If Gustafsson isn't enough to garner a 1st, keep him. I am tired of the Hawks having to give away assets for various reasons. Time to turn the tables.
- Elbows15

That is my preference to trade him for a 1st. If an active NHL player who can be acquired instead, then kick the tires as long as said player is young, cost controlled, and fills an immediate need. Otherwise, nix any deals if so-so talent is the proposed return.

Kane to captain Team USA again at World Championships. Not known yet if Saad, DeBrincat, and/or Murphy are. So far Blackhawks on World Championship rosters: Kane (USA), Kruger (Sweden), and Anisimov (Russia).

I'm not against replacing Anisimov but I don't see it as a requirement either. Any 3C that is better than Anisimov isn't going to save much or any salary cap space. He is a place holder until the Hawks have a prospect on his ELC ready to replace him in either 2020/21 or after Anisimov's contract runs out heading into the 2021/22 season.
- EbonyRaptor

This is TRUE GOSSIP NOW:

Remember when Drake Caggiula was hurt, they then moved Saad to that line...my understanding that AA was pretty angry that he had him taken away and lesser lights wouldn't aid him in his offensive game...

just reporting it not editorializing...

That is my preference to trade him for a 1st. If an active NHL player who can be acquired instead, then kick the tires as long as said player is young, cost controlled, and fills an immediate need. Otherwise, nix any deals if so-so talent is the proposed return.
- AEL_Fox

Agreed with both of you. I don't think Gus alone will extract a high first. Add a prospect or someone of value - like Saad - then another team would consider.

Gus may turn out to be a more consistent dman if the team defense and coaching pushes him. Gus be good; Gus br bad

I really believe that Bowman prefers to hold on to Gus until one of his own prospects is ready to take his job. That would be not just any prospect, but the elite skill Boqvist. And that vould happen oh say in even four years just when your dauughter both began and fimished high school.

I would guess also that if some team offered a good young player for Gus, yes Bowman would consider. Yet exactly whom is going to approach Bowman and say, "here you go, Stan, our #3 dman straight up for Gus?"
Right! Those kind of trades happen all the time! Not! In fact, rarely.

A GOOD #3 dman is not hanging around available like the for sale sign down the block.

Please do not mention AA or Forsling. Not that you guys have; other posts will and truth be told NO ONE is knocking at the door about our marginal players. And forget about them if you propose high draft choices7 No one wants our marginal players any more than their own same type. Now if we covered some of AA's contrsct he would certainly draw interest. Then.maybe as wiz said, AA may stay or he could be taillights.

Byram has really moved up. He is still my choice at BPA which is how we should be drafting. Get forwards via free agency.
- 67hawks

ouch

Trust in Kelley is my mantra. I think the upcoming U18's will scramble the rankings.
- Elbows15

In all y years of attempting to do these mocks I cannot remember when Central scouting was a bible or that the results five years later have be reliable enough to make the rankings holy.

A guide for the teams (a crutch for the weak) and a place that old players can get work...

trust in Kelley sound fine to me too.

I've not seen Byram play, so I'll have to take your word on that. I'll stick with my original position that no way they start with that lineup.
- mohel

don't

If you want to get even more conflicted on who the Hawks should take with the #3 pick - listen to this podcast where Pat Boyle and a couple other guys interview Craig Button and talk about what the Hawks might do.

https://www.nbcsports.com...awks-options-no-3-overall
- EbonyRaptor

Those NBCSportsChicago jokers are clueless...lets do another podcast prior to free agency and tell the fan base what they want to hear...

https://lastwordonsports.com/2017/04/11/miro-heiskanen-scouting-report-2017-nhl-draft-13/

https://lastwordonhockey....en-byram-scouting-report/

If it's me and he can be as good as Heiskanen he'd be hard to pass up, but then again i believe championship teams are built from the blue line out.
- BetweenTheDots

ouch ouch

The question is whether his skating ability helps cover up his lack of defensive recognition and he in fact doesn't get his end of the ice.
He isn't gonna play dee as well as Duncan Keith ever.

The two Swedes one big and one smaller will have better careers, there it is lock that away...and hit me with it when he is Bobby Orrville

Kane to captain Team USA again at World Championships. Not known yet if Saad, DeBrincat, and/or Murphy are. So far Blackhawks on World Championship rosters: Kane (USA), Kruger (Sweden), and Anisimov (Russia).
- AEL_Fox

Dinky has already committed. Saad is said to be considering and if Murph is asked, he'll go. He has been there the last 5 years.

Oh. And Gustafsson is playing for Sweden. Pretty sure I saw something that said he will be suiting up for Tre Kronor.

Ok I bit...I listened to Craig Button, and listened as the jokers got confused.

If you want to trust, Button, do it, but he is not the paid talent evaluator.

If you want to trust Mark Kelley then do so.

If you want to question whoever is selected at this juncture before the player is selected, do so, but...

it is going to be a good player and he probably won't play for at least a season, and probably two, no matter who of the top five gets selected....

I am still laughing as to how draft dumb those nbcsportnet guys are...like freaking chameleon and their thoughts were swayed like they knew so little before about any of it. I love when they called Charlie McAvoy a #1 defenseman. They spend most of the rest of the podcast rehashing trying to make sense of their "enlightenment."

By the way, in September and October Craig Button had Philip Broberg as the 4th best player in the class...just saying...
I loved at how these NBC rah rah who were hard for Jokihuru Mitchell and Beaudin and Boqvist just found a new girlfriend on defense. hysterical.
After I completely finish the profiles on my third round gonna realist Bowen...

Agreed with both of you. I don't think Gus alone will extract a high first. Add a prospect or someone of value - like Saad - then another team woukd consider.

Gus may turn out to be a morr consistent dman if the team defense and coaching pushes him. I really believe that Biwman prefers to hold on to Gys until one if hus own prospects is ready to take his job. That would be not just any orosoect, but the elite skill Boqvist.

I also would guess that if some team offered a good yoing player for Gus, yes Bowman woukd consider.

Please do not mention AA or Forsling. Not that you guys have; other posts will and truth be told NO ONE is knocking at the door about our marginal players. And forget about them if you propose high draft choices. No one wants our marginal players any more than their own same type.
- jhawk59

I am not adding a blessed thing to Gus if he can't garner a 1st on his own. The Hawks don't need to move him at all. Its just smart asset management to explore their options. He makes 1.2M for next season. That has value is a hard cap league.
If not, then the Hawks keep a guy who they have invested time and money to bring to this point in his career. Reap the benefits. Afterall, the guy did put up 60 points a D-man last season. I also think his defensive game is better than he get credit for at times.

At the end of the day, his coach has a lot of belief and confidence in Gustafsson. Maybe that helps Gus overcome his lack of focus at times on his defensive assignments.

Ok I bit...I listened to Craig Button, and listened as the jokers got confused.

If you want to trust, Button, do it, but he is not the paid talent evaluator.

If you want to trust Mark Kelley then do so.

If you want to question whoever is selected at this juncture before the player is selected, do so, but...

it is going to be a good player and he probably wot play for at least a season, and probably two, no matter who of the top five gets selected....

I am still laughing as to how draft dumb those nbcsportnet guys are...like freaking chameleon and there thoughts were swayed like they knew so little before about any of it.
- wiz1901

I will trust Kelley long before I trust Button. Its a discussion board. Of course we are going to discuss the possibilities. Like I have stated previously, I have some preferences as to who they pick but in their spot, I can see a solid case for about 5 different players and I would be fine with any of them.

I might be wrong but I think this is going to be a draft where a whole bunch of vg players are picked.

I will trust Kelley long before I trust Button. I might be wrong but I think this is going to be a draft where a whole bunch of vg players are picked.
- Elbows15

I been saying for months that every non playoff team is gonna get a chance at a good nhl player, and it will continue into the playoff teams because this draft doesn't start filling up with possibles in the 20's like most years...very rare there is almost an entire first round with solids...next year too.

The two Swedes one big and one smaller will have better careers, there it is lock that away...and hit me with it when he is Bobby Orrville
- wiz1901

With all due respect but no one knows what future holds. Just because you have strong opinion that doesn't make it 100% right.

In U18 exhibition game Can beat Rus 5-4. Cozens 2+0 and Podkolzin 1+1.

Agreed with both of you. I don't think Gus alone will extract a high first. Add a prospect or someone of value - like Saad - then another team woukd consider.

Gus may turn out to be a morr consistent dman if the team defense and coaching pushes him. I really believe that Biwman prefers to hold on to Gys until one if hus own prospects is ready to take his job. That would be not just any orosoect, but the elite skill Boqvist.

I also would guess that if some team offered a good yoing player for Gus, yes Bowman woukd consider.

Please do not mention AA or Forsling. Not that you guys have; other posts will and truth be told NO ONE is knocking at the door about our marginal players. And forget about them if you propose high draft choices. No one wants our marginal players any more than their own same type.
- jhawk59

I was actually thinking the other way around where it would be Gustafsson for 1st rounder + another asset rather than Gustafsson + another asset for a 1st rounder. If it's the latter, then no thank you especially if the other team is asking for a top 6 winger like Saad. Just hold on to Gustafsson and try trading him at the TDL instead.

Dinky has already committed. Saad is said to be considering and if Murph is asked, he'll go. He has been there the last 5 years.

Oh. And Gustafsson is playing for Sweden. Pretty sure I saw something that said he will be suiting up for Tre Kronor.
- Elbows15

Thanks for those updates. I'd actually be surprised if Kruger played for Sweden and Gustafsson didn't.

Good to see DeBrincat going. Having both Murphy and Saad go as well would be good for them, IMO.

I didn't get home until later last night so I had to listen to the Toronto/Boston game on XM in the car. I really enjoyed the Leafs radio guys. I knew the color guy is a smartass and I like that, but the announcer was fantastic at making the game sound exciting. And he not much of a homer, seemed objective. WAY better than that Jack Edwards dude from Boston. I enjoyed the game more on the radio than tv.

With all due respect but no one knows what future holds. Just because you have strong opinion that doesn't make it 100% right.

In U18 exhibition game Can beat Rus 5-4. Cozens 2+0 and Podkolzin 1+1.
- MjulQvist

I think Wiz has seen and heard allot more about the prospects then most of us have. NHL teams with professional scouting staffs make allot of mistakes trying to project how an 18 year old will develop, It's impossible for us having seen a few video clips and perhaps a game or two of some of the prospects to figure out who's better than the next guy, let alone how goo d they will be in 3, 5 or 10 years.

I've seen Cozens play a few games on TV, Elbows likes Turcotte, other posters like Byram or Dach or whoever. Now Central Scouting has Dach ranked at #3 of NA skaters. Whoever the Hawk scouting staff feel is the best selection at 3 is the guy will accept, because with few exceptions, and Wiz being one of those, most of us just don't have the information to properly make the correct assessment.

I didn't get home until later last night so I had to listen to the Toronto/Boston game on XM in the car. I really enjoyed the Leafs radio guys. I knew the color guy is a smartass and I like that, but the announcer was fantastic at making the game sound exciting. And he not much of a homer, seemed objective. WAY better than that Jack Edwards dude from Boston. I enjoyed the game more on the radio than tv.
- 6628

I hope you're not talking about Joe Bowen? That dolt cried when Doug Gilmour scored a goal to clinch a playoff spot. And his Hoooly Makanaw is stomach churning. He is a homer but not as bad as some. The colour guy was, i believe, a Blackhawk farmhand at one point a goalie named Jim Ralph and he is a homer but like you say he's a smartass and quite funny.

Edit: Yes Ralph was drafted by the Hawks in 1980 but had allot of injuries and becme a broadcaster.

I think Wiz has seen and heard allot more about the prospects then most of us have. NHL teams with professional scouting staffs make allot of mistakes trying to project how an 18 year old will develop, It's impossible for us having seen a few video clips and perhaps a game or two of some of the prospects to figure out who's better than the next guy, let alone how goo d they will be in 3, 5 or 10 years.

I've seen Cozens play a few games on TV, Elbows likes Turcotte, other posters like Byram or Dach or whoever. Now Central Scouting has Dach ranked at #3 of NA skaters. Whoever the Hawk scouting staff feel is the best selection at 3 is the guy will accept, because with few exceptions, and Wiz being one of those, most of us just don't have the information to properly make the correct assessment.
- paulr

No, but we can take what others say about the skills they have and lack and see how they fit into what the Hawks have and need. That’s what we do here (other than Wiz) - and it gets us up in the morning.

I’m just hoping we find new th8ngs to say over the next 9 1/2 weeks (terrible movie, BTW).

ouch ouch

The question is whether his skating ability helps cover up his lack of defensive recognition and he in fact doesn't get his end of the ice.
He isn't gonna play dee as well as Duncan Keith ever.

The two Swedes one big and one smaller will have better careers, there it is lock that away...and hit me with it when he is Bobby Orrville
- wiz1901

Fair enough, I'll trust the Hawks scouting department as well. I guess we'll see. Whoever it is i hope its best available in their eyes.

I hope you're not talking about Joe Bowen? That dolt cried when Doug Gilmour scored a goal to clinch a playoff spot. And his Hoooly Makanaw is stomach churning. He is a homer but not as bad as some. The colour guy was, i believe, a Blackhawk farmhand at one point a goalie named Jim Ralph and he is a homer but like you say he's a smartass and quite funny.

Edit: Yes Ralph was drafted by the Hawks in 1980 but had allot of injuries and becme a broadcaster.
- paulr

I don't know the guy's name but I got home with five minutes left in the game and stayed in the car. Guys in this town female dog about Foley and Olczyk but I like them too, although I'm biased because I've known them for a long time. Wideman and Murray on the radio are good too. When I'm on a spring fishing trip or otherwise in the car I love being able to hear the games. But I absolutely won't listen to the guys from Boston, Dallas, and Vancouver. Perhaps people grow tired of their own announcers eventually I guess. All I know is I very much enjoyed listening to the game last night.

I don't know the guy's name but I got home with five minutes left in the game and stayed in the car. Guys in this town female dog about Foley and Olczyk but I like them too, although I'm biased because I've known them for a long time. Wideman and Murray on the radio are good too. When I'm on a spring fishing trip or otherwise in the car I love being able to hear the games. But I absolutely won't listen to the guys from Boston, Dallas, and Vancouver. Perhaps people grow tired of their own announcers eventually I guess. All I know is I very much enjoyed listening to the game last night.
- 6628

I guess being a Hawk fan in Toronto doesn't help me warm up to them. To his credit Bowen has a good voice and he describes the action really well. But that Holy Macanaw nonsense after any play gets tiresome. My favorite announcers were the guys I grew up listening to, when i wasn't so jaded. Guys like Danny Gallivan, Richard Irvin Jr., Bill Hewitt, Brian Macfarlane, Bob Goldham, Bob Cole, and a real smartass color guy was Harry Neale.

And has no interest in coming to North America.

Pass.
- Ogilthorpe2

I can't wait until the Hawks draft Pod, and he comes over next season just to see you get mad about it!