One more time, name me one Russian player who wants to play in America and can't.


- vabeachbear

You got at least 4 on the wait and see list, from just the last 2 years' 1st round alone, as a TBC list.

It actually ends up being relevant in the hockey sense because the MOU between the NHL and KHL was suspended in 2022.

https://www.sportingnews..../njjrpoxtz10vaumfdvz7ukbp

Which, unless something has changed since that MOU suspension, then effectively, it means there are no rules. There's your hockey angle.



Since you questioned my use of 1st rounders only -technically I didn't set that parameter ... the below post did.

The “Russian factor” literally makes no sense. In fact, I’d go so far to call it hysteria over unsubstantiated proof.

Historically, what first round picks actually never saw the light of day on this side of the pond? Do we even have a single example of a Russian player not coming over to the NHL since the Cold War ended? Has Russia/The KHL ever actually put their foot down and prevented a player from coming over?

...

But yeh, it's a developing space.

The question everyone should be asking about Demidov is, will he be another version of Artemi Panarin, big time scorer against inferior teams, and disappear in the playoffs when big boy hockey is played, or rise up in the big moments, and understand the next level needed in the NHL, and elevate his game to it?
- dahawks8819

Same can be said of any player. Leafs for instance.

Demidov apparently didn’t sign a KHL contract so he’d be available sooner and was punished for not signing by not getting much KHL playing time. But as you say some Russian players aren’t as interested in playing in the NHL as some others. The KHL tying players up in longer contracts is another issue, and of course paying the KHL team for the rights to a player is another problem.

My biggest concern about Demidov and I haven’t heard the answer from anywhere. Is he a big game player like Datsyuk or a regular season player like Panarin, both similar sized players.
- paulr

Do you have the same concern about levshunov?

Would like to see what the prospect guys on this board think of Pronman's answer about D men in this draft,Pronman thinks there are 4 #1 dmen in this draft?

How do you group and distinguish the top group of defensemen?

Pronman: There are four defensemen I think project as No. 1 defensemen in the NHL, which is a highly unusual statement in itself: Michigan State’s Levshunov, Calgary’s Carter Yakemchuk, Torpedo’s Silayev and Denver’s Zeev Buium. Levshunov, Yakemchuk and Silayev all have size, mobility, compete and skill, although there are varying degrees for them on those fronts. Buium isn’t as big, but he’s an excellent skater with high-end offensive abilities and dominated college hockey this season. After them, it would be a drop for me toward Saginaw’s Zayne Parekh, London’s Sam Richardinson and Stian Solberg from Norway. They all look like potential top four defensemen but Richardinson and Solberg may not have elite NHL offense, and Parekh’s defense will worry teams until it doesn’t.

Wheeler: There are half a dozen premium D prospects in this class for me and they divide into three different tiers: Levshunov (top 2-3), Buium, Parekh, Richardinson and Silayev in a grouping (top 5 consideration), and Yakemchuk (top 10 consideration) on the cusp of that first group. Levshunov’s two-way ceiling, range, physical maturity, and free-spirited game make him the best prospect of the bunch for me, but all are high-end players, with concerns about Yakemchuk’s skating and decision-making leaving him sixth. I’m a big believer in Parekh’s offense being of a special quality and winning out to turn him into a star.

Demidov apparently didn’t sign a KHL contract so he’d be available sooner and was punished for not signing by not getting much KHL playing time. But as you say some Russian players aren’t as interested in playing in the NHL as some others. The KHL tying players up in longer contracts is another issue, and of course paying the KHL team for the rights to a player is another problem.

My biggest concern about Demidov and I haven’t heard the answer from anywhere. Is he a big game player like Datsyuk or a regular season player like Panarin, both similar sized players.
- paulr

but are they? Shapiro talked to him said he was amazed how big he is, at a min 6' tall.

Are you comparing them size wise as Datsyuk as a 30 yr old and Demidov as a 17 yr old

but are they? Shapiro talked to him said he was amazed how big he is, at a min 6' tall.

Are you comparing them size wise as Datsyuk as a 30 yr old and Demidov as a 17 yr old
- vabeachbear

Well...none of it matters as Pronman's latest mock in The Athletic has the Draft playing out as follows for Chicago:

2. Chicago Blackhawks: Artyom Levshunov, D, Michigan State (NCAA (BIG10))

The winds certainly feel like they’re blowing in the direction of Levshunov being the pick here. Teams feel like the Blackhawks are high on Ivan Demidov and Cayden Lindstrom as well, and I don’t think they’ve truly decided who they are taking, but the odds favor the big, dynamic defenseman from Michigan State.

18. Chicago Blackhawks: Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, RW, Mora (SWEDEN-2)

Chicago jumps at Brandsegg-Nygard getting to 18, adding skill and scoring but also some size and bite to their prospect pool. It feels like they will probably take a forward here if Levshunov goes at No. 2.

Demidov falls to 5 and the Habs and for fun...

19. Vegas Golden Knights: Cole Eiserman, LW, USA U-18 (NTDP)

Eiserman met privately with teams picking in the top 10 at the combine, but most of the teams I talked to think he’s going to be a draft-day faller. I think 15-25 is his range on draft day. Vegas likes to take shots, and he would be a dice roll on a lot of goal-scoring talent.

Powers' column this am on the Blackhawks' presence at Gold Star Hockey Camp and Demidov's interview...

With the No. 2 pick in this month’s draft, the Chicago Blackhawks were well represented in Florida on the opening day of the Gold Star Hockey camp. Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson, director of amateur scouting Mike Doneghey and hockey operations adviser Brian Campbell made the trip. The Blackhawks are expected to have dinner with Demidov and meet with other players this week. Blackhawks chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz is also in Florida and is expected to sit in on player meetings.

On Tuesday morning, Demidov was introduced to everyone in the stands at FTL War Memorial by his agent, Dan Milstein. Demidov isn’t participating in the on-ice portion of the camp this week due to a leg injury. As Demidov met with NHL staffs, everyone was noticeably sizing him up. Demidov heard people thought he was 5-foot-11, but he said that was his measurement from a few years ago. He thought he was closer to 6-1 now.

I’m not sure if you’re aware, but there’s a lot of talk among Chicago Blackhawks fans about drafting potentially you or Artyom Levshunov, who is also here. Are you aware of people talking about you or do you see any of it on social media?

I don’t see it. It’s good for media, it’s good for fans. For me, it’s like I’m doing my job. It’s good, but I don’t watch it.

How familiar are you with the Blackhawks and Connor Bedard?

I know all about them.

Are there aspects of Bedard’s game you like and respect?

I like Connor Bedard’s game. He has a good shot, good vision, very, very good players. Chicago is a good team for me, very good.

Off topic: RIP Willie Mays, 93 years old.

Do you have the same concern about levshunov?
- LFS

I have the same concern about every single player. If they aren’t competitive when it matters they aren’t much value are they? And again I’m not saying Demidov can’t play when the going gets tough, I’m asking if he can.

I have the same concern about every single player. If they aren’t competitive when it matters they aren’t much value are they? And again I’m not saying Demidov can’t play when the going gets tough, I’m asking if he can.
- paulr

The fact remains, we will find out. It's simply a matter of when/where.

but are they? Shapiro talked to him said he was amazed how big he is, at a min 6' tall.

Are you comparing them size wise as Datsyuk as a 30 yr old and Demidov as a 17 yr old
- vabeachbear

My main point isn’t size, it’s a question. Does Demidov (or any player in the draft) project as a guy who can play in the rough going? If any player is a guy who projects as guy who has no appetite to play in the tougher areas in tougher games he’s no use, is he?

The fact remains, we will find out. It's simply a matter of when/where.
- 35Tony0

The fact is you watch prospects for tendencies, does he shy from tough areas, does he avoid contact, does he give up possession to avoid a hit? My only point is whatever player KD is looking for project as a “playoff or regular season guy”?

In every series this Oilers coaching staff is so good at understanding what the opponent is trying to do and take it away.

If the Panthers don't get back to being responsible with the puck they will give he Oilers a chance to steal the cup from them.
- BetweenTheDots

It's like we're watching two different games. Florida is making plays most of the game. They are coming away with 2/3 of the pucks up for grabs. Edmonton is clearing the zone and dumping more than not. To me, Paul Maurice has the Panthers playing a better team game.

You got at least 4 on the wait and see list, from just the last 2 years' 1st round alone, as a TBC list.

It actually ends up being relevant in the hockey sense because the MOU between the NHL and KHL was suspended in 2022.

https://www.sportingnews..../njjrpoxtz10vaumfdvz7ukbp

Which, unless something has changed since that MOU suspension, then effectively, it means there are no rules. There's your hockey angle.



Since you questioned my use of 1st rounders only -technically I didn't set that parameter ... the below post did.




But yeh, it's a developing space.
- SC116

OK, Don't draft any Russians, I wonder if the Caps board was like this for Ovi, or Pittsburgh's for Malkin, etc. etc. etc.

For the record even though i say its silly to not draft Demidov because of the fake Russian factor, doesn't necessarily I'm saying take him.

I obviously haven't seen him enough to form an opinion. I'm more preaching offense. This team has none except for 1 guy. The depth in the organization for top 6 players needs to be built up.

I'm also for BPA so if they think that's a D man, I'll be ok, just think if you split the first rounders, the package of offense at 2 and D at 18 will be better than the other way around.

The fact is you watch prospects for tendencies, does he shy from tough areas, does he avoid contact, does he give up possession to avoid a hit? My only point is whatever player KD is looking for project as a “playoff or regular season guy”?
- paulr

I think we can all agree on that!


Well of course unless he's Russian

I think we can all agree on that!


Well of course unless he's Russian
- vabeachbear

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.

Do you have the same concern about levshunov?
- LFS

Levshunov is strong in the areas of play and size which are needed to be a quality defenseman in any league...a bit different than being counted upon to be a forward, able to circumvent those defenseman AND be a difference-maker in tight checking games where toughness and courage are necessary as an attacker.

Levshunov likes contact,and collisions favor him due to his 4 direction skating, balance and already developed physique.

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

Not at you, in general, it keeps getting brought up, actually, I agree with you

It's like we're watching two different games. Florida is making plays most of the game. They are coming away with 2/3 of the pucks up for grabs. Edmonton is clearing the zone and dumping more than not. To me, Paul Maurice has the Panthers playing a better team game.
- 6628

I do like Florida's brand of hockey, but I have to give the Oilers credit for making Florida work harder. What i see is the Oilers are willing to dump and forecheck making the Panthers come back to help, when the Panthers dump the puck Oilers goal is to get it out past the blue line so the Panthers at worst have to reset and start over. They do it pretty quick so it doesn't even give them a chance to forecheck the dman. Another thing i notice when 5 on 5 the Oilers are keeping 3 players at the blue line and when the puck is in the zone 3 players below the dots and defending in layers from wherever the puck is. The 3 pause to leave the zone to make sure the puck exits the zone.

I mean in reality if the Oilers can play even hockey 5 on 5 they can actually win because they can't even stop the Oilers from scoring short handed.

I think Knoblauch watched the Ducks Blackhawks series from the infamous, no human can with stand that many hits.

All that being said i think it's important to both these teams on who scores first. Reinhard had a chance to make it 1-0 in both games. Just couldn't get it done.

I am happy that Edmonton, after the Duncan Keith pep talks with various individual Oil players, has made a series of this.

I never had a favorite of the two, or cared about the outcome, as much as the game itself..

I just love the roller coaters ride the in area fans are being put through.

As much as last night's Florida fans went home shocked and maybe a lot less confident, and the Oil home fans got to view their teams emergence from the brink, the only team that can win a Cup at home will be next Monday, and that would mean the next game in Edmonton is another Bobrovsky loss.

The fans are starting tio be the winners in thsi Final.

Off topic: RIP Willie Mays, 93 years old.
- 35Tony0

A good friend of mine has a ball first autographed by Babe Ruth, that he simply made his way into the MLB lockeroom while Mays was being interviewed by the press and had him also sign the ball.

I doubt that happens nowadays, eh?

A good friend of mine has a ball first autographed by Babe Ruth, that he simply made his way into the MLB lockeroom while Mays was being interviewed by the press and had him also sign the ball.

I doubt that happens nowadays, eh?
- wiz1901

I'd be happy with the commission of the sale of that one!

Seraravlli saying Levshunov and Parekh are also down in Florida at this showcase.

https://x.com/frank_serav...28930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

We think that we know what Kyle is going to do at #2, but, I am thinking there is time to change horses.

It would be a luck that Eiserman falls to #18, but stranger things have happened- I think that would have to happen, it would mean Trevor Connelly doesn't fall out of the top #17, which no one but the scouting staffs have the answer to...that pulled him from their lists for past teeenage decisions.

Well my picks have the correct teams in fromt of them and I change my mind in the 2nd and later rounds everyday, but keep moving my favs around.

https://www.lines.com/nhl/drafts

I will enjoy seeing if Kyle explodes with a move during day two, because day one will be his to manipulate, or simply patiently back off his impulsiveness.

Free agency and trading will begin next week too.

Signing Guentzel could run between $8.5 million and $9.5 million annually ad he wants FIVE years not two.

So as said already, KD gets to be graded a bit more clsoely this time around.

Hope it is to all our satisfaction.