FWIW, let's take Levshunov in 5 "biggest games" of the year. 1 - Clinch regular season title, 2,3 - Big Ten Tournament, 4,5 - NCAA Tournament

OPP DATE G-A-P SOG BLK
WIS 2-Mar 1-1-2 2 1
OSU 16-Mar 0-0-0 4 2
MIC 23-Mar 0-2-2 0 0
WMU 29-Mar 0-1-1 1 1
MIC 31-Mar 0-0-0 1 0

5 games 1 Goal 4 Assists 5 Points 8 SOG 4 Blocked shots

Reasonably good output, wouldn't say he disappeared. The game tape would tell more of the story. Not sure how you would assess his "big game" ability. The team won 4 of 5, with only the loss to Michigan in the NCAAs.

Do you think the mhl is at the same level as juniors?
- LFS

The MHL is jrs just like the WHL, OHL or USHL. ....... If you're asking where the MHL ranks with other jrs leagues it ranks closer to the above listed than the AJHL where Makar was drafted out of.

But, organIzations do have their rankings of jrs leagues as do scouts so they can get some context of numbers achieved by players. Safe to say the OHL is the top jrs league in the world followed by the WHL. .. The MHL is where 98% of Russian jrs aged players play. It's a very good league.

Well if you are pointing to Panarin here they went to the ECF. He was ppg in playoffs. Sure he vanished in series against the Panthers like so many other not named Shesterkin and Lafreniere. He was leading player still in a team that was top 4 this year. I would like to have some perspective to criticisms here.
- MjulQvist

Panarin won't be a guy sticking his nose in winning a lotta puck battles, like Kane, or taking a hit to make a play, like Kane, but we saw by that rocket of a shot that beat Bob why clubs "accept" his flaws, like Kane..... And, as fans we don't want a Kane to take any more hits than needed cuz he adds an element that nobody on the roster has, like that shot Panarin beat Bob with.

Panarin/Kane can do things few can offensively but they are 1/23rd of a game day roster but carry 10-15% of a cap hit. It's up to a GM to fill in around their weaknesses to make a roster (puzzle) complete.

Drafting goes back to organIzational philosophy. Bruins/LVG like a heavier player, Avs worship at the speed/skill alter and everyone seems to fall in between and all manner of rosters have won cups.

No one answer, no silver bullet but you do not win cups without talent and some of that talent do not win puck battles (Kane). ......... Never heard it put this way until as young players that have won cups I read a comparison of Kane and Toews where Kane would never score a goal if Toews didn't win a puck and get it to him. Indeed, you need both, now go build a roster!!

GMing is not easy.

I wasn’t trying to suggest that. I’m trying to be as honest and unbiased as I can. There are allot of questions that I see as unanswered that I’m sure NHL scouts, and KD and staff are on top of.
- paulr

I say you have been, especially with Parekh. Pumping his tires for the last few months but now in the playoff season you point out he is not as effective. That's being objective. Good on you.

Why do i have this feeling in the back of my head that when all is said and done, D!ckinson may be the best player out of this draft
- vabeachbear

Cuz you watched him play?? ... D!ckinson is a player who will play the game like a man at any level, will be one of the best skaters any time he is on the ice, very good size and the hands/skill to run at least an NHL 2nd unit PP.

Yes, including Celibrini, he may end up the best player out of this draft. The same can be fairly argued Lindstrom, Levshunov, Demidov, Buium, Siliyev and even Catton may end up the best player outa this draft.

As of today if I had to bet a dollar I'd say Celibrini and Demidov are co-favorites to be the best out of this draft with Buium ranked 3rd.

I say you have been, especially with Parekh. Pumping his tires for the last few months but now in the playoff season you point out he is not as effective. That's being objective. Good on you.
- 6628

Parekh is nowhere near the player in the playoffs/Memorial Cup as he was in the regular season to the eye. No idea what his pts are in the post season but the eye says the kid is not making an impact, not taking open ice given to him in the Ozone and is just flicking shots from 40 ft and simply not craeting.

Bet, he was injured early in the playoffs, was scratched injured a couple games, gut 2 weeks off to get well going into the Memorial Cup. ..... So, you'll read people question if he was healthy.

Can not ignore his 96 pts this yr, his 20 goals as a 17 yr old last yr but as a guy who was sky high on the kid during the regular season I say pass on him at #2 for sure.

Just came by to say there is an indication that USANDT forward Rutger McGroarty told the team that drfated him, he is going back to scholl for the junior year.

Some are of the opinion that the Jets really asked himtpo consider turning pro.

It is just that his "going back" has teams starting to get Kevin Hayes vibes so as soon as his true intention is ferreted out, maybe he is a hawk at #18. (I tghibk he was taken about #14)

The thing with Kane is that he patterned his game to not get hit.
- Chunk

Where do you think panarin learned his version.

I don't think you get any different player in Panarin in the playoffs.
He has learned how to stay on the outskirts, and uses his feet when so inclined to get in position, but he knows he is no good trying to engage and get swallowed and can't jump in/out while his teammates have possession.

I just alwsy expect a wussyunder by him, b/c that is what he needs to have pucks come his way.

Panarin's performance this past series had a no contact Panarin we are used to but the criticism was his lack of effort (or consciousness) on understanding his job and placement in playing his position and at very least stick checking, and not losing his check as he did several times.
Some times these scorere are just what they are: single minded shooters.

I have watched all the Memorial Cup games twice except one, and I don't see some drop in Zanye Parekh's effectiveness.
Sure he got his bell rung twice, but it isn't like he has stopped be effective offensively...His Spirit team has more than one good defenseman and they don't "run every thing through him."
That 7 minute no score power play what someone is talking about?

I like Parekh now more than I did two months ago.

I saw Buium put on his tush more times than I expected when skating straight up...it was surpriisng how he hit the deck. His skating is talked up but I think he looks like a NHl skater somewhat but not Makar like, or Miro full in his feet. (and they don't get knocked down on their can.

Memorial Cup exposed London's dRichaickenson too...his play still is not a finished product in the areas we see the most attributes...his defensive game.

I heard Kyle from Chicago say he thinks the first two rounds are full of promisng prospect. Great that we have 2, 18, 34, and 60 then.

This year, I would agin liek to take a goalie.
You cannot "build down the middle" if you don't take one every year.

I don'y care if they take one at #18 if there is a kid they really see upsdie in.

They probably will use a 3rd rounder to invest in net in one of the Russians.

yeah, like you I heard the lip service by Kyle on "best player available." ....which I call bs on.

You think he Takes FOUR with those picks??????
Because it would be difficult for the draft board to fall that way with so many types of defenders and how their time lines to maturation are also remarkably diverse.

Me?
I like the idea of taking shooters.

bigger players that use their size (Cayden Lindstrom ///Rutger McGroarty)

a defenseman who is a top aggressive attacker, stick, hands and feet

and right defense depth

Kakko as RFA. Projected about $1.5 million. 3rd round pick compensation. Pull the trigger?

The MHL is jrs just like the WHL, OHL or USHL. ....... If you're asking where the MHL ranks with other jrs leagues it ranks closer to the above listed than the AJHL where Makar was drafted out of.

But, organIzations do have their rankings of jrs leagues as do scouts so they can get some context of numbers achieved by players. Safe to say the OHL is the top jrs league in the world followed by the WHL. .. The MHL is where 98% of Russian jrs aged players play. It's a very good league.
- Mr Ricochet

I was only asking because i wanted to know that demidov is playing against the same level of competition as if he was in the canadian juniors. Apparently he is. As far as i am concerned a combination of bedard and demidov would be deadly. Dont see how hawks could pass up that possibility.

Going full circle here since it's been discussed earlier, but, if the Hawks have any indecision on the pick and another team is sold on Dedimov, trade down from #2. If the return is getting a quality player at 4,5 or 6. a prospect and a future 1st round pick, I say make the trade.
- boilermaker100

This is pretty close to what it would take to make me think hard about dropping from #2 to #5. Prospect or #26 this year and a future #1. Would like to have 2 #1s every year (or at least 5 or 6 top 100s every year) so that some can be traded for players at the deadline, and there are still some in the draft.

Eating your cake (deadline acquisitions) and having it too (still have some draft picks).

Where do you think panarin learned his version.

I don't think you get any different player in Panarin in the playoffs.
He has learned how to stay on the outskirts, and uses his feet when so inclined to get in position, but he knows he is no good trying to engage and get swallowed and can't jump in/out while his teammates have possession.

I just alwsy expect a wussyunder by him, b/c that is what he needs to have pucks come his way.

Panarin's performance this past series had a no contact Panarin we are used to but the criticism was his lack of effort (or consciousness) on understanding his job and placement in playing his position and at very least stick checking, and not losing his check as he did several times.
Some times these scorere are just what they are: single minded shooters.



- wiz1901

Yes, all of that.

And I wonder how many times a game Sam Bennett yelled at Panarin that if he touches the puck he was going to kill him? Intimidation is an international language.

Yes, including Celebrini, he may end up the best player out of this draft. The same can be fairly argued Lindstrom, Levshunov, Demidov, Buium, Siliyev and even Catton may end up the best player outa this draft.
- Mr Ricochet

I think most see Macklin Celebrini as a 30 + goal scoring centre.

Not just a scorer.

I am not sure what makes a guy the best player in the draft class...
do we look back after ther first 7 years andntheir goals? their points, thier Cups.

It is just I KNOW McDavid is/was the best player in his class and the production is documented, the wins, the PP points, but not a Cup yet.

Can you "judge a defender against a forward" as best in the class?

Heck, when I try and see the defenders around I sincerely believe I can be objective about non Hawks,
I have trouble separating the best defenseman in the league"

Rasmus Dahlin

Miro Heiskanen

Cale Makar

Gustav Forsling

Roman Josi

Victor Hedman

I always see (as so many do that MIRO) isn't ever gonna be CALE.

Do I judge them as if they all get paid the same?

Do I judge the offensive side of each with more respect b/c the idea is to score?

Is it his shot from out side, it's accuracy, speed and heaviness?

The bigger guys above will obviously get that mentioned in their favor.?

How about their puck carrying?

Is a defender with more success at finishing his rushes with scores better due to the stick, hands and feet he used to THAT end (a goal),

or, is the defender with more success at skating, handling and puck possession in the other zones of equal value or more?

So if you or I have trouble breasking down star defnders, what goes into evaluating the youngsters skill & tool boxes against his class's prospects????????/

See this tells me very little. Yes he has some crazy creative moves. But not once in 15 minutes do I see him getting lined up for a check. Every time he dangles I see defenders looking down at the puck, waving their sticks in his general direction. I want to see what he does if a defender looks directly at his crest and lines him up. I don’t see him fighting for open ice. I don’t see him fighting for puck possession. I see a bunch of cherry picked highlights of spectacular moves with no one really trying to stop him. I realize all highlight packages for any player are the same to present the said player in the best light possible. Again these types of videos is where scouts have to look beyond. I want to see Demidov, Lindstrom, Levshunov etc. being run at. I want to see them going to ice where they know an opponent will try to run them over. I want to see them fight for puck possession. I want to see them lose possession to see how hard they play to recover the giveaway.
- paulr

Highlights are great but shift by shift film is gold. ... Here is Demidov in one of his 4 ever KHL games.... Curious, from this tiny sample size, if you think Demidov would be a player heard from in an NHL playoff series watching him vs men 2 months into his 18th birthday?... He fight for pucks, win pucks, fight for space, avoid greasy areas vs men as you ask in your post?

Set it back to the start of the vid. For some reason posting the link starts you at 5:00 in.

https://www.youtube.com/w...channel=ThePuckEnthusiast

I say you have been, especially with Parekh. Pumping his tires for the last few months but now in the playoff season you point out he is not as effective. That's being objective. Good on you.
- 6628

Thanks 28, you made me so proud of myself I dislocated my shoulder patting myself on the back.

https://www.youtube.com/w...channel=ThePuckEnthusiast


Anyone know exactly who The Puck Enthusiast is?


I am fairly certain on another one of these that he mentioned he was an NHL player.

I was only asking because i wanted to know that demidov is playing against the same level of competition as if he was in the canadian juniors. Apparently he is. As far as i am concerned a combination of bedard and demidov would be deadly. Dont see how hawks could pass up that possibility.
- LFS

By all means, ask away. No question is dumb as we are talking about different leagues on different continents. ....... It's safe to say the rankings of jr leagues throughout the world go OHL, WHL with the USHL and MHL if not even close, QMJHL then all other jr leagues fall in line.

But, for me the NCAA ranks above all of them but that's not jrs but many undrafted players play there so you have to throw them into the equation.... NCAA, OHL, WHL, USHL/MHL, QMJHL, BCHL is how these leagues are ranked universally.

Highlights are great but shift by shift film is gold. ... Here is Demidov in one of his 4 ever KHL games.... Curious, from this tiny sample size, if you think Demidov would be a player heard from in an NHL playoff series watching him vs men 2 months into his 18th birthday?... He fight for pucks, win pucks, fight for space, avoid greasy areas vs men as you ask in your post?

Set it back to the start of the vid. For some reason posting the link starts you at 5:00 in.

https://www.youtube.com/w...channel=ThePuckEnthusiast
- Mr Ricochet

The first thing I notice is Demidov’s innate ability to be where the puck is going to be. Obviously he’s not as dominant against men as he was in his junior league, however he was involved in the play and he battled for puck possession although his game is more about anticipation and reading the play then in battling for pucks. All of his passes were on and he made some passes that make you wonder how he saw the teammate. His skating his very odd, he doesn’t appear slow, and he’s definitely quick but I suspect he’s not a burner. It’s a good clip, but it’s a shame he wasn’t playing regularly in the KHL so we can see his progress.

KD’s explanation for trading up.


It’s actually been kind of funny to watch all the discourse around that trade,” he said. “It’s been hilarious, actually.

“To us it was just our internal information indicated that it was an improvement in value, and so we did it. You’re correct, a second(-rounder), no matter how late a pick, is not nothing. Having said that, we do have a lot of picks. … We just felt that the picks we’re receiving have a better asset value package than the ones we were sending out.

“Honestly, it was that simple. It’s not a precursor or anything. It’s not a first domino to fall. It was interesting reading all the theories on what the next move was going to be.”

I think most see Macklin Celebrini as a 30 + goal scoring centre.

Not just a scorer.

I am not sure what makes a guy the best player in the draft class...
do we look back after ther first 7 years andntheir goals? their points, thier Cups.

It is just I KNOW McDavid is/was the best player in his class and the production is documented, the wins, the PP points, but not a Cup yet.

Can you "judge a defender against a forward" as best in the class?

Heck, when I try and see the defenders around I sincerely believe I can be objective about non Hawks,
I have trouble separating the best defenseman in the league"

Rasmus Dahlin

Miro Heiskanen

Cale Makar

Gustav Forsling

Roman Josi

Victor Hedman

I always see (as so many do that MIRO) isn't ever gonna be CALE.

Do I judge them as if they all get paid the same?

Do I judge the offensive side of each with more respect b/c the idea is to score?

Is it his shot from out side, it's accuracy, speed and heaviness?

The bigger guys above will obviously get that mentioned in their favor.?

How about their puck carrying?

Is a defender with more success at finishing his rushes with scores better due to the stick, hands and feet he used to THAT end (a goal),

or, is the defender with more success at skating, handling and puck possession in the other zones of equal value or more?

So if you or I have trouble breasking down star defnders, what goes into evaluating the youngsters skill & tool boxes against his class's prospects????????/
- wiz1901

Wiz, I should be asking you that question. I'd imagine you've followed jrs for 50 yrs. I've followed for 17 or so yrs but I get your point.

Who is the BPA in the top 5 according to CHI? Is that different than BOS or NJ?... To some extent sure as different organIzations and GM's value qualities differently. Some build from the back out, some from the center of the ice out, some from the net out, some with speed, some with size.

But we know that. How do we determine who was the best player out of his class 15 yrs from now? That will always be subjective to a degree but who wins the most will have had a GM that best builds the puzzle that we call a roster.

To me I can't ever remember going into a draft where in my mind I could reasonably argue that one of 6ish players has a chance to be considered the best player out of his draft 15 yrs later.

My bias is for big players who can skate, has skill, a 3rd line mentality, is physical and plays a premium position, who doesn't like that? ........ Taking Celebrini out of the equation today I list them Demidov then Buium as the best chance of being that guy 15 yrs from now.

KD’s explanation for trading up.


It’s actually been kind of funny to watch all the discourse around that trade,” he said. “It’s been hilarious, actually.

“To us it was just our internal information indicated that it was an improvement in value, and so we did it. You’re correct, a second(-rounder), no matter how late a pick, is not nothing. Having said that, we do have a lot of picks. … We just felt that the picks we’re receiving have a better asset value package than the ones we were sending out.

“Honestly, it was that simple. It’s not a precursor or anything. It’s not a first domino to fall. It was interesting reading all the theories on what the next move was going to be.”
- LAHawk

Could be but it's not like he is going to reveal plans, either. KFC reads message boards is what i got from that. lol

Could be but it's not like he is going to reveal plans, either. KFC reads message boards is what i got from that. lol
- Elbows15

Of course he does, the last thing he said was Korchinski is not a bust!

Just came by to say there is an indication that USANDT forward Rutger McGroarty told the team that drfated him, he is going back to scholl for the junior year.

Some are of the opinion that the Jets really asked himtpo consider turning pro.

It is just that his "going back" has teams starting to get Kevin Hayes vibes so as soon as his true intention is ferreted out, maybe he is a hawk at #18. (I tghibk he was taken about #14)



Where do you think panarin learned his version.

I don't think you get any different player in Panarin in the playoffs.
He has learned how to stay on the outskirts, and uses his feet when so inclined to get in position, but he knows he is no good trying to engage and get swallowed and can't jump in/out while his teammates have possession.

I just alwsy expect a wussyunder by him, b/c that is what he needs to have pucks come his way.

Panarin's performance this past series had a no contact Panarin we are used to but the criticism was his lack of effort (or consciousness) on understanding his job and placement in playing his position and at very least stick checking, and not losing his check as he did several times.
Some times these scorere are just what they are: single minded shooters.

I have watched all the Memorial Cup games twice except one, and I don't see some drop in Zanye Parekh's effectiveness.
Sure he got his bell rung twice, but it isn't like he has stopped be effective offensively...His Spirit team has more than one good defenseman and they don't "run every thing through him."
That 7 minute no score power play what someone is talking about?

I like Parekh now more than I did two months ago.

I saw Buium put on his tush more times than I expected when skating straight up...it was surpriisng how he hit the deck. His skating is talked up but I think he looks like a NHl skater somewhat but not Makar like, or Miro full in his feet. (and they don't get knocked down on their can.

Memorial Cup exposed London's dRichaickenson too...his play still is not a finished product in the areas we see the most attributes...his defensive game.

I heard Kyle from Chicago say he thinks the first two rounds are full of promisng prospect. Great that we have 2, 18, 34, and 60 then.

This year, I would agin liek to take a goalie.
You cannot "build down the middle" if you don't take one every year.

I don'y care if they take one at #18 if there is a kid they really see upsdie in.

They probably will use a 3rd rounder to invest in net in one of the Russians.

yeah, like you I heard the lip service by Kyle on "best player available." ....which I call bs on.

You think he Takes FOUR with those picks??????
Because it would be difficult for the draft board to fall that way with so many types of defenders and how their time lines to maturation are also remarkably diverse.

Me?
I like the idea of taking shooters.

bigger players that use their size (Cayden Lindstrom ///Rutger McGroarty)

a defenseman who is a top aggressive attacker, stick, hands and feet

and right defense depth
- wiz1901

Parekh has had his bell rung twice, are we talking about concussions?
that we know of? Drafter beware

KD’s explanation for trading up.


It’s actually been kind of funny to watch all the discourse around that trade,” he said. “It’s been hilarious, actually.

“To us it was just our internal information indicated that it was an improvement in value, and so we did it. You’re correct, a second(-rounder), no matter how late a pick, is not nothing. Having said that, we do have a lot of picks. … We just felt that the picks we’re receiving have a better asset value package than the ones we were sending out.

“Honestly, it was that simple. It’s not a precursor or anything. It’s not a first domino to fall. It was interesting reading all the theories on what the next move was going to be.”
- LAHawk

It is logical to me. 18 is better than 20 and 50 is better than 54 or 56.

It is logical to me. 18 is better than 20 and 50 is better than 54 or 56.
- BetweenTheDots

And 5 picks in the top two rounds is better than 4. The jury is still out on the trade. But I still think KD may have a card up his sleeve.

And 5 picks in the top two rounds is better than 4. The jury is still out on the trade. But I still think KD may have a card up his sleeve.
- paulr

I agree 5 picks are better but moving up 2 spots in one round and 4 spots in another round is literally better as well. I'm all twisted on this to be honest with you. I don't know what the right answer is. All said and done I'd rather be drafting 18 than 20.

As i said earlier though that 2nd OA draft pick will either propel us in the near future, keep us plotting along or set us back. Really a big big big pick for this org.