Free Agency happens after the draft right?
- vabeachbear

Yes, but teams can talk to players a week prior to free agency. Teams can talk to players prior to the draft.

My worthless thoughts:

Demidov's possible skating issues, the fact that he'll be skating on a smaller ice surface against considerably better competition doesn't entice me.

Lindstrom starting to give off Eric Daze vibes for me.

Levshinov (or another d-man) that actually plays defense would be nice. Maybe the Hawks won't have to count on a goalie to keep them in games if the opponents chances are snuffed out before they start.

Regardless of who KFC picks, most likely half the BOD will say he picked wrong.
- Rota's Rooter

The problem was team defense as much as individual defensemen.

As much as I don’t think Philadelphia is willing to trade number 11 pick for number 18 in order to allow the Blackhawks to take on the contracts of Cal Peterson & Cam Atkinson, I see the monetary shift aids the Flyers and does give the Blackhawk a nice chance back in the dance in a spot where the team can take a prospect off-setting what every position they chose earlier at #2.

That is a strong ask by Kyle but Cap casualy "favors" will continue to cost....not sure, if this one is a bit too steep to get my Hawks another early first day pick.
- wiz1901

Philly has #12, Wiz. It may be better for them just to buy out both players than giving up that pick. But I would entertain the trade.

My worthless thoughts:

Demidov's possible skating issues, the fact that he'll be skating on a smaller ice surface against considerably better competition doesn't entice me.

Lindstrom starting to give off Eric Daze vibes for me.

Levshinov (or another d-man) that actually plays defense would be nice. Maybe the Hawks won't have to count on a goalie to keep them in games if the opponents chances are snuffed out before they start.

Regardless of who KFC picks, most likely half the BOD will say he picked wrong.
- Rota's Rooter

Every player drafted will be playing against better competition. I would say most europeans have adapted very well to the smaller ice surface.

And if there is no consensus on the 2nd best player and you can get an extra piece or two to the rebuild puzzle, why not? Watching that garbage for a year can pay off in more than one way than just picking at #2.
- boilermaker100

I'm pretty sure the Hawks will have an idea who they consider to be the best player available. Just because fans don't agree, doesn't mean the Hawks won't have a clear idea of who they want. Very little chance of them trading down IMO.

Yes, but teams can talk to players a week prior to free agency. Teams can talk to players prior to the draft.
- wizardofi

Ah, didn't realize that. Know they have that for a few days now in NFL, didn't realize or forgot about it in NHL.

The draft isn't an exact science and it doesn't matter if there is a consensus #2 or some perceived order to the top 10.

I mean, look at 2019, Kakko was considered a pretty clear #2 and how has that worked out?

Stutzle went #3 in 2020, but he is best player from his draft class thus far.

You could argue that the best player in 2021 went 23rd overall to Dallas, Wyatt Johnston has been outstanding.

The Hawks will have their guy in mind when we pick from the "rest" after we know who goes #1 to SJ. There will be hits or and misses. Even if somehow don't draft the best player available, we probably get a decent player. I know people say "the Hawks can't afford to screw up this pick" but realistically, it happens. The teams that went deep in this year's playoffs all had misses to go with their draft hits. We just gotta trust the process and hope they make the best choice when the dust settles in a few years and we see who is who a bit better.

Ah, didn't realize that. Know they have that for a few days now in NFL, didn't realize or forgot about it in NHL.
- vabeachbear

Found this on puckpedia. Technically teams cannot talk to UFA's until the day after the draft. Since the draft is June 28 & 29, talks can't begin until June 30 which only leaves a day until the July 1st signing date. Not much time.

https://puckpedia.com/sal...estricted-free-agents-ufa

Along these lines, Friedman now reporting that the Hawks may expedite the rebuild and go after Guentzel. He speculates the Hawks may trade a pick or RFA for his negotiation rights.

Appears Powers thinks the Hawks are leaning Levshunov with #2 pick

Found this on puckpedia. Technically teams cannot talk to UFA's until the day after the draft. Since the draft is June 28 & 29, talks can't begin until June 30 which only leaves a day until the July 1st signing date. Not much time.

https://puckpedia.com/sal...estricted-free-agents-ufa

Along these lines, Friedman now reporting that the Hawks may expedite the rebuild and go after Guentzel. He speculates the Hawks may trade a pick or RFA for his negotiation rights.
- boilermaker100

It says after the draft or June 25th at the latest. This means they should be able to talk to UFAs prior to the draft.

Appears Powers thinks the Hawks are leaning Levshunov with #2 pick
- LAHawk

Some new article out?
I just did a quick check and didn't find anything

Some new article out?
I just did a quick check and didn't find anything
- captainserious

On todays The Athletic Show podcast

https://www.nytimes.com/a...the-athletic-hockey-show/

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Just talked to Kyle Davidson at the NHL Combine in Buffalo.

Notably, he shot down any possibility of a Patrick Kane reunion:

"He did have a really good year. I think we’re all really happy to see that... [But] we made some really tough decisions on some longstanding players. I don’t foresee us going back on that."

It says after the draft or June 25th at the latest. This means they should be able to talk to UFAs prior to the draft.
- wizardofi

Ah, ok.

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Just talked to Kyle Davidson at the NHL Combine in Buffalo.

Notably, he shot down any possibility of a Patrick Kane reunion:

"He did have a really good year. I think we’re all really happy to see that...
- breadbag[But] we made some really tough decisions on some longstanding players. I don’t foresee us going back on that."

The Hawks need scoring. Patrick Kane can score and help Bedard. I understand that KFC wants to put his mark on the team but to me, it is ego that keeps him from talking to Kane. Is he afraid that Kane is going to overshadow his prized possession?
I want to see the Hawks win and if Kane helps do that, then he needs to do his job. I doubt Kaner wants to come back but the conversation should be had. And he still needs to sell tickets.

The Hawks need scoring. Patrick Kane can score and help Bedard. I understand that KFC wants to put his mark on the team but to me, it is ego that keeps him from talking to Kane. Is he afraid that Kane is going to overshadow his prized possession?
I want to see the Hawks win and if Kane helps do that, then he needs to do his job. I doubt Kaner wants to come back but the conversation should be had. And he still needs to sell tickets.
- bjphawkfan

Anyone heard anything from Toews? Is he going to officially retire? Training to come back? Haven't heard a peep. In any case hope he is in good health.

The Hawks need scoring. Patrick Kane can score and help Bedard. I understand that KFC wants to put his mark on the team but to me, it is ego that keeps him from talking to Kane. Is he afraid that Kane is going to overshadow his prized possession?
I want to see the Hawks win and if Kane helps do that, then he needs to do his job. I doubt Kaner wants to come back but the conversation should be had. And he still needs to sell tickets.
- bjphawkfan

Kane returning made sense to me, but it was pretty clearly not happening for whatever reason. So, OK.

Now go out and get Guentzel and/or some other guys and lets get the ascent started.

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
Just talked to Kyle Davidson at the NHL Combine in Buffalo.

Notably, he shot down any possibility of a Patrick Kane reunion:

"He did have a really good year. I think we’re all really happy to see that...
- breadbag[But] we made some really tough decisions on some longstanding players. I don’t foresee us going back on that."

Translation;

"I spent an entire year moving out every remanent from the last era, anyone having been here during the Beach episode, regardless of their involvement. I don't know if I totally agree with it, but my bosses insisted on it. No one from the past is coming back

So stop asking me about it, its never happening!"

More from Ben Pope.

https://x.com/BenPopeCST/...amp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

https://x.com/BenPopeCST/...amp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

https://x.com/BenPopeCST/...amp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

Translation;

"I spent an entire year moving out every remanent from the last era, anyone having been here during the Beach episode, regardless of their involvement. I don't know if I totally agree with it, but my bosses insisted on it. No one from the past is coming back

So stop asking me about it, its never happening!"
- vabeachbear

Except for Cornelison? He should have been the first to go!

Accurate point about the 4 spots in the 2nd round.

Now that the dust has settled and the euphoria of the Vlasic signing has past, is their anyone besides Vlasic that is happy about the amount and term? For no reason, he is going to make more next year and then most likely be a UFA before Bouchard.
- stevefrmglencoe

Hey Steve, hope you can stay objective cuz there are quite a few of your posts I learn from. You've pointed out more than a couple moves LR failed to make that I didn't realize and as a result started watching his moves or lack of them.

Hopefully you stay objective and share your thoughts as the rebuild goes from stage to stage.

Except for Cornelison? He should have been the first to go!
- powerenforcer

My wife always asks me "what they hell is that guy doing" she's not from Chicago....

Hey Steve, hope you can stay objective cuz there are quite a few of your posts I learn from. You've pointed out more than a couple moves LR failed to make that I didn't realize and as a result started watching his moves or lack of them.

Hopefully you stay objective and share your thoughts as the rebuild goes from stage to stage.
- Mr Ricochet

Is he being objective though…or is it complaining for the sake of complaining?

I didn’t hate Vosters as much as som here on the board. I didn’t think he was great but was willing to give him a chance to grow into the job. That said, not sure how many people were able to get too attached to him during his 1 1/2 seasons as the PBP guy…not to the point where it can be attached to KFC’s perceived laundry list of mistakes.

That anyone would love or hate a trade that moves a pick up in each of the first two rounds and gives one up at the back end of the second is comical.

Ditto on the Vlasic deal. Have no problem with going against groupthink but Steve hasn’t made any real argument as to how that deal is a negative. Yes, Vlasic will be a UFA at the end of it and he’ll either take another deal from the Hawks or he won’t. What Steve never mentions is what the Salary Cap will be at that time. He doesn’t know…just like I don’t know if Vlasic will grow his game to the point where he prices himself out of being a Hawk.

Maybe I’m off here…but to me it’s just complaining when there is no real axe to grind.

Anyone heard anything from Toews? Is he going to officially retire? Training to come back? Haven't heard a peep. In any case hope he is in good health.
- LAHawk

Amen to that.

Anyone heard anything from Toews? Is he going to officially retire? Training to come back? Haven't heard a peep. In any case hope he is in good health.
- LAHawk

This is one of those things where it feels like no news is bad news. I feel like if he was training hard for a comeback we would have seen something. I hope he is well, there would have been a lot more good hockey from him if he was able to play.