Moose Jaw looking to win there 1st WHL Championship tonight. Up 1-0 in the first. Lights went out for about 10 min

That's from Nov, 2023
- wizardofi

Still going on, Hawks unable to get suit dismissed

https://www.sportsbusines...ling-illinois-court-cases

Eklund suggested that Vegas cannot retain each rostered player for next season due to the salary cap. Furthermore he postulates that Theodore could be moved via the trade route as a best case strategy for Vegas to pursue

The rationale for Vegas is twofold: with one year left on a reasonable $5.2 mill pact unload now and get a good haul for a hard to acquire top dman (age 28). Also Vegas needs to bring young talent on to the roster yet doesn't have early picks or a strong farm system....so a trade makes sense not only for everything mentioned, but signing him could be difficult as he will want a big contract at this point in his career.

Now Vegas has shown a willingness to manipulate or work around cap issues in past seasons, so they might try to navigate similarly again.

I do not believe in competing against other offers and I probably would rather just pass acquiring him for the Blackhawks. I will listen to an offer but I doubt I could be swayed.

I suppose there could be excitement to acquire such an accomplished dman and Chicago fandom surely would love his style of play. Of course we also love our draft choices as Chicago hockeybuzz is either the leading or right behind the busiest hits on team sites for Eklund .....we speak a lot about the draft, Don't we!

Hypothetically what would be a fair price for Theodore's service. Well l will provide what could be an offer BUT I am going to say flat out that KD wants to build a winning team primarily through The Entry Draft. I doubt very much he would part ways with KK. Wants to see this kid develop/his first among coveted draft choices

If you believe that the #2 overall is a sure fire NHL star player or would have the ceiling Theodore has attained, then as Vegas GM you might be interested in approaching KD about a trade. The #2 overall + what else?

Would ask for O Moore or Nazar. Probably not content to take Reichel instead

Alright you can kick this trade idea around. For the record I would rather no trade and enjoy to see who we draft to go along with our other top prospects

Still going on, Hawks unable to get suit dismissed

https://www.sportsbusines...ling-illinois-court-cases
- LAHawk

I noticed TSN removed Westhead's biased article for the Canadian Press release of the issue.

Maybe the Blackhawks have their eyes on the other Russian, the bigger one with the mean streak and mobility at six seven...
- wiz1901

So is mr mean the bpa after celebrini in your opinion?

So is mr mean the bpa after celebrini in your opinion?
- LFS

Doesn’t really matter what we think. The Hawks will rate these kids according to their own criteria. It will be interesting to see who they choose.

Considering they’ll have the pick of everyone outside of Celebrini, we’ll get to see which attributes they place highest value on.

Doesn’t really matter what we think. The Hawks will rate these kids according to their own criteria. It will be interesting to see who they choose.

Considering they’ll have the pick of everyone outside of Celebrini, we’ll get to see which attributes they place highest value on.
- Chunk

My understanding is skating first, then other aspects. Not sure who that boosts.

My understanding is skating first, then other aspects. Not sure who that boosts.
- ObeseOprah

I think talent, skating, compete are all equally valuable in their appraisal of prospects. I've seen some clips of Eiserman's lack of passion to play defense and have a feeling that dropped him on the Blackhawks board.

Watching the clips of Levshunov, Richardinson and Silayev they can skate, compete, be physical, and are big kids.

My understanding is skating first, then other aspects. Not sure who that boosts.
- ObeseOprah

Yaremchuk and D*ickinson skate well and will check you. Yaremchuk is a RD. Raw but doesn't show that he can't learn which with him he just needs another year to develop defensive play
BuT if he makes the NHL you want him As a guy you win playoff games.

He wants the puck, he will skate through the entire team buT he also likes to pull up and score. He is good at the offensive game already to carry and score
If he works out then you have KK on LD and Yaremchuk on RD. Honestly I liked his scouting report but wiz really turned me on to drafting him. Second overall is maybe a bit high but he is a great compete guy that you win with.

I think talent, skating, compete are all equally valuable in their appraisal of prospects. I've seen some clips of Eiserman's lack of passion to play defense and have a feeling that dropped him on the Blackhawks board.

Watching the clips of Levshunov, Richardinson and Silayev they can skate, compete, be physical, and are big kids.
- BetweenTheDots

I think I've moved over to the Levshunov camp. Nothing against Demidov, I'd be happy if the Hawks selected him at #2. But I think the talent cap between the 2 (factoring in the different positions) is minimal but the impact a true #1 d-man who can play in all situations is invaluable.

I think I've moved over to the Levshunov camp. Nothing against Demidov, I'd be happy if the Hawks selected him at #2. But I think the talent cap between the 2 (factoring in the different positions) is minimal but the impact a true #1 d-man who can play in all situations is invaluable.
- DarthKane

Best and safest choice is as you say Levshunov. Fear Demidov skating issues sooner or later and the team needs a first pair guy.A great draft if we can move up from #20 and get a guy who will develop intimate a top player. Just don't know what asset we surrendervto move up

I think I've moved over to the Levshunov camp. Nothing against Demidov, I'd be happy if the Hawks selected him at #2. But I think the talent cap between the 2 (factoring in the different positions) is minimal but the impact a true #1 d-man who can play in all situations is invaluable.
- DarthKane

I agree with you Darth, i think the same way as 66 even though I'm not a Sox fan, offense starts with defense and having a true number 1 is valuable to any team. I also believe if you have to many good defenseman that's a good thing and KD will be able to trade them for good young forwards in the future.

So is mr mean the bpa after celebrini in your opinion?
- LFS

Nope, but I am taking big Cayden Lindtsrom before Demidov.

The hawks will not has to negociate with his WHL team in a side deal to get his release
after his "contract" is over.

The KD hawks has post draft prospects camp to be off ice and team building.
Even with the eselction of Roman Kantserov and the advent of this plan, his tarvel visa didn't have him sticking around to bond. Restrictions.

I realize this is business first, and that pro teams are more than willing to distrurb their bands of brothers but i really like the idea of the prospects being together, getting to know each other off-ice, and I always feel these Russian addition at various stages of their careers has teams dropping these guys in, not making them family off ice first due to the transfer prospects.

Minny waited a whole lot longer for Kaprizov than they wanted, but they didn't select him in the first round or second overall. He was 24 yrs old when he made the pilgrimage, and sure, the hawks could be inclined to wait and / or pay to play in the North Amercian system (like parent-club only) but to me you are dropping a outsider not team building.
(Already mention here by an asute Zack contributor, his adjusting is skating to the NHL.)

Nope, but I am taking big Cayden Lindtsrom before Demidov.

The hawks will not has to negociate with his WHL team in a side deal to get his release
after his "contract" is over.

The KD hawks has post draft prospects camp to be off ice and team building.
Even with the eselction of Roman Kantserov and the advent of this plan, his tarvel visa didn't have him sticking around to bond. Restrictions.

I realize this is business first, and that pro teams are more than willing to distrurb their bands of brothers but i really like the idea of the prospects being together, getting to know each other off-ice, and I always feel these Russian addition at various stages of their careers has teams dropping these guys in, not making them family off ice first due to the transfer prospects.

Minny waited a whole lot longer for Kaprizov than they wanted, but they didn't select him in the first round or second overall. He was 24 yrs old when he made the pilgrimage, and sure, the hawks could be inclined to wait and / or pay to play in the North Amercian system (like parent-club only) but to me you are dropping a outsider not team building.
(Already mention here by an asute Zack contributor, his adjusting is skating to the NHL.)
- wiz1901

Then you have the same issue with sliyaev. I stay away from a 17 year old kid with backs issues.
If you want to pick north american then for me its eiserman or catton. For a defenseman i would trade up to the top ten. I just dont see how you can pass on a talent like demidov. Just my opinion.

Is one on these defenseman prospects full of high end attributes missing from the currect Blackhawk corps?
Well, you have Korchinski who certainly hasn't scratched the offensive scoring side, and who will bve given the benefit of growth defensively.

If the hawks see something, I don't think they will see whomever that is as a detriment if they need lots of developmental time; they went long wait on Minnesota's Sam Rinzel, when they could have added a "ready quicker" forward there but didn't.

I just think that the Hawk scouting staff is going to feel comfortable in the research...NOW, THEY DON'T HAVE TO MAKE A LIST AND GET THE LEFT-OVERS TO DECIDE FROM. They KNOW WHO GOES ONEAND THEY HAVE THE TIME & LUXURY TO GO THROUGH ALL THE PRSPECTS.
Get to see the guys with the most positives, whatever negatives their selection brings, and most of all how they can eventually impact this club form the basement standings.

The Blackhawks have less work there, mor etime to concentrate on pick #20 and beyond.

I still like Lindstom and Eiserman, but they will get a to interview them without a translator and see if they move the needle in ways others do not.

I just thing that this isn't a 2 horse race at slot#2 and more of a 6 guy carousel.




I just cannot see ANY of the teams selecting in the top ten are tarding out.
I don't see slot#20 and other draft selections and any young Hawk surplus off-sets the message of any team traDing out.

Even Calgary!
Let's say that they never get a shot at Tig Iginla becasue he goes EARLIER than #9 leaving at least two highly regarded rearguards...you think that they can go to the fan base (who expect more departures / rebuilding) and say, "Well we got Kaiser and another Rockford defender an LATE first and MORE picks to aid the rebuild...when the pick at #9 is the keystone to rebuilding?

I agree with you Darth, i think the same way as 66 even though I'm not a Sox fan, offense starts with defense and having a true number 1 is valuable to any team. I also believe if you have to many good defenseman that's a good thing and KD will be able to trade them for good young forwards in the future.
- BetweenTheDots

Im not sure levshunov is even the best defenseman in this draft.

Doesn’t really matter what we think. The Hawks will rate these kids according to their own criteria. It will be interesting to see who they choose.

Considering they’ll have the pick of everyone outside of Celebrini, we’ll get to see which attributes they place highest value on.
- Chunk

If it doesnt matter what we think then why even discusx the draft? Of course they will make the pick, you can still have an opinion.

Im not sure levshunov is even the best defenseman in this draft.
- LFS

I do think there is enough evidence to his advanced development to place him high (just as Demidov is placed high) but it is where all these prospect rearguards finally TAKE their game.

Safe has always been a part of NHL scouting.

But so has the projection that "our guy" will become so much more than what we see from the minor league play.

I find it SO different that we nhave seen the team scouting go from smurf offenseman selections to the redwood size.

I can see the scouts seeing Rinzel and a #2 selection being two more redwoods to continue the concentration of eventual playoff backliners whose reach and size handle the fierce/fast/ and edgy post season.

For anyone interested that didn't watch. Yesterday the Stars has a nice twist on the drop pass /push back entry on the Powerplay. They completely caught the Avs defense off guard.

https://twitter.com/MacLe...tatus/1791073103969185908

I’m going with Levshunov or Lindstrom. All this talk about Lindstrom and his back, is it structural or was it just muscle related? Big difference and I don’t see anyone posting the actual diagnosis, so there’s that.

I’m going with Levshunov or Lindstrom. All this talk about Lindstrom and his back, is it structural or was it just muscle related? Big difference and I don’t see anyone posting the actual diagnosis, so there’s that.
- Angotti

Or is it stuff put out there by teams drafting later in the hope he drops?

I’m going with Levshunov or Lindstrom. All this talk about Lindstrom and his back, is it structural or was it just muscle related? Big difference and I don’t see anyone posting the actual diagnosis, so there’s that.
- Angotti

I think we all like the size and athletic ability of Lindstrom, he might be a really good net front guy and scoring in those dirty areas. My honest question about Lindstrom is how high is his ceiling?

I know there were some conflicting opinions from scouts about if he will project to be top 6 or bottom 6 material because he might not have the high end ability to read the play. I haven't seen him play so not my opinion, but just what I've read.

I kind of wish there was a bigger sample size of his play in the WHL to draw from. Would it be fair to expect he is "somewhat" similar to Dylan Strome with maybe better wheels/agility, but maybe not quite as dynamic at playmaking?

I’m going with Levshunov or Lindstrom. All this talk about Lindstrom and his back, is it structural or was it just muscle related? Big difference and I don’t see anyone posting the actual diagnosis, so there’s that.
- Angotti

If Lindstrom’s back issues are a serious problem every NHL will know about it. If it’s a minor problem I expect he’ll be in the top five mix. If it’s a chronic or unknown issue his stock will probably drop. We don’t have any insight on this board, none of us have a clue about his, or any other player’s health.

From all I’ve read I think Lindstrom, if healthy, is the top forward available. I’d steer clear of Demidov because of the uncertainty of his availability, the Russian factor. Unless of course he is able to show he can come to North America immediately. If he doesn’t show for the combine or draft don’t touch him. Eiserman is between 6 and 11 on all the prognosticators lists. It seems Iginla has worked his way into many top ten lists ahead of Eiserman.

Levshunov looks to be the top defenseman, his size, two way play and right shot would interest most teams. Having seen D!ckinson allot, he’s an absolute beast, but he’s a left shot and doesn’t seem to have the all round game Levshunov does. But I have no way to compare them.

The one guy who could prove to be the best player in the whole draft, including Celebrini, is Zayne Parekh. But it’s very possible he becomes the next Erik Karlsson a one way offensive defenseman who puts up so many points he commands a huge contract but his defensive game is so bad he’s not really a top pair defenseman because he can’t play in all situations. If he’s able to bring his defensive game up to an above average standard, he can be the best player in the draft.

I think we all like the size and athletic ability of Lindstrom, he might be a really good net front guy and scoring in those dirty areas. My honest question about Lindstrom is how high is his ceiling?

I know there were some conflicting opinions from scouts about if he will project to be top 6 or bottom 6 material because he might not have the high end ability to read the play. I haven't seen him play so not my opinion, but just what I've read.

I kind of wish there was a bigger sample size of his play in the WHL to draw from. Would it be fair to expect he is "somewhat" similar to Dylan Strome with maybe better wheels/agility, but maybe not quite as dynamic at playmaking?
- breadbag

Not sure the Strome comparison is a good one. Not only was Strome an average skater, he was also an average competitor and plays with no physicality. But I get what you’re saying. Lindstrom seemingly came from nowhere with a very strong start of this season then got injured. What is his ceiling? But because he brings a decent defensive game, a very physical game, he’s shown to be highly competitive and he’s also got a scoring element to his game i think he’s a legitimate top five talent.

Paulie, I noticed that the polite Canadians are again sharing the wildfire smoke with the US. Very kind....