Agree with you Mr. R, Mrazek came to camp ready to be the #1 this year in Chicago. And it just so happens that he needs to sell KD (or some other team) on a nice new contract with term. Based on his play so far, he will definitely find an employer. I see Mrazek as a middle tier NHL goalie who gives a team 40 - max 45 starts a year, so a team with him needs a top quality backup if they plan to be a playoff team. I guess I would be OK if the Hawks re-signed him for a couple years with a bump to $4M/yr and then hope what happens with Soderblom and Commeso is real good.

All that said, my view is that there are only 8 NHL teams with clearcut elite goaltenders on their roster, worth paying $6M or more to on multi year deals. If you have one you pay him. Those guys are Oettinger, Sorokin, Hellebuyck, Demko, Shesterkin, Saros, Swayman/Ullmark, Bobrovsky.

And then there are the borderline elite guys depending on whats in front of them - Carter Hart, John Gibson, Markstrom and Kuemper.

So thats 12/13 elite goalies for a 32 team league that has already seen 73 goalies play so far this year. The Hawks don't need one yet, they need to spend/acquire help up front.
- RickJ

Curious Rick, do you play fantasy hockey? This is my 2nd yr not playing and although I don't have nearly the grasp of the league as when I played fantasy man, is it liberating to just be a fan.

Fine breakdown of league goaltending, Rick...... As an old goalie I could get wordy enough to fill a bunch of paragraphs but simply said it is a rush to watch a goalie in complete harmony of all his moving parts including between the ears and Mrazak is there since Day 1 of this season.

Looked up Mrazak at EP to refresh my memory. #1 he's only 6ft 2in, will turn 32 in Feb and like most in a contract yr you get the best version of the player..... But, looking at his numbers all the way back to Slovakia this dude's resume is full of .915 and .923 SPG's all the way back and thru his NHL action with DET when he made his NHL debut back in 2012/2013. In fact, statistically his only bad yrs were 1 each with PHI and TOR (TOR just can't catch a break in goal). https://www.eliteprospect.../player/34797/petr-mrazek

I really like how KD has handled the position since he took over. Mrazak can help ease Soderblom into the league while Commesso is in Yr 1 at RKF with Gajun farther down the pipeline. Not a bad pipeline and how it's spread out... If Soderblom ain't the guy in 2 yrs Commesso might be ready. If he's not the guy Gajun will only be 3ish yrs behind for his turn.  

Does signing Mrazak to maybe a 2ish yr deal at 4-5ish mil per make sense in the goalie pipeline window? ... Maybe. Does moving him at the TDL for assets make sense?

Funny thing about this yr for me is when I watch the team I don't look to see who they can move for picks like last yr. I watch em this yr differently, which of these players might fit long term instead of what can they bring back in a trade and expect that to continue as they play Yr 1 from the total teardown...

The red flag is “skates well for his size” this usually means is an average skater.
- paulr

No doubt that is the term used for guys that are not quite average skaters, skates well for his size...... But after yrs of reading and watching prospects and disagreeing with some of the pundits/evaluators it seems that skating ability is very subjective.

Really the $64,000 question with skating is can the player play NHL with his skating if indeed it is less than average along with can his skating be fixed?

I’m sure KD will go with the best player on his board. I just think they will rate the more skilled D-men higher than the other type which will make it more likely to draft one.
- Chunk

Especially a right shot Dman or maybe even a forward with size. But that's probably a common occurrence, that organIzations give a bump to a RS Dman or a forward with size (a power forward type).

No doubt that is the term used for guys that are not quite average skaters, skates well for his size...... But after yrs of reading and watching prospects and disagreeing with some of the pundits/evaluators it seems that skating ability is very subjective.

Really the $64,000 question with skating is can the player play NHL with his skating if indeed it is less than average along with can his skating be fixed?
- Mr Ricochet

I think you’re missing the point. Have you ever read, “skates well for a small or average sized player”? Have you ever read that Korchinski, Byfuglien, Byfield or Ovechkin skate well for big guys? No, any scouting reports say they are all good skaters. Now based on that, what do you think the qualifier “skates well for a big guy” is supposed to mean?

Kaiser is a natural LD?
- Chunk

Yes

Does signing Mrazak to maybe a 2ish yr deal at 4-5ish mil per make sense in the goalie pipeline window? ... Maybe. Does moving him at the TDL for assets make sense?

Funny thing about this yr for me is when I watch the team I don't look to see who they can move for picks like last yr. I watch em this yr differently, which of these players might fit long term instead of what can they bring back in a trade and expect that to continue as they play Yr 1 from the total teardown...
- Mr Ricochet

For me it would - especially in the sense of - well, it will be maybe a semi-intangible --- it is pretty clear that 98's headspace is about winning ... what he does, in his head, is meaningless, if they lose a game -he's shown that already ... and the question ends up being, does Mrazek give the team a better chance of winning than other goalies?

At this point in time, it is clearly the case. I'd do - 1 at least - probably 2.

I think you’re missing the point. Have you ever read, “skates well for a small or average sized player”? Have you ever read that Korchinski, Byfuglien, Byfield or Ovechkin skate well for big guys? No, any scouting reports say they are all good skaters. Now based on that, what do you think the qualifier “skates well for a big guy” is supposed to mean?
- paulr

To me it means just what I posted. A copy and paste....... "No doubt that is the term used for guys that are not quite average skaters, skates well for his size"..

Am I still missing the point?

As far as smaller players a negative about their skating I read is "doesn't have the dynamic skating needed for a kid his size at the NHL level". And again, IMO that is subjective but not necessarily wrong.

I think I cannot count on some developemental upsurge by Reichel and Kurashev this season.

I would love to be here in late march and feeling, yeah, those two are gonna be impact on the top two lines.
At some point this team whether they are riding along side nazar, Moore, etc. they may have to decide to take a big swing with a future UFA who is an impact offensive player, like Nylander's expiring deal, but it may be too soon to tab him as the signing. It is going to be determined by a combo of $, fit and a desire to play with this first round player we have up front and is obviously looking for other gunslingers to ride with, not just rookies.

I think Soderstrom has all the makings of nhl goalie.

For me it would - especially in the sense of - well, it will be maybe a semi-intangible --- it is pretty clear that 98's headspace is about winning ... what he does, in his head, is meaningless, if they lose a game -he's shown that already ... and the question ends up being, does Mrazek give the team a better chance of winning than other goalies?

At this point in time, it is clearly the case. I'd do - 1 at least - probably 2.
- SC116

Well, we know KD didn't build the 2023/24 roster to win. Do we know that he will build the 2024/25 roster to win? ...... Let's assume yes.

No doubt having Mrazak on the roster gives them a better chance to win. Is it possible they see him as part of the squad in 3-4 yrs when it's win time? Maybe be the backup to Commesso or Soderblom?

Or do they go with Soderblom and look for a Stalock type to split time and trade Mrazak at the TDL? ........

Then if they do resign Mrazak he's probably gonna be looking for term, my guess is a minimum 3yr deal. Would you be good with giving Mrazak a 3 yr deal at 4ish mil per yr? I think it'd be wise to keep Mrazak around if only for insurance cuz with only Stauber and Soderblom as NHL options they are very exposed.

Important to remember, for better or worse, this is as good as Mrazak has ever played. Add his injuries to the equation Mrazak is far from a money in the bank kinda goalie but probably wise to resign for an organIzation who's hopeful NHL goalies in the pipeline are 2-3 yrs away at least.

I think Soderstrom has all the makings of nhl goalie.
- wiz1901

Sure hope so, Wiz. Hoping the best for Soderblom but as of today I see a ceiling of a middle of the road backup at best.

You watch any of the 2 games last weekend between U of MN @ U of MI?...... Think Rinzel looks like a bigger player, a bit more sure of himself, skating still good and by my eye was runnin the #1 PP Saturday night. ...... Long ways away, 3-4-5 yrs, but if you squint you can see the possibilities.

So, Matt Petgrave has been charged with manslaughter in the death of Adam Johnson. I chose not to watch the replay, but I'm curious what others think of the arrest.

No Cale Makar (among others) for Team Canada in the future? Wow.

https://www.bleachernatio...re-events-appeal-pending/

So, Matt Petgrave has been charged with manslaughter in the death of Adam Johnson. I chose not to watch the replay, but I'm curious what others think of the arrest.
- mohel

Wow!! What are they saying that he was reckless causing the kid to get cut??? ....... Like you I will not look at that video. A horrid situation that might have even gotten worse.

So, Matt Petgrave has been charged with manslaughter in the death of Adam Johnson. I chose not to watch the replay, but I'm curious what others think of the arrest.
- mohel

First time I saw it I thought accident. Then I saw an interview with Jeremy Roenick and he said it was done purposely. Upon rewatching I’m inclined to think the same, it was done recklessly. Obviously he wasn’t trying to kill him but he seems to have almost done a drop kick.

No Cale Makar (among others) for Team Canada in the future? Wow.

https://www.bleachernatio...re-events-appeal-pending/
- mohel

The other day Steve Rain was questioning what happened to this investigation. I guess it’s still ongoing.

I think you’re missing the point. Have you ever read, “skates well for a small or average sized player”? Have you ever read that Korchinski, Byfuglien, Byfield or Ovechkin skate well for big guys? No, any scouting reports say they are all good skaters. Now based on that, what do you think the qualifier “skates well for a big guy” is supposed to mean?
- paulr

I would love to see the scouting report from his days as a junior on Phil Esposito. I never thought he could skate worth a damn, but he sure knew how to put the puck in the net.

Just seems like big guys who made the NHL but were poor skaters made it as defenceman, helped by the rules that allowed clutching and grabbing. Guys like Brad Marsh, Derian Hatcher, Hal Gill maybe even Chara.

But the old days are over because today's player is a better athlete, in better shape and wearing lighter, custom made skates (no more of those CCM Tacks that weighed about 10lbs a piece).

So, Matt Petgrave has been charged with manslaughter in the death of Adam Johnson. I chose not to watch the replay, but I'm curious what others think of the arrest.
- mohel

I watched the replay multiple times, and the more you watch, the more you realize that it was a reckless play made out of desperation by someone with no respect for the game or fellow players. The player that interfered between Johnson and Petgrave made little to no contact with Petgrave, so it's not like he got bridged or clipped, causing his skate to fly up. Petgrave realized that Johnson was going to skate past him to the center of the ice, so he jumped and threw his leg out in desperation to stop Johnson.

I hope that Petgrave spends a significant time in jail for what he did. He has a history of being one of the dirtiest players in that league, and there's a clip of him in the OHL throwing his leg out in a similar fashion to stop a player and flipping the guy on his head.

I think I cannot count on some developemental upsurge by Reichel and Kurashev this season.

I would love to be here in late march and feeling, yeah, those two are gonna be impact on the top two lines.
At some point this team whether they are riding along side nazar, Moore, etc. they may have to decide to take a big swing with a future UFA who is an impact offensive player, like Nylander's expiring deal, but it may be too soon to tab him as the signing. It is going to be determined by a combo of $, fit and a desire to play with this first round player we have up front and is obviously looking for other gunslingers to ride with, not just rookies.

I think Soderstrom has all the makings of nhl goalie.
- wiz1901

Reichel is 21 and only has a little over 1/2 season of NHL experience. According to his coach and teammates, Kurashev seems to be turning a corner as well.

https://chicago.suntimes....lyfish-nhl-fantasy-hockey

Bedard has raved about Kurashev several times recently.

“He’s really smart,” Bedard said. “He sees the ice so well. He’s willing to go get the puck, and, out of the corner, [he’s] making the quick play and just seeing where guys are. It’s really impressive to see that.


‘‘He’s been a lot of fun to play with, and we talk on the bench about plays we think we could do. That adds on to the chemistry.”

Richardson has urged Kurashev — along with most other Hawks — to start shooting more often because Kurashev’s shot rates have declined significantly. He has only had two shots on goal (on 10 attempts) during five-on-five play.

That might not be a huge issue, however, when Bedard — who will never be accused of not shooting enough — is next to him. Kurashev has seemingly focused on being more of a puck retriever and setup guy for Bedard, and he has thrived in that role...

“He’s not afraid to go in the hard areas, and I think that really bodes well for him,” Foligno said recently. “He’s still a guy trying to figure out who he is. And I think he’s realizing that there are certain things that he does really well.”


Obviously his biggest issue is consistency, but if there was ever a year to see if guys can turn the corner and pan out, this is it.

Well, we know KD didn't build the 2023/24 roster to win. Do we know that he will build the 2024/25 roster to win? ...... Let's assume yes.

No doubt having Mrazak on the roster gives them a better chance to win. Is it possible they see him as part of the squad in 3-4 yrs when it's win time? Maybe be the backup to Commesso or Soderblom?

Or do they go with Soderblom and look for a Stalock type to split time and trade Mrazak at the TDL? ........

Then if they do resign Mrazak he's probably gonna be looking for term, my guess is a minimum 3yr deal. Would you be good with giving Mrazak a 3 yr deal at 4ish mil per yr? I think it'd be wise to keep Mrazak around if only for insurance cuz with only Stauber and Soderblom as NHL options they are very exposed.

Important to remember, for better or worse, this is as good as Mrazak has ever played. Add his injuries to the equation Mrazak is far from a money in the bank kinda goalie but probably wise to resign for an organIzation who's hopeful NHL goalies in the pipeline are 2-3 yrs away at least.
- Mr Ricochet

3'd be doable for me as well. No problem with that. You're talking about a guy that would be 35 and a bit at the end of that contract. Why not?

Wow!! What are they saying that he was reckless causing the kid to get cut??? ....... Like you I will not look at that video. A horrid situation that might have even gotten worse.
- Mr Ricochet

That's the thing - you have to look at it -- or at least listen to JR's take on it. I watched it first (and to be fair you can see it off of some guy's phone from the stands -so a fair distance away).

There is no way that was a hockey move, or an accident - it was an idiot move and completely irresponsible. Essentially it was a karate kick. I have never ever seen anything like it on any rink, including by a number of people with limited skating ability and prone to losing their balance - this dumb-a** got caught out of position and used his leg to impede the progress of the attacking player.

Like a reckless high stick causing a major injury- in this case it was reckless positioning with a skate blade at head height - entirely different from the Clint Malarchuk situation.

That was my reaction after watching the video a few hours ago. I cued up JR's commentary, and it was nearly word for word my independent feelings in seeing it.

You never get taught or coached to use your feet in that way - not head height, not even waist height - I mean hell, the idiot refs should have been all over it -but the best I could tell from that dude's stats on hockeydb is - he's only had 3 minors all year. HOW?!?!?! at a minimum that's a major penalty for being an irresponsible idiot.

No accident, I firmly believe that, too -and I wanted to believe it was an accident, badly... I just can't.

The other day Steve Rain was questioning what happened to this investigation. I guess it’s still ongoing.
- paulr

Slowest investigation I can remember. For the non guilty, truly unfair, but I have to admit, I know absolutely nothing about how the legal system works in Canada.

Slowest investigation I can remember. For the non guilty, truly unfair, but I have to admit, I know absolutely nothing about how the legal system works in Canada.
- vabeachbear

Absolutely. It's like they're saying they can't figure out who did it, so we need to punish the innocent to make sure we punish the guilty. Arse backward.

Absolutely. It's like they're saying they can't figure out who did it, so we need to punish the innocent to make sure we punish the guilty. Arse backward.
- mohel

It is under appeal, if the players win the appeal than no one is guilty. If not, then the involved will be named. Either way those that are playing professional hockey, nothing happens to them except for someone like Makar who would be on a world cup of hockey squad or the olympics.

Absolutely. It's like they're saying they can't figure out who did it, so we need to punish the innocent to make sure we punish the guilty. Arse backward.
- mohel

In a nutshell, Hockey Canada hired a law firm for the investigation. Law firm completed its report in November 2022 and turned the results over to an adjudicative panel made up of two retired judges and a lawyer to determine if sanctions could be imposed to players. Panel made a decision, informed the parties involved, and someone filed an appeal. The appeal process is forthcoming and Hockey Canada is not sharing details of the report.

Complete article from CBC here.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/p...-sexual-assault-1.7028017

In a nutshell, Hockey Canada hired a law firm for the investigation. Law firm completed its report in November 2022 and turned the results over to an adjudicative panel made up of two retired judges and a lawyer to determine if sanctions could be imposed to players. Panel made a decision, informed the parties involved, and someone filed an appeal. The appeal process is forthcoming and Hockey Canada is not sharing details of the report.

Complete article from CBC here.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/p...-sexual-assault-1.7028017
- boilermaker100

So when people say they know who the players are, they really don't know yet. That's what i figured.