I am not 100% sure if his complete game will translate to the NHL level, but he might just be sneaky good enough at finding the back of the net to get some NHL minutes. I know people like to remind everyone that junior scoring doesn't mean NHL scoring, but I'd rather see prospects succeed at the junior level (or AHL for that matter) and have a bit of hope/hype even if they don't always live up to it.
- breadbag

Not gonna lie it's nice to see him leading the league Goals per games played.

If Arty proves to be a top pairing guy then Chicago made the best choice. If he’s a second or third pairing defenseman and Demidov proves to be a top scorer then …. Ooops. But you try to build from the net out, that how a championship team is built so I personally believe KD made the best choice.
- paulr

I just wanted to add, I think building out the D is so critical because of the role they play in getting the team from defense to offense. The forwards score more of the points and goals, but how often does a play start from the D. The D winning a battle in corner, winning a race to a puck, making a breakout pass, etc.. We need forwards, but their job gets easier when our D need less support, plus the D take longer to develop and it's generally easier to fill a hole up front via UFA/Trade than D.

We've seen a couple Canadian teams in Edmonton and Toronto, who both have very great talent and some real elite talent up front, but can't get over the hump because they lack what the need on D or in Net.

I am not 100% sure if his complete game will translate to the NHL level, but he might just be sneaky good enough at finding the back of the net to get some NHL minutes. I know people like to remind everyone that junior scoring doesn't mean NHL scoring, but I'd rather see prospects succeed at the junior level (or AHL for that matter) and have a bit of hope/hype even if they don't always live up to it.
- breadbag

Lardis has a long way to go before he’s ready for the NHL. I’m sure he’ll need at least a season in the AHL to get accustomed to the pro game, learn to play against bigger physical men and to see if he can score at that level. If he can grow his compete along with other aspects of his game that is great for the Hawks and him. But as always, a prospect and a $1.50 only gets me a coffee.

I just wanted to add, I think building out the D is so critical because of the role they play in getting the team from defense to offense. The forwards score more of the points and goals, but how often does a play start from the D. The D winning a battle in corner, winning a race to a puck, making a breakout pass, etc.. We need forwards, but their job gets easier when our D need less support, plus the D take longer to develop and it's generally easier to fill a hole up front via UFA/Trade than D.

We've seen a couple Canadian teams in Edmonton and Toronto, who both have very great talent and some real elite talent up front, but can't get over the hump because they lack what the need on D or in Net.
- breadbag

The other thing that Toronto and Edmonton (frank)ed up was overvaluing players. Darnell Nurse for example is way overpaid for what he is. And it appears the Oilers are about to make a similar mistake with Evan Bouchard, a one dimensional offensive defenseman who’s defensive game is lacking. Davidson cannot afford to make those types of contractual mistakes or he’ll jeopardize any hope of the Hawks being a championship team.

Three 6th-7th rd Dmen probably won't be NHL players? What are the percentages of 6th-7th rd picks making the bigs, 5%? Odds say they won't but just the same I think I'm satisfied with how they were developed none the less, fatty.

Joe Veleno was a Hlinka kid, 3 WJC's, had a 100 pt season in MJ. He was drafted in 2018 30th overall and you wanna compare him to 20 yr old Ludwinski who has nowhere near the backclass and was drafted in 2022?

fatty, we are on opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to development and that is more than fine. You post most everyday of your disdain for the AHL for most prospects and I rarely reply because I think it's ok to disagree.

Regardless of what we like or don't, the organIzation under KD likes to give prospects plenty of AHL time to prepare for the Bigs and I like that.
- Mr Ricochet

I don't like to answer for others, but in the post he was replying to, you seemed to indicate that Phillips, Crevier and del Mastro were developing into "legit NHL 3rd pairing possibilities". While those guys have played NHL minutes, I think (personally) that it is a far stretch to say that Phillips and Crevier are even that. The jury is still out on EDM for sure, but the former don't really look like they have the ability to keep up in the bigs. To me they seem very similar to what Sikura was. Very effective and productive in the AHL but just didn't have the processing speed to have any use in the NHL.

In all of the chances that he's been given, Phillips has shown that he is almost always behind the play and out of position. His recent physical play should be a help, but really has been inconsequential. And a bigger problem is that it has been seeping into his AHL game as well.

I've mentioned it before that Crevier plays like a guy who is just happy to be there. He finds himself in the right spot sometimes and uses his long reach to break up plays, but more often than not, he looks like he's playing on stilts and can react or move fast enough to make any difference.

Sam Rinzel is my guy!
- rpeters01

He's come a long way to getting turnstiled at the attack blueline for odd mans the other way 2-3 times a game his draft yr at Waterloo of the USHL. Loved he decided to stay in the USHL his draft +1 yr. Told me the kid gets it and understands the value of developing properly, not quickly.

Arrow has pointed up each yr since. Not hard to use Dougie Hamilton as a comp for Rinzel.

Mrazek had to stay on his toes and made some saves but at least the team wasn't hanging him out to dry. All five Hawks collapsing and protecting the dangerous areas, clearing away the rebounds Mrazek was giving up. Kind of a team defense win by just getting sticks in the way and clearing pucks out of danger.
- breadbag

Florida had em hemmed in quite a few times but it never looked like a clown show. .... Guess I'm one of the few who thought the structure is better, posted so in preseason Game 1, but it's demonstrably better IMO. And as lines get settled and the more this group thrown together this yr plays that structure will get even better.

That's a foundation to build on that provides predictability and consistency that's not only conducive to better results but for Bedard and the rest of the youngins to properly develop.

Mrazek had to stay on his toes and made some saves but at least the team wasn't hanging him out to dry. All five Hawks collapsing and protecting the dangerous areas, clearing away the rebounds Mrazek was giving up. Kind of a team defense win by just getting sticks in the way and clearing pucks out of danger.
- breadbag

Florida had em hemmed in quite a few times but it never looked like a clown show. .... Guess I'm one of the few who thought the structure is better, posted so in preseason Game 1, but it's demonstrably better IMO. And as lines get settled and the more this group thrown together this yr plays that structure will get even better.

That's a foundation to build on that provides predictability and consistency that's not only conducive to better results but for Bedard and the rest of the youngins to properly develop.

I think when it comes to Phillips, the fact that he has cleared waivers twice this year, with no teams claiming him should be all you need to know.
- dahawks8819

Like Gustav Forsling? ..... I liked the way a 6th rd rookie Dman handled himself for 30ish NHL games on a historically bad club paired with a 34 yr old vet who's played 100 NHL games.

Some not so much.

If Arty proves to be a top pairing guy then Chicago made the best choice. If he’s a second or third pairing defenseman and Demidov proves to be a top scorer then …. Ooops. But you try to build from the net out, that how a championship team is built so I personally believe KD made the best choice.
- paulr

That is why i made the comment that we already drafted levshunov as that guy because i believe that he is a top pairing defenseman. I just feel that if we draft in the top three we should go for scoring as that is our biggest need right now. I feel that our young defensemen now and prospects are developing well.

Another TSN list

https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/co...mark-categories-1.2208487

Last night he gave a few away on the boards that he wouldn't have if he moved the puck sooner or was ready for contact. For that particular player those types of things you'd like to see a bit better because there isn't a lot else brought to the table.

I think TT or Hall would be more effective but most of the lines seemed fairly decent last night so probably keep it the same for a minute.

Fantastic game from Vlasic and Kaiser was great as well. Solid stuff from Allen. And Mrazek was the man of the match.

Can't really take a team seriously when captain talks a lot is the best player but I guess we'll take a W at this stage. Still think they could use a shot in the arm.
- fattybeef

Exactly, fatty. Anderson must do little things well, and a lot of them, to be useful and he didn't last night. As I watched I wondered if he'd be the next forward scratched.

If you're the least inclined offensive player on the roster you better get pucks out when they're on your stick. Especially hanging on to a 1 goal lead v the champs with less than 5:00 to go......... Coaches remember stuff like that. From 15 yrs ago!!

Lardis has a long way to go before he’s ready for the NHL. I’m sure he’ll need at least a season in the AHL to get accustomed to the pro game, learn to play against bigger physical men and to see if he can score at that level. If he can grow his compete along with other aspects of his game that is great for the Hawks and him. But as always, a prospect and a $1.50 only gets me a coffee.
- paulr

Sure...maybe 3 day old coffee.

Connor Bedard looked the most discouraged I've ever seen him after practice today.

"I could name 100 things [I could do better]. I don't know, man. It's been frustrating, for sure. I just don't feel like I'm really doing anything. Keep chipping away at it, I guess, and hopefully I'll find my game again."

Article from Pope

https://chicago.suntimes....ichardinson-joey-anderson

LR is going to lose Bedard if he keeps this crap up.

Connor Bedard looked the most discouraged I've ever seen him after practice today.

"I could name 100 things
- captainserious[I could do better]. I don't know, man. It's been frustrating, for sure. I just don't feel like I'm really doing anything. Keep chipping away at it, I guess, and hopefully I'll find my game again."

Article from Pope

https://chicago.suntimes....ichardinson-joey-anderson

LR is going to lose Bedard if he keeps this crap up.

If Bedard is that weak of mind and Character then it’s best the Hawks trade him. But I don’t think he is. Bedard’s line had zero shots on goal yesterday, that’s not on Richardson. It’s up to Bedard to step up and play better and I’m sure he will.

If Bedard is that weak of mind and Character then it’s best the Hawks trade him. But I don’t think he is. Bedard’s line had zero shots on goal yesterday, that’s not on Richardson. It’s up to Bedard to step up and play better and I’m sure he will.
- paulr

When looking at next years UFA's still on the Board, the only one I would consider is Raantanin. No one else excites me (including Marner) to play with Bedard.

That being said whether later this year or next, I would go back to the Q playbook, and play Bedard and Nazer together (maybe even with a Dach. a "kid line) and let them have fun/learn themselves

Does anyone else but I (probably no one but I ) think that LR's systems which primarily is a prevent defense all over the ice and I will add with this group is necessary to try and secure some wins) is taking the fun out of the game for Bedard and a few other offensive players?

TT played with a coach (Brind'amour) that always seems to be at the top defensively. But they play a very aggressive forecheck. I know there is a big difference in skill level between the 2 teams, but maybe loosening the reigns a touch would ease Bedard's frustrations?

They spent a fortune on a catcher who sucked and relief pitchers, both closer and set up guys. Moncada got the Toews long term covid. Admittedly, they turned out to be highly breakable mismatched parts. But you don't know that when trading for prospects.
- rpeters01

When they also needed outfielders, an infielder and at lest one more starting pitcher.

That's really the point is they did not spend on big name players and where they did spend they've spent very poorly and they over valued their system guys too much.

I just wanted to add, I think building out the D is so critical because of the role they play in getting the team from defense to offense. The forwards score more of the points and goals, but how often does a play start from the D. The D winning a battle in corner, winning a race to a puck, making a breakout pass, etc.. We need forwards, but their job gets easier when our D need less support, plus the D take longer to develop and it's generally easier to fill a hole up front via UFA/Trade than D.

We've seen a couple Canadian teams in Edmonton and Toronto, who both have very great talent and some real elite talent up front, but can't get over the hump because they lack what the need on D or in Net.
- breadbag

That has somewhat changed for Edmonton now that Bouchard has come into his own. But historically very accurate after Klefbom fell off the map.

But I agree that teams need elite talent on the blue line to win in the playoffs. That's why Toronto will ultimately lose in the first or second round again. Zero push from the back. Doesn't matter who the forwards are if the D can't advance the puck with purpose and threat.

The Panthers and Hurricanes do it more by committee but most of these other successful teams have an absolute stud on the blue line. Hopefully Levshunov or Korchinski can fill that role. Though if Vlasic keeps it up he could end up like a Pietrangelo type player if he fills out a bit.

For Mr. Ricochet, Paul and others interested in Canadian and USA prospects, here's an article with brief scouting reports for each roster player participating in next week's CHL/USA tourney.

https://www.dailyfaceoff....l-usa-prospects-challenge

The CHL team looks loaded with Martone, Misa, and Schaefer on the roster.
- boilermaker100

Thank you, BM. Anytime you don't have 4-5-6 NTDP kids in the conversation for the 1st rd it's a down yr. .... But, it's still The Program and when these kids see the opponent's colors and crest you're gonna see some spirited hockey... I can't wait.

You gonna tune in, BM?

When looking at next years UFA's still on the Board, the only one I would consider is Raantanin. No one else excites me (including Marner) to play with Bedard.

That being said whether later this year or next, I would go back to the Q playbook, and play Bedard and Nazer together (maybe even with a Dach. a "kid line) and let them have fun/learn themselves

Does anyone else but I (probably no one but I ) think that LR's systems which primarily is a prevent defense all over the ice and I will add with this group is necessary to try and secure some wins) is taking the fun out of the game for Bedard and a few other offensive players?

TT played with a coach (Brind'amour) that always seems to be at the top defensively. But they play a very aggressive forecheck. I know there is a big difference in skill level between the 2 teams, but maybe loosening the reigns a touch would ease Bedard's frustrations?
- LAHawk

Rantinin will be 29 beginning next season, he’ll want lots of term, 7 years and I’m sure he’ll be looking for a substantial raise above his current $9.2M. Assuming Colorado doesn’t scoop him up are you sure you’d like to see a guy who will be taking a good chunk of the cap when we don’t know if he’ll be needed with all the prospects on the way. Plus it’s hard to predict if he’ll even have any chemistry with Bedard. I’d prefer any jump into Free Agency occurs when most of the prospects are in the Hawk lineup and KD knows what’s needed to round out the club.

You’d think Bedard was a Prima Donna. Let’s see him figure his game out and maybe work on some aspects he’s weak at like playing stronger defensively, winning faceoffs etc..

The other thing that Toronto and Edmonton (frank)ed up was overvaluing players. Darnell Nurse for example is way overpaid for what he is. And it appears the Oilers are about to make a similar mistake with Evan Bouchard, a one dimensional offensive defenseman who’s defensive game is lacking. Davidson cannot afford to make those types of contractual mistakes or he’ll jeopardize any hope of the Hawks being a championship team.
- paulr

Bouchard isn't that bad in his end.

And he's a huge reason they've made a conference and cup final in 2 out of the last 3 years.

Should probably pay the guy. I think around 9 is a reasonable number but it's not like they can pay him less than Nurse. Nurse is more problematic but it's not like you can do much when you inherit a contract like that. I'd think they settle between 9.5 and 10 per.

Which brings me to Jones - if Nashville is looking for top 4 veteran Dmen with term then I think that destination makes a lot of sense. That contract will not age well and they can certainly survive without him especially if they can convince Martinez to babysit for another year. The Hawks can take back Novak or Nyquist to make the money work.

I don't like to answer for others, but in the post he was replying to, you seemed to indicate that Phillips, Crevier and del Mastro were developing into "legit NHL 3rd pairing possibilities". While those guys have played NHL minutes, I think (personally) that it is a far stretch to say that Phillips and Crevier are even that. The jury is still out on EDM for sure, but the former don't really look like they have the ability to keep up in the bigs. To me they seem very similar to what Sikura was. Very effective and productive in the AHL but just didn't have the processing speed to have any use in the NHL.

In all of the chances that he's been given, Phillips has shown that he is almost always behind the play and out of position. His recent physical play should be a help, but really has been inconsequential. And a bigger problem is that it has been seeping into his AHL game as well.

I've mentioned it before that Crevier plays like a guy who is just happy to be there. He finds himself in the right spot sometimes and uses his long reach to break up plays, but more often than not, he looks like he's playing on stilts and can react or move fast enough to make any difference.
- Chunk

Seconded

Like Gustav Forsling? ..... I liked the way a 6th rd rookie Dman handled himself for 30ish NHL games on a historically bad club paired with a 34 yr old vet who's played 100 NHL games.

Some not so much.
- Mr Ricochet

Not really.

Forsling looked like a player under Q. JC (frank)ed up a lot of players.

Completely different scenario from someone who may be slightly immature but reads the game well and just needs experience vs someone who has been stewing for a while but still doesn't seem to know where to be on the ice or what to do with the puck.

When looking at next years UFA's still on the Board, the only one I would consider is Raantanin. No one else excites me (including Marner) to play with Bedard.

That being said whether later this year or next, I would go back to the Q playbook, and play Bedard and Nazer together (maybe even with a Dach. a "kid line) and let them have fun/learn themselves

Does anyone else but I (probably no one but I ) think that LR's systems which primarily is a prevent defense all over the ice and I will add with this group is necessary to try and secure some wins) is taking the fun out of the game for Bedard and a few other offensive players?

TT played with a coach (Brind'amour) that always seems to be at the top defensively. But they play a very aggressive forecheck. I know there is a big difference in skill level between the 2 teams, but maybe loosening the reigns a touch would ease Bedard's frustrations?
- LAHawk

Yes. Even Richardson said they have to play boring hockey because they don't have strong players like JT Miller who can seam passes.

Rantinin will be 29 beginning next season, he’ll want lots of term, 7 years and I’m sure he’ll be looking for a substantial raise above his current $9.2M. Assuming Colorado doesn’t scoop him up are you sure you’d like to see a guy who will be taking a good chunk of the cap when we don’t know if he’ll be needed with all the prospects on the way. Plus it’s hard to predict if he’ll even have any chemistry with Bedard. I’d prefer any jump into Free Agency occurs when most of the prospects are in the Hawk lineup and KD knows what’s needed to round out the club.

You’d think Bedard was a Prima Donna. Let’s see him figure his game out and maybe work on some aspects he’s weak at like playing stronger defensively, winning faceoffs etc..
- paulr

Yes, Rantanen is one of the best players in the league, an absolute beast on the puck and off the puck and would be as close as you could get to a literal Hossa type signing.