So far it hasn’t bitten Vegas in their seven years in the league. They have their franchise cornerstones in Eichel and Theodore. A great topbp six, a big and fast defense core, and outstanding coach.

I look forward to them having an empty cupboard some day, guys like Pietrangelo, Marchessault, and others will start slowing down. They also haven’t built up much player cache, because they’ve been ruthless in jettisoning players they don’t want anymore. Guys know they might get dealt for the next shiny object.
- ObeseOprah

yeah, teams eventually have to tear it down and pay the piper, but the banner(s) stay in the rafters forever.

Yeah, when things go bad (and you were expected to improve) people get pretty jumpy. I saw a number of posters that were pretty hard on Benson. They keep calling him slow.
- Chunk

It's tough to build a team and decide when. Players seem to want to go to certain organizations which is unavoidable to a certain degree.

But in the case of Ottawa, for example, TheChuck is 24 and 0 playoff games.

TheChuck, Norris, Chabot, Stutzle and starting next year Sanderson are all on their second deals (Sanderson's kicks in next year if it matters how completely accurate that statement is). Zero playoff games. That isn't acceptable for that group, a lot of wasted talent.

This is an interesting discussion related to it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFaJVkBxhAA

They hint on team identity, attitude and things like that.

Buffalo not too different. Really no veteran leadership, no playoff pedigree players, doesn't seem like the front office has a direction other than build from within and hope for the best.

Dahlin is a year younger than the other TheChuck but starting his third contract next year, power starts his second and big one next year, Cozens is on his second and big contract.

I'd give the Devils a pass with how hard they got hammered with injuries this year and how abhorrent their goaltending has been.

Crosby was in the playoffs year 2. Toews and Kane were in the playoffs year 2. Ovi playoffs year 3. Kopitar year 4. Bergeron year 1. MacKinnon was year one then a bit of a hiatus due to the retool there. Not that the Canucks are any good but Petterson got early playoff (year 2) experience.

The Hawks should be in the playoffs before Bedard's first deal is done or very close depending on the goaler situation. If the recent cup teams have shown anything it's that early playoff experience is key and that building completely from within is probably going to be a bad time.

They're going to have to get talent and if a player they identify as a good fit is available this summer they should get them this summer at the expense of futures or maybe a highly regarded asset. Arbitrarily waiting for X or Y years sure looks like a recipe for disaster and does nothing but encourage mediocre play.

It's tough to build a team and decide when. Players seem to want to go to certain organizations which is unavoidable to a certain degree.

But in the case of Ottawa, for example, TheChuck is 24 and 0 playoff games.

TheChuck, Norris, Chabot, Stutzle and starting next year Sanderson are all on their second deals (Sanderson's kicks in next year if it matters how completely accurate that statement is). Zero playoff games. That isn't acceptable for that group, a lot of wasted talent.

This is an interesting discussion related to it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFaJVkBxhAA

They hint on team identity, attitude and things like that.

Buffalo not too different. Really no veteran leadership, no playoff pedigree players, doesn't seem like the front office has a direction other than build from within and hope for the best.

Dahlin is a year younger than the other TheChuck but starting his third contract next year, power starts his second and big one next year, Cozens is on his second and big contract.

I'd give the Devils a pass with how hard they got hammered with injuries this year and how abhorrent their goaltending has been.

Crosby was in the playoffs year 2. Toews and Kane were in the playoffs year 2. Ovi playoffs year 3. Kopitar year 4. Bergeron year 1. MacKinnon was year one then a bit of a hiatus due to the retool there. Not that the Canucks are any good but Petterson got early playoff (year 2) experience.

The Hawks should be in the playoffs before Bedard's first deal is done or very close depending on the goaler situation. If the recent cup teams have shown anything it's that early playoff experience is key and that building completely from within is probably going to be a bad time.

They're going to have to get talent and if a player they identify as a good fit is available this summer they should get them this summer at the expense of futures or maybe a highly regarded asset. Arbitrarily waiting for X or Y years sure looks like a recipe for disaster and does nothing but encourage mediocre play.
- fattybeef

I just read that it's year 9 with McJesus (among several others) and they've not made it to the cup let alone won it. I know there are several factors that go into winning (with luck being one of them). I just don't want to see them waste time hoping that all of their draft picks hit their ceiling while having plenty of resources (cap, picks prospects) that could be used to help the team progress better.

No word yet Slaggert joining the team but he could also later on sign a PTO with Rockford and qualify for AHL playoffs

I just read that it's year 9 with McJesus (among several others) and they've not made it to the cup let alone won it. I know there are several factors that go into winning (with luck being one of them). I just don't want to see them waste time hoping that all of their draft picks hit their ceiling while having plenty of resources (cap, picks prospects) that could be used to help the team progress better.
- Chunk

By contrast Kane and Toews won three cups in their first eight seasons.

I’m watching the intro to the Bruins/Blues game. Did Jack Edward have an accident or did he have a condition? He sounds like he’s struggling to get through his sentences.

By contrast Kane and Toews won three cups in their first eight seasons.
- paulr

Kane and Toews had two studs on defense going into their prime years and a young defensive defenseman(Hammer), they then added one of the best 200’ forwards in the history of the game. That has been a major issue for the Oilers and Leafs, no stud defensemen on their roster. The current Hawks have some good young Dmen, and a great talent in Bedard, they’ll need to add more offensive power and if they’re lucky a real good 200’ center, Celebrini, come on down!

I’m watching the intro to the Bruins/Blues game. Did Jack Edward have an accident or did he have a condition? He sounds like he’s struggling to get through his sentences.
- Chunk

https://www.sportsbusines...s-addresses-health-issues

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/02/23/jack-edwards-nesn-boston-bruins-addresses-health-issues
- boilermaker100

Thanks Boiler.

Kane and Toews had two studs on defense going into their prime years and a young defensive defenseman(Hammer), they then added one of the best 200’ forwards in the history of the game. That has been a major issue for the Oilers and Leafs, no stud defensemen on their roster. The current Hawks have some good young Dmen, and a great talent in Bedard, they’ll need to add more offensive power and if they’re lucky a real good 200’ center, Celebrini, come on down!
- Angotti

The best part about this year’s draft lottery is we’re not living or dying by getting the first overall pick. Yes it’d be great, but I’m not dying if they get second or third. Bedard was THE guy more than anyone else for years in either direction. Celebrini should be great, but I don’t know where he stacks up next to recent number ones.
Hawks can get a very good player, another good first round pick, and hopefully watch a couple more kids join the team next year. Sign an above average free agent or two and we might just leapfrog the teams who are delusional to their own reality (Pittsburgh, Washington) and maybe some of the bottom feeders like San Jose.

The Hockey News ‘Future Watch’ issue was just released, the Hawks rank 7th overall, up from 13th last year.

The Hawks top 10:

1. Moore (21st overall)
2. Nazar (57)
3. Gajan (72)
4. Kaiser
5. Rinzel
6. Dach
7. Safonov
8. Allan
9. Del Mastro
10. Commesso

The Hockey News ‘Future Watch’ issue was just released, the Hawks rank 7th overall, up from 13th last year.

The Hawks top 10:

1. Moore (21st overall)
2. Nazar (57)
3. Gajan (72)
4. Kaiser
5. Rinzel
6. Dach
7. Safonov
8. Allan
9. Del Mastro
10. Commesso
- DarthKane

I read here on occasion that the Hawks already have enough prospects for the rebuild. By this ranking they have Bedard, Korchinski and Vlasic, and then the 21st ranked prospect. That ain't gonna cut it, imo. Call me a greedy bastage.....

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/02/23/jack-edwards-nesn-boston-bruins-addresses-health-issues
- boilermaker100

I was hoping that it was because Maroon punched him in the mouth.

Unfortunately, it looks like he's having some mental issues that doctors can't diagnose. I hope that Edwards recovers or at least gets some concrete answers to help him move forward.

The Hockey News ‘Future Watch’ issue was just released, the Hawks rank 7th overall, up from 13th last year.

The Hawks top 10:

1. Moore (21st overall)
2. Nazar (57)
3. Gajan (72)
4. Kaiser
5. Rinzel
6. Dach
7. Safonov
8. Allan
9. Del Mastro
10. Commesso
- DarthKane

Wheeler also had them 7th but had some differences after Moore and Nazar. Then there's the ones that they didn't account for or others have higher.

Pronman had Vlasic rated as a guy who "Might Play NHL Games" toward the end of last season, which was funny cause he'd already started getting into NHL games.

Wheeler also had them 7th but had some differences after Moore and Rinzel. Then there's the ones that they didn't account for or others have higher.

Pronman had Vlasic rated as a guy who "Might Play NHL Games" toward the end of last season, which was funny cause he'd already started getting into NHL games.
- HawkintheD

7th isn’t too bad considering it excludes Bedard, Reichel, Korchinski and Vlasic.

Rinzel’s progress has been fantastic. He likely still needs a couple more years in college then time in Rockford, but his game as exceeded expectations so far.

7th isn’t too bad considering it excludes Bedard, Reichel, Korchinski and Vlasic.

Rinzel’s progress has been fantastic. He likely still needs a couple more years in college then time in Rockford, but his game as exceeded expectations so far.
- DarthKane

Yeah but Korchinski is you know …. a bust!

I read here on occasion that the Hawks already have enough prospects for the rebuild. By this ranking they have Bedard, Korchinski and Vlasic, and then the 21st ranked prospect. That ain't gonna cut it, imo. Call me a greedy bastage.....
- mohel

It ain't a bad start and there's more draft capital coming down the pike. As long as Moore, Nazar and Rinzel aren't the second coming of _____________ (insert name of almost any first round Hawk pick from the late 80's, all of the 90's and early 2000's aside from JR), they should be ok.

I knew it was bad but looked it up and

1-3-3-3-1

7th isn’t too bad considering it excludes Bedard, Reichel, Korchinski and Vlasic.

Rinzel’s progress has been fantastic. He likely still needs a couple more years in college then time in Rockford, but his game as exceeded expectations so far.
- DarthKane

Have just seen some highlights here and there but yeah he was considered "raw" and "a project" when they drafted him and by accounts I've read he's progressing nicely.

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/02/23/jack-edwards-nesn-boston-bruins-addresses-health-issues
- boilermaker100

I thought he sounded drunk

The Hockey News ‘Future Watch’ issue was just released, the Hawks rank 7th overall, up from 13th last year.

The Hawks top 10:

1. Moore (21st overall)
2. Nazar (57)
3. Gajan (72)
4. Kaiser
5. Rinzel
6. Dach
7. Safonov
8. Allan
9. Del Mastro
10. Commesso
- DarthKane

Interesting how Nazar is falling below Moore on many of the prognosticator's list of Hawk's prospects.. Not sure that matters but I think many expected Nazar to take a big jump. He's progressed just fine IMO just not spectacularly..... I'm in the camp that another yr in the NCAA would be good for him but trust the organIzation to do what's best for him either way.

I've watched a good bit of Rinzel even before he was drafted while he was in the USHL. Sure he had the tools/size but he never really impressed enough to get excited about. Until this yrs WJC.

IMO of the prospects I've seen a few times this yr he's taken the biggest jump. I can see it now other than just his tools. Playing with poise and confidence.

IMO Ludwinski and Gavin Hayes have developed nicely this yr. Hayes is a scorer and those kinds can fall off each step up the ladder but a guy with Ludwinski's high motor, good/disruptive speed game generally have a higher floor and a real shot.

Think Chunk pointed out next yr we'll see a handful of these guys playing pro as they run out of jrs eligibility. As a few trickle up to the AHL then looks in the Bigs things will really start to get fun for the fan.

You are correct on the age, 30, thought I heard 26 on NHL.Com.
- LAHawk

Not a biggie, LA. Could they have been talking about Meir, who was traded last yr when he was 26? .......

Hertl is probably underrated cuz he plays on the West Coast but reading recaps of TDL moves there is some risk with him. At 30 as a power forward when they fall off it happens quickly and he'll be 31 in November and is coming off of a major knee injury/surgery with 6 more yrs on his deal.

Wheeler also had them 7th but had some differences after Moore and Rinzel. Then there's the ones that they didn't account for or others have higher.

Pronman had Vlasic rated as a guy who "Might Play NHL Games" toward the end of last season, which was funny cause he'd already started getting into NHL games.
- HawkintheD

Someone posted some names of guys like Theodore, Marchessault, Karlsson, Stephenson, Rielly Smith who were left unprotected in the expansion draft so their clubs could protect other players that ended up not making the grade.

A very good example of how hard it is to really know who will be a useful NHL player and who won't and that you have got be patient and give players a proper shot and slotting, after proper development, to even get a chance to see what a player is or isn't.

That list is relatively long of missed evaluations by multiple organIzations. Not by writers but by people who pay their mortgages by knowing these things.

I thought he sounded drunk
- wizardofi

Of course he sounded drunk. What adult would say things like "if he doesn't watch it Chara will beat his face in". Language you hear from a 12 yr old but not an adult and especially one paid to call an NHL game. You're either ill, drunk or a punk.

Undiagnosed illness really sucks but good to read, Edward's own words, "I grade out superior in intellect tests"...

Of course he sounded drunk. What adult would say things like "if he doesn't watch it Chara will beat his face in". Language you hear from a 12 yr old but not an adult and especially one paid to call an NHL game. You're either ill, drunk or a punk.

Undiagnosed illness really sucks but good to read, Edward's own words, "I grade out superior in intellect tests"...
- Mr Ricochet

Ya, and he saw so negative about the Blues that they shouldn't even be on the ice with his Bruins. He sounded very different in 3rd period with his team down 5-1