FWIW, these Hawk prospects also are likely to play in WJ:

Savoie - CAN
Nazar - USA
Hayes - USA
Rinzel - USA
- scottak

Don't know if it was Wheeler or Pronman at The Athletic but he wrote if Russia was allowed at the WJC that Kanserov would be in their top 6. ....... That was nice to read.

As mentioned, KK has the highest ceiling in the Dman pipeline as of today and is part of the plan but not THE plan. Meaning what good is a 60-70 pt KK with no other Dmen developed?

IMO, and I think KD's, is it's time for Kaiser and Vlasic to come to the NHL to develop even if KK showed he's ready as a 19 yr old, which IMO he's not. In other words, get in line KK and wait your turn as you develop for another yr in Jrs, the WJC, the CHL playoffs and then the AHL playoffs as the much more developed Kaiser and Vlasic begins their NHL reps.

So no, IMO even if KK was NHL ready as a 19 yr old, which he's not, it's not your turn. I don't want 3 rookie Dmen in the NHL lineup, and don't think any GM does, cuz I don't want them paired together and don't want one of them taking 1st line matchups/minutes and getting brutalized.

Love you KK but you are not THE plan you are part of a plan that includes Kaiser, Vlasic, Del Mastro, Phillips and Allen. So the 19 yr old stays down and develops.

Nobody is questioning whether an 18 yr old Bedard is ready for the NHL but are a 19 yr old KK? Nobody is remotely insinuating that KK, the THIRD Dman taken in his draft, is a generational talent like Bedard is. ..... Can't even say the comparison is apples to oranges, Chunk.

You'd rather go with the Hawk's evaluation of a player over mine? Respectfully Chunk, not even worth a response.
- Mr Ricochet

You're saying that if three defensemen are deemed ready to play in the NHL, they'll send one to Junior hockey because they have an internal rule that they'll only promote two?

You're saying that if three defensemen are deemed ready to play in the NHL, they'll send one to Junior hockey because they have an internal rule that they'll only promote two?
- mohel

What I'm saying is I doubt you can properly develop 3 rookie Dmen in the NHL at the same time. ..... We've got a load of people here with incredible memories, I wonder if that has been done?

If you had 3 rookie Dmen would you pair 2 of them? Would you put a rookie Dman on the 1st pairing taking heavy minutes and matchup against the oppositions 1st line? If no to either question you can't run 3 rookie Dmen.

I guess you could dress 7 Dmen every game and sit one rookie each game where you have only 2 rookies in the lineup each game.........And I do think many clubs keep a rookie down, especially Dmen, even if he's NHL ready due to a numbers game.

I do hope KK blows the doors off and gives the Hawks a wonderful problem.

This Darth guy really knows his stuff!
- DarthKane

Well, that Darth guy is a Canadian. Always worth hearing what a Canadian says about hockey, politics too.

Moore was listed as the 13th forward and would make the team and mentioned that he can fill in most roles, whether it be Top 6, Bottom 6 or PK. That's in the comments later.
- Black Raven

Generally speaking the WJC-U20 is a 19 yr old tournament and Moore is still just 18. But, as you mention the flexibility he gives a coach slotting anywhere in the lineup plus is crazy speed makes him a very valuable piece. Plus, IIRC he's very good on draws.

If Cooley somehow is allowed to play in the tournament that would probably hurt Moore's chances of making a healthy WJC roster.

Again spreading misinformation

I can't think of a poster here saying he needs to play in the NHL all of 2023-24 season
- BetweenTheDots

I can think of six.

I can think of six.
- paulr

More misinformation.....




It's more than six.

What I'm saying is I doubt you can properly develop 3 rookie Dmen in the NHL at the same time. ..... We've got a load of people here with incredible memories, I wonder if that has been done?

If you had 3 rookie Dmen would you pair 2 of them? Would you put a rookie Dman on the 1st pairing taking heavy minutes and matchup against the oppositions 1st line? If no to either question you can't run 3 rookie Dmen.

I guess you could dress 7 Dmen every game and sit one rookie each game where you have only 2 rookies in the lineup each game.........And I do think many clubs keep a rookie down, especially Dmen, even if he's NHL ready due to a numbers game.

I do hope KK blows the doors off and gives the Hawks a wonderful problem.
- Mr Ricochet

On KK;

Sure it is wishful thinking Kk “blows the doors off” and is here for the season. Surely he has good and bad moments irregardless when he plays here so why rush him …..rookie gp allowance and a year to get stronger for a man’s league is preferable

On C Jones:

Opportunity reach a higher or better level of consistency defensively on a better team and with more NHL experience Many on this board expect that he will have the same issues yet on a third pair his strong point - skating/offensive puck mover - may stand out. Probably a team where their style of play is as tailored as could be for his ability. I am glad though to be rid of him and glad KD able to grab Bjork from Rockford as needed

On Cooley:

Don’t see Coyotes allowing him to play WJ Tournament or anywhere else. He is too good and they need his offense. Possibly Coyotes wind up moving Keller and retaining Cooley. Figure Cooley makes others around him better than Keller- yes. There is big expectation for Cooley. However it would be interesting if Mathews ever goes home/roots to Arizona if compensation would Cooley be the main attraction

Also will Rinzell play or even know how to play acceptable enough defense to make the USA roster?
I would like to know what a comparison looks like between him and the tall kid we drafted who has been playing collegiately I believe at Providence

As mentioned, KK has the highest ceiling in the Dman pipeline as of today and is part of the plan but not THE plan. Meaning what good is a 60-70 pt KK with no other Dmen developed?

IMO, and I think KD's, is it's time for Kaiser and Vlasic to come to the NHL to develop even if KK showed he's ready as a 19 yr old, which IMO he's not. In other words, get in line KK and wait your turn as you develop for another yr in Jrs, the WJC, the CHL playoffs and then the AHL playoffs as the much more developed Kaiser and Vlasic begins their NHL reps.

So no, IMO even if KK was NHL ready as a 19 yr old, which he's not, it's not your turn. I don't want 3 rookie Dmen in the NHL lineup, and don't think any GM does, cuz I don't want them paired together and don't want one of them taking 1st line matchups/minutes and getting brutalized.

Love you KK but you are not THE plan you are part of a plan that includes Kaiser, Vlasic, Del Mastro, Phillips and Allen. So the 19 yr old stays down and develops.

Nobody is questioning whether an 18 yr old Bedard is ready for the NHL but are a 19 yr old KK? Nobody is remotely insinuating that KK, the THIRD Dman taken in his draft, is a generational talent like Bedard is. ..... Can't even say the comparison is apples to oranges, Chunk.

You'd rather go with the Hawk's evaluation of a player over mine? Respectfully Chunk, not even worth a response.
- Mr Ricochet

Yes, I’d certainly go with the Hawks over you. I don’t think that’s a controversial statement.

No, I’m not comparing KK to Bedard, but the argument seems to be that he’s 19 and thus not mature enough (physically/mentally) to play in the NHL.

The Hawks currently have two spots open (really 3 since I don’t think Z will play much). Let’s call it two though. A 60-70 pt KK (which I believe is a bit of a stretch for his first year) would be a great addition to the team if he is one of them, and it gives him a full year of NHL experience.

Kaiser has a grand total of 9 games. Vlasic had 15 and they sent him down for most the year. If KK shows to be better than the others (as determined by the coaches) he’ll yeah, you give him the spot. You don’t hold the better player back just because other guys have been there longer.

I really don’t think this GM and coach will rush him. If he is ready they’ll play him. It’s as simple as that.

A question for those who would venture to answer.

How does Korchinski at this stage compare to folks like Leddy, Harju, and Boqvist at similar points in Their careers?

A question for those who would venture to answer.

How does Korchinski at this stage compare to folks like Leddy, Harju, and Boqvist at similar points in Their careers?
- busmaster

I would say he compares favorably to them, as they were all 19 years old at this stage of their careers

Don't know if it was Wheeler or Pronman at The Athletic but he wrote if Russia was allowed at the WJC that Kanserov would be in their top 6. ....... That was nice to read.
- Mr Ricochet

Total BS that they're not

Total BS that they're not
- vabeachbear

Agree.

Does anyone else find it interesting, that since the draft, most of the talk here is about KK, Moore, Rinzel, Nazar, but not much talk here about the fact that Connor Bedard is a little over a month away from suiting up for the Hawks

Does anyone else find it interesting, that since the draft, most of the talk here is about KK, Moore, Rinzel, Nazar, but not much talk here about the fact that Connor Bedard is a little over a month away from suiting up for the Hawks
- vabeachbear

Welcome to high expectations!

https://twitter.com/NHLAdamK/status/1689724925848748032?t=7jNJwcOnY7KV7zARziPFqA&s=
Wonder how long it will be before it gets to the NHL
- BetweenTheDots

Wonder how many more high sticking and slashing penalties there will be in the Q this year. No fighting, full facial protection on helmets, what can go wrong?

Yes, I’d certainly go with the Hawks over you. I don’t think that’s a controversial statement.

No, I’m not comparing KK to Bedard, but the argument seems to be that he’s 19 and thus not mature enough (physically/mentally) to play in the NHL.

The Hawks currently have two spots open (really 3 since I don’t think Z will play much). Let’s call it two though. A 60-70 pt KK (which I believe is a bit of a stretch for his first year) would be a great addition to the team if he is one of them, and it gives him a full year of NHL experience.

Kaiser has a grand total of 9 games. Vlasic had 15 and they sent him down for most the year. If KK shows to be better than the others (as determined by the coaches) he’ll yeah, you give him the spot. You don’t hold the better player back just because other guys have been there longer.

I really don’t think this GM and coach will rush him. If he is ready they’ll play him. It’s as simple as that.
- Chunk

Yeah, I don't get why this is so hard for a few on here. This isn't a GM or coach on the hot seat who could force a kid to play to show management they have some pieces and just need time to develop.

If any kid proves he is NHL worthy AND proves he can play at the NHL level, not be a liability and be a better option than most veteran d men currently on the roster....they will play. That is what a rebuild is essentially about. Taking the time to make sure the kids are ready, and when they are you don't block them by playing washed up veteran placeholders.

IMO....I just think it's a stretch this year for a few to make that large leap. Next year I think is more reasonable...but what the hell do I know?

On KK;

Sure it is wishful thinking Kk “blows the doors off” and is here for the season. Surely he has good and bad moments irregardless when he plays here so why rush him …..rookie gp allowance and a year to get stronger for a man’s league is preferable

On C Jones:

Opportunity reach a higher or better level of consistency defensively on a better team and with more NHL experience Many on this board expect that he will have the same issues yet on a third pair his strong point - skating/offensive puck mover - may stand out. Probably a team where their style of play is as tailored as could be for his ability. I am glad though to be rid of him and glad KD able to grab Bjork from Rockford as needed

On Cooley:

Don’t see Coyotes allowing him to play WJ Tournament or anywhere else. He is too good and they need his offense. Possibly Coyotes wind up moving Keller and retaining Cooley. Figure Cooley makes others around him better than Keller- yes. There is big expectation for Cooley. However it would be interesting if Mathews ever goes home/roots to Arizona if compensation would Cooley be the main attraction

Also will Rinzell play or even know how to play acceptable enough defense to make the USA roster?
I would like to know what a comparison looks like between him and the tall kid we drafted who has been playing collegiately I believe at Providence
- jhawk59

I don't think the question is would the Hawks be rushing KK if he was on the roster, but what is best for his development?, Playing #1 minutes in juniors, or sheltered minutes in Chicago being coached by Richardson, Dean ? Whether it is this year or next, he is still going to have a learning curve when he play's with the big boys. I am sure KD'S decision is about what is best for KK's development as opposed to what is best for the team now.

Total BS that they're not
- vabeachbear

I guess in typical Canadian fashion I’m on the fence on this one. I understand that the global community are punishing Russia for starting an illegal war by attacking a sovereign country for no reason and committing horrendous atrocities against civilians. The idea is to isolate Russia in an attempt to get them to stop. But the Russian athletes have done nothing to be punished for. In the past they’ve made Russian teams play without their Russian colours, flag , name and anthem. Figure something out and let them play.

I don't think the question is would the Hawks be rushing KK if he was on the roster, but what is best for his development?, Playing #1 minutes in juniors, or sheltered minutes in Chicago being coached by Richardson, Dean ? Whether it is this year or next, he is still going to have a learning curve when he play's with the big boys. I am sure KD'S decision is about what is best for KK's development as opposed to what is best for the team now.
- LAHawk

Good point, LA. To me, the question is how to make a player the best he can be in the long run.

On KK;

Sure it is wishful thinking Kk “blows the doors off” and is here for the season. Surely he has good and bad moments irregardless when he plays here so why rush him …..rookie gp allowance and a year to get stronger for a man’s league is preferable

On C Jones:

Opportunity reach a higher or better level of consistency defensively on a better team and with more NHL experience Many on this board expect that he will have the same issues yet on a third pair his strong point - skating/offensive puck mover - may stand out. Probably a team where their style of play is as tailored as could be for his ability. I am glad though to be rid of him and glad KD able to grab Bjork from Rockford as needed

On Cooley:

Don’t see Coyotes allowing him to play WJ Tournament or anywhere else. He is too good and they need his offense. Possibly Coyotes wind up moving Keller and retaining Cooley. Figure Cooley makes others around him better than Keller- yes. There is big expectation for Cooley. However it would be interesting if Mathews ever goes home/roots to Arizona if compensation would Cooley be the main attraction

Also will Rinzell play or even know how to play acceptable enough defense to make the USA roster?
I would like to know what a comparison looks like between him and the tall kid we drafted who has been playing collegiately I believe at Providence
- jhawk59

Isn't Matthews an UFA after this year??? If so, Coyotes have to send no compensation. Matthews and Cooley can be teammates...

Yeah, I don't get why this is so hard for a few on here. This isn't a GM or coach on the hot seat who could force a kid to play to show management they have some pieces and just need time to develop.

If any kid proves he is NHL worthy AND proves he can play at the NHL level, not be a liability and be a better option than most veteran d men currently on the roster....they will play. That is what a rebuild is essentially about. Taking the time to make sure the kids are ready, and when they are you don't block them by playing washed up veteran placeholders.

IMO....I just think it's a stretch this year for a few to make that large leap. Next year I think is more reasonable...but what the hell do I know?
- SteveRain

Its a win win for KD. If he's progressed enough he'll play. If he hasn't he goes back to the farm and you get another year on his contract. One of the reasons i like the LR hire, he'll know if he's ready or not.

Its a win win for KD. If he's progressed enough he'll play. If he hasn't he goes back to the farm and you get another year on his contract. One of the reasons i like the LR hire, he'll know if he's ready or not.
- BetweenTheDots

And you know this how? NHL Coaches are there to win now, not to determine if a player will max out his potential. NHL coaches have short shelf lives and need to win now. If any coach feels a player will help this year in a certain area, even if the player in question needs work in other facets of his game, he will request his availability for the team. It’s the GM who has to weigh the short and long term development of each player.

And you know this how? NHL Coaches are there to win now, not to determine if a player will max out his potential. NHL coaches have short shelf lives and need to win now. If any coach feels a player will help this year in a certain area, even if the player in question needs work in other facets of his game, he will request his availability for the team. It’s the GM who has to weigh the short and long term development of each player.
- paulr

Based on 1417 games played in the NHL. There is no pressure on him at all for now. Sure he wants to win, who doesn't, but I'm sure he's in touch with reality and understands they are rebuilding right now and probably has experienced a thing or two on how a good rebuild looks like and how a bad one does. My money says KD listens closely to what LR says when it comes to players evaluation and if they should be seasoned more or stay in the big leagues.

This doesn't work unless the entire org is on the same page.

And you know this how? NHL Coaches are there to win now, not to determine if a player will max out his potential. NHL coaches have short shelf lives and need to win now. If any coach feels a player will help this year in a certain area, even if the player in question needs work in other facets of his game, he will request his availability for the team. It’s the GM who has to weigh the short and long term development of each player.
- paulr

The Hawks have admitted they are rebuilding......Upper management is on board, KD is on board, LR is on board.....why would Richardson push KK if his job is safe and the entire organization is OK with the slow burn to all this? This isn't a boqvist or Dach situation where they are trying to extend a window to win and forcing kids up who aren't ready.

They have veteran placeholders in place to babysit the spot until the kids are ready.....