Some excerpts from The Athletic today and Lazerus' column...

On the same day the Blackhawks opened development camp for all those prospects, Davidson went out and signed seven veteran free agents aged 29 or older, leaving precious few spots for younger players. The Blackhawks got a lot better, but the rebuild might have gotten a year or two longer.

Eaton didn’t seem too concerned. Fewer spots means fiercer competition.

“It’s about competition,” he said. “That’s what we have tried to create as our prospect pool gets deeper. It’s creating more competition. … That’s the foundation of the Blackhawks, a high compete level. So when you have more competition, it allows the cream to rise to the top and push each other in a positive way — get more out of each other. To me, that’s the greatest benefit of having maybe less spots and more guys competing for less spots. It allows the cream to rise to the top and take themselves to a different level.”

The biggest beneficiary of that increased competition might be Rockford IceHogs coach Anders Sorensen.

“Everything has to be earned,” Sorensen said. “So if there’s somebody ahead of you that’s older, or playing better than you, it’s up to you to find a way to push that guy out.”

Roslovic to the Canes, 1 year @ $2.8 million.

Some excerpts from The Athletic today and Lazerus' column...

On the same day the Blackhawks opened development camp for all those prospects, Davidson went out and signed seven veteran free agents aged 29 or older, leaving precious few spots for younger players. The Blackhawks got a lot better, but the rebuild might have gotten a year or two longer.

Eaton didn’t seem too concerned. Fewer spots means fiercer competition.

“It’s about competition,” he said. “That’s what we have tried to create as our prospect pool gets deeper. It’s creating more competition. … That’s the foundation of the Blackhawks, a high compete level. So when you have more competition, it allows the cream to rise to the top and push each other in a positive way — get more out of each other. To me, that’s the greatest benefit of having maybe less spots and more guys competing for less spots. It allows the cream to rise to the top and take themselves to a different level.”

The biggest beneficiary of that increased competition might be Rockford IceHogs coach Anders Sorensen.

“Everything has to be earned,” Sorensen said. “So if there’s somebody ahead of you that’s older, or playing better than you, it’s up to you to find a way to push that guy out.”
- HawkintheD

Thanks D. Not really true on the bolded, the two best players that they signed have some term(good). The rest are place holders that can be moved at the TDL. Levshunov will probably be with the big club after his season ends at MSU, or after the TDL if he goes to Rockford. One young defenseman from Rockford will make the team, and Nazar has an opportunity to make the show as well. The signings have actually shorten the rebuild in my opinion, as the prospects will get an opportunity to develop their skills in the A without sinking in the show.

Thanks D. Not really true on the bolded, the two best players that they signed have some term(good). The rest are place holders that can be moved at the TDL. Levshunov will probably be with the big club after his season ends at MSU, or after the TDL if he goes to Rockford. One young defenseman from Rockford will make the team, and Nazar has an opportunity to make the show as well. The signings have actually shorten the rebuild in my opinion, as the prospects will get an opportunity to develop their skills in the A without sinking in the show.
- Angotti

That's my take too Lou and on the first part likely just Lazerus trying to create interest in his column. At lease he does reference Vlasic and how time at college and in RFD seemed to benefit him.

Nazar spending an extra year at UM, especially with the injury, I'm sure helped; but I can also see how him being the best player in RFD could help out down the road too.

With all the signings there is no need to rush anyone and there is also really no one who is in the way should a Nazar or someone earn a spot in camp.

That's my take too Lou and on the first part likely just Lazerus trying to create interest in his column. At lease he does reference Vlasic and how time at college and in RFD seemed to benefit him.

Nazar spending an extra year at UM, especially with the injury, I'm sure helped; but I can also see how him being the best player in RFD could help out down the road too.

With all the signings there is no need to rush anyone and there is also really no one who is in the way should a Nazar or someone earn a spot in camp.
- HawkintheD

Maybe Hawks brass is thinking along the following lines - Having played a relative shorter NCAA season, 35-40 games, the time spent this year in the AHL playing 70 plus games, would probably benefit guys like Nazar, Slaggert and possible Lev to make the transition. And several prospects playing and traveling together in the AHL would create some on and off ice chemistry and bonding.

Happy 4th to the Yanks out there. Belated Happy Canada Day to you guys up North.

I didn't fact check this or dig into it, but one thing I've read today that stood out to me is that Levshunov was the 3rd youngest player in US college hockey last season. He may still be going back to college for the year and even if he goes pro after that, he might be another year or so in Rockford.

Was Point a comparable for Nazar predraft last yr?....... I do think Nazar is a tad more explosive but what I like about the comp is Point's IQ. I do think Nazar has that kinda IQ.

And, of all the prospects ticketed to RKF this yr I'm most intrigued by Gavin Hayes. Any 20 yr old drafted in the first couple rds (he's a 3rd rounder) playing jrs will put up numbers and Hayes did so.

Kid popped for 41 goals and 81 pts as a 19 yr old. Very impressive in just 61 games. This yr as a 20 yr old with 2 teams he put up 37 goals, 76 pts in just 55 games but even more impressive in 11 playoff games he had 7 goals and 16 pts!!

But for me it ain't the numbers that has me excited. Kid really looked the part. His poise stood out in a big way. He ran the Ozone as a winger like a Dman operating at the top of the circles dictating/reading and distributing the thing. He was in full control most times I saw him and his numbers as I posted were excellent..... And, he's a right shot.

At 6ft 1in 180ish and smooth skating he passes the eye test in a big way. We'll have to see how it goes in RKF but I'm fine with him getting a bunch of instruction/seasoning as a 1st yr pro but I don't think very good play outa him will surprise me at all.
- Mr Ricochet

Trocheck is typically who Nazar is compared to. Which would be fine but I think with his forechecking ability and tenaciousness, and where his defensive game is at compared to where Trocheck was at a similar age - if he ends with a little mean streak then Point is I think his high mark. There's just a swagger there. I think he'll attack the middle of the ice and battle on the boards but get lit up less than Bedard did just because he's played with more mature athletes in the NCAA.

Hayes to me seems like the Patrick Sharp comp but based on your statement maybe he'll be a little more dynamic. I was thinking north - south 25-30 goals in the bag getting up the ice and ripping shots from the circle.

Maybe Hawks brass is thinking along the following lines - Having played a relative shorter NCAA season, 35-40 games, the time spent this year in the AHL playing 70 plus games, would probably benefit guys like Nazar, Slaggert and possible Lev to make the transition. And several prospects playing and traveling together in the AHL would create some on and off ice chemistry and bonding.

Happy 4th to the Yanks out there. Belated Happy Canada Day to you guys up North.
- boilermaker100

Every player’s development path is different, but Vlasic is such a good example of a very good prospect spending a full year in the AHL to adapt to the pro game. I think this will be beneficial to all prospects, especially guys coming out of the NCAA.

I’m looking forward to seeing Rinzel in the AHL. He’s made great progress at college and he’s developed physically too. It’s seeming more and more that KD knew what he was doing in drafting Rinzel.

Thanks for posting these links, Fatty. Can't remember the last time I was at FC but if they're gonna post fancy stats of NCAA and jrs players it's a must visit.

I had Demidov as BPA and Buium as the best Dman of the draft but still think the club made the right move drafting Levshunov. Enough NHL tools and traits at a valuable position and a right shot with size that when all is said and done to project him as the best Dman outa this draft....... Hawks did the right thing.

Watching with interest to see where he plays this yr.
- Mr Ricochet

And the whole upward trajectory thing is pretty impressive. Apparently him showing up at the agents with a duffel bag and no hockey gear, ending up in Muskegon not really speaking English and figuring all that out there, then being dominant at times in the NCAA all in just 2 years is really impressive.

Not a boring vanilla hockey player in interviews, which I appreciate. He should provide really good balance to Bedards seriousness. Though it sounds like Nazar is a big personality as well based on Folignos comments.

But it's really upside. The kid is only 18. Where he could potentially be at 24 if he continues this trajectory is I think the really exciting part. Most of these guys take pretty incremental steps but his have been astronomical so far.

I can't remember if it was Bill who threw out the Josi comparison or if it was someone else but that could be his trajectory and he could hit 80ish points at 25 instead of 30.

Getting crazy and assuming Korchinski starts to get his feet under him this year - they're going to have a lot of push from the blue line in a year or two.

Some excerpts from The Athletic today and Lazerus' column...

On the same day the Blackhawks opened development camp for all those prospects, Davidson went out and signed seven veteran free agents aged 29 or older, leaving precious few spots for younger players. The Blackhawks got a lot better, but the rebuild might have gotten a year or two longer.

Eaton didn’t seem too concerned. Fewer spots means fiercer competition.

“It’s about competition,” he said. “That’s what we have tried to create as our prospect pool gets deeper. It’s creating more competition. … That’s the foundation of the Blackhawks, a high compete level. So when you have more competition, it allows the cream to rise to the top and push each other in a positive way — get more out of each other. To me, that’s the greatest benefit of having maybe less spots and more guys competing for less spots. It allows the cream to rise to the top and take themselves to a different level.”

The biggest beneficiary of that increased competition might be Rockford IceHogs coach Anders Sorensen.

“Everything has to be earned,” Sorensen said. “So if there’s somebody ahead of you that’s older, or playing better than you, it’s up to you to find a way to push that guy out.”
- HawkintheD

Every player’s development path is different, but Vlasic is such a good example of a very good prospect spending a full year in the AHL to adapt to the pro game. I think this will be beneficial to all prospects, especially guys coming out of the NCAA.

I’m looking forward to seeing Rinzel in the AHL. He’s made great progress at college and he’s developed physically too. It’s seeming more and more that KD knew what he was doing in drafting Rinzel.
- DarthKane

Drinking the KD Kool Aid I see.

Drinking the KD Kool Aid I see.
- paulr

via GIPHY

via GIPHY

- DarthKane

I'm thinking Rinzel has a good chance to be that second pair guy on the right side someday. Probably not top dog, but maybe the guy who gets some second unit PP time, can move the puck well and play a good two-way game. Excited to see what we get from him once he does go pro.

I'm thinking Rinzel has a good chance to be that second pair guy on the right side someday. Probably not top dog, but maybe the guy who gets some second unit PP time, can move the puck well and play a good two-way game. Excited to see what we get from him once he does go pro.
- breadbag

If Lev is Hedman, Rinzel is Doughty. And that's not counting KK.

The way I see the Chicken Man's plan is, he gets all these young guys together at Rochford so that they can learn to play together. Gets their bumps and bruises out of the way before they make it to the NHL. I think that is why they wanted Greene there too. He had to make an NHL club, or facsimile of one, to play for a season while the talent develops. While we were asking why was he doing this, this, in my opinion, is why. You can't just dump inexperienced kids into the NHL. They will get chewed up and spit out. I guess KFC is smarter than I thought.

If Lev is Hedman, Rinzel is Doughty. And that's not counting KK.
- rpeters01

That might be setting a high bar for Rinzel. Just IMO, I don't think he projects to be a Norris winning #1 dman, but probably a good top 4 guy.

I am not so sure "over-ripening is what I would call it.

Bedard is not going to Rockford.
There s a case to be made on Korchinski and on reichel most def.

But "Arite" needs to pla a lot of games somewhere.

Nazar has the makings of a good good player but, agin I wouldn't call playing a longer schedule for him or Slaggert is an over ripeniing.

For now Gavin Hayes, Samuel Savoie, and Paul Ludwinski are all earmarked to Rockford also. They can grow just as Colton Dach will have to continue to do.

Please don't tell me Rinzel left school to go to Rockford.
Moore's college year production might have shone why Kyle didn't have to tarde for him, as his gifts are speed and speed and he needs more college before he needs MORE minor pro games, along with Greene.

Would that hurt our feelings if these kids are coached up for the next two seasons and finally by 2027-28, we start to see a more home grown roster.

As I cut back on mining for Hawk prospects I am going to concentrate on the strong goaltenders in the 2025 draft class. I think they will be proactive, and take one in the late first next year not waiting for a whomever falls to them in the 2nd mentality.

And we will see the kids with their bumps to Chicago in "emergency call-ups" as rewards.

I may not want to wait but you have to take jobs and they will know that, not that they were entitled to time.

And Frankie Nazar's compis is Brayden Point, not Trocheck, imo.

I am not so sure "over-ripening is what I would call it.

Bedard is not going to Rockford.
There s a case to be made on Korchinski and on reichel most def.

But "Arite" needs to pla a lot of games somewhere.

Nazar has the makings of a good good player but, agin I wouldn't call playing a longer schedule for him or Slaggert is an over ripeniing.

For now Gavin Hayes, Samuel Savoie, and Paul Ludwinski are all earmarked to Rockford also. They can grow just as Colton Dach will have to continue to do.

Please don't tell me Rinzel left school to go to Rockford.
Moore's college year production might have shone why Kyle didn't have to tarde for him, as his gifts are speed and speed and he needs more college before he needs MORE minor pro games, along with Greene.

Would that hurt our feelings if these kids are coached up for the next two seasons and finally by 2027-28, we start to see a more home grown roster.

As I cut back on mining for Hawk prospects I am going to concentrate on the strong goaltenders in the 2025 draft class. I think they will be proactive, and take one in the late first next year not waiting for a whomever falls to them in the 2nd mentality.

And we will see the kids with their bumps to Chicago in "emergency call-ups" as rewards.

I may not want to wait but you have to take jobs and they will know that, not that they were entitled to time.

And Frankie Nazar's compis is Brayden Point,
- wiz1901

1. I'd be very surprised if Artie isn't in Rockford after listening to the interviews.

2. Moore and Rinzel both have commented on how much they are looking forward to this upcoming season playing and rooming together, they are not leaving Minnesota. In fact, Cooley was the first to leave after his frosh year, and that looked to be a mistake

3. Moore said almost what you did, he was working a certain way, not they have him working a different way to be a better hockey player, not just a fast one.

4. Ryan Greene, in what sounds like a difference of opinion is going back to school as he feels it'll make him a better hockey player. (Does he see too much competition with the Hawks and will be a college FA???)

5. After the Dach and KK experience, I would over ripen guys every time when possible. In a couple years, there will be a massive influx of players, you want to keep that going for a few years if possible.

Detroit just traded Fabbri for another goaltender. That gives them 5 now
- wizardofi

That’s going to be hard to score against.

I am not so sure "over-ripening is what I would call it.

Bedard is not going to Rockford.
There s a case to be made on Korchinski and on reichel most def.

But "Arite" needs to pla a lot of games somewhere.

Nazar has the makings of a good good player but, agin I wouldn't call playing a longer schedule for him or Slaggert is an over ripeniing.

For now Gavin Hayes, Samuel Savoie, and Paul Ludwinski are all earmarked to Rockford also. They can grow just as Colton Dach will have to continue to do.

Please don't tell me Rinzel left school to go to Rockford.
Moore's college year production might have shone why Kyle didn't have to tarde for him, as his gifts are speed and speed and he needs more college before he needs MORE minor pro games, along with Greene.

Would that hurt our feelings if these kids are coached up for the next two seasons and finally by 2027-28, we start to see a more home grown roster.

As I cut back on mining for Hawk prospects I am going to concentrate on the strong goaltenders in the 2025 draft class. I think they will be proactive, and take one in the late first next year not waiting for a whomever falls to them in the 2nd mentality.

And we will see the kids with their bumps to Chicago in "emergency call-ups" as rewards.

I may not want to wait but you have to take jobs and they will know that, not that they were entitled to time.

And Frankie Nazar's compis is Brayden Point,
- wiz1901

Good, solid post. Thank you!

1. I'd be very surprised if Artie isn't in Rockford after listening to the interviews.

2. Moore and Rinzel both have commented on how much they are looking forward to this upcoming season playing and rooming together, they are not leaving Minnesota. In fact, Cooley was the first to leave after his frosh year, and that looked to be a mistake

3. Moore said almost what you did, he was working a certain way, not they have him working a different way to be a better hockey player, not just a fast one.

4. Ryan Greene, in what sounds like a difference of opinion is going back to school as he feels it'll make him a better hockey player. (Does he see too much competition with the Hawks and will be a college FA???)

5. After the Dach and KK experience, I would over ripen guys every time when possible. In a couple years, there will be a massive influx of players, you want to keep that going for a few years if possible.
- vabeachbear

I didn't get that at all from the comments I saw. They left it up to him and he wanted to go back for unfinished business. They even said they aren't worried about his development because of his personality. We aren't doing this again. I put it at 95% he will sign after the season. I would be more concerned if he wasn't at the prospect camp. He is there.

That’s going to be hard to score against.
- scottak

I don't think they can put more than one goalie on the ice during a game. Nope, rule 2.2. Each team will be allowed one goaltender on the ice at one time

I didn't get that at all from the comments I saw. They left it up to him and he wanted to go back for unfinished business. They even said they aren't worried about his development because of his personality. We aren't doing this again. I put it at 95% he will sign after the season. I would be more concerned if he wasn't at the prospect camp. He is there.
- Elbows15

OK, went back and listened again. I think i got the Eaton wanted him to sign through reading the transcript not listening to the interview (and i cracked a celebratory bottle of Eagle Rare for the 4th.......)

And I wasn't trying to imply that's what's going on, just was asking the question, as I just assume most guys would want to turn pro and get through their first contract if the team offered, kind the anti McGroarty situation

Its cool, some of them should be split up anyway when they arrive, maybe Greene will be a captain? Can't hurt.

I don't think they can put more than one goalie on the ice during a game. Nope, rule 2.2. Each team will be allowed one goaltender on the ice at one time
- wizardofi

What does the rule book say about Walrus's?

What does the rule book say about Walrus's?
- vabeachbear

So long as a team has one eggman on their roster they are allowed a single Walrus.