One of the analysts on ESPN likened Boisvert to Malkin. That's sounds like a bit of reach, but nice to hear. Boisvert says he models and compares his own game to Kopitar.

As for Vanacker, I liked that smile on KD's face when he made the selection. He and the staff must really be happy to get him. Vanacker, BTW, had shoulder surgery earlier in June and will miss the first few months of next season.
- boilermaker100

The presser with Davidson was really good. CHGO has it posted on YouTube. He seemed happy with who they ended up with.

Vanacker had a hell of a season with a bum shoulder.

I think in not taking the Russian they do have Kansternov who put up somewhat comparable numbers to Demidov in the MHL but had a productive year as a 19 year old and lil guy in the KHL and KHL playoffs. He shows up in 2 years instead of 1 but should be closer to finished product.

Lightning trade Tanner Jeannot to LA for 2025 2nd and No. 118 today.

I'll assume the Blackhawks didn't want to do this because they landed Mikheyev and Lafferty?

Spoke to Levshunov in the concourse after the draft. Big guy. Big smile. Big personality. Asked him where he thought he would play next year. "Anywhere they tell me to," he said.
- stevefrmglencoe

Looks like he'll be a good balance for Bedards seriousness. Not that the seriousness is a bad thing but sometimes the boys are gonna need someone to take them to the arcade bar or basketball game or fishing instead of spending more time at the rink.

Friedman reports Red Wings and Rangers working on Trouba trade.

Not sure if this is part of the old Yzerplan or not,but what are the Wings doing?

Hope he is a better boxing Coach than the one Magnuson had.
- LAHawk

Hopefully he’s as good as the one Curt Fraser had. My old man was a semi pro boxer and said Fraser is the only hockey player he saw, who knew how to box. Fraser and Brian Glennie squared up and Fraser TKO’ him with a jab. My Dad couldn’t believe how much power he had in his straight jab. Fraser’s problem was the grappling side where he was unable to throw punches as effectively.

Tanner Jeannot traded to @LAKings
- DarthKane

And all of a sudden TB has over 16M in cap space. And they still have Cernak and Cirelli. A GM could do a lot when there are no NTC's involved.

Lightning trade Tanner Jeannot to LA for 2025 2nd and No. 118 today.

I'll assume the Blackhawks didn't want to do this because they landed Mikheyev and Lafferty?
- captainserious

Whew, that was a very expensive mistake by Tampa when they got Jeannot from Nashville. Cost them 5 draft picks and Cal Foote. And now he's gone.

I bet KD reaches at 67 and 72. There isn’t much left in the draft.

I bet KD reaches at 67 and 72. There isn’t much left in the draft.
- DarthKane

Hopefully he finds that elusive late bloomer

I bet KD reaches at 67 and 72. There isn’t much left in the draft.
- DarthKane

Do you think he thought the same way about picks 34 and 50? Grab Vanacker now and who cares about the rest of the draft.

So Toronto built their team with offense and is now scrambling to find defensemen for their top four. That strategy obviously has not worked, as they have been eliminated early from the playoffs for multiple years now. Edmonton has had similar results, except for going to the finals this year. The Hawks are building their top four through the draft, and now are adding offense to their core, I like this strategy much better until it’s proven wrong, which i doubt will happen. KD’s next step is to add a top six or middle six forward/center and a RHD through free agency, hopefully both on short term contracts just to help out the kids until this next wave of young ones are ready. Bedard, Reichel, Nazar, Moore, Boisvert, Vannaker, Hayes, etc. If four of these guys become legitimate top six, this team will be in great shape. Also, Toronto’s #1 should be in play for a good young forward, get ir done KD!
- Angotti

I think the bigger thing is having that special dynamic player on the blue line to dictate the pace of the game OR 3 or 4 good players by committee that are just so good at exiting the zone it's a constant onslaught going forward.

Florida, for example, is more by committee as well as Vegas. Vancouver or the Oilers have that one stud that they lean on.

The Avalanche had 4 guys who could advance the puck and one extremely special player.

I think it's pretty clear you can't win with only excellent forwards. That push from the blue line is the most important thing and can be accomplished a few different ways.

It's no coincidence that once Hammer and Seabrook fell apart physically and Oduya aged out \ left that they got their asses handed to them in the playoffs and finished 7th or 8th every year but one after that. Keith was at the point he couldn't do it anymore all himself. And that was with Kane, Toews and Debrincat all banging in over 35 goals each, 2 of them over 40.

Hopefully he finds that elusive late bloomer
- paulr

If Stanbo can find one surely so can KD - there must be a 5' 7" 148 lb center out there he can take.

Sergachev to Utah. Wow.

John Mustard stilll out there? Hope so.

Hawks take him at 67. Yes!!!

John Mustard stilll out there? Hope so.

Hawks take him at 67. Yes!!!
- boilermaker100

The Wiz report on Mustard. Fits the KD template to a tee.

Unsuspectedly came out of nowhere to be the USHL's top rookie scorer at end of December. A rugged winger who plays with a sense of urgency, has good feet, plays with pace, and moves the puck efficiently, and attacks the front. He is an elite shooter with good vision and instincts, as he finds teammates with passes that put them in positions to be successful. His hands are elusive as well and has the tools necessary to play at the higher levels. Mustard moves the puck efficiently and is rugged solid player with urgency to his game. On the first line, he is proving he is a pure goal score with elusive hands, an elite shot and one of youngest players in his draft class. Aggressive, forceful and scoring a lot. He is committed to Providence College.

John Mustard stilll out there? Hope so.

Hawks take him at 67. Yes!!!
- boilermaker100

#Blackhawks select center John Mustard with No. 67 overall pick in 2024 NHL Draft.

That is a hell of a last name for a Chicago franchise to draft

#Blackhawks select center John Mustard with No. 67 overall pick in 2024 NHL Draft.

That is a hell of a last name for a Chicago franchise to draft
- captainserious

Say it with relish

Whew, that was a very expensive mistake by Tampa when they got Jeannot from Nashville. Cost them 5 draft picks and Cal Foote. And now he's gone.
- RickJ

It sure was, bad for a team to try to win a Cup, but a move like this when you're rebuilding can really set you back.

If Stanbo can find one surely so can KD - there must be a 5' 7" 148 lb center out there he can take.
- RickJ

Like a Theoren Fleury!

I think the bigger thing is having that special dynamic player on the blue line to dictate the pace of the game OR 3 or 4 good players by committee that are just so good at exiting the zone it's a constant onslaught going forward.

Florida, for example, is more by committee as well as Vegas. Vancouver or the Oilers have that one stud that they lean on.

The Avalanche had 4 guys who could advance the puck and one extremely special player.

I think it's pretty clear you can't win with only excellent forwards. That push from the blue line is the most important thing and can be accomplished a few different ways.

It's no coincidence that once Hammer and Seabrook fell apart physically and Oduya aged out left that they got their asses handed to them in the playoffs and finished 7th or 8th every year but one after that. Keith was at the point he couldn't do it anymore all himself. And that was with Kane, Toews and Debrincat all banging in over 35 goals each, 2 of them over 40.
- fattybeef

Ya, I think you are generally correct on this. Provided that puck moving offensive Dman can actually play OK behind his own blueline.

The Oilers got a bunch better at both ends of the ice when Deharnais was pressboxed and Broberg was inserted and given significant playing time. And a year ago he was considered a borderline bust only good enough for the AHL.

Say it with relish
- paulr

He’s pick # 72
So the Hawks have these guys last name on their sweaters, interesting.

John Mustard

Unsuspectedly came out of nowhere to be the USHL's top rookie scorer at end of December. A rugged winger who plays with a sense of urgency, has good feet, plays with pace, and moves the puck efficiently, and attacks the front. He is an elite shooter with good vision and instincts, as he finds teammates with passes that put them in positions to be successful. His hands are elusive as well and has the tools necessary to play at the higher levels. Mustard moves the puck efficiently and is rugged solid player with urgency to his game. On the first line, he is proving he is a pure goal score with elusive hands, an elite shot and one of youngest players in his draft class. Aggressive, forceful and scoring a lot. He is committed to Providence College.

I just realised AJ Spellacy was missing

Big strong C-RW who is fleet afoot and and although a raw longer term developer who needs to improve his on ice details and has excellent long term potential. You can see his feet working as he catches opposing puck carriers from behind. He is a kid who has the extra gear.Needs time, but there is some dynamic upside to what his game can become..

At #72 Hawks take AJ Spellacy (wiz had him at 195!).

There's the reach.

John Mustard

Unsuspectedly came out of nowhere to be the USHL's top rookie scorer at end of December. A rugged winger who plays with a sense of urgency, has good feet, plays with pace, and moves the puck efficiently, and attacks the front. He is an elite shooter with good vision and instincts, as he finds teammates with passes that put them in positions to be successful. His hands are elusive as well and has the tools necessary to play at the higher levels. Mustard moves the puck efficiently and is rugged solid player with urgency to his game. On the first line, he is proving he is a pure goal score with elusive hands, an elite shot and one of youngest players in his draft class. Aggressive, forceful and scoring a lot. He is committed to Providence College.

I just realised AJ Spellacy was missing
- wiz1901

Your pick 195 Wiz.

Vegas trades goalie Logan Thompson to Washington for a 2024 3rd and 2025 3rd.