Do you think the Hawks are satisfied with the conclusions they've drawn, good or bad, on Kaiser, Del Mastro, Allen, Rinzel, Phillips even Crevier and KK too, to move one?...... Moving a prospect before the league sees he's not gonna be an NHL player is really helpful but you wanna make sure you give a kid the time to develop at the same time.

I do hope the apparent depth of Dmen in the pipeline can be used to fill holes I just don't know when that time is on a case by case basis.
- Mr Ricochet

Waivers for all these D will come into play over the next few years so decisions have to be made eventually whether they will be contributors to the team or be traded to fill some holes.

Per capfriendly -

Phillips - waivers begin 2024-25 season (this upcoming season)
If qualified as RFA and sticks around, he has to make the team or risk being lost on waivers to get sent down to AHL. Maybe a trade candidate?

Roos - waivers begin 2025-26 season (year after next)
Kaiser - 2025-26 season (year after next)
Crevier - 2025-26 season (year after next)
Kaiser probably the most likely to be a contributor. Roos and Crevier maybe qualified this summer and eventual trade fodder.

Del Mastro - waivers begin 2026-27 season
Allen - 2026-27 season
Both are likely contributors in a couple of years and along with Kaiser, could have some trade value.

Rinzel - clock hasn't started yet.

Probably Shane, my buddy...I will email him.
(He's the one at the Kane draft ion Columbus, placed a 3rd mic set up and suddenly w/o warning handed me the show to talk Blackhawks hockey.

Good to know there several detractors of Demidov's skating.
- wiz1901

Not liking ones skating and saying the way one skates fundamentally will cause injury are two very different things....... And speaking of skating, someone posted a link to Demidov footage I hadn't seen. As I'm watching it, mouth wide open as it always is when I watch Demidov, I thought, Datsyuk!!!! Not really fast per say but the same ridiculous edge work to dart/zig/change direction, outright freakish hands, ridiculous vision and IQ, hungry puck hounding, crazt compete and other worldy deception.

Only difference? Datsyuk did it for 15 yrs in the Bigs, Demidov in the MHL. Will it translate for Demidov? I think with double runners on his feet it will.

In the meantime, both playoff games last night were fantastic.
- LAHawk

I agree enjoyed both of them. I figured I'd give the Avs the 2nd period and they didn't disappoint, i just couldn't make it to OT

In the meantime, both playoff games last night were fantastic.
- LAHawk

I agree enjoyed both of them. I figured I'd give the Avs the 2nd period and they didn't disappoint, i just couldn't make it to OT

If KD likes Demidov and Levshunov equally he could draft Levshunov and start a run on defensemen, leaving some better forwards available at #20.
- DarthKane

That's some 4D chess!

It all depends who they want, as you said. If KD feels he can get his guy later in the draft them why not. Trade #2 for #7 and #15 (Ottawa), then the Hawks have 3 picks in the top 20. Or maybe 2 for #5 and #26 (Montreal) if KD doesn't want to move down too much?

I'm sure I will change my mind 152 times between now and June 28th. But if it were me, I would draft Demidov at #2 and call it a day.

Maybe Ottawa would take #20 and #54 (or a 2026 2nd) for #15?
- DarthKane

Ottawa doesn't have pick 15, the Wings do. The pick the Sens will get in the Debrincat deal will be Boston's 1st rounder...which if they manage to beat Florida in the 2nd round will be a late one.

Unless Bedard moved to wing at 5 on 5 him and Celebrini would not see the ice together except for the PP. Celebrini as a centerman in the Toews mold and is as serious about all 3 zones as a heart attack... To this point Bedard not so much.

Interesting though about ranking Celebrini and Demidov. If Demidov was a centerman I think there would be a debate but as it is Celebrini playing center, being bigger and having proven himself at much higher levels seals his #1 ranking.
- Mr Ricochet

I am not so sure that Bedards current position in still wing with a centre covering defensively.
IF Celebrini was a hawk he was the BEST way to allow Bedsy the leeway he needs as a young scorer.
It is clear that Macklin helps Bedard until it is determined Nazar or Moore CAN fill a two way responsibilty as a his linemates.
There is no doubt in my mind the two would make each other better.
Moore has a long ways to go to even be considered a first (or second line) centre.

Nazar can play anywhere and will help as an F-1 / small centre top 6 centre or a guy who just is a future impact NHLer.

THERE is room fro an enforcer, a Russian Chara inAnton Silayev, room for a Tij Iginla leader, room for a big centre, and gaol scoring defenseman, a big defenseman-scorer and a scorer

KFC talking about pick #2 will be a foundational piece to add to the established core. Kinda get the feeling it's going to be A.Levshunov. He checks a lot boxes and makes sense. Like I said yesterday win win situation eh

I'm thinking KD is going Levshunov at #2 and hope for a someone that can help us to fall through at #20. Or a package with #20 to move up for someone to play with Bedard. Take the "best" D-Man, who shouldn't have Visa issues, and then the best Forward left on the board. Simple, eh??

BTW Wiz, your site still shows the ARI logo. You might be sending the wrong signal to some poor, optimistic Coyotes fan....

I once did some research on hockey reference.com. Historically to get out of the bottom 10 in the standings you need about 82 points. So about a point per game. Coincidentally during the covid shortened season when 52 games were played something like 55 points got you 10th from the bottom.

Next season even a 20 point improvement would give the Hawks 75 or so points. Could be 7th or 8th worst record.
- boilermaker100

Not surprising 82 points is 50/50 a .500 team.

I'd have to see a whole body of work but checking out Demidov he reminds me a lot of Kane. His edgework, stick handling look crazy good.

I'd have to see a whole body of work but checking out Demidov he reminds me a lot of Kane. His edgework, stick handling look crazy good.
- BetweenTheDots

What if the real Kane came back?
Not realistic and probably not going to happen but man I would love to see Kane and Bedard cook.

Don't remember who made the comment. Here is a link to the show's contributors. I listen occasionally on weekends when I am in the car.

https://www.hockeyprospectradio.com/about
- LAHawk

Those episodes at that link are free, LA. Very nice, thanks. Lotta content there and it's all about prospects!!

I am not so sure that Bedards current position in still wing with a centre covering defensively.
IF Celebrini was a hawk he was the BEST way to allow Bedsy the leeway he needs as a young scorer.
It is clear that Macklin helps Bedard until it is determined Nazar or Moore CAN fill a two way responsibilty as a his linemates.
There is no doubt in my mind the two would make each other better.
Moore has a long ways to go to even be considered a first (or second line) centre.

Nazar can play anywhere and will help as an F-1 / small centre top 6 centre or a guy who just is a future impact NHLer.

THERE is room fro an enforcer, a Russian Chara inAnton Silayev, room for a Tij Iginla leader, room for a big centre, and gaol scoring defenseman, a big defenseman-scorer and a scorer
- wiz1901

Wiz, and be specific, if the Hawks won the lottery yesterday, draft Celebrini and bring him up next yr where would he slot?

Been watching USHL Muskegon to see Boisvert. You see any Eduard Sale in him? Lotta similarities. Same size, plus skaters, a smooth/silky style, very good hands. ....... Sale by the way looked good with Kitchner this yr. Almost like he's freed up, a weight off his shoulder and just playing. He looked more assertive than I've ever seen him and an engaged Sale has always been a good hockey player. A player with a lotta L2 traits.

Those episodes at that link are free, LA. Very nice, thanks. Lotta content there and it's all about prospects!!
- Mr Ricochet

I listen to them on the radio show on weekend mornings. TBH, the detail they go into is way above my pay grade

If Florida keeps playing like this series will be over soon. They suck.

I should be higher on Levshunov than I am but have no problem if they take the kid at #2. His USHL play as a 17 yr old first time on the small ice in NA was solid. Unspectacular but as a bigger kid in a very very good league, 2nd only to the OHL IMO, and gaining on them, solid is really good.

As a freshman at MI St you could almost say the same thing but it was much better cuz of the advanced and older competition but still unspectacular to the eye. To me he's raw in some ways which means he's got a long way to go to reach his ceiling and that makes him a helluva prospect once you add his size and handedness. ...... At minimum I love his floor.

But he often reminds me of Ekblad. Nothing wrong with Ekblad even though he never reached most projections and I'd hope for much better outa this yrs #2 slot.

If Florida keeps playing like this series will be over soon. They suck.
- BetweenTheDots

Are you watching ESPN? Is that Callahan doing color?..... With the way Swayman (USHL kid) is playing, nobody is better right now, there is no room for error and the hungry Bruins are taking away their time and space and forcing FLA to cough pucks.

For me after losing their top 2 centerman the Bruins, along with VAN, are the biggest surprise this yr.

Are you watching ESPN? Is that Callahan doing color?..... With the way Swayman (USHL kid) is playing, nobody is better right now, there is no room for error and the hungry Bruins are taking away their time and space and forcing FLA to cough pucks.

For me after losing their top 2 centerman the Bruins, along with VAN, are the biggest surprise this yr.
- Mr Ricochet

I do like Bostons structure seems at least 3 guys are protecting the house at all times, many times there are 4

I am watching espn pretty good

Are you watching ESPN? Is that Callahan doing color?..... With the way Swayman (USHL kid) is playing, nobody is better right now, there is no room for error and the hungry Bruins are taking away their time and space and forcing FLA to cough pucks.

For me after losing their top 2 centerman the Bruins, along with VAN, are the biggest surprise this yr.
- Mr Ricochet

Lost Bergeron, Kreji, Hall, Bertuzzi, Foligno, Orlov. Most said they would fall out of the playoffs

I do like Bostons structure seems at least 3 guys are protecting the house at all times, many times there are 4

I am watching espn pretty good
- BetweenTheDots

Yea, that's Callahan doing color. He's really improved, I like what he's bringing. .... Yep, as long back as you can remember Boston plays a very structured game, it's their calling card, their culture that seems to accepted and executed once players come up or simply become Bruins yr after decade.

What's the Hawk's identity/culture gonna be 5 yrs from now?

Lost Bergeron, Kreji, Hall, Bertuzzi, Foligno, Orlov. Most said they would fall out of the playoffs
- LAHawk

The Bruins have always had great depth. A big reason is they are very good at identifying players they need, they have never been afraid to move big name players if needed, not overpaying guys and they have a specific type of game they employ. These are things I hope KD is able to emulate and build in a similar manner.

I'm thinking KD is going Levshunov at #2 and hope for a someone that can help us to fall through at #20. Or a package with #20 to move up for someone to play with Bedard. Take the "best" D-Man, who shouldn't have Visa issues, and then the best Forward left on the board. Simple, eh??

BTW Wiz, your site still shows the ARI logo. You might be sending the wrong signal to some poor, optimistic Coyotes fan....
- Matt_Foleys_bro

After it taking me months to add the Philly second round #51 slot pick as an compensatory pick for not signing 2018 1st round draft pick Jay O'Brien (19th overall) this new wrinkle of a team name change and insignia seems to be an insrmountable task, and have been told, "Hi everybody, I think we have to weigh the impact of the efforts applied but I don't think we will be able to fix that on time anyway so maybe to keep it as is.."

This site is my only outlet after the bought DraftSite.com...maybe it is time for me to just foregt about my efforst with them.

Lost Bergeron, Kreji, Hall, Bertuzzi, Foligno, Orlov. Most said they would fall out of the playoffs
- LAHawk

IIRC Boston went all in last yr, especially at the TDL, knowing it was Bergeron's last yr. Destroy the league in the regular season and the poor bastards get bumped in rd 1!!.... No way could they have kept those players and be cap compliant.

The "new" Bruins look to be here to stay.

The Bruins have always had great depth. A big reason is they are very good at identifying players they need, they have never been afraid to move big name players if needed, not overpaying guys and they have a specific type of game they employ. These are things I hope KD is able to emulate and build in a similar manner.
- paulr

We'll know more after this yrs draft but going by KD's only 2 drafts what do you think the Hawk's game/identity will be in 5 yrs? Or even what kinda squads does KD hope to build?