IMO, Not much offensive punch in that group of Dmen. Vlasic on the PP wasn't a good experiment. Not saying he is a bad player or dman, but he was basically a passenger on the PP. KK, maybe, but could be another year or two down the road based on his age and progression.
- breadbag

I think Powers explained it well in regards to Kyle from Chicago's 2022 three first tyro draft: Davidson saw a limited amount of bigger attacking and fleet skating defenseman in the class and decided before their selection thay it was going to Korchinski, even though another pick was coming at slot #13.

They felt it was worth the gamble - that despite KK was far from a rounded out WHL defenseman, they had confidence that KK and coaching here in Chicago was a good gamble.
I don't think they had rose color glasses on; they new KK was going to be development work.

(I would love to know all the inner conversation post season progress between the coaching and the kid.)

And I have to think the scouting staff has a strong idea of the strengths of the defenseman that can be selected at slot #2.

Does a prospect seem more capable of filling the role that was one thay they hoped KK would fill? A star attacker and decent defender.

I see a couple kids who might "be different then the ones on the roster" (Kyle partial quote).

No one cares if the mock players don't go in the order as advertised.

Drafting team two takes the guy who they feel adds the most.

IMO, Not much offensive punch in that group of Dmen. Vlasic on the PP wasn't a good experiment. Not saying he is a bad player or dman, but he was basically a passenger on the PP. KK, maybe, but could be another year or two down the road based on his age and progression.

I like your ideas, I hope we focus on UFA more in the 27-30 age and also fix the goaltending situation. I hope we don't just bank on Mrazek to give his best (good but not elite goaltending) and just run with inconsistent behind him.

We were bottom 10 in the league in goaltending, with Mrazek having his best season in a while. Yes, the team in front of him needs to be better, but let's also not kid ourselves Mrazek has a large body of work and has never been much better than average to slightly above average or a 1b guy at best.

If his game slips back into 2021-2023 Mrazek territory, without improving our situation in net, we are picking top 5 again.
- breadbag

Fair enough on the defense situation.. Agree with your thoughts on Mrazek. What are the chances he goes another complete year without an injury? Not good if he's out for an extended period and the team has to rely on Soderblom.

I think Powers explained it well in regards to Kyle from Chicago's 2022 three first tyro draft: Davidson saw a limited amount of bigger attacking and fleet skating defenseman in the class and decided before their selection thay it was going to Korchinski, even though another pick was coming at slot #13.

They felt it was worth the gamble - that despite KK was far from a rounded out WHL defenseman, they had confidence that KK and coaching here in Chicago was a good gamble.
I don't think they had rose color glasses on; they new KK was going to be development work.

(I would love to know all the inner conversation post season progress between the coaching and the kid.)

And I have to think the scouting staff has a strong idea of the strengths of the defenseman that can be selected at slot #2.

Does a prospect seem more capable of filling the role that was one thay they hoped KK would fill? A star attacker and decent defender.

I see a couple kids who might "be different then the ones on the roster" (Kyle partial quote).

No one cares if the mock players don't go in the order as advertised.

Drafting team two takes the guy who they feel adds the most.
- wiz1901

Wiz - tell me more about Adam Jiricek - Czech Dman. I think injured most of the season.

Would you pull the trigger on him if available at #20?

How many under-producing #2 dmen average between 0.5 to 0.6 points per game in their career? I get that his points were down the last two seasons, but that has more to do with the fact that Chicago has the worst offense in the entire NHL for two straight seasons.
- breadbag

50 dmen had more points (granted that Seth missed some games)
43 had more goals and Seth had a ton of powerpay time
37 had more PP points

Fair enough on the defense situation.. Agree with your thoughts on Mrazek. What are the chances he goes another complete year without an injury? Not good if he's out for an extended period and the team has to rely on Soderblom.
- boilermaker100

I just enjoy the debate on the dmen. I'm sure we'll see some unexpected changes and surprises on the bluelines next year.

The goalie situation is a tough one, because I get that they want to give the guys coming up a chance, but tough to gamble on them when we want to start making progress in the standings. The plus side Commesso, Stauber, Soderblom all still waiver exempt, but there isn't much UFA talent for goalies right now. Maybe there is a draft day trade to be made to find someone who needs a change of scenery or opportunity but they are stuck behind other NHL talent.

Don't think either team bites...
- rpeters01

I would agree neither team bites. For various reasons. But the trade proposal is not to be disregarded if both teams have interest. If I were Utah I want an additional draft choice and truthfully Utah should not trade out of their first round slot

Also per trade and free agent signs:
I do not think KD takes on both Stamkos and Kane. And I bet KD envision s Hayes or others to become a scoring forward. Nazar, Hayes (some point next season), Reichel increase production + maybe Kane

Carolina GM Waddell leaving. He supposedly was granted permission to talk with Columbus about their open GM job.

Eric Tulsky appointed Canes' interim GM. I think he interviewed with the Hawks a few years ago? He's supposed to be an analytics guru.

Chicago traded #20, #54 and #61 to the Islanders for #18 and #50 (all in 2024).

Chicago traded #20, #54 and #61 to the Islanders for #18 and #50 (all in 2024).
- DarthKane

Okay by me. Hawks have a ton of picks. Hopefully draft better quality than have quantity. Hawks targeting Hage at 18?

Wiz, time to get to work on your site.

50 dmen had more points (granted that Seth missed some games)
43 had more goals and Seth had a ton of powerpay time
37 had more PP points
- Ztra

Absolutely, if you cherry pick just last season, which again he was playing for the absolute worst offensive team in the league, we barely broke 2 goals per game. I'm talking about his typical production, which you should still pretty much expect if the team has some skilled players to play with. Just two seasons ago, he had 51 points in 78 games to put him 16th among NHL dmen, you know back when we had talent on the Power Play and the team.

Okay by me. Hawks have a ton of picks. Hopefully draft better quality than have quantity. Hawks targeting Hage at 18?

Wiz, time to get to work on your site.

- boilermaker100

The Hawks moved up 2 spots in the first round and 4 in the second round, but the price of a late 2nd round pick (#61). I think that's a good deal for both sides (the Islanders need more picks).

KD has his target and he must have felt that Vegas would take him at #19. Or KD is looking to make a trade and the other team wants #18.

Chicago traded #20, #54 and #61 to the Islanders for #18 and #50 (all in 2024).
- DarthKane

Interesting to see them pre-emptively move up 2 spots without seeing who is already gone.

So many things I hear are preposterous.
The biggest being, Oh they will trade one of their top six picks.
They are all in the top 72 picks!

Unless they want to trade a 2024 for a 2025, I see so much possible talent I do not want to trade out.

First their first pick I will let Kevin do whatever he wants.

IF C-F Micheal Hage is there at #20 just take him.

If they want a defenseman and haven’t selected any, take the guy I have had in the area since November, Norway’s LD Stian Solberg who is a rough rugged SOB. OR LD Lucas Fischer whose dad played NHL Dee.
Lot’s of really nice long term guys there and the cupboard will. Not be dry by slot 72.


Just pick the best guys after loading up with early.
They may not be RIGHT shooters but they look mighty advanced already dwarfing many of our backend prospects...


My evaluation (no longer under the radar)
Stian Solberg
Under the radar developing Norwegian rearguard who will be regarded as an advanced long term prospect who may have a good payoff in the future. A solidly built strong kid who played big minutes for Norway in the World Junior-18s, and then went on to play in the top Norway pro league as a 16 & 17 year old playing second pair minutes. He is calm under pressure and makes good decisions with or without the puck. He settles down the play in his end when his teammates are scrambling, makes the simple play to get things back on track. His powerful frame and his functional strength permits him to not only be strong on the puck, but also allows him to hold off defenders with one hand while getting the puck to his forwards after pivoting away from his pressure. Bounces off hits and makes crisp outlet passes. Has puck handling skills from the attack blue line as he patiently out-waits defender's blocks and looks for plays to develop. Has a good wrist shot. plays a very edgy heavy game defensively, and might show all-around improvements as he develops.

Lukas Fischer
Jiří 's son is not yet as big a defenseman as his dad was, but already displays advance hockey diagnostic skills and an excellent feel as a budding all-around backline prospect. Initially he was hoping to take the college route, although both the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders and Sarnie had interest. Choosing the USHL route would have left open any college opportunity, because he would be able to retain his college eligibility to play in that league. He wasn't taken by OHL Sting until the 11th round of their draft because his CHL availability seemed nill. The currently has catapulted as he it is difficult to find any OHL defenders, that play more minutes, or harder minutes that he clocks in at Sarnia,where he is not insulated and protect by veteran backlines in the way Sam D!ckinson is. He part a relatively young and inexperienced dee core where he plays the minutes matched up against the opposition's top line. Plays on both the Penalty-kill and power play units, where his long reach, read & react quickness and mobility shorten opposing teams possession time, and limit their chances for grade A scoring forays. Situated at the top of the umbrella on the Sting's power play, where he sometimes takes a short in while teammates load the front, and also sees and hit open teammates with hard passes. Unflappable emotionally and carries a winning attitude and confidence. Shows the makings of a dynamic backliner when he skates and moves pucks.

In case anyone is interested, the latest NHL.com piece on #98.

https://www.nhl.com/news/...anley-cup-contender-again

Some quotes, from Bedard, Jones and Taveres.

"We obviously wish for more success as a group, but that's what we're trying to grow and become better every year," Bedard said during the 2024 IIHF World Championship, where he is playing for Canada. "I thought we took some steps to that along the year.

"I don't think I was overly happy personally too. We're players. We're trying to win every game. We're not thinking about the process or anything like that. We're going out and trying to win every night. That's how we see it and that's our approach to every game."

"He's a special player," Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones said. "I think what separates him maybe is his maturity. He's so passionate about the game and he loves the game so much. He wants to do well and you can see at times this year when the team wasn't doing well, he was getting frustrated. An 18-year-old coming in scoring 22 goals ... he was really all the offense at times during games. His release is one of the best in the league already."

"I don't think he's an individual accolades guy," Jones said. "I don't get that vibe from him at all. He wants the team to do well and he wants the team to win. He understands he's going to be a big part of that in the future. Right now, obviously, we want to grow his game individually in certain aspects, but he wants the team to win."

"He's obviously a very driven player," said Tavares, the No. 1 pick in the 2009 NHL Draft. "Extremely talented. Deserves all the recognition that he's getting. I just love the way he carries himself. He reminds me a lot of [Sidney Crosby] in how he deals with people and how he is around the locker room. Just extremely passionate about the game and just loves the game. It's definitely on his mind 24/7, which is awesome to see.

"It's just great to get to know him away from the rink and certain things, and to be around him. He's definitely a sponge. You can tell he just wants to take things all in and learn and get better. He's just scratching the surface.

"I think he's driven to be a difference-maker and help his team win. As a player, that's what you always try to do, and someone with his skill set and that much belief in himself and ability, he wants to go out there, influence the game as best he can, and do what's necessary to win."

The Hawks moved up 2 spots in the first round and 4 in the second round, but the price of a late 2nd round pick (#61). I think that's a good deal for both sides (the Islanders need more picks).

KD has his target and he must have felt that Vegas would take him at #19. Or KD is looking to make a trade and the other team wants #18.
- DarthKane

I think its the latter that another team wants the 18th pick and maybe 2025 1st to get into the top 10 or even top 5?

I think its the latter that another team wants the 18th pick and maybe 2025 1st to get into the top 10 or even top 5?
- glennjpawlak22

I don't see the Hawks getting into the top 5. Maybe they can give down to the 12-15 range, not many teams are looking to move out of the top 5 or top 10 without getting immediate help.

I see an opportunity with the #14 pick, maybe San Jose wants to accumulate more draft capital and are willing to part with that pick for #18 + +.

What I find intriguing about this trade is the timing. Its not often that pick-swaps for the upcoming draft happen so far in advance of the event.

I think its the latter that another team wants the 18th pick and maybe 2025 1st to get into the top 10 or even top 5?
- glennjpawlak22

Moving up 2 spots in round 1 and 4 spots in round 2 tells me they have their eye on a couple guys and were willing to give up a 2nd to do it.
I'm still wondering who KD has in his sights to add to the top 6. I know that Marty Neces was one of the best forwards in the playoffs and now in the IIHF tournament.
He would my 1st choice in dealing for him as he wants out of Carolina. Seth Jones would be a great addition in Carolina with Britt Burns totally horrible in the Ranger series.
Hockey trade KD : Burns and his 5mil AAV and Necas to Chicago for Seth Jones and draft capital / prospect ??
Necas with Bedard would be ELECTRIC.

I don't see the Hawks getting into the top 5. Maybe they can give down to the 12-15 range, not many teams are looking to move out of the top 5 or top 10 without getting immediate help.

I see an opportunity with the #14 pick, maybe San Jose wants to accumulate more draft capital and are willing to part with that pick for #18 + +.
- DarthKane

Maybe SJ was offered 20 + for 14, but didn't want to drop more than four spots. Wouldn't be surprised if the Hawks wind up with 14. Of course after they trade Seth for 6.

So many things I hear are preposterous.
The biggest being, Oh they will trade one of their top six picks.

- wiz1901

You would know the minute I say no trade the only month early drfat pick trade that every happened...just did!
They know the board drops after slot #18, but I am not sure if 2 slot jump and drops and an extra pick seeems a bit rich....BUT

I actually like more high options in the mid first with Slot #18.

The 4 slot bump with our second 2nd rounder is a nice bump.

#2, #18, #34 #50 are really good landing spots.

Slot #50 is a perfect spot to get a developments RIGHT defenseman...

What I find intriguing about this trade is the timing. Its not often that pick-swaps for the upcoming draft happen so far in advance of the event.
- DarthKane

Lots of moving parts on draft day. Get a trade out of the way early.

Pesce, DeMelo, Roy, Carrier, Walker, Tanev. Two of them would exceed Jones' cap hit.

Regarding ice time, Jones averaged 25 minutes a game. Let's assume 4 minutes of PP time, so down to 21 minutes. One of the above can handle that. Put KK and Vlasic on the PP and see what they can do.
- boilermaker100

Jones is kinda perfect for the Hawks right now as they develop Dmen at the NHL level. For lack of a better term he is cannon fodder to take the opponents top line and those tough minutes so no young Dmen, besides Vlasic, has to.

Then the domino effect if Jones is gone of every Dman having to slot up. ..... As it looks right now it doesn't seem the Hawks have a true #1 Dman in the system which is why I think they draft a Dman at #2 this draft.

As the team improves, I think Jones will too and he might be attractive to a contender. When that happens I don't know but there might come a time when the Hawks can move him, salary retained, and replaced in house but right now he fits as the guy to take the abuse the weakish roster allows so a young Dman doesn't have to.

Is Demidov considered a 200 foot player? If not, wouldn't a Bedard/Demidov combination be considered just as bad? Maybe Bedard will wind up on wing.
- boilermaker100

You take the bpa at #2 and that is not levshunov.

What I find intriguing about this trade is the timing. Its not often that pick-swaps for the upcoming draft happen so far in advance of the event.
- DarthKane

Old Uncle Lou moves early before the other GM's get out of bed in the morning.

What I find intriguing about this trade is the timing. Its not often that pick-swaps for the upcoming draft happen so far in advance of the event.
- DarthKane

Unless you are aiming to go even higher and taking a small step early.....a lot easier to move up a few spots now, and again right around the draft then jump say......6+ spots.