One guy I thought was a viable prospect was Zayne Parekh, he put up insane numbers, he was dominant all season then along come the playoffs and he does his best Mitch Marner impression and avoids the heavy areas, he has no interest in contact, he won’t take a hit to make a play and he stops competing at the same level. Last I checked he wasn’t Russian.

Again you’re not saying Demidov can play his best when needed most, you’re throwing my apparent anti Russian bias (which I’ve never demonstrated) at me. The question as to whether Demidov, or anyone, is a playoff type player isn’t addressed by the media or by posters here. I’m saying I’m sure KD and staff have determined who they think projects out as prospects who can play their best, not in the regular season but in the playoffs.
- paulr

I believe both were injured in the playoffs this year...

This from Dave Pagnotta's column at The Fourth Period.

At least eight teams have expressed serious interest in Zegras, including the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, Ottawa Senators, Nashville Predators, Calgary Flames and Buffalo Sabres, and I believe other clubs have also been in the mix.

Regarding the specific asking price, it varies team-by-team and so far, nobody will elaborate on the specific demands aside from emphasizing it’s a “big price.”

...

Chicago is another team I’m keeping my eye on this week. The Blackhawks are looking to add a top-line winger and have a few irons in the fire, beyond interest in Zegras.
- boilermaker100

And really this is interesting because it seems there is a few players/ prospects in play. Teams that are rebuilding don't need to make any of these trades so it comes down to who makes the best offer. KD can kick the tires and submit his initial trade package and go from there.

Do s that mean Ryan Greene doesn’t want to sign with the Hawks? He decided to go back for his third year
- LAHawk

Greene didn't quite have the season that McGroarty had. And is a 2nd round pick not top 15.

Dots, you're old enough to know sports is nonsense. What you and your family did is not, is the real world and has consequences all the way down to your natural kids and adopted kids' great grandchildren and beyond. ... A truly amazing and wonderful thing your family did.

Eat your words on Demidov going outside the top 10? Even if he doesn't you're not wrong for making the case he will or should. As many have pointed out no Russian in the modern era has not come over but with the funk in Russia right now fair to worry to some degree about any Russian especially with the #2 pick.

I stand by Demidov going top 10 but Michkov, ranked higher by the majority, went 7th last yr. Crazier things have happened.
- Mr Ricochet

Weren't there rumors that Mitchkov said I'd go to these teams or else I'm not going?

It is difficult to think Ryan Greene is disingenuous in wanting to return to school. It seems easier to add Greene, and maybe Moore next year as the team starts BEING draft picks.
Until he fully physically equip to play 200 foot NHL centre, the growth comes easier by way of college.
I would make much of it….until it is.
- wiz1901

Both may need an additional year. Greene may end up being a 4 year letterman and Moore may need a third year depending on how his on ice awareness develops. Ollie looks very north south all speed. I think he needs to add a little more dynamism to his game and shoot first more often.

Another 5-10kg of muscle would be nice too.

It doesn’t sound like an integrity thing to me, from what Friedman reported it sounds like he wants out because the team didn’t promise him a spot, apparently the Jets seem to think players have to earn their spot. That won’t go well on most teams. What do you think Dots, if the reporting is accurate is it an integrity issue or is McGroarty is acting a little privileged?
- paulr

Probably just an excuse to not be in Winnipeg.

Found an interesting link, a do not draft list, and Levshunov at #2

https://thehockeywriters....-draft-do-not-draft-list/
- captainserious

Should probably draft for ceiling not floor at 2.

Also Jack Johnson, Ryan Murray and Cam Barker were oopses where you could have emphasized "floor" and "tools" and all that.

Ekblad is the number 3 guy for the most part on a cup contending team. Not a "bust" but definitely not the go to guy or even Seabrook comparable in terms of role on the team.

That outcome would not be good for the Hawks at this stage. I'd rather see them swing on the Russian or Lindstrom.

But then you have to pay Ehlers the following year, if there was any truth to this i have to believe KD would want a contract extension in place for Ehlers and that can't happen till FA signings start in a week.
- BetweenTheDots

Why would you want a contract in place? They'll have him under contract for a year. Maybe he stays and maybe he goes. I think McGroarty is the actual piece you want and Ehlers is a help you tomorrow throw in.

Michkov is headed to Philly one season after being drafted. I thought he had a three year contract. Apparently he is "terminating" his contract two years early. How is this possible?
- mohel

Duffel bag full of cash

Bob McKenzie speculating Alec Martinez will sign here on a one year deal.

More vet presence on the back end.