Seravalli on the DFO podcast is seriously pumping Rinzel's tires.

https://x.com/DailyFaceof...tatus/1904518634225189277

Says Rinzel can be to the Hawks what Faber is to the Wild (he specifies they are different types of player, but says the impact can be the same).

Regardless of who ends up being the guys that fill the spots, his comments on the blueline are spot on. They will have 9 defensemen that can play. They will have to trade one or two.

Seravalli on the DFO podcast is seriously pumping Rinzel's tires.

https://x.com/DailyFaceof...tatus/1904518634225189277

Says Rinzel can be to the Hawks what Faber is to the Wild (he specifies they are different types of player, but says the impact can be the same).

Regardless of who ends up being the guys that fill the spots, his comments on the blueline are spot on. They will have 9 defensemen that can play. They will have to trade one or two.
- Chunk

KD has eluded to trade possibilities. But let's see next year

Vlasic Crevier
Kaiser Murphy

You can split a year between
EDM. Levshunov
Allan. Rinzel

Rockford
KK.

Plenty of space for next year

KD has eluded to trade possibilities. But let's see next year

Vlasic Crevier
Kaiser Murphy

You can split a year between
EDM. Levshunov
Allan. Rinzel

Rockford
KK.

Plenty of space for next year
- BetweenTheDots

You forgot Brodie

You forgot Brodie

- LAHawk

Hahaha
No, no i didn't

8-6-7-5-3-0-9-e-ine
- Chunk

After all these years, Jenny still hasn’t changed her number, although she needs to add an area code.

KD has eluded to trade possibilities. But let's see next year

Vlasic Crevier
Kaiser Murphy

You can split a year between
EDM. Levshunov
Allan. Rinzel

Rockford
KK.

Plenty of space for next year
- BetweenTheDots

Since there is nothing else to really get interested in at the moment...

I don't think Crevier is part of the top 6. Maybe he stays as the 7th, but I think - if retained - he's in RFD. Personally, I think they trade his rights in the offseason. He's not as bad as I used to think he was, but I think the other players have higher ceilings.

Other options in the system include the Soderstrom kid from the Weber trade, and Taige Harding who is done with college after this season.

KD has eluded to trade possibilities. But let's see next year

Vlasic Crevier
Kaiser Murphy

You can split a year between
EDM. Levshunov
Allan. Rinzel

Rockford
KK.

Plenty of space for next year
- BetweenTheDots

All the young defensemen in the pipeline have promise, however all currently have some faults as well, some more than others. The smallest one is at this point the most physical (Kaiser), however, with the league getting bigger and faster, I’m not sure he’ll be able to handle the front of the net, just my opinion. EDM hit a wall, however he played much better against the Flyers. I want to see Vlasic be more physical, he has the capability, when it’s all said and done, I believe that Kaiser and Allan will be the ones moved, we’ll see. KK has more value than those two, so maybe he’s the one that goes, especially if they get Schaefer.

All the young defensemen in the pipeline have promise, however all currently have some faults as well, some more than others. The smallest one is at this point the most physical (Kaiser), however, with the league getting bigger and faster, I’m not sure he’ll be able to handle the front of the net, just my opinion. EDM hit a wall, however he played much better against the Flyers. I want to see Vlasic be more physical, he has the capability, when it’s all said and done, I believe that Kaiser and Allan will be the ones moved, we’ll see. KK has more value than those two, so maybe he’s the one that goes, especially if they get Schaefer.
- Angotti

Regarding Schaefer, let's just wait and see on that one. I wouldn't be surprised if they win the lotto they would trade that pick.

Regarding Schaefer, let's just wait and see on that one. I wouldn't be surprised if they win the lotto they would trade that pick.
- BetweenTheDots

I sure hope not. Schaefer projects as a true all purpose number one defenseman. His skating is off the charts, he has a great shot, he’s an excellent passer, he very strong defensively already, he’s physical with a mean streak. On projection he would be the best defenseman if he were in the Hawk’s system. And to top it off he’s a September birthday so he’s ten days away from being 2026 draft eligible. If he’s available the Hawks will choose him. The Hawks have lots of other prospects to make subsequent moves.

I sure hope not. Schaefer projects as a true all purpose number one defenseman. His skating is off the charts, he has a great shot, he’s an excellent passer, he very strong defensively already, he’s physical with a mean streak. On projection he would be the best defenseman if he were in the Hawk’s system. And to top it off he’s a September birthday so he’s ten days away from being 2026 draft eligible. If he’s available the Hawks will choose him. The Hawks have lots of other prospects to make subsequent moves.
- paulr

How would you compare Shaefer and Byram in their draft years? I'm not knocking Shaefer at all. I know very little about him other than his stats. I'm just not sure how the projections differ between them.

Another question: Is it better to have 1-2 elite defensemen, or three really good/great pairs?

Regarding Schaefer, let's just wait and see on that one. I wouldn't be surprised if they win the lotto they would trade that pick.
- BetweenTheDots

Interesting. What's your logic here? Most here have been saying that you need the top 1-2-3 picks in the draft to acquire the top talent so that you don't have to pay through the nose to get it via trade or FA, and you get high end play at a discount during the ELC.

What would you be trading for with the 1OA this year?

Since there is nothing else to really get interested in at the moment...

I don't think Crevier is part of the top 6. Maybe he stays as the 7th, but I think - if retained - he's in RFD. Personally, I think they trade his rights in the offseason. He's not as bad as I used to think he was, but I think the other players have higher ceilings.

Other options in the system include the Soderstrom kid from the Weber trade, and Taige Harding who is done with college after this season.
- Chunk

Crevier, Kaiser and Allan are the guys I see moving. But it takes two to tango and the otherside may have other ideas.

How would you compare Shaefer and Byram in their draft years? I'm not knocking Shaefer at all. I know very little about him other than his stats. I'm just not sure how the projections differ between them.

Another question: Is it better to have 1-2 elite defensemen, or three really good/great pairs?
- Chunk

Schaefer is a better skater, Byram wasn’t know for his defensive game while Schaefer is. And Schaefer plays a more physical game.

One caveat to selecting Schaefer, if one of the prospects in the Hawks’ system is Schaefer’s equal or better and if Misa is close enough to Schaefer as a prospect I think it’s safe for KD to bypass him and choose Misa. However I think Schaefer would be the best defensive prospect should the Hawks be lucky enough to choose him.

As for your last question, not sure I know the answer. I saw the Hawks win with three really good defensemen a good fourth and a solid but not great third pairing guys. I’ve also seen teams do well with three more balanced defense lines.

Crevier, Kaiser and Allan are the guys I see moving. But it takes two to tango and the otherside may have other ideas.
- rpeters01

Yeah, that would all depend on what you are looking for in return. Right now, I'm not sure those three move the needle all that much in a trade. (despite how much we may like them).

Yeah, that would all depend on what you are looking for in return. Right now, I'm not sure those three move the needle all that much in a trade. (despite how much we may like them).
- Chunk

If Chicago should be lucky enough to select Schaefer I won’t be surprised to see a much bigger name (Lev, Korchinski, Rinzel or even Vlasic) moved to try to acquire a top young NHL forward.

Schaefer is a better skater, Byram wasn’t know for his defensive game while Schaefer is. And Schaefer plays a more physical game.

One caveat to selecting Schaefer, if one of the prospects in the Hawks’ system is Schaefer’s equal or better and if Misa is close enough to Schaefer as a prospect I think it’s safe for KD to bypass him and choose Misa. However I think Schaefer would be the best defensive prospect should the Hawks be lucky enough to choose him.

As for your last question, not sure I know the answer. I saw the Hawks win with three really good defensemen a good fourth and a solid but not great third pairing guys. I’ve also seen teams do well with three more balanced defense lines.
- paulr

I think if you want to hedge your bets, the more balanced pairs would be the better option since you have protection in case of injury. The big stink of the whole thing is going to be how many guys will you be able to sign.

I think that's part of the calculus that KD is using when burning the first year of guys deals early. He can then theoretically sign kids to more reasonable deals since there is less of a body of work to refer to.

I don't see much at all in juniors. Is there a comp for Misa? Similar to Hughes or Celebrini? Everyone knows he can put up points, but is he more of a 200' player or more offense?

If Chicago should be lucky enough to select Schaefer I won’t be surprised to see a much bigger name (Lev, Korchinski, Rinzel or even Vlasic) moved to try to acquire a top young NHL forward.
- paulr

Fully agreed. I personally don't think there would be enough room for KK, Shaefer, Arty and Rinzel on the ice. I've not been shy about pumping Arty's tires. I think he's the most complete young defenseman they have, and will ultimately grade out as their best (once he fully settles in and understands his responsibilities).

That forward group is going to be the biggest jigsaw for KD to figure out. My main concerns are that he has so many guys who project as the same guy. C/W that have a lot of compete and speed. Some are producing more than others. A lot of the really prolific ones are smaller in stature. The next two years are going to be really interesting.

I think if you want to hedge your bets, the more balanced pairs would be the better option since you have protection in case of injury. The big stink of the whole thing is going to be how many guys will you be able to sign.

I think that's part of the calculus that KD is using when burning the first year of guys deals early. He can then theoretically sign kids to more reasonable deals since there is less of a body of work to refer to.

I don't see much at all in juniors. Is there a comp for Misa? Similar to Hughes or Celebrini? Everyone knows he can put up points, but is he more of a 200' player or more offense?
- Chunk

Like you I prefer more balance but in the cap world it tough to do.

While not in McDavid territory, Misa is very fast and can play at speed. Great edges and balance as well. He’s two years younger than Lardis but was close in goals and led the OHL in points. He’s obviously a very good offensive player with good vision and smarts. He’s also responsible defensively and he doesn’t shy away from the rough going.

Forward spot is open:

https://www.bleachernatio...ardinsons-season-is-over/


Probably two depending on how long it takes for a hyperextended elbow to recover.

D!ckinson finishes the year with 16 pts in 59 games played.

EDIT: Come on down Dominic James!

If we get 1st overall, we probably take Schaefer and just figure out who to move later unless there is a team picking in the top 3-4 that really wants him and wants to make a deal to move up or you get a "can't pass up" offer on an existing player.

I think the thing about it is that it's not so cut and dry (right or wrong) move to take or not take him. It just comes down to the situation and what opportunities materialize.

Overall I'm willing to bet that right now the Hawks draft plan is pretty fluid.

Forward spot is open:

https://www.bleachernatio...ardinsons-season-is-over/


Probably two depending on how long it takes for a hyperextended elbow to recover.

D!ckinson finishes the year with 16 pts in 59 games played.

EDIT: Come on down Dominic James!
- Chunk

One I would be considering if I was the Hawks right now and this is a big maybe, but maybe you slide Kurashev up to play with Bedard again. Maybe even Bedard with Nazar and Kurashev.

I've commented a few times that they really missed the boat on moving him last summer after his value was probably peaked. His trade value is now at an all time low, but maybe you see if you can salvage some value by giving him the chance to uplift his production in a late season push.

I know it probably won't happen since he is currently slotted on the 3rd line.

I still wouldn't be shocked if Richardinson is traded in the summer. I think he is the next guy that will be wanting to move to a playoff team.

One I would be considering if I was the Hawks right now and this is a big maybe, but maybe you slide Kurashev up to play with Bedard again. Maybe even Bedard with Nazar and Kurashev.

I've commented a few times that they really missed the boat on moving him last summer after his value was probably peaked. His trade value is now at an all time low, but maybe you see if you can salvage some value by giving him the chance to uplift his production in a late season push.

I know it probably won't happen since he is currently slotted on the 3rd line.

I still wouldn't be shocked if Richardinson is traded in the summer. I think he is the next guy that will be wanting to move to a playoff team.
- breadbag

Not a bad idea, but considering how stubborn Anders seems to be with where guys are playing (cough, Reichel) I really don't see it happening.

I don't know on D!ckinson. I think that one will all come down to who the next coach is going to be, and who else is brought in. Early season D!ckinson wouldn't be bad, but since the turn of the year (maybe even before that) he's been pretty blah.

One I would be considering if I was the Hawks right now and this is a big maybe, but maybe you slide Kurashev up to play with Bedard again. Maybe even Bedard with Nazar and Kurashev.

I've commented a few times that they really missed the boat on moving him last summer after his value was probably peaked. His trade value is now at an all time low, but maybe you see if you can salvage some value by giving him the chance to uplift his production in a late season push.

I know it probably won't happen since he is currently slotted on the 3rd line.

I still wouldn't be shocked if Richardinson is traded in the summer. I think he is the next guy that will be wanting to move to a playoff team.
- breadbag

Richardson would need a retainage IMO, with Jones already retained would KD want to leave only one slot open at the beginning of the season.

Kurashev IMO is just filler until the end of the season. The Hawks would have to qualify him for $2.25, his current salary. I think they just let him walk. I actually see him in the KHL next year.

If we get 1st overall, we probably take Schaefer and just figure out who to move later unless there is a team picking in the top 3-4 that really wants him and wants to make a deal to move up or you get a "can't pass up" offer on an existing player.

I think the thing about it is that it's not so cut and dry (right or wrong) move to take or not take him. It just comes down to the situation and what opportunities materialize.

Overall I'm willing to bet that right now the Hawks draft plan is pretty fluid.
- breadbag

I would think most GMs operate from pick the best available, as opposed to draft based on positional needs over the next few years.

The reason to trade down from the top pick is belief that there is very little difference in the projected top five (or ten) picks, but it should still command a steep price regardless. If other GM's think they see a difference, let them pay up for it.

TODAY'S TANKATHON

BUF jumps to #1 and everyone else moves down a spot.

SJ gets their choice of the first forward - they have some size among their young guys so it might be down to Hagens or Misa. Does CHI just take the other one of those two or does Martone (or someone else) get consideration at 3?

4 Buffalo
1 San Jose
2 Chicago
3 Nashville
5 Philadelphia
6 Seattle
7 Pittsburgh
8 Boston
9 Anaheim
10 Detroit
11 NY Rangers
12 Columbus
13 Utah
14 NY Islanders
15 Vancouver
16 Calgary (to MON)