Misbust or Bustiak? Interested to see what he can do next year in Rockford.

Rockford is already getting stuffed full of prospects

Dach - Slaggert - Rolston
Savoie - Saarela - Hayes
Luypen - Ludwinski
Misiak

and Marcel² if he get signed again
- totem

Slaggert won't be in Rockford

If its levshunov its a reach. I see nothing special that separates him from some of the other defensemen. I would hardly call him bpa after celibrini.
- LFS

Today Levshunov takes some projecting whereas the other top D prospects you can see it now, their games are more complete TODAY. To be redundant it's now how good the prospect is at 18 it's how good he is when he's 25 and lots and lots of scouts dig Levshunov's size, skating, work ethic (a rink rat), right shot, pt per game in the NCAA as a true freshman as he just scratches the surface.

Get ready, IMO 50% chance KD takes Levshunov and 80% chance he takes a Dman.

You win regular season games when you attack, you win playoffs when you defend.
- paulr

Still have to score to win. Boston didn't advance for a reason.

The teams that are getting timely goaltending and transitioning from one end to the other better are the typical winners unless there is an extreme goaltending situation.

Dallas moves very well from one zone to the other. So do the Oilers and the atrocious goaltending in Edmonton is helping Dallas make up for their lack of superstars. But it's pretty even.

Both teams in the east transition fairly well though New York less so with Fox not looking himself.

The teams that are ass at moving from D to O and O to D (Toronto, LA, Washington, NYI) did not go far. The teams lacking super stars or having injury\other issues (Boston, Colorado, Carolina, Vancouver, Tampa) did not make it out of the second round.

The Hawks teams in the playoffs, especially in 2010 but even in the other years to an extent had the neutral zone on lockdown and had 3 or 4 guys who could make an end to end pass or carry it out. Keith, Campbell and Seabrook in 2010 (Hammer just ringed up the boards most of the time) And the other years Keith, Seabrook, Odyua and Hammer - though Oduyas first year in Chicago was dreadful - could all make that home run pass consistently and they were all mobile enough to transition through the zones quickly.

When Seabrook, Hammer and Keith started falling apart and Oduya became a cap casualty, their ability to go from one end to another quickly and effectively was compromised and they stopped winning playoff series even though they looked fine in the regular season.

Saw him three times and a number of games on TV. Not sure about him? Big guy but almost an exclusive perimeter player. He’s a pretty good forechecker that’s all about speed and pressure. He didn’t really have great numbers for a drafted player in the OHL.
- paulr

Checking line Center

Blackhawks are very proud to select from OHL London Knights..Sam Richardinson!
- MjulQvist

KD could probably trade down to 5 and get D!ckinson if he's their BPA. Can see Korchinski's days numbered in a couple of years if he is the pick.

Ive read criticism on eiserman but lazy was not one of them.
- LFS

Another guy who can't skate, but somehow in the game of ice hockey, scores goals at a record level.

Why would you want a guy who can just score???

Another guy who can't skate, but somehow in the game of ice hockey, scores goals at a record level.

Why would you want a guy who can just score???
- vabeachbear

Boeser, Nichushkin, Hyman, Kreider, Reinhart - kind of important to their teams.

Wasnt Bowen Byram projected as a No 1 D? Is he still even considered a top pair D?

KD could probably trade down to 5 and get D!ckinson if he's their BPA. Can see Korchinski's days numbered in a couple of years if he is the pick.
- boilermaker100

Oh, not sure about that, BM. Why, cuz both D!ckinson and KK are left shots? ..... I do not think the Hawks have a true #1 Dman in their system, KK included, which is a, if not the, reason they will draft a Dman.

Plenty of room for a #1 PP, competent in his zone, 2nd pairing KK and a rugged, no nonsense, #2 PP, 25 minute a night shutdown, +++ skating, 1st pairing D!ckinson on the same squad.

Oh, not sure about that, BM. Why, cuz both D!ckinson and KK are left shots? ..... I do not think the Hawks have a true #1 Dman in their system, KK included, which is a, if not the, reason they will draft a Dman.

Plenty of room for a #1 PP, competent in his zone, 2nd pairing KK and a rugged, no nonsense, #2 PP, 25 minute a night shutdown, +++ skating, 1st pairing D!ckinson on the same squad.
- Mr Ricochet

Anything is possible. I'm thinking KFC is building those layers of prospects. And are you going to play Vlasic on the 3rd pair? If D!ckinson and Vlasic are eventually the top 2 LD, KK may be an expensive 3rd pairing option if he's asking for a lot coming off his ELC. Why couldn't he be future trade bait like Bryam, Chycrun, Hronek, Faber and Drysdale the last 2 years?

I agree with you, Rico, on the fact there is no #1 D in the system. This draft would be a good opportunity to get one. If that's the route the Hawks can either take a D at #2 or roll the dice and trade down, getting another asset or two and hope one is there at #4,5.

Slaggert won't be in Rockford
- vabeachbear

Slaggert certainly played well during his handful of games in Chicago. But I wouldn’t rule out some time in Rockford. Vlasic played well for a few games to end a season, then spent the following season in Rockford.

RIP Bill Walton
- vabeachbear

One of one... Listening to the Score today Bernhiem The Punk shared some stories how Walton walked the halls of WSCR after his 12 minute interview ran an hour going office to office talking to everyone asking, "tell me about your life".

Seems besides being one helluva hoops player he was a genuinely nice guy. We lost a truly unique guy.

Oh, not sure about that, BM. Why, cuz both D!ckinson and KK are left shots? ..... I do not think the Hawks have a true #1 Dman in their system, KK included, which is a, if not the, reason they will draft a Dman.

Plenty of room for a #1 PP, competent in his zone, 2nd pairing KK and a rugged, no nonsense, #2 PP, 25 minute a night shutdown, +++ skating, 1st pairing D!ckinson on the same squad.
- Mr Ricochet

Compare D*ckinson to S Richardson
One is one year younger (?) and plays RD
Have you seen Richardson play much?
What if Demidov and Lindstrom go in top five; could we draft two good dmen at # 2 and (if we move up) #6?

Or another dman if we move up to around #10

I just don’t want to see Leveshunov at #2 but maybe he could be worth #6? At #10 I am concerned if we take Levenshunov and Eiserman. I could imagine Eiserman but personally rather Yaremchuk - eithet needs time to improve work on game overall

Slaggert won't be in Rockford
- vabeachbear

But Lardis will be if not in junior

After next season we should have better idea if various prospects will stick around for late nHL debut or move on to other organization. Guys like Luypen, Sarella, Rolston. There will be 2024 draft selections who might graduate to professional rank. Other prospects like Kutserov come over and maybe a surprise like James or Marcel advance from ECHL

Lindstrom has three flags to consider, he came out of nowhere this season, there are questions about his high end hockey smarts and his health (back problems).

Demidov plays against lower end competition, his skating is in question and of course the Russian factor.
- paulr

And you know that NHL organIzations have access to tons more info on kids so that means they have many more questions than we do as fans. ...... You listed a few reasons the Hawks will draft a Dman, besides the fact they don't have a #1 Dman in the system, with 3 blue chip D prospects playing on this continent staring them in the face at #2.

And, as far as Lindstrom possibly being short on high end IQ even if that turns out to be true this kid's athleticism, size, skating allows him to simply over power or out speed an opponent. ...... Like giving Earl Campbell the ball. He'll run thru and away from opponents on the SAME play.

Compare D*ckinson to S Richardson
One is one year younger (?) and plays RD
Have you seen Richardson play much?
What if Demidov and Lindstrom go in top five; could we draft two good dmen at # 2 and (if we move up) #6?

Or another dman if we move up to around #10

I just don’t want to see Leveshunov at #2 but maybe he could be worth #6? At #10 I am concerned if we take Levenshunov and Eiserman. I could imagine Eiserman but personally rather Yaremchuk - eithet needs time to improve work on game overall
- jhawk59

Who's Richardson?

Anything is possible. I'm thinking KFC is building those layers of prospects. And are you going to play Vlasic on the 3rd pair? If D!ckinson and Vlasic are eventually the top 2 LD, KK may be an expensive 3rd pairing option if he's asking for a lot coming off his ELC. Why couldn't he be future trade bait like Bryam, Chycrun, Hronek, Faber and Drysdale the last 2 years?

I agree with you, Rico, on the fact there is no #1 D in the system. This draft would be a good opportunity to get one. If that's the route the Hawks can either take a D at #2 or roll the dice and trade down, getting another asset or two and hope one is there at #4,5.
- boilermaker100

He sure could be future trade bait, but i sure want to see what kind of dmen he becomes first. He might be a top pairing guy in the future. No one knows for sure even Elbows.

But Lardis will be if not in junior

After next season we should have better idea if various prospects will stick around for late nHL debut or move on to other organization. Guys like Luypen, Sarella, Rolston. There will be 2024 draft selections who might graduate to professional rank. Other prospects like Kutserov come over and maybe a surprise like James or Marcel advance from ECHL
- jhawk59

About Lardis, next year I believe it's Juniors or the NHL. The AHL isn't an option.

I think the NHL ship has sailed on Luypen and Sarella, probably Rolston. Dach is so injury prone, I don't know if or when he fits in.

If I would guess the future forwards who eventually contribute in Chicago are:
2025-26 Hayes and Ludwinski after spending a year in Rockford, and Moore after one more year at U of Minnesota. I can see Moore pulling a Nazar and signing late next season after the college season and burning the 1st year of his ELC.

2026-27 Kantserov (after two more years in the KHL), Savoie after a couple of years at the Rock, Lardis after his Juniors stint and time at the Rock.

Greene could be in their somewhere too.

And you know that NHL organIzations have access to tons more info on kids so that means they have many more questions than we do as fans. ...... You listed a few reasons the Hawks will draft a Dman, besides the fact they don't have a #1 Dman in the system, with 3 blue chip D prospects playing on this continent staring them in the face at #2.

And, as far as Lindstrom possibly being short on high end IQ even if that turns out to be true this kid's athleticism, size, skating allows him to simply over power or out speed an opponent. ...... Like giving Earl Campbell the ball. He'll run thru and away from opponents on the SAME play.
- Mr Ricochet

Or Bedard not being a playmaker and questions about stuff other than the shot translating.

I think these kids who have an ability that makes them stand out have to lean into that to push to the next level.

Seems easier to pass over a jack of all trades than it does someone who has some kinda specialty.

He sure could be future trade bait, but i sure want to see what kind of dmen he becomes first. He might be a top pairing guy in the future. No one knows for sure even Elbows.
- BetweenTheDots

Yes it depends on how everyone develops and who else is acquired via future trades or drafts to deem who is expendable.

I just hope KD doesn't get too attached to any of the guys he's drafted. If someone can get moved down the road to improve the team so be it.

About Lardis, next year I believe it's Juniors or the NHL. The AHL isn't an option.

I think the NHL ship has sailed on Luypen and Sarella, probably Rolston. Dach is so injury prone, I don't know if or when he fits in.

If I would guess the future forwards who eventually contribute in Chicago are:
2025-26 Hayes and Ludwinski after spending a year in Rockford, and Moore after one more year at U of Minnesota. I can see Moore pulling a Nazar and signing late next season after the college season and burning the 1st year of his ELC.

2026-27 Kantserov (after two more years in the KHL), Savoie after a couple of years at the Rock, Lardis after his Juniors stint and time at the Rock.

Greene could be in their somewhere too.
- boilermaker100

Hayes I think will be up this year and start jumping some people in the depth chart.

Anything is possible. I'm thinking KFC is building those layers of prospects. And are you going to play Vlasic on the 3rd pair? If D!ckinson and Vlasic are eventually the top 2 LD, KK may be an expensive 3rd pairing option if he's asking for a lot coming off his ELC. Why couldn't he be future trade bait like Bryam, Chycrun, Hronek, Faber and Drysdale the last 2 years?

I agree with you, Rico, on the fact there is no #1 D in the system. This draft would be a good opportunity to get one. If that's the route the Hawks can either take a D at #2 or roll the dice and trade down, getting another asset or two and hope one is there at #4,5.
- boilermaker100

I should clarify my statement the Hawks don't have a #1 Dman in the system, that we know of of course. IMO Vlasic is a top 2 1st pairing Dman. If they do draft a Dman with the #2 and he hits IMO the organIzation has a top pairing for 10 yrs, cap dependent of course. ....... And count me as one who thinks Vlasic will show more offense/points as he progresses but without solid PP minutes he might top out at 40ish pts with the 24ish minutes he looks to get 3 yrs out, but I think he has that in him.

Not ideal but if the Hawks go D!ckinson or Buium the club could go lefty lefty on the top pair with Vlasic. ..... As far as trading KK in the future sure, if it makes the club better.

I'm in the camp you minimize every ounce of risk with that #2 pick. That the pick is critical, that they gotta come out with a difference maker, they can not miss. As a result I don't think they should trade down. ..... Get the consensus from your hockey people and draft that kid with no worries will he be there at 4, 5 or 7. Get your guy, the right guy. He'll be a core piece when they go into Game 7 of the Conference Finals 5 yrs from now.

About Lardis, next year I believe it's Juniors or the NHL. The AHL isn't an option.

I think the NHL ship has sailed on Luypen and Sarella, probably Rolston. Dach is so injury prone, I don't know if or when he fits in.

If I would guess the future forwards who eventually contribute in Chicago are:
2025-26 Hayes and Ludwinski after spending a year in Rockford, and Moore after one more year at U of Minnesota. I can see Moore pulling a Nazar and signing late next season after the college season and burning the 1st year of his ELC.

2026-27 Kantserov (after two more years in the KHL), Savoie after a couple of years at the Rock, Lardis after his Juniors stint and time at the Rock.

Greene could be in their somewhere too.
- boilermaker100

Agree with all your evaluation. A couple bottom line guys do have opportunity at Rockford one more season … if they develop enough/show eniugh

Yes it depends on how everyone develops and who else is acquired via future trades or drafts to deem who is expendable.

I just hope KD doesn't get too attached to any of the guys he's drafted. If someone can get moved down the road to improve the team so be it.
- boilermaker100

Sure but it really would suck if he didn't give a player enough time to develop and he went on to be a star on another team.

Devon Toews would of looked really good in a Islanders sweater this year.

Faber would of looked really good in a Kings sweater hell at this point they could of traded away that boat anchor of a contract attached to Doughty.

Orr skated “wiz’s” way. What did that get him?
- LFS

Last time I checked it got him eight Norris trophies.