They have, especially with hyman, and they are playing much better defensively as a team.
- LFS

Regular season GF...2024 - 294; 2023 - 325

Goals against.2024 - 237; 2023 - 260.


They scored less this year, and gave up fewer goals. And are in the final.

I thought the whole point of a rebuild like this was that it wouldn't depend on one or two guys. KD's drafted a specific type of player in early rounds, and taken some swings on size in later rounds.

Sure, having the 2OA pick should net the Hawks a really good player, but he's likely at least a couple years away from making the team and even then, will have to get accustomed to the NHL. Unless, your definition of near future is about 4-5 years?

I think the adds outside the draft are going to have a bigger impact in the near future than any/most of the kids coming up.

I think the two most important young players to watch next year are Nazar and KK. If both of those guys hit, the Hawks will be in extremely good shape. I know he struggled defensively last year, but I'd really like for them to take the restrictions off of KK and see what he can create in the O-zone. Give him a strong skating D-partner and see what happens. While he does need to improve in his own zone, he's not going to ever be Hjalmarsson.
- Chunk

last 5 years 2 oa has gone right to nhl or only one year back to other league

I mean hit their ceiling. For KK, that would be about 60pts and not a disaster in his own end. For Nazar that's probably the same point total (although closer to PPG would be ideal), and relentless forechecker. He's got the speed/quickness to be very disruptive on dump-ins and has shown the ability to be able to set up others quite well. He has a decent shot, but is less known for his goal scoring from what I've seen.

I think both of those players would cause severe issues for other teams. If you look at VGK and FLA, they have a number of really good players, but I don't think many that stand out as elite. They simply do what needs to be done in the playoffs to win. Tkachuk is probably the closest to your definition on FLA, and I'd guess Eichel on VGK, but for the most part the Reinharts, Marchessaults, Forslings, Pietrangelos of the world just understand the sacrifices that need to be made in the post-season.

As Dots alluded to a day or so back, Draisaitl and McDavid seem to have found a different gear in these playoffs. While both still stellar offensive talents, they seem to be far more engaged over the entire sheet of ice. They both have always had that skill level, but their attitude and mindset are what is setting them apart this year.
- Chunk

Nazar ceiling would be a Brayden Point comp.

Korchinski maybe Werenski but less ouchie hopefully.

Ze German and McDavid are consistent playoff performers. It also helps that RNH is playing exceptional hockey (member when people were saying the same things about him that they were about Marner...).

I think the main key to the Oiler success is Bouchard coming into his own, being dominating at times and helping to create space down low for McDavid and ze German to work. Him and Ekholm are also fantastic at making a home run pass and pushed Nurse down to a role that is more appropriate for his skill set.

Being able to push from the blue line and have a threatening player there is extremely important.

Florida is similar with Montour and Forsling doing everything very well by committee. Not the same level "talent" wise but man do they get results. Also Ekblad slotted more appropriately as a second pairing guy who can make a really good tape to tape pass and doesn't have to score is helpful.

I don't think the Hawks necessarily need a superstar on the blue line but they need guys who can threaten with a competent shot and quickly and efficiently move the puck from one zone to the other.