https://x.com/spittinchic...m_TOC4JS2QLHSsZlP58Q&s=01

Been some good clean hits, here's one from MacKinnon

https://x.com/spittinchiclets/status/1735158464748347483?t=tvm_TOC4JS2QLHSsZlP58Q&s=01

Been some good clean hits, here's one from MacKinnon
- BetweenTheDots

Nice hit and MacKinnon didn’t even have to fight someone. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Yeah, where you can safely project Celebrini into various pro roles, Eiserman is basically a huge shot, but so rough along the edges and not even being pigeon holed to a specific position up front.

I thought TSN's explanation about how USA -NDT center James Hagens (2025) WAS selected because he is an elite driver from the centre position. Button: "You're looking at a player who can create offence and deliver the puck. His vision, his puck skills, and he's an underrated scorer. A very, very good player who can be elusive. He's creative."

Back to Eisrman:
I have seen a lot of him, and there is plenty of juice there.
With it you will see his want to be the man, take over, retaliate, not let things go, etc.
A kid.
One who knows he has talent, and doesn't hold back, and that has also deterred him.

No worries.

He is going to a really good pro with a deadly shot.

It is going to be more fun for Hawk fans than most World Juniors with Moore and lil Frankie Nazar showing their team games off.
- wiz1901

If I recall correctly, DeBrincat wasn't selected to team USA for the WJHC either and his career seems to develop just fine.

If the Hawks draft #1 or #2 I will be more than happy with Celebrini or Eiserman, they would each be a home run for the Hawks. If the Hawks draft 3rd or later then this draft becomes a bit murky. Lindstrom would be a great selection, and while I think the Hawks should draft a forward, they would need to give a long look at Levshunov (RHD) and D!ckinson (LHD) too.

If I recall correctly, DeBrincat wasn't selected to team USA for the WJHC either and his career seems to develop just fine.

If the Hawks draft #1 or #2 I will be more than happy with Celebrini or Eiserman, they would each be a home run for the Hawks. If the Hawks draft 3rd or later then this draft becomes a bit murky. Lindstrom would be a great selection, and while I think the Hawks should draft a forward, they would need to give a long look at Levshunov (RHD) and D!ckinson (LHD) too.
- DarthKane

I have to say i would not be disappointed with any of those 3.

I always prefer good defensive players, but if you could get a good defensive player with a scoring touch that's a big win.

Levshunov Vlasic
Jones and Korchinski

Murphy soon to be Rinzel
And the some quality depth playing that final LD position.

We'd be looking a lot like the Preds in the 2010 to 2018 era

With one big difference, we've got Bedard its amazing he's been able to produce like he has with this group.

I have to say i would not be disappointed with any of those 3.

I always prefer good defensive players, but if you could get a good defensive player with a scoring touch that's a big win.

Levshunov Vlasic
Jones and Korchinski

Murphy soon to be Rinzel
And the some quality depth playing that final LD position.

We'd be looking a lot like the Preds in the 2010 to 2018 era

With one big difference, we've got Bedard its amazing he's been able to produce like he has with this group.
- BetweenTheDots

Not to mention about 20 additional forwards stockpiled in the prospect ranks that are showing well and developing. I’ve got my own issues with some of the moves (or lack thereof) that KD has made, but they are quite well set in the pipeline.

Not to mention about 20 additional forwards stockpiled in the prospect ranks that are showing well and developing. I’ve got my own issues with some of the moves (or lack thereof) that KD has made, but they are quite well set in the pipeline.
- Chunk

I understand, but i believe you have to start somewhere. Couple of years ago the only forward prospect we had in the pipeline was Reichel. I'm glad he committed to it. Maybe he is going to do what LA and NJ did, but we haven't reached those years yet according to those teams standards

I do find it weird that both Dubois and Meier aren't producing as well in the scoring department. It's crazy that Bedard is out producing both of them

I have to say i would not be disappointed with any of those 3.

I always prefer good defensive players, but if you could get a good defensive player with a scoring touch that's a big win.

Levshunov Vlasic
Jones and Korchinski

Murphy soon to be Rinzel
And the some quality depth playing that final LD position.

We'd be looking a lot like the Preds in the 2010 to 2018 era

With one big difference, we've got Bedard it’s amazing he's been able to produce like he has with this group.
- BetweenTheDots

I agree about building a formidable defense but is Levshonov or D!ckinson another of the same type of defenseman the Hawks already have? Currently I see the Hawks have all the elements needed for a strong backend. Lots of size, very good but not exceptional skaters, good puck movers etc…. What do they lack? A high end puck moving/powerplay specialist? An all round, all situations guy who can be used all the time like Keith or Drew Doughty?

The more I read and see clips of this Lindstrom kid the more I wonder if he projects as a Quinton Byfield type? I’m not generally a size Queen who views size before skill but if Lindstrom is as advertised, a guy who’s huge, a guy who’s an exceptional skater and a proven scorer in junior, maybe he fills all kinds of holes for the Hawks. He adds size to what are a collection of smallish prospects, he maintains the great skating ability coveted by KFC and he may even add an element of physicality to the Hawk’s future? I’m usually a firm believer in selecting the best available, but I wonder if Lindstrom is worth the Hawks swapping picks and receiving a top prospect or young player something to consider to get Lindstrom?

I have to say i would not be disappointed with any of those 3.

I always prefer good defensive players, but if you could get a good defensive player with a scoring touch that's a big win.

Levshunov Vlasic
Jones and Korchinski

Murphy soon to be Rinzel
And the some quality depth playing that final LD position.

We'd be looking a lot like the Preds in the 2010 to 2018 era

With one big difference, we've got Bedard its amazing he's been able to produce like he has with this group.
- BetweenTheDots

I don’t believe that Rinzel is ready any time soon; he is learning the art of playing defense as a college freshman right now. Even if on the fast track it is unfathomable to see a raw talent rushed to the NHL. In fact I expect to see him play at least one more season collegiately then most likely at least one year in the AHL

I see Phillips, Crevier and Kaiser improving. I won’t make any predictions on the success of those three but until we literally see good stuff from Roos and the Providence duo…..we are reaching too much on these guys

Roos might get to show his game but he has to be behind the others. Review is the steadiest and therefore may win out. He could be a real nice second or third pair; paired with Vlasuc this is quite a compelling duo potentially unlike other pairs due to their not fully tapped moreover offensive and defensive ability together as a pair.

Roos and the college duo are way back in the numbers game but bear watching.

I agree about building a formidable defense but is Levshonov or D!ckinson another of the same type of defenseman the Hawks already have? Currently I see the Hawks have all the elements needed for a strong backend. Lots of size, very good but not exceptional skaters, good puck movers etc…. What do they lack? A high end puck moving/powerplay specialist? An all round, all situations guy who can be used all the time like Keith or Drew Doughty?

The more I read and see clips of this Lindstrom kid the more I wonder if he projects as a Quinton Byfield type? I’m not generally a size Queen who views size before skill but if Lindstrom is as advertised, a guy who’s huge, a guy who’s an exceptional skater and a proven scorer in junior, maybe he fills all kinds of holes for the Hawks. He adds size to what are a collection of smallish prospects, he maintains the great skating ability coveted by KFC and he may even add an element of physicality to the Hawk’s future? I’m usually a firm believer in selecting the best available, but I wonder if Lindstrom is worth the Hawks swapping picks and receiving a top prospect or young player something to consider to get Lindstrom?
- paulr

If I had to handicap it right now, I’d say that Vlasic will be the best all around defenseman of the Hawks prospects. He just seems to have a great ability to see the play on both defense and offense.

I know the “top pick” forwards they’ve chosen are smaller/shorter, but several of the other forwards they’ve selected have some size to them. Dach, Hayes, Misiak, Marcel just off the top of my head. As always I’m more about what they do with their size than how much of it they have.

I agree about building a formidable defense but is Levshonov or D!ckinson another of the same type of defenseman the Hawks already have? Currently I see the Hawks have all the elements needed for a strong backend. Lots of size, very good but not exceptional skaters, good puck movers etc…. What do they lack? A high end puck moving/powerplay specialist? An all round, all situations guy who can be used all the time like Keith or Drew Doughty?

The more I read and see clips of this Lindstrom kid the more I wonder if he projects as a Quinton Byfield type? I’m not generally a size Queen who views size before skill but if Lindstrom is as advertised, a guy who’s huge, a guy who’s an exceptional skater and a proven scorer in junior, maybe he fills all kinds of holes for the Hawks. He adds size to what are a collection of smallish prospects, he maintains the great skating ability coveted by KFC and he may even add an element of physicality to the Hawk’s future? I’m usually a firm believer in selecting the best available, but I wonder if Lindstrom is worth the Hawks swapping picks and receiving a top prospect or young player something to consider to get Lindstrom?
- paulr

I hear the talk of the upside of early second rounder Vlasic as a future number one.
Might be.
If I was going to try and pigeon hole a need in a defensive prospect, I think I would say, Korchinski has upside, but there is no guarantee he is a more than a strong skating passer, so if there was a dynamic big skater with strong hands to attack up close, I would say that.
But if this giant Russian is as nasty as he seems, AND an offensive attacker, I would prioritize skating and offense but BIG too.

Yeah, I look at the forwards and have to praise what they drafted but they clearly are not large.
Skill always wins out for me, but I agree I want larger forwards.
The issue becomes the fact that so many bigger junior forwards who rank high end up being non factors as checkers defensive stalwarts b/c they are basically kids who excelled with the puck and they ARE that facet, not willing or ready for defensive roles.

With all my blabber about each draft, I still see trends like New Jersey taking Nico Hirscher and Jack Hughes two years later , then 7-HOLTZ & 18-MERCER , and then still being BAD ENOUGH to draft defenseman Luke Hughes 4th over all and then the next year Simon Nemec who is the real deal too.
In fact in 2020 they drafted four defenseman in then first four rounds.
Of course the board fell this way to them.

I think I like the fact that over the last past drafts various teams saw prospects they liked that weren't mainstreams as "top prospects," but teams were willing to thrust their tentpoles into the ground and select them.
Examples?
J. Kotkaniemi
Juraj Slafkovsky
Kirby Dach

I do not think Lindstrom hangs around the draft board until the Blackhawks select with Lightning first rounder.

So, if you want this BC native you simply take him. If they want to chance trading out off #3, fro a late first rounder do it if you see stardom for him.

Having three first rounders allows them to take a chance on choosing a bigger forward later, like RW Emil Hemming, or the Chicago Steel's Michael Hage.

or one of the bigger RD.

But Berky Catton is almost six foot. lazer Trevor Connelly (an Anaheim area native, so I think they keep that second first rounder...) maybe even under six footer Helenius.

Not many teams with an extra pick in 2024 around the top ten, and unless the were to sucker San Jose in a trade to get us Pittsburgh's #14 and their easy pick if they wanted slot three and didn't hold it. Doubtful.

Maybe they settle in and draft some of the 2024 prospects who are still behind the curve like the QMJHL's Raoul Bollard who is over 6' 1" or the Lucas Van Valet, who is buried in the USA Development team system, or a WHL Everett Silvertips C_LW Julius Miettinen, almost 6' 3".

You figure that they are later year pros IF they make it, and we have a load of fill already in the system (and team).

At some point the idea of drafting fast has to morph to big and fast.

https://www.lines.com/nhl/drafts

If I had to handicap it right now, I’d say that Vlasic will be the best all around defenseman of the Hawks prospects. He just seems to have a great ability to see the play on both defense and offense.

I know the “top pick” forwards they’ve chosen are smaller/shorter, but several of the other forwards they’ve selected have some size to them. Dach, Hayes, Misiak, Marcel just off the top of my head. As always I’m more about what they do with their size than how much of it they have.
- Chunk

I wouldn’t sleep on KK.

Where this team is currently on the rebuild, they have to take BPA. Of course I would like the BPA to be a big forward that can skate, but if not it is what it is. The challenge for KD is to accumulate young talent, whether that is through the draft or trade. If indeed the BPA for the Hawks is Levshunov when it’s their turn to pick, then they either take him and trade two of Allan, DelMastro, Kaiser, Crevier, Rinzel, or Phillips for forward help, or trade down like Paul suggested. TBH, they need a good young RD, Rinzel is a project and so is Crevier, not sure that either project as top four in the NHL, that’s TBD.

Where this team is currently on the rebuild, they have to take BPA. Of course I would like the BPA to be a big forward that can skate, but if not it is what it is. The challenge for KD is to accumulate young talent, whether that is through the draft or trade. If indeed the BPA for the Hawks is Levshunov when it’s their turn to pick, then they either take him and trade two of Allan, DelMastro, Kaiser, Crevier, Rinzel, or Phillips for forward help, or trade down like Paul suggested. TBH, they need a good young RD, Rinzel is a project and so is Crevier, not sure that either project as top four in the NHL, that’s TBD.
- Angotti

Exactly, and if you draft the best player available and he turns out to be a really good pro, you can always trade him for what you need. Or he might be exactly what you need. I never like targeting a player, best available, even if they are Russian, there i said it.

Where this team is currently on the rebuild, they have to take BPA. Of course I would like the BPA to be a big forward that can skate, but if not it is what it is. The challenge for KD is to accumulate young talent, whether that is through the draft or trade. If indeed the BPA for the Hawks is Levshunov when it’s their turn to pick, then they either take him and trade two of Allan, DelMastro, Kaiser, Crevier, Rinzel, or Phillips for forward help, or trade down like Paul suggested. TBH, they need a good young RD, Rinzel is a project and so is Crevier, not sure that either project as top four in the NHL, that’s TBD.
- Angotti

I think you draft best available. If it's another defender then cool, they can flip someone for forward help or whatever.

A Hossa or Stone type player would be outstanding but those guys are tough to come by.

It will be interesting to see who is available in Calgary, Ottawa and Columbus or maybe even the Capitals if theyre looking for some draft picks or assets. Thats where you have to ask some questions on if some players stall is related to org problems or if they're just bad.

Would Kent Johnson or Jack Roslovic be worth a flyer? I don't think Laine helps them.

How available is Josh Norris? Maybe thats one where a change of scenery would be good for Reichel and Ottawa can send a message they are willing to do whatever to take steps forward. I'm sure the Hawks have Hossa's shoulder guy on speed dial.

Granted some of these guys are centers but at least someone else is putting up some points so it isn't just one person.

Tom Wilson would be fun even though I can't stand him and doubt he's available while Ovi is chasing records. He'd certainly create some space for Bedard.

Edzo used to talk about taking down the guy's license plate number and coming back at a future time (later in the game, even) to deal with it. I don't remember McCabe having this kind of reputation, so I was kinda surprised by the reaction. Not like he's Trouba.
- 333inthe3rd

Hell, in the Original 6 days they would wait until the next game. Yes, I saw the Original Six, I was born in 1961.

Hell, in the Original 6 days they would wait until the next game. Yes, I saw the Original Six, I was born in 1961.
- scottak

They would pay back a cheap shot but they payback a clean hard hit with a clean hard hit of their own.

If I had to handicap it right now, I’d say that Vlasic will be the best all around defenseman of the Hawks prospects. He just seems to have a great ability to see the play on both defense and offense.

I know the “top pick” forwards they’ve chosen are smaller/shorter, but several of the other forwards they’ve selected have some size to them. Dach, Hayes, Misiak, Marcel just off the top of my head. As always I’m more about what they do with their size than how much of it they have.
- Chunk

I agree about Vlasic, I think he’s currently the Hawk’s best defender. I had no idea he could skate and was as mobile as he is.

Of the drafted forwards Dach and Marcel are more power forward types with some skill but Misiak is a big finesse type. I’m not sure about Hayes’ game? Lindstrom appears to be that huge dominant forward with the unusual ability to create havoc both physically and with skill.

Does Nolan Allen have a shot?

Does Nolan Allen have a shot?
- TJYTJY

A shot to make it? A shot from the point? A shot of whiskey?

A shot to make it? A shot from the point? A shot of whiskey?
- Angotti

A shot of penicillin

I agree about Vlasic, I think he’s currently the Hawk’s best defender. I had no idea he could skate and was as mobile as he is.

Of the drafted forwards Dach and Marcel are more power forward types with some skill but Misiak is a big finesse type. I’m not sure about Hayes’ game? Lindstrom appears to be that huge dominant forward with the unusual ability to create havoc both physically and with skill.
- paulr

Gavin Hayes from his draft year ranking. He is currently leading all Hawks prospects in scoring.

Tall lightweight winger who blossomed in the second part of the season. He is a crease crashing power wing type who started playing more intensely and scoring because he was engaging on all of his shifts. See had the high skill set but the light just had to turn on, and when he started playing a more physical game and was involved, he created turnovers it gave his teammate and him more time and space. Has good vision, a power stride and projects a 3rd line power wing at this juncture. His feet are always moving and he is excellent skater with jump.

_-Bill Płaczek--

People can pick on Reichel but all Guttman did was chase all night and Tyler Johnson was absolutely zero he could have left his stick on the bench.
- rpeters01

Ever since his scratch my eye saw a much higher work rate from Reichel, much more purpose to his stride, puck was following him. All out the window in EDM. .... I do like slotting him on wing on L4. IMO his best chance to get out of his funk.

And Guttman as much as I'm a fan he's small and not much speed but makes plays despite his physical shortcomings...... My short dive into the fancies Guttman didn't show well.

New blog up!