Agree, don't see a need to move any of the Dmen this year, give them another year to develop. Make those decisions in a year or two.

CHI: Vlasic, Jones, Korbustski, Murphy, Martinez, Brodie, vet Dman for 7th
ROC: Del Mastro, Kaiser, Allan, Levshunov, Phillips, Crevier

Next year Kaiser, Phillips and Crevier are RFAs. Rinzel might make the jump next year. No one else looks to be coming in for a while. Could always use them to even up a trade, but no hurry. If they play well, they will be adding to their own value.
- totem

Depending what happpens at training camp I think Korchinski goes to Rockford and Phillips is in the NHL just my opinion. I also think send Korchinski to Rockford will help in his development long term.

I see more of Craig Smith being released (or put on waivers) before Donato. Donato is perfect for a 4th line role, opening the season on Bedard's line last year was malpractice.
- LAHawk

Smith, Maroon, Donato, Martinez all likely TDL candidates. All of them with expiring contracts and three of them with substantial playoff experience. Maybe Hall and AA go too. Unless Hall or AA have a very good season, they won't get much in return, maybe some future 3rd and 4th round picks. Then there will be an opportunity for whomever has earned the call up from Rockford to play the last quarter of the season.

Agree, don't see a need to move any of the Dmen this year, give them another year to develop. Make those decisions in a year or two.

CHI: Vlasic, Jones, Korbustski, Murphy, Martinez, Brodie, vet Dman for 7th
ROC: Del Mastro, Kaiser, Allan, Levshunov, Phillips, Crevier

Next year Kaiser, Phillips and Crevier are RFAs. Rinzel might make the jump next year. No one else looks to be coming in for a while. Could always use them to even up a trade, but no hurry. If they play well, they will be adding to their own value.
- totem

It will be interesting to see what happens to Phillips since is no longer exempt from waivers. KD says the prospects have to earn a position, but will he stay on the parent club if not earned, instead of risk losing him for nothing if sent down?

Depending what happpens at training camp I think Korchinski goes to Rockford and Phillips is in the NHL just my opinion. I also think send Korchinski to Rockford will help in his development long term.
- Scott1977

I am really curious to see what they do with KK. I want to see how KK does in camp?

What if we don't need a 25 minute dman on the left side? Or the right side? It's nice to dream

Phillips i believe is on the outside looking in, that's the beauty of having more than 1 prospect who has a chance to play in the NHL.

Theyre throwing darts at that spot. They've drafted Nazar, Moore and now Boisvert as projectable 2nd line centers.

Maybe we shouldn't be sleeping on someone like Spellacy. Apparently he went on a tear once they moved him to center and should be able to really find his game in the OHL this next year especially with how physically dominant he can be.

An athlete like that could make some considerable progress the next few years and maybe his ceiling is higher than big fast energy guy.

I think thats why you pick em and you try to pick a lot.

Should be interesting to see where someone like Luypen ends up if anywhere.
- fattybeef

Of all the yrs I've looked at Elite Prospects I can not remember a kid having only 4 total yrs playing recordable hockey, and incredibly 2 of those yrs in the best jr league in the world (OHL), and get drafted. ........ You find these types in SIJHL, MJHL or even AJHL but not Major Junior.

With his size, skating and freakish progress I'm fascinated by Spellacy. https://www.eliteprospect...player/790498/aj-spellacy

It will be interesting to see what happens to Phillips since is no longer exempt from waivers. KD says the prospects have to earn a position, but will he stay on the parent club if not earned, instead of risking losing him for nothing if sent down?
- boilermaker100

Good point, didn't realize he wasn't exempt any more. Maybe he is the 7D instead of a vet.

Smith, Maroon, Donato, Martinez all likely TDL candidates. All of them with expiring contracts and three of them with substantial playoff experience. Maybe Hall and AA go too. Unless Hall or AA have a very good season, they won't get much in return, maybe some future 3rd and 4th round picks. Then there will be an opportunity for whomever has earned the call up from Rockford to play the last quarter of the season.
- boilermaker100

The Hawks are without their 3rd and 5th round picks in the 2025 draft. I'd imagine those picks for sure get recouped by February.

It will be interesting to see what happens to Phillips since is no longer exempt from waivers. KD says the prospects have to earn a position, but will he stay on the parent club if not earned, instead of risking losing him for nothing if sent down?
- boilermaker100

I think Phillips starts the season with the Hawks, rotating with Kaiser as the #7 d-man. He's an RFA after the season, so I'd imagine the Hawks want to see what they've got in him before deciding whether to re-sign him or give him an opportunity elsewhere via trade. Plus, he's already had 3 seasons of experience in Rockford. He's the most "veteran" option of the kids.

Fatty, wonder what you think about how the pairings look defensively as we know the young players today, conceding/hoping/praying they will develop at least to some extent defensively. 3 yrs from now:

KK-Lev .... Both offensive minded taking the most minutes and top opponents.
Vlasic-Jones...... Vlasic could anchor any pairing defensively.
Kaiser-Rinzel....... Seems Kaiser would be the defensive guy.

With all the chirping, everywhere you read, about KK and Artie being paired I've been thinking about this a bit. .... If Lev is indeed taking 25 minutes if paired with KK how may minutes would/could KK take? 22-23 minutes? Or would you rather see Lev and Vlasic paired where both could take 25 minutes and the opponents top lines and indeed Lev is free to skate like a 4th forward with Vlasic to cover.

Can KK take the opponents top lines as it would seem he'd have to paired with Levshunov? He'd have to if paired with Lev while neither yet to show defensive prowess.......... Long long way to go but today I'd wanna see Vlasic paired with The Soviet as both are built to take heavy minutes and top competition and you'd move KK away from those toughest matchups lightening his load in his zone and freeing him up to play some rover.

You have a thought, Fatty?
- Mr Ricochet

I think KK and Levshunov in Rockford will be the most fascinating storyline to follow for a myriad of reasons, but personally speaking I don't see them being a pair at the NHL level.

I agree with you - I'd want to see Vlasic paired with Levy because he's a bit more aggressive in the offensive zone than KK is, so it'll allow for Vlasic to more easily cover for his defensive deficiencies until he really hones in on the defensive fundamentals he needs to improve on.

Let KK and Arty play together on the PP.

I know you asked Fatty, though

Depending what happpens at training camp I think Korchinski goes to Rockford and Phillips is in the NHL just my opinion. I also think send Korchinski to Rockford will help in his development long term.
- Scott1977

I could see it. I think Rockford needs to have a much deeper run this upcoming season if we’re to instill confidence in the plan. Vlasic was a great sign, the forwards not so much. Korchinski could force his way into the big club, but I wouldn’t be upset if that group of defenders dominated down there.

Changing the old golf adage, drive for show, putt for dough to offense in the regular season, defense in the playoffs. Traditionally defense comes through when it matters. In fact in the last 30 or 40 years it’s defence that has decided the cup champion. The only team I ever saw where defense was an afterthought were the 80s Edmonton Oilers. Yes lots of teams have strong offensive teams but they all relied on strong defensive players. Of course it would have been nice to see Demidov and Eiserman fill the net but six strong defensemen who can defend, move the puck up ice and chip in offensively will prove to be more important.

Then add in speed and high motor guys on offense and you have the potential to be strong defensively in all areas of the ice. Moore, Boisvert, Vanacker, Savoie, Ludwinski and others have the ability to get in on the forecheck, disrupt the defenders and force bad outlet passes. And there’s potential to score with quick hard shooting forwards like Bedard, Nazar, Lardis and whoever they draft next.

I think KFC’s vision of building around fast, skilled good shooting players who all have high compete levels is the best way to build a team. Time will tell if Davidson’s vision was correct, but I’m liking the direction the Hawks are going.
- paulr

During our cup years we had just one forward who wasn't a plus defensively to go along with a strong d corps.

I could see it. I think Rockford needs to have a much deeper run this upcoming season if we’re to instill confidence in the plan. Vlasic was a great sign, the forwards not so much. Korchinski could force his way into the big club, but I wouldn’t be upset if that group of defenders dominated down there.
- ObeseOprah

What has Phillips done to endear himself to so many here? His analytics were Tinordi level and didn't seem to do much growing on-ice last year. Sure, probably not the best situations that they put him in, but he sure didn't do anything to help himself.

No expert, and no clue how they will do the lines and pairings, but just the volume of prospects makes it interesting to speculate. Here's a guess:

Dach - Slaggert - Nazar
Savoie - Ludwinski - Hayes
Luypen - Guttman - Rolston
Misiak - Saarela - J. Anderson

Extras: Sanford, Seney, Marcel

Allan - Levshunov
Del Mastro - Kaiser
Phillips - Crevier

Comesso - Soderblom
- totem

Taige Harding, big size dman from Providence, was at the rookies off ice July camp. He could start in ECHL and move up. Also there are two minor league level dmen who have played two years in Rockford. I expect KD will move one of the current group this summer shortly into the season

I think KK and Levshunov in Rockford will be the most fascinating storyline to follow for a myriad of reasons, but personally speaking I don't see them being a pair at the NHL level.

I agree with you - I'd want to see Vlasic paired with Levy because he's a bit more aggressive in the offensive zone than KK is, so it'll allow for Vlasic to more easily cover for his defensive deficiencies until he really hones in on the defensive fundamentals he needs to improve on.

Let KK and Arty play together on the PP.

I know you asked Fatty, though
- TommyHawk

Somebody talked about splitting KK and Lev because they're both the puck carrying dman. I would split them and make each guy be "the" guy for now. They can be put together at a later time.

Taige Harding, big size dman from Providence, was at the rookies off ice July camp. He could start in ECHL and move up. Also there are two minor league level dmen who have played two years in Rockford. I expect KD will move one of the current group this summer shortly into the season
- jhawk59

I still miss Svedberg.

What has Phillips done to endear himself to so many here? His analytics were Tinordi level and didn't seem to do much growing on-ice last year. Sure, probably not the best situations that they put him in, but he sure didn't do anything to help himself.
- Chunk

Him and Crevier’s favor confuses me. Neither have the pedigree, but seem to command consideration in both Chicago and Rockford.

I still miss Svedberg.
- rpeters01

The Hawks still have him. He just changed his name to Crevier. Exact same guy.

The Hawks are without their 3rd and 5th round picks in the 2025 draft. I'd imagine those picks for sure get recouped by February.
- TommyHawk

They already did. They have 8 total picks in 2025, including two #1s (one from TOR), two #2s (one from DAL) and two #4s (one from NYR).

I'll take two 1s & two 2s & two 4s over a first, second, third and fourth anytime.

Just as a fun exercise, I'm going to predict the future trade deadline hauls we receive for our pending free agents given what similar players fetched:

Taylor Hall (50% retained) - 2025 3rd round pick and 2027 2nd round pick (Comp: Tyler Toffoli 3/8/24 trade)

Andreas Athanasiou - 2025 3rd round pick and a change of scenery prospect (Comp: Anthony Duclair 3/7/24 trade)

Ryan Donato - 2026 3rd round pick (Comp: Yakov Trenin 3/7/24 trade)

Patrick Maroon - AHL prospect

Craig Smith - 2025 7th round pick (Comp: Kyle Okposo 3/8/24 trade)

Alec Martinez (50% salary retained) - 2025 2nd round pick and a former 2nd/3rd round prospect (Comp: Chris Tanev 75% retained trade 2/28/24)

Out:
Taylor Hall, LW
Andreas Athanasiou, LW/C
Ryan Donato, RW/C
Patrick Maroon, LW
Craig Smith, LW/C
Alec Martinez, D

In:
2025 2nd round pick
2025 3rd round pick
2025 3rd round pick
2025 7th round pick
2026 3rd round pick
2027 2nd round pick
AHL Prospect (former 2nd/3rd rounder)
AHL Prospect (AHL-lifer)
AHL/OHL Prospect (change of scenery)

That would set the next three years up as:

2025 (12 picks): 1st, 1st, 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd, 4th, 4th, 6th, 7th, 7th
2026 (11 picks): 1st, 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd, 4th, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
2027 (8 picks): 1st, 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th

Think this sell-off would more than set us up for the future waves of prospects as a likely logjam begins to form in 2026 which is when the team hopefully begins selling some younger pieces for veterans to supplement the rest of the roster.

They already did. They have 8 total picks in 2025, including two #1s, two #2s and two #4s.

I'll take two 1s & two 2s & two 4s over a first, second, third and fourth anytime.
- scottak

Absolutely. But I'd imagine KD spreads out the picks a bit as well in future trades.

Him and Crevier’s favor confuses me. Neither have the pedigree, but seem to command consideration in both Chicago and Rockford.
- ObeseOprah

Let's be honest here, Crevier and Phillips were both called up last year out of necessity. Rather than disrupt the development of Del Mastro/Allan they called up Phillips/Crevier because we were already on the road to the bottom and a good draft pick. They may get called up again if the Hawks want to let the other younger Dmen continue to develop in the AHL.

Neither of them were good by the numbers or the eye test. They might have had a game here or there where they had some good shifts, but overall the performance was underwhelming. Some might have a different opinion than me, which is fine, but to me, I haven't seen much from them that puts them above a 6/7th dman at best.

Crevier is big and Philips is athletic but is there the hockey IQ and talent to be more than organizational depth? I'm not saying I want them to fail or anything, but I just haven't seen a high enough level of play from them. I think Phillips probably has the better chance to stick, but I though his positioning on the ice was questionable at times. I'd love to see them both succeed and prove me wrong.

I know a lot of us fans have Taylor Hall as a guy who might be moved at the deadline, but I'm curious to see what happens. I know he already expressed an interest publicly to re-sign with Chicago and continue through the rebuild. If he plays well enough, he could be a piece that stays for a couple more years (for the right price). Maybe it depends on the young guys coming up and how many seem ready, or what happens with a guy like Reichel or Kurashev this season. We've already seen KD retain some guys who probably could have gotten them a pick in return, such as Mrazek, D!ckinson, or Foligno.

Let's be honest here, Crevier and Phillips were both called up last year out of necessity. Rather than disrupt the development of Del Mastro/Allan they called up Phillips/Crevier because we were already on the road to the bottom and a good draft pick. They may get called up again if the Hawks want to let the other younger Dmen continue to develop in the AHL.

Neither of them were good by the numbers or the eye test. They might have had a game here or there where they had some good shifts, but overall the performance was underwhelming. Some might have a different opinion than me, which is fine, but to me, I haven't seen much from them that puts them above a 6/7th dman at best.

Crevier is big and Philips is athletic but is there the hockey IQ and talent to be more than organizational depth? I'm not saying I want them to fail or anything, but I just haven't seen a high enough level of play from them. I think Phillips probably has the better chance to stick, but I though his positioning on the ice was questionable at times. I'd love to see them both succeed and prove me wrong.
- breadbag

Which is exactly it. At this time, they brought in two veterans this offseason that will see prioritized ice time (Martinez and Brodie); they'll be returning three players that are soundly better and have no chance of being scratched (Jones, Vlasic, Murphy). There's only one spot left at the bottom, and it makes sense to use on a kid or two that don't have a defined role in Rockford and have already had ample experience down there. Once Martinez is likely moved at the deadline, that will pave the way for one of Crevier or Phillips to really be given an opportunity at every-day ice time to impress the last 20 or so games before the team has to make a decision on bringing them back the following season or not. Worst case scenario they go back to Rockford in 2025 if KK/Levy are up by then.

Just as a fun exercise, I'm going to predict the future trade deadline hauls we receive for our pending free agents given what similar players fetched:

Taylor Hall (50% retained) - 2025 3rd round pick and 2027 2nd round pick (Comp: Tyler Toffoli 3/8/24 trade)

Andreas Athanasiou - 2025 3rd round pick and a change of scenery prospect (Comp: Anthony Duclair 3/7/24 trade)

Ryan Donato - 2026 3rd round pick (Comp: Yakov Trenin 3/7/24 trade)

Patrick Maroon - AHL prospect

Craig Smith - 2025 7th round pick (Comp: Kyle Okposo 3/8/24 trade)

Alec Martinez (50% salary retained) - 2025 2nd round pick and a former 2nd/3rd round prospect (Comp: Chris Tanev 75% retained trade 2/28/24)

Out:
Taylor Hall, LW
Andreas Athanasiou, LW/C
Ryan Donato, RW/C
Patrick Maroon, LW
Craig Smith, LW/C
Alec Martinez, D

In:
2025 2nd round pick
2025 3rd round pick
2025 3rd round pick
2025 7th round pick
2026 3rd round pick
2027 2nd round pick
AHL Prospect (former 2nd/3rd rounder)
AHL Prospect (AHL-lifer)
AHL/OHL Prospect (change of scenery)

That would set the next three years up as:

2025 (12 picks): 1st, 1st, 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd, 4th, 4th, 6th, 7th, 7th
2026 (11 picks): 1st, 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd, 4th, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
2027 (8 picks): 1st, 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th

Think this sell-off would more than set us up for the future waves of prospects as a likely logjam begins to form in 2026 which is when the team hopefully begins selling some younger pieces for veterans to supplement the rest of the roster.
- TommyHawk

I don't think Asst. GM Nick Foligno approves of this approach. So which 5 forwards from Rockford are called up at the TDL to replace all this draft capital you want to acquire ?

I know a lot of us fans have Taylor Hall as a guy who might be moved at the deadline, but I'm curious to see what happens. I know he already expressed an interest publicly to re-sign with Chicago and continue through the rebuild. If he plays well enough, he could be a piece that stays for a couple more years (for the right price). Maybe it depends on the young guys coming up and how many seem ready, or what happens with a guy like Reichel or Kurashev this season. We've already seen KD retain some guys who probably could have gotten them a pick in return, such as Mrazek, D!ckinson, or Foligno.
- breadbag

Where/when did he say this? I must have missed it.

Regardless, there's not really a place for him on the roster unless he proves to be fully healthy and reverts back to his former self. He's not a bottom-six player, and I'd imagine the options look much better in the spring for the 'Hawks who should have a good idea to where they'll be picking in 2025, which of the kids stepped up (or didn't), and what kind of contract Hall would theoretically be looking for.

If Kurashev takes his game up another notch this year, and/or Reichel finds his footing again and looks to be a piece they build with, then I just can't envision him re-signing. He'll probably sign a short-term deal with a contender.