Before the season started I think most agreed that the guys they signed other than say maybe Brodie, Smith, and/or Maroon represented a step in the right direction. Possibly other than Brodie even Smith and Maroon are providing some value as legit NHL players vs the AHL players the team filled out it's bottom 6 with last year.

Overall though I think everyone felt they were icing an NHL team, maybe not a great one but one that was going to be competitive and not get completely overwhelmed in more games than not.

Done and done.

Just because the results haven't found their way into the win column doesn't mean KFC completely punted on trying to move the needle forward this season.
- HawkintheD

Yep and no matter how many rumors are out there about the Blackhawks looking for a center i believec they may be enquiring about one but KD said last season when we got all these injuries it was very difficult to make trades for veterans because many of the rosters were all set.

Assuming Hagens is gone I don't see the Hawks passing on Misa for any player in this draft. This is a kid it's ok to get excited about. Simply said, a hockey player who can score goals at 6ft 1in.
- Mr Ricochet

I only excluded Hagens because I was replying about Misa and Martone. It sounds like Hagens is the gem of the draft. But I’d keep my eye on Schaefer, with his skill, skating ability, and strong two way game he can potentially be that stud defenseman that all teams covet.

There isn't a reason to keep him down there if he is good enough to be in the NHL especially since the big club can't score.

Keeping him a year just to keep him there a year is arbitrary.
- fattybeef

fatty, you and I are on opposite sides of the development process. I understand you see little to no value for most prospects in the process of playing AHL and I do.

Really like what I've seen from Vlasic after the AHL and love what Del Mastro, Phillips, Crevier have developed into. ...... Love the hands and purpose I see outa Ludwinski in yr 2 so far and how Nazar's game has moved forward in a big way and that they are tying up loose ends in his game hoping that will allow him to transition to the Bigs as seamlessly as possible. As a Slaggert guy love that the suffocating game he plays is better and more consistent and professional looking at RKF.

On the edge of my seat to see how far and quickly Levshunov develops in even 10 game segments after seeing him be near raw in his first couple AHL games I saw remembering how well low picks like Del Mastro, Phillips and Crevier developed into legit NHL 3rd pairing possibilities and the jump Vlasic made after a yr at RKF..

And soon enough Lardis and Spellacy will be the NEXT wave coming to the AHL.

Yea man, I guess I'm one of the few who is diggin how this rebuild is going and the process which has the AHL a huge part of it.

I actually think a Nazar Di ckinson Bedard line would be very very good.
- BetweenTheDots

D!ckinson with Frank and Bedard would be a great line.
Just the one game with D!ckinson and Bedard played faster. Add someone like Nazar and I think we'd see what he could do.

I get it, it's my venting channel as well, just to let you know Stanky played 47 games in the A last season.

Considering a top 5 pick is in sight i want it. SC teams even if they are assembled later via FA usually they have at least 2 top 5 picks on the team

Watching Nazar play at the rock i think he's going to be a better all around hockey player than Stanky. I see now what Robinson saw before his injury.
- BetweenTheDots

There is a clip of Robinson or maybe he was on CHGO,where he said they had Nazar ranked higher than Cooley. It doesn't have to mean anything,but interesting that they had him above Cooley.

I see people here mention Martone,Misa and Hagens as great picks. I've seen a few sites mention McQueen too.
I honestly don't know anything about any of these guys,I usually watch the World Juniors and then try to catch some games after that.

I also read somewhere that this year's draft might be one of the weaker ones in the last 5-6 years.

Assuming Hagens is gone I don't see the Hawks passing on Misa for any player in this draft. This is a kid it's ok to get excited about. Simply said, a hockey player who can score goals at 6ft 1in.
- Mr Ricochet

Do you take him over Martone? I have not seen them play, just curious.

I only excluded Hagens because I was replying about Misa and Martone. It sounds like Hagens is the gem of the draft. But I’d keep my eye on Schaefer, with his skill, skating ability, and strong two way game he can potentially be that stud defenseman that all teams covet.
- paulr

I tuned into an Erie game last yr to see Misiak not knowing a thing about Schaefer and Spence. I sure knew them after the 1st period. Not only could flat out skate he was runnin a shift like a 20 yr old. Spence showed he's got some kinda beast mode probability in him. ... And that was 1 period of seeing these two.

Looked up Schaefer at Elite Prospects and was shocked he was 16 at the time!! Had to do some math death to realize he indeed would be draft eligible in 25 not 26. ....... And what as amazing was he looked like he did and didn't have any points to speak of. That kid ended up with 17 in 56!!! Told me he's 37,000 miles from his ceiling.

But IMO he's no Buium and the Hawks passed. D!ckinson may end up as good or at least an equivalent Schaefer and they passed. .......

I agree Schaefer has NHL #1 Dman written all over him but with the organIzation desperate for legit top 6 C's anywhere in the system, especially since Bedard ain't looking like a legit future top 6 centerman, Misa will be their target after Hagens.

Long way to the draft, and we know anything can and does happen, but if it were tomorrow that's how I see it.

You see any of the Brampton at Erie game yesterday(?)? Saw the 2nd period explosion watching Martone, Schaefer and Spence. Two good clubs. Helluva game for the fan.

I tuned into an Erie game last yr to see Misiak not knowing a thing about Schaefer and Spence. I sure knew them after the 1st period. Not only could flat out skate he was runnin a shift like a 20 yr old. Spence showed he's got some kinda beast mode probability in him. ... And that was 1 period of seeing these two.

Looked up Schaefer at Elite Prospects and was shocked he was 16 at the time!! Had to do some math death to realize he indeed would be draft eligible in 25 not 26. ....... And what as amazing was he looked like he did and didn't have any points to speak of. That kid ended up with 17 in 56!!! Told me he's 37,000 miles from his ceiling.

But IMO he's no Buium and the Hawks passed. D!ckinson may end up as good or at least an equivalent Schaefer and they passed. .......

I agree Schaefer has NHL #1 Dman written all over him but with the organIzation desperate for legit top 6 C's anywhere in the system, especially since Bedard ain't looking like a legit future top 6 centerman, Misa will be their target after Hagens.

Long way to the draft, and we know anything can and does happen, but if it were tomorrow that's how I see it.

You see any of the Brampton at Erie game yesterday(?)? Saw the 2nd period explosion watching Martone, Schaefer and Spence. Two good clubs. Helluva game for the fan.
- Mr Ricochet

What would make Misa the pick over McQueen?
Not trying to be a pr!ck about it, I'm genuinely asking. I don't watch any junior so all I know about these guys are youtube highlights and Wiz's lines mock drafts and small descriptions.

And Paul, nice tilt tonight between Barrie and Windsor tonight, 6:00 puck drop. Saw Barrie a couple weeks ago and damn, were they good. Checked out their EP page and see they have an old club and 8 NHL picks. https://www.eliteprospect...com/team/865/barrie-colts

Wondered if anyone would beat em then watched London!! The fan is getting a lotta bang outa the OHL this yr.

And Paul, nice tilt tonight between Barrie and Windsor tonight, 6:00 puck drop. Saw Barrie a couple weeks ago and damn, were they good. Checked out their EP page and see they have an old club and 8 NHL picks. https://www.eliteprospect...com/team/865/barrie-colts

Wondered if anyone would beat em then watched London!! The fan is getting a lotta bang outa the OHL this yr.
- Mr Ricochet

Watch a defenceman on Barrie named Kashawn Aitcheson, he may be available late in the first

What would make Misa the pick over McQueen?
Not trying to be a pr!ck about it, I'm genuinely asking. I don't watch any junior so all I know about these guys are youtube highlights and Wiz's lines mock drafts and small descriptions.
- captainserious

Hey Capn, I enjoy and get a lot outa your posts. Keep them and your question coming. .....

McQeen is outa the WHL, plays for the Brandon Wheat Kings. Here is what I know from my eyes. Kid is a beast at 6ft 5in and plays center! Power player with real skill in his hands. This is obvious and will get any NHL types attention, and should.

Don't take this to the bank but I think he battled back issues this yr. Big prospects with bad backs keep GMs up at night with the worry that that will be an issue.

I need to watch more of him to say anything definitive, well as definitive as I can be with a 17-18 yr old hockey player. .... Very very intriguing but with Misa on the board with no apparent health issues as legit top 6 NHL centerman they'll pass on anyone else other than Hagens.

Edit: totem watches the WHL a lot and is a very solid evaluator. I'm positive he knows a bunch more than I do about McQeen.......... Yo totem, you out there? Thoughts on McQueen?

Watch a defenceman on Barrie named Kashawn Aitcheson, he may be available late in the first
- paulr

I will. Thank you......... I noticed him last game but are never sure who is draft eligible. Good to know.

I will. Thank you......... I noticed him last game but are never sure who is draft eligible. Good to know.
- Mr Ricochet

https://search.app/4zdBcuAra8HSQqJGA

Missed all the rebuild talk the last few pages.

My lecture;

It was never going to be done in a year or two, need to adjust expectations

It was always going to be tough to watch at times, especially the first couple years.
I wouldn't shift direction at this point.

You can watch players develop in Rockford and that helps, but that line up really only has a few players that are part of the rebuild, in two years, it will be full of them and a true pipleline, again patience.

My only complaint so far is they haven't drafted not enough goal scorers, or power forwards. However, there is still two years of top picks, so i'll continue to be patient.

KD has moved ahead of Poles in the rebuild contest. Poles losing all cred by keeping Flus around, I know many here calling for LR head, just find it interesting how much both rebuilds are similar to each other. I've always been a LR fan, but i'm not a coaching expert. We'll see if KD can learn from Poles mistakes.
- vabeachbear

I agree 100% on your Blackhawk point - of - view. Let us see who wr draft next two drafts. Eventually we need a power forward who is good along boards and a point producing center but who knows if both would come from the next two drafts. As for Richardson, I see no benefit in dismissal. Who would do a better job? Additionally we know the worse our record is this season, the greater odds for earliest lottery pick

The Bears need a better coach and another lineman or two. What about the.center on the OL. They can try to draft one player and sign one free agent so there could be two upgrades at two positions for next season. This much does seem obvious
Along with stating healthy which is always just like shaking the dice throughout the season- sooner or later every team has to deal with injuries

There is a clip of Robinson or maybe he was on CHGO,where he said they had Nazar ranked higher than Cooley. It doesn't have to mean anything,but interesting that they had him above Cooley.

I see people here mention Martone,Misa and Hagens as great picks. I've seen a few sites mention McQueen too.
I honestly don't know anything about any of these guys,I usually watch the World Juniors and then try to catch some games after that.

I also read somewhere that this year's draft might be one of the weaker ones in the last 5-6 years.
- captainserious

Supposedly you want to be drafting in the top 4 of this draft then there's a big dropoff.

fatty, you and I are on opposite sides of the development process. I understand you see little to no value for most prospects in the process of playing AHL and I do.

Really like what I've seen from Vlasic after the AHL and love what Del Mastro, Phillips, Crevier have developed into. ...... Love the hands and purpose I see outa Ludwinski in yr 2 so far and how Nazar's game has moved forward in a big way and that they are tying up loose ends in his game hoping that will allow him to transition to the Bigs as seamlessly as possible. As a Slaggert guy love that the suffocating game he plays is better and more consistent and professional looking at RKF.

On the edge of my seat to see how far and quickly Levshunov develops in even 10 game segments after seeing him be near raw in his first couple AHL games I saw remembering how well low picks like Del Mastro, Phillips and Crevier developed into legit NHL 3rd pairing possibilities and the jump Vlasic made after a yr at RKF..

And soon enough Lardis and Spellacy will be the NEXT wave coming to the AHL.

Yea man, I guess I'm one of the few who is diggin how this rebuild is going and the process which has the AHL a huge part of it.
- Mr Ricochet

Del Mastro, Philips and Crevier are probably not NHL players. Maybe someone takes a flier on one of them as part of a change of scenery trade (Frost or Zegras) but other than that they're 7th defensemen at best.

Ludwinski has one point in 12 games. Joe Veleno was more effective.

Nazar's game is the same as it was last year. No reason for him not to be in the NHL especially if it's a meritocracy and considering the play of Kurashev and Reichel.

Slaggart is probably more effective than Anderson (who I don't mind but I will agree doesn't make a good team), Kurashev, Mikheyev, Reichel or Maroon. He's probably a better hockey player than Donato but Donato is in the running for the Taylor "well someone has to score 20 goals" Raddysh season.

Speaking of Kurashev he is a team leading -16.

The ice hogs are a second to last team in their division so it's not like there's a "winning culture of excellence there".

I really think this is looking more like a White Sox rebuild where the Hawks know more than everyone else, promote from within only, pimp out overrated prospects, expect Bedard to carry a whole line (like the Sox expected Robert to play the whole outfield and drive in every run), brought in a bunch of head case veterans that female dog and moan at every opportunity.

Won't fire the coach, won't make a trade, won't bring anyone up just an absolute nightmare.

Anytime I even hear Button's name I'm amazed all over again he was an NHL GM....
- Mr Ricochet

Agreed. And he has been using that to continue his career even though he is clueless

Del Mastro, Philips and Crevier are probably not NHL players. Maybe someone takes a flier on one of them as part of a change of scenery trade (Frost or Zegras) but other than that they're 7th defensemen at best.

Ludwinski has one point in 12 games. Joe Veleno was more effective.

Nazar's game is the same as it was last year. No reason for him not to be in the NHL especially if it's a meritocracy and considering the play of Kurashev and Reichel.

Slaggart is probably more effective than Anderson (who I don't mind but I will agree doesn't make a good team), Kurashev, Mikheyev, Reichel or Maroon. He's probably a better hockey player than Donato but Donato is in the running for the Taylor "well someone has to score 20 goals" Raddysh season.

Speaking of Kurashev he is a team leading -16.

The ice hogs are a second to last team in their division so it's not like there's a "winning culture of excellence there".

I really think this is looking more like a White Sox rebuild where the Hawks know more than everyone else, promote from within only, pimp out overrated prospects, expect Bedard to carry a whole line (like the Sox expected Robert to play the whole outfield and drive in every run), brought in a bunch of head case veterans that female dog and moan at every opportunity.

Won't fire the coach, won't make a trade, won't bring anyone up just an absolute nightmare.
- fattybeef

Wow...talk about apples to oranges. The White Sox were actually competing and on the precipice of being a contender. They went from that to bottoming out vs what the Hawks are doing. Not saying it's going to work but that's not a good comparison.

It's funny they are just shadowing 98 even on the PP, hahaha

It's funny they are just shadowing 98 even on the PP, hahaha
- BetweenTheDots

Just like last season and posters are perplexed as to why he isn’t scoring.

fatty, you and I are on opposite sides of the development process. I understand you see little to no value for most prospects in the process of playing AHL and I do.

Really like what I've seen from Vlasic after the AHL and love what Del Mastro, Phillips, Crevier have developed into. ...... Love the hands and purpose I see outa Ludwinski in yr 2 so far and how Nazar's game has moved forward in a big way and that they are tying up loose ends in his game hoping that will allow him to transition to the Bigs as seamlessly as possible. As a Slaggert guy love that the suffocating game he plays is better and more consistent and professional looking at RKF.

On the edge of my seat to see how far and quickly Levshunov develops in even 10 game segments after seeing him be near raw in his first couple AHL games I saw remembering how well low picks like Del Mastro, Phillips and Crevier developed into legit NHL 3rd pairing possibilities and the jump Vlasic made after a yr at RKF..

And soon enough Lardis and Spellacy will be the NEXT wave coming to the AHL.

Yea man, I guess I'm one of the few who is diggin how this rebuild is going and the process which has the AHL a huge part of it.
- Mr Ricochet

I have to bring this up about Phillips.....
Has there been any evidence in his games played in the NHL and AHL this season of better reactions decisions effectiveness defending and advancing the puck out of his end of the ice. Clearly KD wants to see improvement else he is.not going to last probably.beyond this season or sooner wearing g a Blackhawks crest

If interested Larmer is in the house and will be the guest at first intermission on the radio side, WGN 720. You can get it thru the WGN website if needed.

I have to bring this up about Phillips.....
Has there been any evidence in his games played in the NHL and AHL this season of better reactions decisions effectiveness defending and advancing the puck pit of his end of the ice. Clearly KD wants to see improvement else he is.not going to last probably.beyond this season or sooner wearing g a Bla hawks crest
- jhawk59

Of course KD wants to see improvement, it’s called patience, a characteristic in short supply here. There’s no reason to panic, coaches and GMs don’t need to be fired, players don’t need to be traded, players don’t need to be promoted to the NHL. I’m sure everyone coaches and players alike will get a fair evaluation. Can you imagine if the BOD were KD?

There is a clip of Robinson or maybe he was on CHGO,where he said they had Nazar ranked higher than Cooley. It doesn't have to mean anything,but interesting that they had him above Cooley.

I see people here mention Martone,Misa and Hagens as great picks. I've seen a few sites mention McQueen too.
I honestly don't know anything about any of these guys,I usually watch the World Juniors and then try to catch some games after that.

I also read somewhere that this year's draft might be one of the weaker ones in the last 5-6 years.
- captainserious

If it is a weaker draft then we should feel blessed to have an early selection since the top choices look pretty good. Beyond that I would consider if KD wants to try to move up his second round one selection. Don't know what the best choice with that pick. Do you consider keeping it, moving up or trading that choice plus?, or exchange that pick for a '26 selection

If interested Larmer is in the house and will be the guest at first intermission on the radio side, WGN 720. You can get it thru the WGN website if needed.
- Mr Ricochet

Sorry bout that. I know I heard em say something about Larmer being interviewed. Must be the 2nd intermission.