Anyone think Draisaitl's price took a hit in the finals or was he injured?

Assuming McGroatry is not a malcontent and just doesn't relish the "opportunity" to play in Winnipeg, AND if Ehlers would sign a 2-3 year extension, I would do that Murphy, Reichel and #18 trade for the both of them.

Sign Teuvo for 3-4 years and you have a couple of decent wingers (yes, on the backside of 30) for a few years until the home grown talent is ready or others are signed or traded for.

If Lev is the pick, will he/could he slot into Murphy's spot as soon as this upcoming season?
- boilermaker100

I would doubt that Levshunov could slot in this year if he's the pick. I just looked at the last three years and no defensemen have played in their draft year (including Owen Power). I would think it will take him at least one if not two to make it to pro hockey.

And he lost his Dad this year, I don't think we can underestimate the impact that would have add on a young kid. I'm not saying KK will be a perennial all-star, but I expect he'll keep improving over the next few years.

I don't blame the Hawks (or Canucks and especially the Hurricanes) for giving up on Forsling. At the time those teams were in the hunt for the Cup and were in "win-now" mode.
- DarthKane

There were a few times where K2 seemed to cut loose and attack the zone with purpose and looked incredible.

His stick work was very good, not even for his age it was just very good and his ability to deny entries was very good - excellent if you account for age. Passes were excellent and the tape.

I think stronger on his skates and 25 points assuming they strengthen the roster (35 if he's getting more PP time) would be a decent expectation.

Forsling looked great playing for Q and like ass playing for JC. Unfortunate casualty of a horrid head coach more than anything else.

The Blackhawks will be sporting a Circa Sports patch on their home jerseys this season. It was just a matter of time before the Hawks adding a company logo to their jersey.

Anyone think Draisaitl's price took a hit in the finals or was he injured?
- rpeters01

No, he will temporarily become the highest paid player in the league until McDavid's new contract kicks in.

I would doubt that Levshunov could slot in this year if he's the pick. I just looked at the last three years and no defensemen have played in their draft year (including Owen Power). I would think it will take him at least one if not two to make it to pro hockey.
- Chunk

He'll get 10 games and then AHL.

Anyone think Draisaitl's price took a hit in the finals or was he injured?
- rpeters01

Not even a little bit. He'll get more than Marner on his next contract is my guess.

The Blackhawks will be sporting a Circa Sports patch on their home jerseys this season. It was just a matter of time before the Hawks adding a company logo to their jersey.
- DarthKane

Good (as long as it's considered HRR). Anything that will add more money to the league.

JFC Wiz, I said a guy like Nazar. Maybe it’s not breathing that’s the problem, but comprehension. My point is if Chicago want McGroarty they’ll probably have to move a prospect out to get him. And Winnipeg won’t want some second tier prospect.
- paulr

How about #18 for #15 (2022) plus a developing defensiveman who has played in the NHL, BUT CAN BE SHUTTLE UP & DOWN?

No, he will temporarily become the highest paid player in the league until McDavid's new contract kicks in.
- LAHawk

If he stays in Edmonton they will never ice four competitive lines or else a strong defense. Also will have to go with bargain basement goalies. It just can't be done with two guys taking that much cap space.

I would doubt that Levshunov could slot in this year if he's the pick. I just looked at the last three years and no defensemen have played in their draft year (including Owen Power). I would think it will take him at least one if not two to make it to pro hockey.
- Chunk

The difference might be that Power was just on his way to college as he was picked and Levshunov had a nice year in college already.

What about Rinzel (++) for McGroarty? That's a deal I would seriously consider.
- DarthKane

Noooooo! Then they won't have any RHD in the pipeline!!!!!!

If they view McGroarty as a better prospect than Rinzel, then sure. I kinda doubt they would though. Most of the development updates that I've watched with Eaton and other Blackhawks amateur people seem like they love the progress Rinzel has made this year and expect big things from him.

Murphy is a terrible player to learn from. The team was markedly better with him out. His CF% rel and FF% rel are still negative, meaning he makes his teammates worse. This has been true every year of his career.

Blake wheeler is done, and was a locker room cancer in WPG
- ObeseOprah

Respectfully disagree in a big way with your assessment.

He is a solid player to learn from because what they are learning isn't skating or fundamentals of hockey, it's about all the other things that go into being a pro player. He is a leader and one of the most respected players in the locker room for a reason.

The stats you quoted aren't even correct as his relative stats at 5v5 were positive more seasons than negative, and that was many seasons of him doing the heavy lifting on QoC and having an AHL quality partner in many cases.

Noooooo! Then they won't have any RHD in the pipeline!!!!!!

If they view McGroarty as a better prospect than Rinzel, then sure. I kinda doubt they would though. Most of the development updates that I've watched with Eaton and other Blackhawks amateur people seem like they love the progress Rinzel has made this year and expect big things from him.
- Chunk

#18 alone should be enough to get him if Winnipeg wants to part ways.

I would love to see Maguarita Bob MacKenzie's draft special, but as usual, the NHL channel in the states haven't added it or announced it as one of their predraft offerings as they have most years.


Whether it is incorrect TV scheduling as the entire array of Junior championships, their times are always off and I miss parts of the contest.

Will let me know if any one sees it as added to US cable?

#18 alone should be enough to get him if Winnipeg wants to part ways.
- rpeters01

Winnipeg doesn't have to do anything immediately, McGroarty still has 2 years of college left. If Cheveldayoff doesn't like any trade proposals, he can wait until next years draft to trade him. Of course that is a risk, but one I can see Cheveldayoff taking if all he gets is low ball offers.

Then i guess Peg will find a better offer from another team. Like Necas, or Zegras KD ain't giving up any of his prized prospects or high draft picks.

So when does this become a Winnepeg management issue?

Oh that's right management can do whatever they want besides tanking.
- BetweenTheDots

I think Davidson would move his prospects or picks for the right asset.

Like Zegras. If the Ducks wanted 18+ Reichel for Zegras you do that deal. Worst case scenario it's wildly entertaining to see him and Bedard score a bunch of goals even though they'll get scored on a lot. Best case the kid matures and you have a long term piece that you don't need to wait 5 years to develop.

Davidson seems to have a decent relationship with the boys in Tampa. Cirelli for Toronto's pick next year? Tampa is going to have to retool or rebuild in the next 2 or 3 years so starting to get some assets without hamstringing them may be a thing they'd be interested in. They need cap space.

I think there are a lot of options to get some solid hockey players from teams that are desperate.

If theyre going to pass on Marner and Guentzel then throwing between 16 and 20 million over two years at Marchessault would be a great move.

Guentzel for 5 years and 8-8.5 million per would be reasonable and not back breaking for what he brings.

Hypothetically going into next year with: Cirelli, DeBrusk OR TT (prefer DeBrusk but doesn't matter) and Marchassault OR Guentzel doesn't make them a playoff team but certainly less painful to watch.

After almost all has been said, I'm leaning towards Lindstrom. "Take a chance on me."
- rpeters01

From last blog.
He's ok. Was also a number 2 OA pick in his draft year. 🤔
- HawkintheD

Barkov is the type of player that you win with, good size, can skate, good hands, and 200’ game, those my friend are hard to find. The Hawks had Toews and Bolland up the middle, and Bolland played bigger than his actual size. The Hawks need a good all around big center, which in this draft it’s Lindstrom, but it really depends on his back and medical report. Many are saying that it’s either Demidov and Lesgunov, but if Lindstrom’s health checks out, he’ll be in the discussions as well.
- Angotti

Powers saying it’s nearly a lock they draft Levshunov. Kind of disappointed to be honest. I was hoping for another game breaking forward. Levshunov looks like a fine player in college, but I couldn’t help but envision us taking a top flight forward to take some heat off Bedard. If his comp is Sergachev and Demidov’s is a Kaprizov, idk I think I want demidov
- ObeseOprah

Or it's a lot of smoke.

I can't remember the last time 2 OA was "a lock" at this stage.

Maybe it's reading into it too much but if theyre putting out so hard that thats their guy, maybe theyre trying to get a bidding war between Columbus and Montreal for that 2 spot to take the Russian.

Tough to imagine them trading down but at least it would be creative and outside of the normative hockey box that is conservative, predicable and infuriating.

3 years with a $5.75 AAV.

Meanwhile, KD has re-signed only Cole Guttman.
- DarthKane

Thats a great deal for Colorado and the player still has an opportunity to cash in. Tough to believe he's only 25 seems like he's been in the league for forever.

Winnipeg doesn't have to do anything immediately, McGroarty still has 2 years of college left. If Cheveldayoff doesn't like any trade proposals, he can wait until next years draft to trade him. Of course that is a risk, but one I can see Cheveldayoff taking if all he gets is low ball offers.
- LAHawk

I wouldn't make them an offer they can't refuse.

I wouldn't make them an offer they can't refuse.
- rpeters01

No, but don't make them an offer that is insulting either. As a GM you still need to get deals done, and if you try and screw a GM on every deal you propose, you will very quickly have no one to deal with.

Random Thoughts;

I would look to move Seth Jones anyway possible.

That said, the D corps needs a veteran pro back there to show these kids the ropes, especially with Murphys health issues.

Free Agents I would talk to;

Matt Dumba
Jani Hankanpaa
Ilya Lyubushkin
Matt Grzelcyk
Oliver Kylington
Vincent Desharnais
Colin Miller


Chandler Stephenson
Matt Duchene
Blake Wheeler
Cal Clutterbuck
Stefan Noesen
Teuvo Teravainen (why not)
Sam Lafferty

RFAs I would ask on…

Arturs Silvos
Anton Lundell
Peyton Krebs
Arber Xhekaj


Trade Targets

Kaapo Kakko
Rutger McGroarty

Jeff Skinner (would require a bigtime sweetener)


Not Zegras.

Cheers,
- HawkFanInLeafLand

The best fit jones scenarios we've discussed here are to Toronto for Marner (which I would be extremely happy with but others here would poop their pants).

Or Jones to Utah.

Jones also isn't a bad player and him finishing his contract here is neither detrimental to the team's future ability to sign players or the on ice product. Only 6 years left there.

Assuming McGroatry is not a malcontent and just doesn't relish the "opportunity" to play in Winnipeg, AND if Ehlers would sign a 2-3 year extension, I would do that Murphy, Reichel and #18 trade for the both of them.

Sign Teuvo for 3-4 years and you have a couple of decent wingers (yes, on the backside of 30) for a few years until the home grown talent is ready or others are signed or traded for.

If Lev is the pick, will he/could he slot into Murphy's spot as soon as this upcoming season?
- boilermaker100

That would qualify as a great off season me thinks.

Murphy is a terrible player to learn from. The team was markedly better with him out. His CF% rel and FF% rel are still negative, meaning he makes his teammates worse. This has been true every year of his career.

Blake wheeler is done, and was a locker room cancer in WPG
- ObeseOprah

The team in general is also v bad. It's less learning from and just having someone to take lumps so the younger players don't get too traumatized.