Verbeek may want to trade him to get a more veteran presence on the team, but he doesn't need to and knows that he is an in-demand asset. They aren't under the gun on the cap or roster space. It's not remotely realistic to think you are getting him simply to move up one spot. Straight up for the #2 you probably have a deal (one that I would not make).

He's made some small strides in attempting to be a bit more sound defensively, but I don't think that's enough to get KD interested. You already have Bedard as a guy who is mostly offense. I don't think you can have many of those on a team and still be competitive. The Hawks had Kane (and Versteeg, but he was normally sheltered). Everyone else played at least a respectable 200' game. You also see it this year with EDM finally realizing you aren't going to play a lot of 6-5 games in the playoffs.
- Chunk

It really is an example of how KD can weaponize the 2nd OA pick. Didn't realize everyone hates Zegras, but since i brought him up, i guess there's no chance he can become better defensively. I guess Bedard can't either.

It really is an example of how KD can weaponize the 2nd OA pick. Didn't realize everyone hates Zegras, but since i brought him up, i guess there's no chance he can become better defensively. I guess Bedard can't either.
- BetweenTheDots

Idk, if Zegras is available, I’d be wary of a team wanting to cut bait on him so quickly. I know it happens (Dach, Drysdale, etc.) but for me it’s a bit of a red flag.

It really is an example of how KD can weaponize the 2nd OA pick. Didn't realize everyone hates Zegras, but since i brought him up, i guess there's no chance he can become better defensively. I guess Bedard can't either.
- BetweenTheDots

KD certainly can weaponize the #2OA, but you have to at least be realistic about the return. You have a 2-year cost control on a 23-year-old who has shown the ability to put up 60-65 points in a season (on a bad team mind you). You aren't getting that for moving up one spot in a draft that isn't nearly as strong as the one last year.

I've got nothing against Zegras. I actually think he made some strides defensively last year (when he actually did play). Bedard can certainly improve as well. My point was that they aren't ever going to be defensive stalwarts. Kane improved defensively over his career, but no matter what he did, would never get confused with any of the Selke vote getters.

Especially since the Hawks were lucky enough to land Bedard, I think you fill in around him with players that have more complete games. For all the tire pumping Demidov gets about his skill and playmaking, from what I've read and seen, he is actually a rather well rounded player. Really strong on the forecheck, and at least knows where to be defensively, if not exactly the most effective defender yet.

Idk, if Zegras is available, I’d be wary of a team wanting to cut bait on him so quickly. I know it happens (Dach, Drysdale, etc.) but for me it’s a bit of a red flag.
- HawkintheD

Verbeek is dangling Gibson, he will get a good haul for him. Several articles say Verbeek is looking for veteran help a top 6 forward and top 4 defenseman (sound familiar) to mentor the kids he has. Those that follow the Ducks say they are looking at a defenseman at #3. I do not think they are going to give up Zegras to worry that the Hawks are going to take a defenseman, I doubt the difference between the top rated defenseman in the draft is worth trading Zegras to make sure they get a targeted player..

KD certainly can weaponize the #2OA, but you have to at least be realistic about the return. You have a 2-year cost control on a 23-year-old who has shown the ability to put up 60-65 points in a season (on a bad team mind you). You aren't getting that for moving up one spot in a draft that isn't nearly as strong as the one last year.

I've got nothing against Zegras. I actually think he made some strides defensively last year (when he actually did play). Bedard can certainly improve as well. My point was that they aren't ever going to be defensive stalwarts. Kane improved defensively over his career, but no matter what he did, would never get confused with any of the Selke vote getters.

Especially since the Hawks were lucky enough to land Bedard, I think you fill in around him with players that have more complete games. For all the tire pumping Demidov gets about his skill and playmaking, from what I've read and seen, he is actually a rather well rounded player. Really strong on the forecheck, and at least knows where to be defensively, if not exactly the most effective defender yet.
- Chunk

That’s what I’ve read about Demidov too, which is surprising for a super skilled Russian.
Normally I think of Panarin, Kuznetsov, Podkolzin, Zadina types who either flourish and pile up points while the coach looks the other way in their own zone… or their game doesn’t translate well and their lack of accountability on D drives the coach to benching and scratching.

Huge lawsuits from fans getting hit by pucks and baseballs caused the NHL and MLB to put up nets. I also think when an NHL player dies during a fight the resultant lawsuit will force the NHL to ban fights. Larger fields and ice surfaces make sense.
- paulr

I think the lawsuit on fighting is not an "if" it's a "when" and they will have no defense.

KD certainly can weaponize the #2OA, but you have to at least be realistic about the return. You have a 2-year cost control on a 23-year-old who has shown the ability to put up 60-65 points in a season (on a bad team mind you). You aren't getting that for moving up one spot in a draft that isn't nearly as strong as the one last year.

I've got nothing against Zegras. I actually think he made some strides defensively last year (when he actually did play). Bedard can certainly improve as well. My point was that they aren't ever going to be defensive stalwarts. Kane improved defensively over his career, but no matter what he did, would never get confused with any of the Selke vote getters.

Especially since the Hawks were lucky enough to land Bedard, I think you fill in around him with players that have more complete games. For all the tire pumping Demidov gets about his skill and playmaking, from what I've read and seen, he is actually a rather well rounded player. Really strong on the forecheck, and at least knows where to be defensively, if not exactly the most effective defender yet.
- Chunk

I have to be realistic, yet no one here wants to trade for him?

I have to be realistic, yet no one here wants to trade for him?
- BetweenTheDots

Literally one guy said that. Why are you making up false opposition to your argument? And if you want your argument to be taken seriously and invoke an actual discussion, then yeah, you need to be realistic in a trade proposal.

You deflect any reasonable counter to your proposal with non sequitur or misrepresentation.

If Silayev has a mean streak like Chara but skates and has similar skill to Hedman he’d be one scary dude on the blueline.
- paulr

Nothing indicates that Anton has that offensive potential. Ten playoff games in MHL and he had 0+3. There haven´t been any signs of him being point producer and I don´t think he´ll turn to that in NHL. I can see he could become like Chara in best case scenario but no way near Hedman kind of player. But I could be wrong though.

Nothing indicates that Anton has that offensive potential. Ten playoff games in MHL and he had 0+3. There haven´t been any signs of him being point producer and I don´t think he´ll turn to that in NHL. I can see he could become like Chara in best case scenario but no way near Hedman kind of player. But I could be wrong though.
- MjulQvist

So he's another Vlasic?

Literally one guy said that. Why are you making up false opposition to your argument? And if you want your argument to be taken seriously and invoke an actual discussion, then yeah, you need to be realistic in a trade proposal.

You deflect any reasonable counter to your proposal with non sequitur or misrepresentation.
- Chunk

If the Ducks offered Zegras and their 3rd OA, for our 2nd OA pick would you make the deal?

If the Ducks offered Zegras and their 3rd OA, for our 2nd OA pick would you make the deal?
- BetweenTheDots

If the Ducks were to make that deal wouldn’t you be worried why they would give up on a player to move up one spot in draft?

If the Ducks were to make that deal wouldn’t you be worried why they would give up on a player to move up one spot in draft?
- paulr

Yes or no

I think they are going to draft Silyaev

Yes or no
- BetweenTheDots

No, because first it ain’t happening and two if it did I’d wonder why they’d basically be giving him away.

If the Ducks offered Zegras and their 3rd OA, for our 2nd OA pick would you make the deal?
- BetweenTheDots

In a frickin heartbeat. That's an insane return. Especially with the drastic variance in opinion of the options after Celebrini. The Hawks still need a crap ton and we have no idea what most of these prospects will become. To only move down a single slot in the draft order AND pick up a guy that has proven to produce offensively (regardless of his current defensive warts) is the easiest call in history.

Edit: From my point of view.

Apparently paul is skeptical.

In a frickin heartbeat. That's an insane return. Especially with the drastic variance in opinion of the options after Celebrini. The Hawks still need a crap ton and we have no idea what most of these prospects will become. To only move down a single slot in the draft order AND pick up a guy that has proven to produce offensively (regardless of his current defensive warts) is the easiest call in history.
- Chunk

Sometimes i get confused, really not hard for me, so your argument is they'll never make that deal, that's fair.

Huge lawsuits from fans getting hit by pucks and baseballs caused the NHL and MLB to put up nets. I also think when an NHL player dies during a fight the resultant lawsuit will force the NHL to ban fights. Larger fields and ice surfaces make sense.
- paulr

My seat was behind the goal where the Hawks shot twice prioe to the "netting."
I would averagee three pucks a year from my first row in the mex=zzanien seats, always finding the smallest kid to give them to.
Once my wive and I took home matching bruises on our upper outside thighs with one I simple lost track of.

I have always been quick outta my seat , and caught many.

Two times were memorable.
I jumped up and took one in the Cajoles and even higher in the thighs...It turned brilliant colors of blue, prrple and yellow and I showed every one I knew, much to the embarrassmnet of my wife.

But the next story about my friend Matt Ryan was the scariest.
Matt has passed and also met his maker at the game we were at.
First it was period in his life where he was basically a drunk and he left at the intermission and always drank and talked past the start of the next period.

So the seat to my right was open.
Play starts and someone takes a shot, it deflects and it's coming.
I jump up, extend my arm in a perdendicular catching position (where Matt would have been) and it's simply a blur between my ear and thumb and rising...

(I hope you all believ and appreciate this story)

It is rising and finds it way two rows up hitting a women in the right cheekbone, and THEN deflects down and further right and breaks a womens nose (or it sure looked like it was broken).

I mean the never returned.

I had taken a Danny O'Shea defelcting off my shoulder and into my hands and had finger stingers for being so stupid to have to attempt these puck catches, but I NEVER never saw anythuing like this one.

Matt walks back late after all the commotion is gone and says, something like, "did I miss anything?"

I tell him you missed being killed.

and believe me his drunken ass probably would have DIED.

No, because first it ain’t happening and two if it did I’d wonder why they’d basically be giving him away.
- paulr

Let's face it Verbeek isn't a fan of his just like you aren't.

KD and staff should have conducted a lot of player interviews at the combine by now. Not only is this an opportunity to look at the prospects, but also for the GM's to get together and lay the groundwork for some future trades this summer. I wonder how many offers KD has received for the #2 pick?

Let's face it Verbeek isn't a fan of his just like you aren't.
- BetweenTheDots

Why isn’t Verbeek a fan?

KD and staff should have conducted a lot of player interviews at the combine by now. Not only is this an opportunity to look at the prospects, but also for the GM's to get together and lay the groundwork for some future trades this summer. I wonder how many offers KD has received for the #2 pick?
- boilermaker100

I read that the Hawks aren’t one of those teams asking ridiculous psychological questions to trip up players. The scout who was interviewed said they look for the normal attributes like eye contact, a handshake and how they answer questions.

I suspect there will be lots of offers for that number two pick. If KD is open to moving it I suspect he’ll be asking allot.

Why isn’t Verbeek a fan?
- paulr

Why else would their be rumors about him being traded

If the Ducks offered Zegras and their 3rd OA, for our 2nd OA pick would you make the deal?
- BetweenTheDots

In a heartbeat, because we will still get the player I want.

I LOVE the way all these draft prognosticators use the words like the picks are basically e q u a l .

We know how prized the early selections are, becasue you may have a chance to get yout team a true guaranteed asset and impact player, or if you misss, at least a regular guaranteed NHL salary who plays.

You rather strike it rich, and your scouts like who the like and rank them by all things considered.

Whether a new home for Zervas and his 5.75 Mil contarct and two years to decalre bust or boom on him.

....a win, win, imo.

In a frickin heartbeat. That's an insane return. Especially with the drastic variance in opinion of the options after Celebrini. The Hawks still need a crap ton and we have no idea what most of these prospects will become. To only move down a single slot in the draft order AND pick up a guy that has proven to produce offensively (regardless of his current defensive warts) is the easiest call in history.

Edit: From my point of view.

Apparently paul is skeptical.
- Chunk

First of all, no offense Dots, but it’s a ridiculous proposal that will never happen. Second I don’t think he’s the right type of player to build a team around. Now if the ridiculous trade were to happen I’d move him to Montreal who apparently covet him for both of their firsts this season and their firsts for the next five years.

If the Ducks offered Zegras and their 3rd OA, for our 2nd OA pick would you make the deal?
- BetweenTheDots

I don't think that a good trade for Anaheim. As mentioned they are basically giving him away. With that said I would do it. Zegras has two years left at 5.75M. If he wants the moon on his next contract, or if he's too much of a tool, then trade him when the time comes.

Also, if Anaheim takes a defenseman at #2, and if Montreal is still hot to trot for Dedimov, trade #3 to them and get another asset from them. Hawks then likely end up with either Lindstrom/Catton/D!ckinson/Yakemchuk, Zegras and possibly Owen Beck.