Imo Kaprizov was always a pipe dream.
Minnesota can pay him easily.
Raantanen/Ehlers/Marner were "possibilities" because Col and Tor have quite a bit of cash tied up in other players(not sure about Winnipeg).

Not sure a Zegras trade would be a difference maker either,just think it would be a decent swing to try and improe the roster and have 98 someone to play with.
- captainserious

Strome is on pace for like 120 points which is an interesting exercise in perspective. He's certainly turned into a productive player in spite of his deficiencies. Certainly playing with the best goal scorer of all time is helpful but still.

And if you get Zegras you kind of let him and Bedard run and gun a bit.

Strome is on pace for like 120 points which is an interesting exercise in perspective. He's certainly turned into a productive player in spite of his deficiencies. Certainly playing with the best goal scorer of all time is helpful but still.

And if you get Zegras you kind of let him and Bedard run and gun a bit.
- fattybeef

You’ve complained about Bedard’s lack of a two way game. I can’t even imagine your reaction to two guys playing that way on the same line. And acquiring Zegras would cost allot, I’m sure Nazar or guys of that ilk plus high draft picks will have to go the other way for a one way player who has had some injuries and who’s production is ok.

Rockford vs Chicago 3pm Central NHL network.

I think their improved D has more to do with letting Tinordi and Megyna go and bringing in Martinez(even if he has played only 6-7games so far) and letting Kaiser and Allan show if they can play. Both Kaiser and Allan are waaay better than Tinordi and Megyna.

Plus, Arvid has been really good in his limited 5-6 games.

Letting Nazar play in place of Kurashev/Mikheyev/Maroon isn't going to hurt this team.
- captainserious

I agree that the defenseman are better than last year, where i disagree is the forwards are helping a lot on defense, Di ckinson is one of the best shut down centers in the NHL, his defensive zone starts and quality of competition are among toughest in the league.

Have no problem with Nazar coming up, but what I've seen in him is he's great in transition he's not the best passer in the ozone, not yet and my guess is they want him to improve it at the Rock.

This team overall lacks speed and watching last night when they ran their cycle the Canucks committed a player to cheat and go to the boards to intercept the puck which killed their ozone time last night.

This is a good year for Bedard to struggle and get frustrated.

Ok.... with regars to 'sophmore slumpiness' - I contend that blind no look passes in the d zone, particularly when it is towards your own goal (and if you had your head up - you actually saw the opposing player), are a fundamentally stupid idea. And has nothing about being someone's second season in the NHL.

Crappy at face-offs -sure it is is a bad night, so be it - the problem is, it's been a trend for a long time. I guess it got better in the third period- he must have won one .. he is showing at 11.1% for the night... and seeing as it is more than just tonight, that's a significant issue. It also isn't really about too long of a stick length - if that were the case, you'd simply swap back to the other one.

And then that last thing - whiffing on a dump in attempt with the goalie pulled? Well if anything that was just another empty net goal. I mean looking at the positive side, considering how many empty netters he is on the ice for (nearly all of them) - his plus minus probably isn't as terrible as it might seem at first glance.

Personally, I'd consider Rockford as an option -but because they hyped him up to the stars (and marketing followed along) - that isn't about to happen, but seriously ... something ought to. Maybe Luke can do a Tessier, or an Iron Mike ... where's the cut through?
- SC116

I don’t think he can go to Rockford, he’s not twenty yet. It Chicago or Regina unless I’m mistaken. He needs to sit for a game or two. Michkov was just benched for a couple games and has been better since he hit back.

Rockford vs Chicago 3pm Central NHL network.
- boilermaker100

All the talk about Bedard shortcoming and the coaching frankly is irksome.
Bedard is a great talent who probably improves on the areas of his game with dedication to practice, to instruction, to experience and perhaps most of all is just having a better team around him

When the team plays .500 hockey and prospects start making the team or we can see they are getting closer to the NHL, then we have to figure how much impact they could bring.

After this season there should be just one legitimate not old top six forward KK brings in. Whether or veteran or a top rated young guy not yet fully reached his ceiling - example Zegras - that is the extent of improvement for the next 2-3 years

It is not a bad strategy if KD drafts a top six forward with the early #1 ‘25. I say to use your best trade chip and deal Mrzak plus whatever it takes to move up from the Toronto #1. After we know our selection spot with our own #1 ‘25, do you try to trade it plus ? Insofar as to move up even a couple spots? Maybe even only move up one spot BUT it could be worthwhile if we can then draft the forward who we project to be the big piece of the offense long with Bedard. You keep Bedard and Rinzal and hopefully we don’t trade our other prospects

This is the best route to see young players and perhaps a trade acquisition leading the charge up in the standings. Let us not expect but be joyous if KD also happens to sign a very good free agent

The draft is where teams need to get their top young talent who can become difference makers. I also believe that KD is assembling a lot of young players who will eventually filter in to the lineup …,.forwards fast and who compete with L2-4 roles. When your dmen prospects and other prospects comprise a large percentage of the lineup in 2-3 years we will be a tough team to beat. Lots of youthful energy and speed with compete and certain young talent emerging as top players. A team that can knock off a playoff calibre opponent in the first two rounds. Keep drafting well and expect Bedard to become that 100 point scorer . Patience and good management is key

Damn man Eberflus finding all kinds of ways to lose a NFL game. What a loser but let's fire the offensive coordinator

Damn man Eberflus finding all kinds of ways to lose a NFL game. What a loser but let's fire the offensive coordinator
- BetweenTheDots

You know we were basicly even with Green Bay as far as total yardage. You want a 400 + yards offense and try to limit the opponent to 300 + yardage. Big plays, good coaching can be the difference maker if the for and against yardage isn’t out of whack

I guess we have to look at next season to stay healthy, add a top player in a couple positions and better coaching

Doable? Hesitate to say yes

You know we were basicly even with Green Bay as far as total yardage. You want a 400 + yards offense and try to limit the opponent to 300 + yardage. Big plays, good coaching can be the difference maker if the for and against yardage isn’t out of whack

I guess we have to look at next season to stay healthy, add a top player in a couple positions and better coaching

Doable? Hesitate to say yes
- jhawk59

I really don't know who the McCaskeys will hire but i know he won't be a good head coach.

How come Nazer is scratched?

Ice Hogs X account says he is dealing with a personal family matter

You’ve complained about Bedard’s lack of a two way game. I can’t even imagine your reaction to two guys playing that way on the same line. And acquiring Zegras would cost allot, I’m sure Nazar or guys of that ilk plus high draft picks will have to go the other way for a one way player who has had some injuries and who’s production is ok.
- paulr

I haven't complained about his lack of two way game. I've remarked that Bedards overall game has improved dramatically this year even though he isn't scoring.

I've complained about Kurashev, Donato's and Reichels lack of competent hockey across the ice and certainly on the defensive end.

They ought to give the Hawks bench minors for not having a clue on how to break out of their own zone.
- SC116

Best post of the year!😂

All the talk about Bedard shortcoming and the coaching frankly is irksome.
Bedard is a great talent who probably improves on the areas of his game with dedication to practice, to instruction, to experience and perhaps most of all is just having a better team around him

....
- jhawk59

The main point I think you're (and probably others) are missing, is that - on an individual basis, this is far more about hiring a proctologist as an assistant coach - for instances when star boy needs to pull his head out of his rectum - because frankly it can apply sometimes. Sure Rock is extreme - but it also is - about look, if you want the kid to develop alongside guys he is probably actually going to be playing with in the future - that is the only way that really can happen.

How come Nazer is scratched?

Ice Hogs X account says he is dealing with a personal family matter
- LAHawk

Family reasons

Nick Lardis with back to back hat tricks and 4 point games.

You know we were basicly even with Green Bay as far as total yardage. You want a 400 + yards offense and try to limit the opponent to 300 + yardage. Big plays, good coaching can be the difference maker if the for and against yardage isn’t out of whack

I guess we have to look at next season to stay healthy, add a top player in a couple positions and better coaching

Doable? Hesitate to say yes
- jhawk59

Two sacks, it's looking totally bleak and two rookies take us down field. No way Fields does that.

Jack Pridham with a goal and 3 assists in his first 2 OHL games.

I haven't complained about his lack of two way game. I've remarked that Bedards overall game has improved dramatically this year even though he isn't scoring.

I've complained about Kurashev, Donato's and Reichels lack of competent hockey across the ice and certainly on the defensive end.
- fattybeef

So you don’t care for players who aren’t strong defensively yet you’re suggesting they trade for Zegras who isn’t any better, and could be weaker defensively than the three you bring up?

So I see that some want to send Bedard to Rockford, while we are expecting more, he’s still leading the team in scoring. So yeah, the team is obviously lacking scoring, so let’s send down the guy that leads the team in points.

So I see that some want to send Bedard to Rockford, while we are expecting more, he’s still leading the team in scoring. So yeah, the team is obviously lacking scoring, so let’s send down the guy that leads the team in points.
- Angotti

Id be okay with the coach sending guys to skate right by Bedard and pick off the guys that are using their free hand to clutch and grab

In all seriousness though this team is way too slow right now. Defense looks promising, way to many pieces away to trade for 1 and give away possible impactful line up player(s). In a rebuild these days suck, but the necessary medicine to build a SC contender.

So I see that some want to send Bedard to Rockford, while we are expecting more, he’s still leading the team in scoring. So yeah, the team is obviously lacking scoring, so let’s send down the guy that leads the team in points.
- Angotti

Just finished watching the 3rd period of the Rockford game. Sending Bedard down to that clown show is the best way to guarantee that he asks for a trade to Vancouver.

Nick Lardis with back to back hat tricks and 4 point games.
- rickboardman

I was flipping between the Brantford and Steelers games so I missed lots of both. No one in Brantford is going to have a hat left. This is third time this season a Lardis prompted the fans to toss their hats on the ice. The strange thing is Lardis’ name hasn’t come up as a member of the Canadian Junior team for the world junior championships in January.

Just finished watching the 3rd period of the Rockford game. Sending Bedard down to that clown show is the best way to guarantee that he asks for a trade to Vancouver.
- Dieselhead

And pretty sure he still isn’t eligible to be sent to RFD

And pretty sure he still isn’t eligible to be sent to RFD
- Chunk

He definitely can’t be sent down this year. He’s still eligible to play in the world junior championships.

I thought Carolina was supposed to suck this year? I guess Necas is proving he deserves top line minutes.