Foligno is still valuable to the team, in the right role. He should be bottom 6, better yet a 4th liner. I am curious about AA's role too, some of it will depend on his health, but I could see him being in and out of the lineup. Is there anything buy-out window? I could see AA being bought out. The cap hit would be $2.75 million this year and $750K next season.

Bertuzzi - Bedard - Kurashev
Reichel - AA - TT
Hall - D!ckinson - Mikheyev
Foligno - Donato - Smith
Maroon
Anderson


If Bedard and Kurashev stick together I like the idea of them playing with Bertuzzi over TT to add some physicality to the line.
- DarthKane

No quibble with your lines, I would initially try:

Hall -Bedard-Bertuzzi (Hall and Bertuzzi played on the same line with Boston,
Mikheyev-Kurashev-TT (see if Kurashev can really play center, He says he is most comfortable there)
Reichel - AA - Smith 3rd line but depending on the game and opponent probably play 4th line minutes 5x5
Foligno-Richardinson-Donato - Your shutdown line, Richardinson and Foligno can be PK1, Donato can be on PK-2 with ???, and this way you do not disrupt at least 2 lines while killing a penalty.

Who really know, maybe Mikhayev ends up on the 4th line if he has a year like last year. Reichel, AA, TT on paper liiks like a good line, but don't see many board battles won with the 3 on the ice together. Why I put Reichel and AA with roadgrader Smith.

I am currently in Dyer, Indiana but have scheduled all the Hlinka - Gretzky games to
tape.
It looks to me like you are poking my with a stick to jump in on the class 2025 when I was just telling my real world family that I was going to drop my commitment to doing this like I have been...although this year in Sweden with some good kids to watch (usually around noon games).
Now I am not gonna end up having my past writings (as run on and misspelled as they are) end up lumped with the ones I would be writing in the next four years as a steadily reach the point where my writings are what sounds like the a 78 yr. old's rambling w/o be a Presidential candidate. So you cannot expect me to jump in as deep in 2025.
To answer your first question, LW Malcolm Spence or LD Matthew Schaefer, understand I always try and place my draft favorites in the slots The Hawks are drafting near.
Matthew Schaefer has all the makings of a NHL two way defender and he is like #10 on my mock. Spence is getting that much love as i am given him, but they is so much I like about his on-ice demeanor and smarts, I am still looking for forwrds that can push into competing into top 6 roles.
You know what? I would be concerned if the drafted a defenseman early on in 2025, if that kid is better than the forwards.
My mock for next year is nowhere near much movement now but I placed Dominik Pavlik, in the Maple Leaf draft slot, even though I truly believe the Blackhawks like a goaltender. a lot, and may splurge there in the third part of the first. That is your first rounder...Totem you got someone you want in the 2025 first round?
I think the Hlinka tourney is one of the best indicators OF good junior talent.
It is too bad it isn't highlighted nationally.
- wiz1901

Wiz, are you on horseback?

Wiz, are you on horseback?

- mohel

Well, with those gas prices in Illinois, you’re better off on horseback.

Who's the physical guy on line #2?
- rpeters01

Reichel, d’uh.

Reichel, d’uh.
- DarthKane

Silly me.

Be safe. I’m heading up there next month. I normally take 75 to 24, to 57…
- Angotti

We usually go through downtown Atlanta, to Nashville, but was going to get bogged down on the Geogia 75 if the storm started leaving water with some direction shift.
Instead to 75 to 10 east and went up near Marinanna Florida and took 231 and it gets to I-65 through Montgomery and Birmingham and then into Tennessee.
I avoided the mess in Atlanta the nutcases near Chattanooga, and the mountains after where the drivers think less than a car length from the guy in front of your car's bumper is safe, so one accident closes down the two lane for longer than I am up for. And the three different major interstate intersections where their state braintrust thought that having a daily back up due to not enough warning and for thought to plan the direction changes so half the traffic needs to go over 2 lanes because they got bad signage and no time to even get over, causing more full stops.
THREE of these in nashville going the "Atlanta way"
Coming up from 65 south took us through one possible area of bottle neck and there wasn't one, so I amy stick to this way...safer, less aggravation, and truly so much LESS traffic.

Well, with those gas prices in Illinois, you’re better off on horseback.
- Angotti

Gas was lower in alabama and Georgia, paid $2.11, but usually around $2.19 until near Louisville and Indian were it goes up.

I have vowed to try and never buy gas in illnois anymore, but in the city for sure, if I am there long, then I try a Sam's club gas station in the suburbs.
Going be in Shorwood, Wisconsin and on my old block Dayton street in Chicago Lincoln Park, but then the trip continues to visit my wife's hermit brother who a couple years ago purchased land (formally Navaho reservation land) where he at 74 built a one room house after having someone else build a garage (so he could sleep in his SUV in the winter) and my wife promised to visit at the end of summer. He is an old hippie, hiding off the grid from the taxman, who needs no people, just pot and quiet. (we were both at Woodstock, but didn't meet there) He is in AA, and would never drink again, after screwing up two marriages for a start and is fine away from it all. He told me my SUV won't be able to get to his house and to park by the road-I don't even leave in my driveway, but I am not doing this for me, and am happy being an only child who doesn't understand how siblings have relationships where one does all the work to keep the relationship up, when the other would never visit us.

Those forward lines look so much better than last year.

The defensive pairings look so much better as well.

We'll see how it translates to wins and losses.
- BetweenTheDots

My guess is that TT production will decline with the less talented hawks.

My guess is that TT production will decline with the less talented hawks.
- LFS

After having the advantage of playing with Sebastian Aho other years, the past season he spent long stretches on other makeshift lines to balance their attack.
He saw lots of PP and PK though.
I would guess thatw hatever production he brings it's better than the guy('s) he replaced.

I expect both guys to start in Rockford and get a call-up at some point in the season. I would think there's an outside change Nazar makes the team, but I suspect the team wants him to develop in Rockford for a while.
- DarthKane

I think in a couple years when more prospects are up KD will sign Jagr.

I am currently in Dyer, Indiana,but have scheduled all the Hlinka - Gretzky games to
tape.
It looks to me like you are poking my with a stick to jump in on the class 2025 when I was just telling my real world family that I was going to drop my commitment to doing this like I have been...although this year in Sweden with some good kids to watch (usually around noon games).
Now I am not gonna end up having my past writings (as run on and misspelled as they are) end up lumped with the ones I would be writing in the next four years as a steadily reach the point where my writings are what sounds like the a 78 yr. old's rambling w/o be a Presidential candidate. So you cannot expect me to jump in as deep in 2025.
To answer your first question, LW Malcolm Spence or LD Matthew Schaefer, understand I always try and place my draft favorites in the slots The Hawks are drafting near.
Matthew Schaefer has all the makings of a NHL two way defender and he is like #10 on my mock. Spence is getting that much love as i am given him, but they is so much I like about his on-ice demeanor and smarts, I am still looking for forwrds that can push into competing into top 6 roles.
You know what? I would be concerned if the drafted a defenseman early on in 2025, if that kid is better than the forwards.
My mock for next year is nowhere near much movement now but I placed Dominik Pavlik, in the Maple Leaf draft slot, even though I truly believe the Blackhawks like a goaltender. a lot, and may splurge there in the third part of the first. That is your first rounder...Totem you got someone you want in the 2025 first round?
I think the Hlinka tourney is one of the best indicators OF good junior talent.
It is too bad it isn't highlighted nationally.
- wiz1901

Hadn't looked much at the first round... I see Ravensbergen is now #40 on your board, if he continues to play like he did in the playoffs, wouldn't mind using to TOR #1 on him. We'll see how he does, I warned the board I would probably be touting him all year if he plays well......

Good game SWE vs. CZE. Liked Gastrin, he had some good passing and got in on the forecheck a little, guess he needs to bulk up and stay out of the box. Ihs-Wozniak was pretty good in the 3rd, didn't see him much in the 2nd. Wonder how much Benak raised his rank today. Also thought Rozsival had a few good plays.

The CZE goalie Stebetak is coming to Portland next year, curious to see how he does.

After having the advantage of playing with Sebastian Aho other years, the past season he spent long stretches on other makeshift lines to balance their attack.
He saw lots of PP and PK though.
I would guess thatw hatever production he brings it's better than the guy('s) he replaced.
- wiz1901

No argument about that

We usually go through downtown Atlanta, to Nashville, but was going to get bogged down on the Geogia 75 if the storm started leaving water with some direction shift.
Instead to 75 to 10 east and went up near Marinanna Florida and took 231 and it gets to I-65 through Montgomery and Birmingham and then into Tennessee.
I avoided the mess in Atlanta the nutcases near Chattanooga, and the mountains after where the drivers think less than a car length from the guy in front of your car's bumper is safe, so one accident closes down the two lane for longer than I am up for. And the three different major interstate intersections where their state braintrust thought that having a daily back up due to not enough warning and for thought to plan the direction changes so half the traffic needs to go over 2 lanes because they got bad signage and no time to even get over, causing more full stops.
THREE of these in nashville going the "Atlanta way"
Coming up from 65 south took us through one possible area of bottle neck and there wasn't one, so I amy stick to this way...safer, less aggravation, and truly so much LESS traffic.
- wiz1901

Yeah Wiz, going through Atlanta is always a mess, and time of day doesn’t matter. Chattanooga is not too bad, and I keep going west on 24 to 57 so I can avoid Louisville and Indianapolis. Too many trucks on 65 for me. Stay safe.

Let me add my vote for Rinzel.
- bjphawkfan

Rinzel is still a project. Will be interesting to see how he does on top pairing this season

After having the advantage of playing with Sebastian Aho other years, the past season he spent long stretches on other makeshift lines to balance their attack.
He saw lots of PP and PK though.
I would guess thatw hatever production he brings it's better than the guy('s) he replaced.
- wiz1901

Could TT keep the 2C seat warm for Nazar?

A couple of recaps about the Hlinka games played yesterday and the standouts.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/...ts-at-hlinka-gretzky-cup/

https://www.dailyfaceoff....-czechia-to-play-for-gold

No quibble with your lines, I would initially try:

Hall -Bedard-Bertuzzi (Hall and Bertuzzi played on the same line with Boston,
Mikheyev-Kurashev-TT (see if Kurashev can really play center, He says he is most comfortable there)
Reichel - AA - Smith 3rd line but depending on the game and opponent probably play 4th line minutes 5x5
Foligno-Richardinson-Donato - Your shutdown line, Richardinson and Foligno can be PK1, Donato can be on PK-2 with ???, and this way you do not disrupt at least 2 lines while killing a penalty.

Who really know, maybe Mikhayev ends up on the 4th line if he has a year like last year. Reichel, AA, TT on paper liiks like a good line, but don't see many board battles won with the 3 on the ice together. Why I put Reichel and AA with roadgrader Smith.
- LAHawk

I ll give a try.
Forwards lines:
Hall Bedard bertuzzi
TT AA Mikheyev
Reichel Richardenson kurashev
Foligno Donato Smith
Extras
Anderson
Maroon
Defense:
Valsic Jones
Kk Martinez
Brodie Murphy
Pto veteran dman to be named later

Yeah Wiz, going through Atlanta is always a mess, and time of day doesn’t matter. Chattanooga is not too bad, and I keep going west on 24 to 57 so I can avoid Louisville and Indianapolis. Too many trucks on 65 for me. Stay safe.
- Angotti

Agree with your route. I try to hit atlanta between 10:00pm and midnight.

Agree with your route. I try to hit atlanta between 10:00pm and midnight.
- 6628

That’s probably the best time to go through Atlanta, however I don’t like to drive at night anymore, if I can help it.

That’s probably the best time to go through Atlanta, however I don’t like to drive at night anymore, if I can help it.
- Angotti

One thing i notice about traveling on the highway, the amount of vehicles on the road all the time.

Davidson got lucky with Bedard

This offseason is D-

Goaltending will be better & Bertuzzi is ok but overpaid

The rest is HOT GARBAGE

Maroon is the slowest player in NHL by miles
Not even a 4th liner on a good Beer league team

Davidson is in over his head

Like all fans I am excited to see the progress of a boatload of prospects. During the next three seasons I truly believe many prospects will filter into the NHL lineup with many also knocking at the door

A reasonable expectation next season if by mid season or sooner both Nazar and Del Mastro have arrived to stay. There may be in game strategy or moments which preclude them from playing regularly but my hope is that they make inroads and are used extensively after the trade deadline/as the season winds down

There could be a surprise who winds up playing more than we anticipated on the blueline. I really expect both Leveshunov and kk to spend the bulk of the season in Rockford, although KK may earn recall after a half season due to growth and improvement. Actually the dman I sort of expect could get more time to show his worthiness is Allen. Crevier and Phillips should be in Rockford and need to put up really a minster strong entire season Good defensively is where they have to show well. For the record I expect Kaiser will not be long for Rockford and Phillips gets traded.

The prospects - all of them - have to show their worthiness


Among other forwards I would love to see Savoie get up here maybe after trade deadline. Dach has issues but like wiz has said he should eventually play NHL And Hayes is one to watch whenever he gets to the NHL

Davidson got lucky with Bedard

This offseason is D-

Goaltending will be better & Bertuzzi is ok but overpaid

The rest is HOT GARBAGE

Maroon is the slowest player in NHL by miles
Not even a 4th liner on a good Beer league team

Davidson is in over his head
- Goalie-33

Stop yourself.

Stop yourself.
- rpeters01

Agree rpeter. KD's lesson last season was about Depth, so he went out and got it. This is not a playoff team so everyone on the team can learn and adjust. I am going to wait and see how this turns out.

Davidson got lucky with Bedard

This offseason is D-

Goaltending will be better & Bertuzzi is ok but overpaid

The rest is HOT GARBAGE

Maroon is the slowest player in NHL by miles
Not even a 4th liner on a good Beer league team

Davidson is in over his head
- Goalie-33

Maybe?

I like the move where he brought in some vet caliber defenseman to pair with our green dmen. I hated seeing Korchinski out there with AHL defenseman. 3rd pairing should have some stability. Seth Jones hopefully won't have to play half the game anymore. 20 to 22 minutes a night i believe would really make him a better player.

I also like the Teuvo move and with Hall coming back we might have two scoring lines.

He didn't trade anyone for Maroon, $1.3 mill for one year is nothing in this league. Sure he might of overpaid for some guys but that's the cost if you are signing them to short contracts.

I could see Trotz signing one of those guys at 33, 34 years old to 4 to 5 year contracts, i wanted KD to sign one of those 2 players, but not at that price and term, that's crazy.