

What do I hope for? A 65 game losing streak!!!!

Again Dots, if the Hawks don't get Kane in 2007 and JVR, or anyone else, instead in 2007 do they win even 1 cup?
- Mr Ricochet

Rico, even with Toews and Kane, if the Hawks would of resigned Havlat instead of signing Hossa, how many cups do they win?

This little hot streak will be long forgotten when Bedard is leading the league in scoring .
- oldduffman

Yep, or even watching Fantilli center a 1st line or Michkov score 100 pts or even Carlson play a Toews like warrior 1C.

Can't tell you how much I enjoyed watching Katchouk show IQ to read the play at the end boards to at just the right time swoop and steal the puck and take a quick look over his shoulder to see Anderson weak side doorstep then show super quick hands/feet to get to past the endline to feed Anderson for a tap in and ice the game. Same with the win v Boston and the dominating win v a 7-2-1 last 10 OTT.

But I'd trade all that for a 1% better shot at Bedard, Fantilli, Michkov or even Carlsson.

I really don't think Kane was considered a generational talent either? Many had him tabbed as to small to succeed in the NHL

I also want to point out Kane and Toews were players that became part of the franchise at the end of the rebuild not the beginning
- BetweenTheDots

Who do you consider generational talents? Keeping in mind the meaning of the term.