Yes, there are all indications he can project as a low line-up guy.

He needs seasoning and that will get the pins in his boots improved.

There is plenty to like in his well he moves at that 225 lbs. already, but I don't see them rushing into the NHL.
- wiz1901

You mean at 245? He does move well already for a big guy

Anyone else have flashbacks of Gus every time he wandered below the goal line in the O zone?
- Rota's Rooter

My issue with Gus was how quickly he would lose the puck on his stick as he would skate down low. To me if KK can maintain possession to allow for example Kurashev to play his position, which he did very well last night recognize and adjust several times, i think then its fine. My favorite move by Gus was trying to hit the top corner and miss the net entirely and the puck just flies around the boards to the opponent and creates an instant man advantage the other way.

I did see KK actually pin a forward to the boards last night so seems like the coaching is being heard.

I wouldn't expect The Marvelous Marcel to make the team yet. There is no reason to rush him in, he signed an AHL contract and there enough guys ahead of him that will need to pass through waivers if sent down. He did play pretty well, but I think the coaches will expect more before he is considered ready.

I don't want to say last night was a wake up call or anything that extreme but I think it was a first taste for Connor Bedard about just how much less time and space he will get at the NHL level. There were definitely moments he looked a bit frustrated or was sealed off from making a play that I think he might normally make. His talent still shines through and we all know he has the determination and work effort to keep improving his game, but it will be interesting to see the adjustments. LR was quick to change up the lines moving Kurashev around to play with Hall/Bedard for a while in the second period. I wish the Hawks had someone similar to Hossa, who could be a bit more of the bull in the China shop to push forward and create more space for Bedard.

Jhawk59:

Jimbo, I had no problem reading you phone typing that your non-bifocaled eye wear allows you to catch.
Your thoughts were clear (to me), but, in regards to your thoughts.

They are not going to limit KK's chances in the preseason, so Roos, Phillips, and Crevier can play.
If they plan on staying they have to play their way onto the NHL roster, like #44 came back ready to hold on to.

The options on Korchinski lack the ability to percolate in Rockford, so this entire season's plan the are attempting to map out, is basically centered around letting him go play World Junior pre- Boxing Day + Christmas / New Year's.

They are attempting to get as much NHL time in simply so he can develop where he is supposes to use his obvious movement abilities (that far exceed the jump of Kaiser, who is a terrific dee prospect for his different strengths.

I am pretty sure management wants that and if they need him to not play here in February & March they wait until the playoffs are closer in the dub (WHL).

It is a BIG decioson, and I know they are saying the 9 games can easily be more and the contract yr. burned off, as it is not as important as getting your number one drafted defenseman opportunities.

I know you love watching each and every of the hawks drafted/ acquired young defenseman with the hopes the group hits the pro ice flying and never seeing the AHL again, but they like former prospects Adam Boqvist, Chad Krys, Lucas Carlsson, Ian Mitchell, Jakub Galvas, Nicolas Beaudin, have to display NHL game in their chances in pre-season and call-ups, and IF they are successful, they don't have to bench the other defenders, as they willWIN opportunities when they SHOW the BELONG. The pre-season is still happening and if they got it they win one, w/o the coaching staff rolling a red carpet out so they can get a "try" at it.
You win it by your play.

I don't want to say last night was a wake up call or anything that extreme but I think it was a first taste for Connor Bedard about just how much less time and space he will get at the NHL level. There were definitely moments he looked a bit frustrated or was sealed off from making a play that I think he might normally make. His talent still shines through and we all know he has the determination and work effort to keep improving his game, but it will be interesting to see the adjustments. LR was quick to change up the lines moving Kurashev around to play with Hall/Bedard for a while in the second period. I wish the Hawks had someone similar to Hossa, who could be a bit more of the bull in the China shop to push forward and create more space for Bedard.
- breadbag

{Thanks for going Marcel as I suggested in the prior post.}

I thought that before it was over, the entire team was looking for Bedard equal to simply playing the simple play.

what I am saying is the players are already for him.

Fortunately Bedard can be a huge set-up guy b/c of his high stick skill.

That will be find as he finds the back of the net.

I am certsinhe is on with those wingers to provide some mucking in return.

I am not going to feel anything about how close the NHL checks Bedard. he will figure it out, or not but he still is already an impact, imo.

I know Paulie will be miffed, but KK has looked pretty noticeable to my untrained eye.
- mohel

I'm on record as saying as of before the preseason IMO KK needs more work but am ok with the club giving him the preseason and some regular season games and if he gives them no choice he stays up.

I've been a fan of his skating from the jump at his draqft but then he shows you there's even more. AA, at damn near top speed, carrying it in wide and marked near the wall, a streak drives the lane MATCHING AA's speed. It was KK!!!

This kid can not only use his edges and balance in a damn near elite way but he can pace with AA??????? Kid shows hair on fire speed.... Damn impressive.

Hawks expected lineup for Saturday night's game at Minnesota. Unfortunately, I don't think the game is being broadcasted locally in the Chicago area.

https://twitter.com/CRoum...amp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

I don't want to say last night was a wake up call or anything that extreme but I think it was a first taste for Connor Bedard about just how much less time and space he will get at the NHL level. There were definitely moments he looked a bit frustrated or was sealed off from making a play that I think he might normally make. His talent still shines through and we all know he has the determination and work effort to keep improving his game, but it will be interesting to see the adjustments. LR was quick to change up the lines moving Kurashev around to play with Hall/Bedard for a while in the second period. I wish the Hawks had someone similar to Hossa, who could be a bit more of the bull in the China shop to push forward and create more space for Bedard.
- breadbag

I noticed that too and no thanks to the goofs/hacks in the booth not calling names but wasn't sure if it was cuz Misiak was out for as spell from the big hit and they were down to 11 forwaqrds and had to juggle.

But Danato showed little to that point so I was thinking LR is juggling....... But Kurashev showed why it's so hard to quit him. He showed ++ speed with Bedard and Hall then he showed his top 6 hands on that goal.

A new season. Has Kurashev taken a step and is more consistent? Cuz this guy has top 6 hands and feet.

You look forward to games, that didn't happen last year.

Bedard can pass like Kane (tell me I'm not the only one who thought that on the OT pass for GWG), and Wiz says shoots like Bossy.

That's going to be a hell of a hockey player.

Thought most played well, and played Luke's system. They are going to be better than many think, not great, but better than most think, and in most games every night.

Player who most surprised me was Misiak, faster and bigger than I thought, and in the 1st he was undefeated at the dot.

Oh, and as I've said before, Wyatt Kaiser is making this team, and its already decided.

With 5 and half minutes left, Bedard gets the puck to Hall, but, no, he doesn't...

They need the emergence of a draft prospect who is in the very same spot Hall was with defenders closing, who handles that puck and gets the shot off (that Hall didn't).

Quite specific I am when hall and Bedard got bunched together.
- wiz1901

Cole Eiserman!!

You look forward to games, that didn't happen last year.

Bedard can pass like Kane (tell me I'm not the only one who thought that on the OT pass for GWG), and Wiz says shoots like Bossy.

That's going to be a hell of a hockey player.

Thought most played well, and played Luke's system. They are going to be better than many think, not great, but better than most think, and in most games every night.

Player who most surprised me was Misiak, faster and bigger than I thought, and in the 1st he was undefeated at the dot.

Oh, and as I've said before, Wyatt Kaiser is making this team, and its already decided.
- vabeachbear

I have the USHL package and watch a lot. Misiak played for Youngstown and they won the cup last yr. Was their 1C. Saw YT maybe 10 times on screen and thought I really like Misiak as a 3C in the USHL.

Nice IQ, he's always around the puck, good motor and positioning. And here he is in the bigs showing plus speed, still that nice IQ/motor, and is always around the puck showing decent hands as a 6ft 2 in 195 lb 18 yr old rookie.

No other way to say it, I missed on this guy. He has a chance.

Maybe 3 shifts in to his first game last yr I posted I'm out over my skis but Kaiser is a top 4 NHL Dman. 8-9 games up last yr, the camps and this game and the kid doesn't surprise me any more.

He just makes the right play 95% of the time, period. As he got comfortable last yr kid started attacking, showing more. ...... Mark me down for Kaiser being the glue of a defense who eats 23 hard minutes a night playing on the 1st PK unit.

Kid plays like he's watching the game from above in the seats. We always make the right play from the stands with the benefit of a bird's eye view. This kid has a bird's eye view from ice level!!

Now it's just a matter of how far his physical talent will take him but I see a money in the bank 15 yr top 4 Dman floor. ..... Thank you StanBowPops&McD.

Hawks expected lineup for Saturday night's game at Minnesota. Unfortunately, I don't think the game is being broadcasted locally in the Chicago area.

https://twitter.com/CRoum...amp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet
- boilermaker100

BM, I have been watching my NHL and Major Junior hockey from this site for 2 yrs now with no problems. http://onhockey.tv/

I am oddly optimistic that this is such an ideal mix of two camps: the first being young, fast, talented and raw who know they are playing with house money in the sense they are not expected to win, but to grow; and over the hill but stable and mature leaders who are able and willing to cover and protect them.

I think this makes for a very healthy mix, and it was a great decision to lose 19 and 88 because their presence would have ruined that dynamic...

I see 2024-2025 like 2008-2009 - just without the cheap ticket prices.

He had a big role with his countries national team, as they rush up and down around him, as he used his strengths when he could.

But Marcel once is enough
- wiz1901

As I watch Marcel I say to myself this dude is 243 lbs!!! No way does he move like a 243 pounder.

One helluva lump of clay to work with.

Of all the plays last night i really really liked when the Blues had a grade A opportunity to score and 98 was back 175 feet to take his stick away. These games in the NHL are so tight one of the little things that make up the difference between winning and losing a game any given night.

Of all the plays last night i really really liked when the Blues had a grade A opportunity to score and 98 was back 175 feet to take his stick away. These games in the NHL are so tight one of the little things that make up the difference between winning and losing a game any given night.
- BetweenTheDots

I was disappointed that it wasn't included in any of the highlights people were posting on Twitter. It was a nice defensive stick.

Does anyone think he has nearly the polish to stick? I'd rather see him grow into a role than watch Reese Johnson, Blackwell or Entwistle...
- busmaster

My guess, no. Marcel was draft eligible in 2022 so he's 19 and on top of that he's an October birthday making him one of the older players of that 2022 draft.

Bright side is even though he was drafted out of the QMJHL but he also played in CZE last yr. Pretty sure that somehow allows him to play AHL and not have to go back to jrs as a 19 yr old.

Bight side is Marcel will be at the appropriate level in the AHL and not stuck in jrs. https://www.eliteprospect...ayer/559520/marcel-marcel

Anyone else have flashbacks of Gus every time he wandered below the goal line in the O zone?
- Rota's Rooter

KK obviously has the green light to go go go but I believe both KD and LR have publicly said KK needs to be more judicious with picking his spots to attack.

Kid has skating the thing down into the corner down pat. Like to see him develop getting to the middle of the ice with some of those rushes cuz often times a Dman skating deep into the corner is like skating into a cul-de-sac then get caught deep for an odd man against.

Very much liked him taking it towards the corner and throwing it at the goalie's feet/blue paint like he did on the Kurashev goal.

I was thinking more Campbell. It's funny reading all the different viewpoints here. Many are/were begging for more speed and dynamics from our blueline since the Hawks recently have only had "stay-at-home" types (outside of the Joneses). Now they have some prospects and others are concerned they are too risky.

As with everything, moderation is best. It will be up to the coaches and GM to make sure they have the right mix of players and those players do what is necessary within their system. The nice thing is that the vast majority of players on this team (and coming in the near future) can all skate and play aggressive. There seems to be a lot of hunger out there.
- Chunk

If the Hawks start 2-3 rookie Dmen they will get caught being too aggressive many times as they learn. Absolutely loved seeing an almost totally defensive group flashing into and out of the screen poking pucks loose in all 3 zones.

Against a full group of NHLers they will get skunked often enough but I'm on board with using all that mobility to be aggressive as they learn when and when not to be aggressive.

IMO that is what the Hawk's under KD will look like. A team full of speed and skill challenging pucks in all 3 zones. .

BM, I have been watching my NHL and Major Junior hockey from this site for 2 yrs now with no problems. http://onhockey.tv/
- Mr Ricochet

Thanks. I read about that site here before. Haven't tried it yet, but I'll give it a go.

If the Hawks start 2-3 rookie Dmen they will get caught being too aggressive many times as they learn. Absolutely loved seeing an almost totally defensive group flashing into and out of the screen poking pucks loose in all 3 zones.

Against a full group of NHLers they will get skunked often enough but I'm on board with using all that mobility to be aggressive as they learn when and when not to be aggressive.

IMO that is what the Hawk's under KD will look like. A team full of speed and skill challenging pucks in all 3 zones. .
- Mr Ricochet

Playing rookies and dealing with rookie mistakes doesn't bother me, but the Hawks veterans (s. Jones, Murphy, Zaitsev, Tinordi )making rookie mistakes will bother me

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Blackhawks assign Luypen, Healey, MacDougall, Maniscalco and Perrott to Rockford. Training camp roster trimmed to 46.

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Blackhawks assign Luypen, Healey, MacDougall, Maniscalco and Perrott to Rockford. Training camp roster trimmed to 46.
- LAHawk

Would have liked to see Luypen get into a game before going to Rockford. Late round pick from a while ago but has shown flashes here and there. Just starting his ELC so will see what he can do in Rockford.

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Blackhawks assign Luypen, Healey, MacDougall, Maniscalco and Perrott to Rockford. Training camp roster trimmed to 46.
- LAHawk

Too bad Luypen was injured to start camp. Coaches had some positive comments about him being a puck hound. Would have liked to see him get a preseason game just to see.