Exactly, this is why I’d package a young Dman with him and get a decent young forward back, otherwise you might as well resign him.
- Angotti

Good idea.

https://www.nytimes.com/a...ource=user_shared_article

Top 100 prospects, in case you have a subscription to The Athletic. If you click on each name you get an overview of the player. The Hawks have seven on the list, Levshunov came in at #3.

Nashville is where we were when KD took over. Screwed. It's going to cost a lot of money and take some time to unwind their mess.
- rpeters01

It does remind me a bit of the team that Bowman assembled when the order was given to field a competitive team. Worse yet, most of these contracts are older players with real term remaining. Unless their prospects overperform, it could get ugly.

Nashville is kind of a unique case. They got the first wild card spot last year. They went out and signed what was thought to be a great FA class and it just fell apart. I don't know if that is coaching, or just the pieces not fitting together well. They've historically been pretty good defensively, and their goal differential is not notably better than the Hawks. They aren't scoring at all.

The big difference is that they were a PO team and they regressed. I've been complaining since they signed Smith that they should have targeted actual NHL players that aren't just placeholders. I don't think that move the needle at all. Rossi, Kakko, and Frost are all guys that were rumored to be available at various point of the year (Rossi still may be). Those are the kinds of moves I wanted the Hawks to make. Bertuzzi and TT were good gets. I'd like KD to target one really good offensive player to get Bedard someone to really skyrocket his growth, and then add maybe another lower level "DeBrusk" type player. Otherwise, just filter in as many kids as possible, because they'll need to see what these guys bring to the table sooner rather than later.

Anyone they bring in should be playing the exact type of hockey they want to when they are good. I still think it's a major misstep that they want to ultimately play fast, relentless, forechecking hockey, and they signed a bunch of guys (Maroon, Smith, Brodie, Martinez) that take an hour to get to top speed. What was the end goal there?
- Chunk

The Hawks lost to Vegas in the first round and then Stanley was tasked with trying to assemble a competitive team, and we know the rest. RPeters hit the nail on the head on that.

The Bertuzzi signing had some real risk. Four years for a guy who has missed significant time in the past, though he did play 80 games with the Leafs last year.

Martinez is a top four D when healthy. And he's won before. Signing him for one year, hopefully the kids learned something from him before he either gets traded or goes back on IR.

Kakko was hot out of the gate in Seattle but he seems to be cooling down a bit now. He's RFA this summer. What kind of offer should he get? I'm not sure he would have had the opportunity here for that hot start he had in Seattle. If they believed he had more potential upside than Reichel, and the Rangers thought Reichel a good return, that deal would have happened. But I'm not in the room where it happens, and it would be interesting to hear their reasons for not adding Kakko or the others you mention.

They must really believe in their prospect pool, also, to not want to go after the post-hype candidates.

We don't have to trade Donato and if traded, it will be to a contending low drafting team. I want a first at this point. A second is as good as a high third in this situation.

- rpeters01

The Oilers have #40 and the Bolts have #43 in the upcoming draft. High to mid 2nd round, anyway. Getting a first will be tough, and might require a throw in, similar to McCabe plus Lafferty. KD seems to stand firm on his price, unless it's a "for the player" trade, which seemed to be implied when it was said he told Maroon and Martinez he would accommodate them if they wanted to go for another Cup somewhere else.

I always think this gets overblown. How often do guys actually get to FA status? Everyone was concerned about Slaggert and he couldn't be happier to sign after his senior year ended.

Sure one or two guys could think about it, but how many situations around the league are going to provide a better opportunity to make the team than the Hawks?
- Chunk

I wonder knowing that they'll have so many young guys with all the draft picks if part of the thinking on getting rid of the ice time, and just have bonding time for the rookie camp doesn't help these guys wanting to play together and discouraging staying all 4 years and going the FA route?

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6101032/2025/02/11/nhl-2025-prospects-rankings-top-100/?source=user_shared_article

Top 100 prospects, in case you have a subscription to The Athletic. If you click on each name you get an overview of the player. The Hawks have seven on the list, Levshunov came in at #3.
- Angotti

How is that possible, i've read that he's a clear bust, frowns alot, and doesn't put the work in

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6101032/2025/02/11/nhl-2025-prospects-rankings-top-100/?source=user_shared_article

Top 100 prospects, in case you have a subscription to The Athletic. If you click on each name you get an overview of the player. The Hawks have seven on the list, Levshunov came in at #3.
- Angotti

I guess Lardis is making so much noise he makes the top 100 list. Didn't see Vanacker in anybodys top 100 list but that makes sense he was injured they forgot about him. I saw another top 100 list they had Kantserov in that one but not Lardis.

How is that possible, i've read that he's a clear bust, frowns alot, and doesn't put the work in

- vabeachbear

Who are you kidding? All seven of those guys are busts. Lev’s just the biggest.

I guess Lardis is making so much noise he makes the top 100 list. Didn't see Vanacker in anybodys top 100 list but that makes sense he was injured they forgot about him. I saw another top 100 list they had Kantserov in that one but not Lardis.
- BetweenTheDots

The CHGO guys had Wheeler on, and he explained that Kantserov and Vanacker were mentioned as being in the "next 10", and he wouldn't have argued much if someone said that Kantserov should be where Lardis is.

End of the day, the takeaway from this is that the Hawks have a ton of highly thought of prospects which is good - lots of darts. If 25% of them hit, that's a great result.

Who are you kidding? All seven of those guys are busts. Lev’s just the biggest.
- HawkintheD

6'2" 210 lbs, yeah, I think he is the biggest one.

The CHGO guys had Wheeler on, and he explained that Kantserov and Vanacker were mentioned as being in the "next 10", and he wouldn't have argued much if someone said that Kantserov should be where Lardis is.

End of the day, the takeaway from this is that the Hawks have a ton of highly thought of prospects which is good - lots of darts. If 25% of them hit, that's a great result.
- Chunk

Exactly, he mentions size as a factor with a player like Lardis, I'm really curious to see how it shakes out for the Blackhawks.

I didn't get to watch the game last night, but did anyone hear why Dach didn't play?
The Hogs only had 7 draft picks playing last night.

Exactly, he mentions size as a factor with a player like Lardis, I'm really curious to see how it shakes out for the Blackhawks.
- BetweenTheDots

I listened to the whole segment. The interesting thing he said was that there will be a lot of guys fighting for the same spot--> Boisvert and Moore (3C), Lardis and Kantserov (1W). These were just examples and he wasn't pigeon-holing these kids into spots, but there are so many similar traits that they will have competition to make the team.

I listened to the whole segment. The interesting thing he said was that there will be a lot of guys fighting for the same spot--> Boisvert and Moore (3C), Lardis and Kantserov (1W). These were just examples and he wasn't pigeon-holing these kids into spots, but there are so many similar traits that they will have competition to make the team.
- Chunk

Hmmmm that's an interesting take. I like the competition to make the team, i think it's very healthy for a young team, but as far as similar traits go I just don't think the timing is right, kids are developing at different speeds, which actually creates layers of talent coming in.

Hmmmm that's an interesting take. I like the competition to make the team, i think it's very healthy for a young team, but as far as similar traits go I just don't think the timing is right, kids are developing at different speeds, which actually creates layers of talent coming in.
- BetweenTheDots

If they are within a year or two of making it to the big show (Lardis and Kantserov were drafted same year) then there will certainly be competition. Again, it doesn't mean that they can't both make the team just that there are so many that it may come up.

We've been talking about this all year. The sheer volume of prospects makes this situation inevitable.

If they are within a year or two of making it to the big show (Lardis and Kantserov were drafted same year) then there will certainly be competition. Again, it doesn't mean that they can't both make the team just that there are so many that it may come up.

We've been talking about this all year. The sheer volume of prospects makes this situation inevitable.
- Chunk

I can't wait

I also think it's a luxury, Allan played half the season hit the rookie wall and they bring up EDM and he doesn't look out of place. They did this with Reichel, now Slaggert and Nazar.

It pushes a player like Kurashev out because you have better prospects behind him.

Cool article about Spellacy's growth and what he's concentrating on.

https://www.bleachernatio...ongoing-development-more/

I can't wait

I also think it's a luxury, Allan played half the season hit the rookie wall and they bring up EDM and he doesn't look out of place. They did this with Reichel, now Slaggert and Nazar.

It pushes a player like Kurashev out because you have better prospects behind him.
- BetweenTheDots

100% it's a luxury, but it comes with the need to be patient with their development which few can handle. I'm fine waiting for the kids to be good, I just don't think you have to continually suck until the kids are ready, but I repeat myself.

100% it's a luxury, but it comes with the need to be patient with their development which few can handle. I'm fine waiting for the kids to be good, I just don't think you have to continually suck until the kids are ready, but I repeat myself.
- Chunk

Hahaha, i think you'll get over it if we end up with someone like Martone in the draft.

Spellacy nice article, if he and we end up with Martone who is a big physical player as well, things will get interesting in Chicago sooner than later.

Exactly, this is why I’d package a young Dman with him and get a decent young forward back, otherwise you might as well resign him.
- Angotti

Which young d-man would you say they'd most likely move out with him to get back a young forward? If it's me, it's likely Kaiser or Crevier and I'd rather it be Crevier between the two. Feels kinda like they've been churning up his value by keeping him up as long as they have and he typically plays with Vlasic. Regardless, we'll have to see how he comes back from the concussion because he's been out a minute now.

With no NHL hockey going on, I've done like several sites have and started looking into how a lot of the prospects are developing. I am really liking Ryan Greene.

About 80% of his goals come from the slot. He gets open well. Lots of clean passes to teammates putting them in position to score and defensively is very reliable. He brings a bit more size as well, and can skate.

Hahaha, i think you'll get over it if we end up with someone like Martone in the draft.

Spellacy nice article, if he and we end up with Martone who is a big physical player as well, things will get interesting in Chicago sooner than later.
- BetweenTheDots

The Hawks had a lot of top draft talent on their cup teams. Kane and Toews top 5 picks. Laad was a top 5 pick. Seabs 14th overall. Hossa 12th overall. Cam Barker 3rd overall (I know he was traded and not a good pick in hindsight but it was another top 5 lotto ticket). Hawks also got lucky with lower picks.

To win you need top end talent. That usually means high first round draft picks. Hawks have Bedard and Lesh right now, with Lesh being an unknown. Another top 5 pick or close to it is a necessary part of the rebuild imo. I also think trying to get another top 10 pick next year is a good move too but that depends on how quickly the young guys are developing. The top 10 lotto tickets hit far more often than the 3rd or 4th round lotto tickets.

Hawks then probably need to bring in 1 or 2 high end talent guys and get lucky on a few lower picks.

With no NHL hockey going on, I've done like several sites have and started looking into how a lot of the prospects are developing. I am really liking Ryan Greene.

About 80% of his goals come from the slot. He gets open well. Lots of clean passes to teammates putting them in position to score and defensively is very reliable. He brings a bit more size as well, and can skate.
- Chunk

He's a good hockey player and I am excited for him to sign with the Hawks and hopefully get some NHL stints in next season.

2, 4, 4, 2, 4
Hope KD does better than that. Top three would be good, so at least he’ll have two to pick from of the top four.