Always!

Hoping next season with a few better players added to the mix we don't see these periods of being outshot 17-3, 15-1, etc. Or at least maybe only in the odd every once in a while game vs the regularity we've seen it this season.
- HawkintheD

I think that can be a calling card of a team with a lot of young players in the lineup. Last night we didn't have as many youngsters, but just in general I think we'll start to see them build more consistency.

Also as you say, adding some better players, I think that does help too. Just a couple more bodies in the line that can impact the game at key moments. It's good to have guys who come on the ice and can make big play that shifts the momentum, leads by example and gets the team going. We see it sometimes with the current group, but we need more of that to help turn things around when it starts to go sideways!

I think that can be a calling card of a team with a lot of young players in the lineup. Last night we didn't have as many youngsters, but just in general I think we'll start to see them build more consistency.

Also as you say, adding some better players, I think that does help too. Just a couple more bodies in the line that can impact the game at key moments. It's good to have guys who come on the ice and can make big play that shifts the momentum, leads by example and gets the team going. We see it sometimes with the current group, but we need more of that to help turn things around when it starts to go sideways!
- breadbag

I also think as more players compete for playing time the ones that do what the coaches expect will be rewarded and most likely drive the ones that play less or watch from the press box.

Friedman is suggesting Toronto and Edmonton may be after Donato.

Friedman is suggesting Toronto and Edmonton may be after Donato.
- paulr

I'd only do it if he can get a player in return like Savoie or Cowen

I'd only do it if he can get a player in return like Savoie or Cowen
- BetweenTheDots

That’s hilarious, I was thinking the same two guys.

Certainly, a calculated move trying to use your defensemen trade chips in heavy minutes vs a team that struggles to score in hopes of inflating their stats. Yes, it backfired to the toon (if you will) of 6 GA, nevertheless a good strategy in attempt to achieve said motive.
- Assman22

Will be the only time this year we score 11 goals in back to back games.

Not s fan of Philly but I'm glad that the queefs lost the bid for the 3 peat... So scripted

I’ve watched about three Gopher games, Moore can fly, however I don’t see a top six forward there, but I’m obviously not a scout. From what I’ve read about Boisvert, he needs to keep working on his skating, but I’ve never seen him play, maybe someone else like Wiz can chime in.
- Angotti

I've only watched a few more MN games than you. What I've seen is a guy that does not stop (similar to Slaggert) but need to refine is play understanding/identification. There are a number of times where he virtually mirrors a teammate leaving opponents open. He closes on them incredibly fast, but he needs to just understand precisely what his assignment is.

He is a really effective forechecker, and he certainly drives the line a lot of the time. I would say he will be a very effective middle-6 player who won't ultimately hurt you. Think AA if he did what you wanted him to do and had better hands.

I've only watched a few more MN games than you. What I've seen is a guy that does not stop (similar to Slaggert) but need to refine is play understanding/identification. There are a number of times where he virtually mirrors a teammate leaving opponents open. He closes on them incredibly fast, but he needs to just understand precisely what his assignment is.

He is a really effective forechecker, and he certainly drives the line a lot of the time. I would say he will be a very effective middle-6 player who won't ultimately hurt you. Think AA if he did what you wanted him to do and had better hands.
- Chunk

It's hard to say what he is going to be, what i see is a kid who's fast and quick, great forechecker pressures the puck a ton. Not that great of a passer, with the puck in the ozone he does open up nicely to wherever the puck is in case he gets a pass from the wall, he does this many times within 10 feet of the goal. Defensively hustles sometimes though he guesses the puck is going to leave the zone and abandons his coverage to head up ice. 4 things i think he needs to work on is his ability to play at slower skating speeds, which will help him with passing lanes, knowing what his options are when he's along the wall instead of eating the puck, and be disciplined enough to stay with his guy in the dzone until the puck actually crosses the blue line.

I believe in time he will be a major pain in the ass to play against at the NHL level, also a possession stud.

It's hard to say what he is going to be, what i see is a kid who's fast and quick, great forechecker pressures the puck a ton. Not that great of a passer, with the puck in the ozone he does open up nicely to wherever the puck is in case he gets a pass from the wall, he does this many times within 10 feet of the goal. Defensively hustles sometimes though he guesses the puck is going to leave the zone and abandons his coverage to head up ice. 4 things i think he needs to work on is his ability to play at slower skating speeds, which will help him with passing lanes, knowing what his options are when he's along the wall instead of eating the puck, and be disciplined enough to stay with his guy in the dzone until the puck actually crosses the blue line.

I believe in time he will be a major pain in the ass to play against at the NHL level, also a possession stud.
- BetweenTheDots

You saw the Youtube video too huh?


Also, 4 things??

Just giving you some poop Dots.

I also think as more players compete for playing time the ones that do what the coaches expect will be rewarded and most likely drive the ones that play less or watch from the press box.
- BetweenTheDots

I think Slaggert is already that guy. Nazar to an extent, but he seems like he gets frustrated a lot and gets off his game. He'll probably fight his way out of that.

Again, the biggest issue is that they are going to have so many of these kids coming up at the same time that is will be difficult to determine which ones are the keepers.

Dach seems like he'll be the second coming of Hartman. Bounce round a few times then find the right situation for him.

I've only watched a few more MN games than you. What I've seen is a guy that does not stop (similar to Slaggert) but need to refine is play understanding/identification. There are a number of times where he virtually mirrors a teammate leaving opponents open. He closes on them incredibly fast, but he needs to just understand precisely what his assignment is.

He is a really effective forechecker, and he certainly drives the line a lot of the time. I would say he will be a very effective middle-6 player who won't ultimately hurt you. Think AA if he did what you wanted him to do and had better hands.
- Chunk

I’ve only seen short clips of him so I can’t judge his game at all but the way you’re describing him it sounds like his hockey IQ is low. Is that the case or am I misunderstanding?

I’ve only seen short clips of him so I can’t judge his game at all but the way you’re describing him it sounds like his hockey IQ is low. Is that the case or am I misunderstanding?
- paulr

After I wrote it, I was afraid that is how it would come off. I actually don't think that's the case. To me, he's relied on his speed for so long that it's like he uses that first then has to figure out what to do once in the zone with possession.

There is a reason he got such rave reviews from the WJC. He is very effective at wearing opponents down, and it's not like he breaks down every time he has the puck. He's quite good at give-and-go's, and his shot is pretty good. Like many prospects, he needs to add some new/other tools to the bag and be more consistent.

It really wouldn't surprise me at all if he went back to MN next year to refine some things. I think the Hawks are ready to say that he should be in the A next year (which wouldn't be bad either) but I can see it going either way depending on what his priorities are.

The guy I'm most interested in at the end of this year is Greene. I've been impressed with what I've seen from him. Good all around game. Nothing that screams star, but nothing you would say is deficient either. Similar to Slaggert, but with more offense. He's one of those guys that people say "yeah, he's pretty good", but then you look and find out he has some of the best defensive metrics and has scored 40 points that no one expected were there.

After I wrote it, I was afraid that is how it would come off. I actually don't think that's the case. To me, he's relied on his speed for so long that it's like he uses that first then has to figure out what to do once in the zone with possession.

There is a reason he got such rave reviews from the WJC. He is very effective at wearing opponents down, and it's not like he breaks down every time he has the puck. He's quite good at give-and-go's, and his shot is pretty good. Like many prospects, he needs to add some new/other tools to the bag and be more consistent.

It really wouldn't surprise me at all if he went back to MN next year to refine some things. I think the Hawks are ready to say that he should be in the A next year (which wouldn't be bad either) but I can see it going either way depending on what his priorities are.

The guy I'm most interested in at the end of this year is Greene. I've been impressed with what I've seen from him. Good all around game. Nothing that screams star, but nothing you would say is deficient either. Similar to Slaggert, but with more offense. He's one of those guys that people say "yeah, he's pretty good", but then you look and find out he has some of the best defensive metrics and has scored 40 points that no one expected were there.
- Chunk

The best thing about speed is if he isn’t capable of top six production he can be valuable anywhere in the lineup. Do you think he’s a sure fire NHLer?

The best thing about speed is if he isn’t capable of top six production he can be valuable anywhere in the lineup. Do you think he’s a sure fire NHLer?
- paulr

I mean, yes and no. AA has been in the league for several years, but I don't think anyone has been all that excited that he's been on their team.

I don't think anyone is a sure-fire NHLer until they get to the league. Also, you kind of have to take into account what they are projected to be vs what they are in the league. I can just as easily see him have a trajectory like Kempe as I can with Stahlberg. Kempe has found a way to develop and turn into a dangerous all around player after about 3-4 "feeling out" years in the league.

Unless something really clicks with him in the pros vs college, I'd assume he'll be more of a slow progression vs immediate difference maker. I have reason to believe (although I've not fully fleshed out this idea) that Moore will be more comfortable in the NHL because he won't be the fastest guy on the ice (or at least not he only fast guy). He can use his speed and others can and will keep up with him. This will cut down on the waiting for the rest of his team to catch up and keep him out of trouble as long as he learns to use the rest of his teammates effectively.

The best thing about speed is if he isn’t capable of top six production he can be valuable anywhere in the lineup. Do you think he’s a sure fire NHLer?
- paulr

Unlike AA, Moore plays defense. I think he will be an NHLer just not sure where in the lineup. I could see him staying at UM, so he can get top line minutes and top PP (assuming Gophers don't have guys coming in that will be top line guys).

He also plays with a lot of energy. I agree with Dots, he needs to learn to play at different gears. Doesn't have to be full speed maximum energy all the time but those are not bad traits. Would much rather teach a guy to slow down versus playing with energy and urgency every shift.

The best thing about speed is if he isn’t capable of top six production he can be valuable anywhere in the lineup. Do you think he’s a sure fire NHLer?
- paulr

Speed may not always be able to finish those guys are few and far between. But they're usually good enough to go get the puck aka Viktor Stahlberg, which isn't a bad thing. If the other team doesn't have the puck the only way they can score is if you shoot it in your own net.

After I wrote it, I was afraid that is how it would come off. I actually don't think that's the case. To me, he's relied on his speed for so long that it's like he uses that first then has to figure out what to do once in the zone with possession.

There is a reason he got such rave reviews from the WJC. He is very effective at wearing opponents down, and it's not like he breaks down every time he has the puck. He's quite good at give-and-go's, and his shot is pretty good. Like many prospects, he needs to add some new/other tools to the bag and be more consistent.

It really wouldn't surprise me at all if he went back to MN next year to refine some things. I think the Hawks are ready to say that he should be in the A next year (which wouldn't be bad either) but I can see it going either way depending on what his priorities are.

The guy I'm most interested in at the end of this year is Greene. I've been impressed with what I've seen from him. Good all around game. Nothing that screams star, but nothing you would say is deficient either. Similar to Slaggert, but with more offense. He's one of those guys that people say "yeah, he's pretty good", but then you look and find out he has some of the best defensive metrics and has scored 40 points that no one expected were there.
- Chunk

It will be interesting to see which prospects might make the jump down the stretch. Moore does sound like one that would benefit from learning more about what he can and can't get away with at the pro level.

I hope we get a couple guys who get a taste like Nazar and Slaggert did last year. With the college players of course it comes down to actually signing them which shouldn't be an issue 95% of the time. I think the Hawks have demonstrated that opportunity is there for guys who are ready and that's some of the importance of them giving Nazar/Slaggert a good shot right now. We are at the point that Nazar and Slaggert might not get sent down to the AHL again.

Greene does seem like one that is closest to getting a shot. Honestly, there are many college prospects in the Hawks system that seem to be on a decent track right now. We will learn more about what the Hawks think about some of them with what happens between now and next season. I am just sharing for context here, but these are the 10 we have, ordered by how long they've spent in NCAA.

Connor Kelley - D - Age 23 - 5th year NCAA
Taige Harding - D -Age 23 - 4th year NCAA
Dominic James - F - Age 22 - 4th year NCAA
Ryan Greene - F - Age 21 - 3rd year NCAA
Aidan Thompson - F - Age 22 - 3rd year NCAA
Oliver Moore - F - Age 20 - 2nd year NCAA
Sam Rinzel - D - Age 20 - 2nd year NCAA
Adam Gajan - G - Age 20 - 1st year NCAA
Sacha Boisvert - F - Age 18 - 1st year NCAA
John Mustard - F - Age 18 - 1st year NCAA


I'm no expert on prospects but I'm thinking Kelley won't be getting a shot with the Hawks, I think Harding could end up being in Rockford possibly.

With Greene/James/Thompson I could see any of those three getting a chance here. I could also see one or those guys being used in a trade if we are getting something back. Could be someone like Thompson isn't a part of the plans but played well enough that he has some trade value added into a deal.

I assume possibly Moore/Rinzel back to NCAA next year, but both probably have enough of a high profile that they could turn pro.

I think it's probably a safe assumption that Gajan/Boisvert/Mustard are going to be back in NCAA next year, based on age and development.

It will be interesting to see which prospects might make the jump down the stretch. Moore does sound like one that would benefit from learning more about what he can and can't get away with at the pro level.

I hope we get a couple guys who get a taste like Nazar and Slaggert did last year. With the college players of course it comes down to actually signing them which shouldn't be an issue 95% of the time. I think the Hawks have demonstrated that opportunity is there for guys who are ready and that's some of the importance of them giving Nazar/Slaggert a good shot right now. We are at the point that Nazar and Slaggert might not get sent down to the AHL again.

Greene does seem like one that is closest to getting a shot. Honestly, there are many college prospects in the Hawks system that seem to be on a decent track right now. We will learn more about what the Hawks think about some of them with what happens between now and next season. I am just sharing for context here, but these are the 10 we have, ordered by how long they've spent in NCAA.

Connor Kelley - D - Age 23 - 5th year NCAA
Taige Harding - D -Age 23 - 4th year NCAA
Dominic James - F - Age 22 - 4th year NCAA
Ryan Greene - F - Age 21 - 3rd year NCAA
Aidan Thompson - F - Age 22 - 3rd year NCAA
Oliver Moore - F - Age 20 - 2nd year NCAA
Sam Rinzel - D - Age 20 - 2nd year NCAA
Adam Gajan - G - Age 20 - 1st year NCAA
Sacha Boisvert - F - Age 18 - 1st year NCAA
John Mustard - F - Age 18 - 1st year NCAA


I'm no expert on prospects but I'm thinking Kelley won't be getting a shot with the Hawks, I think Harding could end up being in Rockford possibly.

With Greene/James/Thompson I could see any of those three getting a chance here. I could also see one or those guys being used in a trade if we are getting something back. Could be someone like Thompson isn't a part of the plans but played well enough that he has some trade value added into a deal.

I assume possibly Moore/Rinzel back to NCAA next year, but both probably have enough of a high profile that they could turn pro.

I think it's probably a safe assumption that Gajan/Boisvert/Mustard are going to be back in NCAA next year, based on age and development.
- breadbag

That's the weird thing about college. There seem to be more "I have unfinished business" guys that want to go back for another year. Greene is one of those guys.

Your last sentence is spot on. If I only could pick one to jump to the pros between Moore and Rinzel, it would be Rinzel right now. When I look at prospects development, I look at improvement year to year. The jump Rinzel has made this year is notable, where Moore is practically the same guy. That's not to say that Moore is playing poorly or disappointing at all, but you are looking for that growth.

I'd only do it if he can get a player in return like Savoie or Cowen
- BetweenTheDots

Sam O'Reilly

You saw the Youtube video too huh?


Also, 4 things??

Just giving you some poop Dots.
- Chunk

I did see a few videos, watched a few games, i think so much will open up for him if he learns to play at different speeds, he's balls to wall right now which i don't mind defensively but offensively he at times skates himself into no options

At a Bruins game, a lady held up a sign that said "I wish I only got two minutes for hooking."

I haven't watched any clips of Moore, but i have watched probably 5 MN games.

There are many very good players on that team.

He's had more assists than goals. His speed jumps off the screen, and again, he is on the ice with what 4 or 5 future NHL'ers at any time.

Does he have top end finishing skills, maybe not at this point, but i don't think he's Viktor Stahlberg either.

Speed to burn, never stops, strong on the boards, hard to play against guy seems like the kind you need when building a team for the future.

Many thought Sam Savoie would be the next Andrew Shaw, maybe in the end Moore's floor in Andrew Shaw.

Shaw was a very important guy on those guy cup teams.