Hey LA, i was looking at cap wages and it looks like Crevier is waiver exempt, unless they are wrong?

https://capwages.com/tools/waivers-calculator
- BetweenTheDots

I second the thanks for this site. Glad we have a good reference. Puckpedia was harder to get used to.

A guy like him needs to at least develop a slap shot to be scary.
- rpeters01

He has a descent slap shot and does score some goals A couple OT game winning shots for Rockford last season. He needs to be reliable, smart and his skating is ok. You are right that he would be more valuable if he decided to play more physical brand. He may never have one single really strong point but at the same time not any bad parts of his game……just wait a year or two and see if he becomes solid defensively.? Using his stick like Vlasic would be a nice addition to his game

Indeed. Outside of the goalies, if the Hawks get 6 everyday players out of the last three drafts, that is a really good result. There might be a few surprises that push that total to 7-8, but expect that a good portion of these prospects either fizzle in the AHL, don't get signed, or get traded before ever wearing a Hawks sweater.
- Chunk

If you count Bedard, Korchinski and Nazar that's three. Assuming the remaining 1st rounders Rinzel, Moore, Levshunov, Boisvert and Vanacken make it eventually, that's eight. I got to believe 2 or 3 of the plethora of recent 2nds or 3rds have a chance to contribute down the road.

If you count Bedard, Korchinski and Nazar that's three. Assuming the remaining 1st rounders Rinzel, Moore, Levshunov, Boisvert and Vanacken make it eventually, that's eight. I got to believe 2 or 3 of the plethora of recent 2nds or 3rds have a chance to contribute down the road.
- boilermaker100

The only one I'm counting as a solid hit thus far is Bedard. The good news is that Vlasic was already marinating and looks to have a second pair floor.

Maybe I'm way off here, but I'm not counting on KK for anything at this point. The only thing last year proved to me was that he could make it through a full season. I'm fully willing to give him the runway to become a player, but he was neither good on offense or defense aside from some specific aspects of them (denying entries and solid passing abilities). He's got to prove that he can be a more complete player.

BY NO MEANS AM I IMPLYING THAT HE CAN'T OR WON'T BECOME A VERY GOOD PLAYER...

I'm just saying that we can't really count on that at this moment. Nazar looks like a fun player to watch, but so did Reichel when he first came up. Lots of things will happen in the next three years. We have to see how injuries, roster holes, lineup spots, and a host of other variables play out.

He has a descent slap shot and does score some goals A couple OT game winning shots for Rockford last season. He needs to be reliable, smart and his skating is ok. You are right that he would be more valuable if he decided to play more physical brand. He may never have one single really strong point but at the same time not any bad parts of his game……just wait a year or two and see if he becomes solid defensively.? Using his stick like Vlasic would be a nice addition to his game
- jhawk59

And who's development TOI does he take away from at Rockford ? Allen ? del Maestro? Lev? Kaiser? or KK ? Besides Phillips that is at least 4 that will be down in Rockford for development. Then next year probably Rinzel is signed, maybe they decide to sign Harding to an ELC. Crevier isn't the over the hill veteran that accepts playing out the string in the A to mentor the young. i just on't see the ice time available for him to "develop"

The only one I'm counting as a solid hit thus far is Bedard. The good news is that Vlasic was already marinating and looks to have a second pair floor.

Maybe I'm way off here, but I'm not counting on KK for anything at this point. The only thing last year proved to me was that he could make it through a full season. I'm fully willing to give him the runway to become a player, but he was neither good on offense or defense aside from some specific aspects of them (denying entries and solid passing abilities). He's got to prove that he can be a more complete player.

BY NO MEANS AM I IMPLYING THAT HE CAN'T OR WON'T BECOME A VERY GOOD PLAYER...

I'm just saying that we can't really count on that at this moment. Nazar looks like a fun player to watch, but so did Reichel when he first came up. Lots of things will happen in the next three years. We have to see how injuries, roster holes, lineup spots, and a host of other variables play out.
- Chunk

I'm not that high on KK, but if his ceiling is as low as 3rd pair, 2nd PP QB, he's one of your 7-8.

Edit - regarding Nazar... the only concern I have is his short stature, and since he's a high energy guy, how does he hold up over 82 games against nhl competition?

I'm not that high on KK, but if his ceiling is as low as 3rd pair, 2nd PP QB, he's one of your 7-8.

Edit - regarding Nazar... the only concern I have is his short stature, and since he's a high energy guy, how does he hold up over 82 games against nhl competition?
- boilermaker100

I get what you are saying about Nazar. He looked really good out there, but I hold all judgement until I see what a player can do over a full season in the NHL. Too many times we've seen guys have a solid 20 games and then flame out.

If you count Bedard, Korchinski and Nazar that's three. Assuming the remaining 1st rounders Rinzel, Moore, Levshunov, Boisvert and Vanacken make it eventually, that's eight. I got to believe 2 or 3 of the plethora of recent 2nds or 3rds have a chance to contribute down the road.
- boilermaker100

"If" So far the only one you can count is Bedard.

I'm not that high on KK, but if his ceiling is as low as 3rd pair, 2nd PP QB, he's one of your 7-8.

Edit - regarding Nazar... the only concern I have is his short stature, and since he's a high energy guy, how does he hold up over 82 games against nhl competition?
- boilermaker100

Friendly reminder that KK was the youngest defenseman in the league last season. Younger than Nemec, Hughes, Mintyukov, Clarke, and plenty of others who are expected to be top flight defensemen. I still expect KK to be our dynamic offensive defenseman. He has the pedigree, he’s getting the experience, and he’ll only get better playing with actual NHL players this season.

Friendly reminder that KK was the youngest defenseman in the league last season. Younger than Nemec, Hughes, Mintyukov, Clarke, and plenty of others who are expected to be top flight defensemen. I still expect KK to be our dynamic offensive defenseman. He has the pedigree, he’s getting the experience, and he’ll only get better playing with actual NHL players this season.
- ObeseOprah

He did manage to play more games than any other D from his draft class last season, one of only 3 to play more half the season as a 19 year old. The majority of other prospects would have been bounced back to Jr or benched/press boxed at 19.

The Hawks didn't need to keep him up with the team, they weren't forced to, they have/had plenty of LHD prospects, but his play was enough to convince the coaches he should not only stay, but play top 4 minutes. His game isn't complete or perfect, but man the tools are there at both ends. He has shown good smarts to go with the skating.

I interrupt these proceedings to ask again.....

Other than Bedard, which draft pick from the previous two drafts (not this year's) have shown evidence of becoming outstanding NHL players? AA is an everyday NHL player - they need some to be outstanding NHL players. Who are they?

I interrupt these proceedings to ask again.....

Other than Bedard, which draft pick from the previous two drafts (not this year's) have shown evidence of becoming outstanding NHL players? AA is an everyday NHL player - they need some to be outstanding NHL players. Who are they?
- mohel

You know who they are, Bubala.

And who's development TOI does he take away from at Rockford ? Allen ? del Maestro? Lev? Kaiser? or KK ? Besides Phillips that is at least 4 that will be down in Rockford for development. Then next year probably Rinzel is signed, maybe they decide to sign Harding to an ELC. Crevier isn't the over the hill veteran that accepts playing out the string in the A to mentor the young. i just don't see the ice time available for him to "develop"
- LAHawk

This is true and will apply also in a year or two among the forwards. There will be no ice time for later picks to develop. Some guys will get away who will become good players elsewhere. Not sure Marcel² will be able to find a spot in Rockford this year. Players like Thompson, James, Harding, the European picks, etc. may just end up not being signed.

They have to figure out a way to keep the right ones - am interested to see how they are going to do that. Saarela went back to Finland, and it looks like Misiak may go back to Erie for another year, so they are trying to open up some spots in the AHL.

Regardless of all that, though, they should be able to find the guys to help get back toward the top of the NHL.

I interrupt these proceedings to ask again.....

Other than Bedard, which draft pick from the previous two drafts (not this year's) have shown evidence of becoming outstanding NHL players? AA is an everyday NHL player - they need some to be outstanding NHL players. Who are they?
- mohel

To answer your question, at this time none. However, we don’t know what these guys will turn into in the next few years, definitely too early to make that determination. Also, understanding that you’re not counting this year’s picks, but there’s another three 1st round picks there as well.
Korchinski
Nazar
Moore
Rinzel
2024 picks
So basically they have at least seven cracks just from 1st round picks the last three years, along with two more 1st rounders next year, of which one will be a top 5 pick, maybe. Bottom line, only time will tell in regards to KD’s picks, but they sure are accumulating darts. Add Bedard, Reichel, Allan, and that’s twelve 1st rd picks plus Vlasic, not bad Mo.

I interrupt these proceedings to ask again.....

Other than Bedard, which draft pick from the previous two drafts (not this year's) have shown evidence of becoming outstanding NHL players? AA is an everyday NHL player - they need some to be outstanding NHL players. Who are they?
- mohel

They threw a lot of darts. I think they'll have at least 3 more players that exceed expectations of their draft position. That doesn't include Big Arty being a very good player, that is him meeting expectations not exceeding.

Nazar becoming a 90 point player or Hayes producing similar to Sharp would be examples of two players.

But in the grand scheme of things who those are I dunno, other people have mentioned several possibilities and at this stage if that doesn't happen they will have enough okayish players where they'll end up in the playoffs the next several years but maybe not get out of the hump. I don't think they'll get a shot at another top 10 pick after this season and possibly not even this season.

I interrupt these proceedings to ask again.....

Other than Bedard, which draft pick from the previous two drafts (not this year's) have shown evidence of becoming outstanding NHL players? AA is an everyday NHL player - they need some to be outstanding NHL players. Who are they?
- mohel

I agree about AA but then again he kind of is where he was drafted a 4th round draft pick that has a ton of speed.

You are right other than Bedard there's no studs yet. Considering only 10 draft picks played over 40 games over the past 2 years it's just to soon, good news is we had 2 of those 10.

I'm not that high on KK, but if his ceiling is as low as 3rd pair, 2nd PP QB, he's one of your 7-8.

Edit - regarding Nazar... the only concern I have is his short stature, and since he's a high energy guy, how does he hold up over 82 games against nhl competition?
- boilermaker100

I remember Leddy coming into the league playing sheltered minutes and he looked lost for years in his own end. Korchinski had that look in the beginning of the season but not at the end much improved. Much to learn but he's going to be a top 4 dman, it's not if but when.

This is true and will apply also in a year or two among the forwards. There will be no ice time for later picks to develop. Some guys will get away who will become good players elsewhere. Not sure Marcel² will be able to find a spot in Rockford this year. Players like Thompson, James, Harding, the European picks, etc. may just end up not being signed.

They have to figure out a way to keep the right ones - am interested to see how they are going to do that. Saarela went back to Finland, and it looks like Misiak may go back to Erie for another year, so they are trying to open up some spots in the AHL.

Regardless of all that, though, they should be able to find the guys to help get back toward the top of the NHL.
- totem

Well i think in order for them to keep the good ones they will watch their development and stats. Personally i bet they have some kind of formula and if the players don't perform at a certain level, play a certain brand of hockey and don't improve over the years they become outliers and those picks will make it easier for the Blackhawks to make their decision.

Interesting off hockey topic article regarding the environs surrounding the United Center:
https://x.com/BenPopeCST/...tatus/1815716642023776640

Interesting off hockey topic article regarding the environs surrounding the United Center:
https://x.com/BenPopeCST/...tatus/1815716642023776640
- 35Tony0

That area was changing dramatically before Covid and then now of course interest rates.

Would be a good move to capitalize on the land usage. Dunno where people would park for the games and I'm sure mixed income housing would very quickly turn into luxury condos and duplexes.

That area was changing dramatically before Covid and then now of course interest rates.

Would be a good move to capitalize on the land usage. Dunno where people would park for the games and I'm sure mixed income housing would very quickly turn into luxury condos and duplexes.
- fattybeef

I think the article states there will be a parking structure with a green space on top.
(My guess is that it could be an underground structure)

Friendly reminder that KK was the youngest defenseman in the league last season. Younger than Nemec, Hughes, Mintyukov, Clarke, and plenty of others who are expected to be top flight defensemen. I still expect KK to be our dynamic offensive defenseman. He has the pedigree, he’s getting the experience, and he’ll only get better playing with actual NHL players this season.
- ObeseOprah

That just means KK is the youngest bust in the league.

I'm not worried about Korchinski, considering his age and everything else he went through (i.e. losing his Dad) I think he performed rather well. I'm not sure what his ceiling will be, but I think he'll be a top 4 d-man in the league. I expect KK will take a big jump in his development this year.

That just means KK is the youngest bust in the league.

I'm not worried about Korchinski, considering his age and everything else he went through (i.e. losing his Dad) I think he performed rather well. I'm not sure what his ceiling will be, but I think he'll be a top 4 d-man in the league. I expect KK will take a big jump in his development this year.
- DarthKane

https://twitter.com/Gurue...ibvlnMokxw5jwEAJbhoQ&s=19

https://twitter.com/Samao...o7vbUUDbjps2Wg3N9j3g&s=19

Some numbers on KK

https://twitter.com/JFres...TysCftTa3ELmMg2iERlA&s=19

He sure doesn't look as good as Vlasic, but he's not 22 years old either.

On this day in 2021 the Blackhawks acquired Seth Jones from the Blue Jackets. Contract aside, the trade doesn’t look as bad as is did then. It’s still not a good trade, just not as bad as we all thought in 2021.

https://twitter.com/Guruelous/status/1815495796453675446?t=mxibvlnMokxw5jwEAJbhoQ&s=19

https://twitter.com/Samao...o7vbUUDbjps2Wg3N9j3g&s=19

Some numbers on KK

https://twitter.com/JFres...TysCftTa3ELmMg2iERlA&s=19

He sure doesn't look as good as Vlasic, but he's not 22 years old either.
- BetweenTheDots

The entry denials are exceptional. I think with a competent partner and players who he can pass the puck to so they can exit the zone - he'll look a heck of a lot better as well as have the opportunity to get up the ice and participate in the attack.