Yep, the beauty of that pick is that it’s going to be (or at least should be) a very good player who is low cost and controlled for a number of years.
- Chief4Feathers

We're in quick retool/win-now mode...
Toews/Kane aren't getting any younger

The last part really is the key. The strategies and skill sets are important but don't matter if every player on the ice isn't responsible and situationally aware of what to do at every moment. Each player needs to be activated on each play whether they are directly involved or neutralizing other options for the opponent.
- AEL_Fox

Carolina does a really good job of almost always being between the opponent and their own goal i believe this is a very important detail

Doesn't mean they weren't either.
- Elbows15

Plenty of examples of top 5 picks going right to the NHL that worked out, and also plenty of examples where they were rushed to the NHL and would have benefitted from a year or two developing in juniors or Europe or college before they played in the NHL.

While I think Byram would be an okay choice at 3, I fear he is being over-valued a bit due to being considered the best d-man in the draft. Also, don't think he is ready to step into the NHL. Dahlin was considered a much better prospect and while he had a decent season in Buffalo, had his own struggles.
- Elbows15

The first part of you said, fair argument.

In regards to the second part, that’s simply not a valid argument to make. How many d-men can you name that stepped in day one and performed like all-stars? It obviously takes time for d-men to develop. Hedman (2nd overall) didn’t become the player he was until his 5th season in the league.

We don’t need Byram to come in and to eat 25 minutes a night with 50+ points and consistently solid in his own zone.

The Hawks are fortunate enough to be drafting 3, where they will hopefully be drafting a franchise-altering talent.

They CANNOT be drafting for need. Not only is that far too short-sighted, like Bruce Arians (NFL coach) was quoted saying today - “drafting for need gets you fired.” Obviously the NFL isn’t the NHL, but his point rings true.

If Byram according to the Hawks is truly BPA at 3, then you take him no questions asked. But if the team decides to opt for a position like center because that’s where they want to improve, that’s terrible roster management.

I trust Mark Kelley and co. to take the right player. If it’s Byram, it’s because he’s BPA and you can never have enough defensemen. If it’s a center like Cozens, then that’s who they feel gives them the best shot of being most impactful in the future.

Either way, if you (not you personally) are expecting the Hawks to take a kid who they expect to be a savior next season, then I’ve got a bridge to sell you...

Hawks need a center and center depth in their system hawks have enough d prospects. One gm don't remember what gm it was but said always draft a center goaltender and defenseman every draft. Wingers are easier to acquire through free agency and trades. Cozens is my choice unless Kappo drops to 3.
- Scott1977

I say we need a tough hombre who is going to check and battle for pucks along the boards. He compliments and makes his line better. Kakko is hard to pass on but Cozens appears a better fit for what this team has and does not have.

While I think Byram would be an okay choice at 3, I fear he is being over-valued a bit due to being considered the best d-man in the draft. Also, don't think he is ready to step into the NHL. Dahlin was considered a much better prospect and while he had a decent season in Buffalo, had his own struggles.
- Elbows15

My actual hope is the Rangers take him and Kakko drops to #3.

His top 5v5 linemates in order were.

Kruger 204 minutes
Kuntiz 147 minutes
AA 120 minutes
Kampf 74 minutes
Perlini 56 minutes
- breadbag

So kind of a mish mash of Kruger, AA, Kampf as centers and Kunitz and Perlini as wingers. That is on the night he was not in the press box or playing on the top line. Add to that the fact that he was flipped flopped from RW to LW and back.

I think he is a border line NHL player right now. But playing him on the same side with the same players on the 4th line for an extended period of time could not hurt.

We're in quick retool/win-now mode...
Toews/Kane aren't getting any younger
- Slofire94

I think we’ve moved past that “win now” strategy. This team has missed the playoffs for two years straight now, which was preceded by a 1st round sweep.

This 3rd overall pick, at least from my perspective, should be used toward the broadest benefit to the organization moving forward. Which most likely means taking the best player available.

Byram seems to have size vs the D we have been drafting lately so in way he does fill need. I would rather have surplus D vs surplus F as they do carry more value in the NHL. Teams with surplus D are always considered to be strong trade partners.
- 67hawks

Teams with strong D and surplus defenders make the playoffs.

I think we’ve moved past that “win now” strategy. This team has missed the playoffs for two years straight now, which was preceded by a 1st round sweep.

This 3rd overall pick, at least from my perspective, should be used toward the broadest benefit to the organization moving forward. Which most likely means taking the best player available.
- Chief4Feathers

I'm of a similar mindset. Not a proponent of the "win now" or "core's window" strategy. IMO, the goal should be to build the best team possible for the short and long term, not to win the Cup for a select few. You win the championship for everyone: the entire team, coaches, management, fans, and the city.

TT stats fro 4 1/2 seasons

Career 360 76 150 226

Games goals assist points.

He had his best season this year playing on the first line with 76 points, most points in his career. Lets see if he continues to trend up before we say Stan traded a hall of famer for a draft pick.

Even if TT was somehow kept, he would not get the minutes he gets in Carolina, so I think his numbers would not be as good if he was still a Hawk.
- LAHawk

You don't think TT would be playing on the first line? At least the second line? You think he would slot below Perlini? Cagguila? The kid with no goals for the year?

I strongly disagree.

@NHLBlackhawks

Derek King named head coach of the @goicehogs, and assistant coach Anders Sörensen signs multi-year extension in Rockford.

Apparently King and Sorenson are back with the Hogs for next year. I don't know how much consideration that he actually had for an assistant spot on the hawks, but I think King is in the right spot.

@NHLBlackhawks

Derek King named head coach of the @goicehogs, and assistant coach Anders Sörensen signs multi-year extension in Rockford.
- breadbag

Glad to hear that!

While I think Byram would be an okay choice at 3, I fear he is being over-valued a bit due to being considered the best d-man in the draft. Also, don't think he is ready to step into the NHL. Dahlin was considered a much better prospect and while he had a decent season in Buffalo, had his own struggles.
- Elbows15

Whoever the Hawks scouting staff see as the best available is the player they must take. NHL readiness must not be a criteria, the main criteria must be who they think will be the best player when he's reached his prime years. The only exception to best available is if there is doubt the player will come to North America. So far Button seems to be the only guy saying Byram has jumped to number 3 so we'll see what happens.

TSN now projecting Bowen Byram at #3.. I'd feel a lot better about this if the Hawks hadn't drafted defensemen the last two years.

https://www.tsn.ca/bowen-...-mock-draft-2-0-1.1296083

What do y'all think? Tyler? Wiz?
- Q-stache

No thanks to another D when you have the Russian and some really solid Centres available.

Those are my thoughts.

I think we’ve moved past that “win now” strategy. This team has missed the playoffs for two years straight now, which was preceded by a 1st round sweep.

This 3rd overall pick, at least from my perspective, should be used toward the broadest benefit to the organization moving forward. Which most likely means taking the best player available.
- Chief4Feathers

Pronman at the Athletic said Byram is a better prospect than any other D than Hughes and Dahlin from last year's draft.

Trade Boquist and draft Byram! We can get someone now to help the top 6 in a deal for Boquist, where everything I hear from those in the know that his play inside his own zone is going to be a problem.

Pronman at the Athletic said Byram is a better prospect than any other D than Hughes and Dahlin from last year's draft.

Trade Boquist and draft Byram! We can get someone now to help the top 6 in a deal for Boquist, where everything I hear from those in the know that his play inside his own zone is going to be a problem.
- KMFDMLight

Or trade down for a forward and try to get an asset to help now. Gotta be aggressive this summer.

True, but most rookies struggle and it's one of those things they have to experience before they can grow beyond that point. So whether it's as a 18/19 year old or a 19/20 year old - there's probably going to be some lumps and missteps and I'd rather have him go through those growing pains in 2019/20 and be better in 2020/21 than waiting to start the process in 2020/21 - IF - he can handle it mentally.
- EbonyRaptor

Dahlin is/was considered the best D-man prospect since Potvin. Its more of an attempt to temper the expectations for Byram to be ready to step into a NHL line-up in any fashion. He isn't beating out Keith or Gustafsson and I seriously doubt if he even ready to supplant Forsling. Let along Beaudin who is probably further along in his development that Byram is at this point. If Kelley and his boys decides he is the best player at 3, I am okay with it. I just wouldn't expect him to be in the NHL next season.

My actual hope is the Rangers take him and Kakko drops to #3.
- walleyeb1

My hope too but I doubt it will happen with Kakko playing in Worlds rather than U18. Clearly, Kakko seems ready for the NHL as a rookie. That is hard to pass on even for the Rangers.

There was an NBC Sports Chicago article yesterday that thinks Derek King is the front runner since he was part of Colliton's staff in Rockford. King has been described as a "player's coach" and as very well respected throughout the Blackhawks organization.

He has also been described as very jokey/chummy with players which is great to build a rapport with them and keep things loose but would be interested to see how that translates to helping to develop players, discipline them when needed, etc.

I'd prefer that Colliton find a new assistant coach from outside the organization. If King is brought up, then I wouldn't be opposed to 3 assistants (Brookbank, King, new guy).
- AEL_Fox

I would be surprised if it was King.

I have heard it's a veteran type voice they are looking to bring in.

Brookbank will run the D and the PK so I don't expect a Phil Housley or Trent Yawney type but rather a Kirk Muller type (don't think he's available but using his as an example).

EDIT: just saw the King news now

Whoever the Hawks scouting staff see as the best available is the player they must take. NHL readiness must not be a criteria, the main criteria must be who they think will be the best player when he's reached his prime years. The only exception to best available is if there is doubt the player will come to North America. So far Button seems to be the only guy saying Byram has jumped to number 3 so we'll see what happens.
- paulr

Well, duh. Its what I have been saying all along.

@NHLBlackhawks

Derek King named head coach of the @goicehogs, and assistant coach Anders Sörensen signs multi-year extension in Rockford.
- breadbag

Well there you go.

Didn't think King would be the official head coach this year.

They must have liked what they saw / heard freat things from the players in their exit interviews.

You don't think TT would be playing on the first line? At least the second line? You think he would slot below Perlini? Cagguila? The kid with no goals for the year?

I strongly disagree.
- hereismike1

At the time of the trade we still had Hossa, and Kane, TT would not play more minutes than those 2

No thanks to another D when you have the Russian and some really solid Centres available.

Those are my thoughts.
- Justin Lowe

If that’s because they’re better players, then by all means.

But if you’re simply projecting based off the current roster construction of the organization, then I simply couldn’t disagree more.