After listening to that presser by KD, i imagine the season will start out with
Vlasic S Jones
Murphy and Martinez
Brodie and Phillips
Crevier?

Given chances to make the team?

At the rock
Korchinski Levshunov
Del Mastro Allan
Kaiser ???
- BetweenTheDots

When I look at these two lineups why does my interest immediately go to see the RKF lineup? If indeed the Hogs ice that D group that will be as solid as they come and the developmental atmosphere (cuz they will all be slotted properly) is perfect.

I doubt Crevier would be the prospect to start the yr in the Bigs, but hell, why not? ...... Kid didn't use his size well but he made a few plays in his short stint up with the Hawks. ALWAYS camp surprises maybe it's Crevier?

Link to an article from the hockey news

https://thehockeynews.com...peline-bursts-with-talent


Strengths
The Blackhawks have a surplus of talent up front. Even though many of the players they have in the system won’t reach their top-end potential, there are so many quality forwards that they will be injecting youth up front for years to come.

Weaknesses
Even after adding Levshunov, the Blackhawks' defense pipeline is still a weakness. It’s certainly improved over the last couple of years, but there is still work to do in terms of adding talent.
Korchinski and Vlasic are already on the NHL roster, but neither look like true top-pair D-men, and Levshunov more than likely tops out as a No. 2. The Hawks could use a true No. 1 defender

Gotta say, after they went after Levshunov, I wouldn't think of their D as a weakness.
Maybe I'm wrong,but they seem like they have a good amount of talent/depth.
I'm more worried about their fwds
- captainserious

After drafting Levshunov I’d say the Blackhawks prospect pool is weakest at:

1. Goaltending
2. Centre
3. Left Wing
4. Right Defense
5. Left Defense
6. Right Wing

Other than these 6 positions I think the Hawks have one of the deepest prospect pools.

When I look at these two lineups why does my interest immediately go to see the RKF lineup? If indeed the Hogs ice that D group that will be as solid as they come and the developmental atmosphere (cuz they will all be slotted properly) is perfect.

I doubt Crevier would be the prospect to start the yr in the Bigs, but hell, why not? ...... Kid didn't use his size well but he made a few plays in his short stint up with the Hawks. ALWAYS camp surprises maybe it's Crevier?
- Mr Ricochet

I would think Kaiser makes the big club over Crevier.

After listening to that presser by KD, i imagine the season will start out with
Vlasic S Jones
Murphy and Martinez
Brodie and Phillips
Crevier?

Given chances to make the team?

At the rock
Korchinski Levshunov
Del Mastro Allan
Kaiser ???
- BetweenTheDots

Idk Phillips and Crevier couldn’t cut last year even with all the injuries they only had short stints on the big club. Kaiser got sent down and played 3rd pairing a good portion of his NHL time.

I know KK couldn’t be sent down but he played mostly in the top 4 last season. None of the others had more ice time the him.

Others had plenty of chances to establish themselves as better than KK. None of them did or they would’ve taken some of KKs ice time.

Not sure others suddenly jump over KK, without even showing it in training camp….

After drafting Levshunov I’d say the Blackhawks prospect pool is weakest at:

1. Goaltending
2. Centre
3. Left Wing
4. Right Defense
5. Left Defense
6. Right Wing

Other than these 6 positions I think the Hawks have one of the deepest prospect pools.
- DarthKane

They could have had demidov, eiserman

They could have had demidov, eiserman
- LFS

If ifs and buts were candy and nuts we'd all have a merry Christmas

The record is broken. Time to throw it away

They could have had demidov, eiserman
- LFS

They don’t. Maybe you should be a Hab or Isles fan, then you’d be happy. 😃

Yes, if Demidov was the next Datysuk/Kane why did he fall to 5th?
- rpeters01

Makar fell to 4th

Here's a video from the Blackhawks site with behind the scenes looks at the draft and prospect camp. Good stuff. KD and staff were targeting both Boisvert and Vanacken and wound up with them.

https://www.youtube.com/w...dpWEMLCRs3Z3smbXR&index=2

Here's a video from the Blackhawks site with behind the scenes looks at the draft and prospect camp. Good stuff. KD and staff were targeting both Boisvert and Vanacken and wound up with them.

https://www.youtube.com/w...dpWEMLCRs3Z3smbXR&index=2
- boilermaker100

It’s funny, we always discuss the best available on here but in the team management discussions, albeit abbreviated, they talk about fit on the team. I know lots of posters wanted Demidov, and I’m sure he would have fit nicely on the team but the team desperately needed defensemen, a right shot and top pairing guy. And I think they could still use that “stud” all purpose defenseman. I get the sense Levshunov is projected as a top pairing but not necessarily a true number one. Of course his growth may get him there. And as far as taking Boisvert at 18 over Eiserman, they were after more of a character guy, a guy who competes all over the ice, a guy with physically and brings skill and a great shot. Again Eiserman may prove to be a top six scorer while Boisvert is a more middle six do everything guy in the mold of a Dave Bolland. Maybe Best Available is more a buzzword in the first round in part because in some cases the talent level is so close?

It’s funny, we always discuss the best available on here but in the team management discussions, albeit abbreviated, they talk about fit on the team. I know lots of posters wanted Demidov, and I’m sure he would have fit nicely on the team but the team desperately needed defensemen, a right shot and top pairing guy. And I think they could still use that “stud” all purpose defenseman. I get the sense Levshunov is projected as a top pairing but not necessarily a true number one. Of course his growth may get him there. And as far as taking Boisvert at 18 over Eiserman, they were after more of a character guy, a guy who competes all over the ice, a guy with physically and brings skill and a great shot. Again Eiserman may prove to be a top six scorer while Boisvert is a more middle six do everything guy in the mold of a Dave Bolland. Maybe Best Available is more a buzzword in the first round in part because in some cases the talent level is so close?
- paulr

I think that's what people keep getting confused. The teams all will have their own identity, and BPA can mean several different things.

One thing that I think I can say with authority - Reichel has about 30 games to show he's a guy the team wants to keep around. There will simply be too many other options that can push him out.

It’s funny, we always discuss the best available on here but in the team management discussions, albeit abbreviated, they talk about fit on the team. I know lots of posters wanted Demidov, and I’m sure he would have fit nicely on the team but the team desperately needed defensemen, a right shot and top pairing guy. And I think they could still use that “stud” all purpose defenseman. I get the sense Levshunov is projected as a top pairing but not necessarily a true number one. Of course his growth may get him there. And as far as taking Boisvert at 18 over Eiserman, they were after more of a character guy, a guy who competes all over the ice, a guy with physically and brings skill and a great shot. Again Eiserman may prove to be a top six scorer while Boisvert is a more middle six do everything guy in the mold of a Dave Bolland. Maybe Best Available is more a buzzword in the first round in part because in some cases the talent level is so close?
- paulr

I think character, leadership and IQ, in addition to skill of course, are a few of the traits the team looks for when evaluating prospects. I may be wrong, but I have a feeling KD wants to avoid players, like Dubois, McGroatry, Zegras, and Necas who put themselves ahead of their teams and want to move on to greener pastures.

I think that's what people keep getting confused. The teams all will have their own identity, and BPA can mean several different things.

One thing that I think I can say with authority - Reichel has about 30 games to show he's a guy the team wants to keep around. There will simply be too many other options that can push him out.
- Chunk

Agreed, each team has their own lists. I just meant that it sounded like the fit of the player, not strictly talent, seemed to really factor into the decision.

And in the ideal world you want really talented guys pushed out by more talented guys. That said I’m really hoping Reichel can establish himself this season.

It’s funny, we always discuss the best available on here but in the team management discussions, albeit abbreviated, they talk about fit on the team. I know lots of posters wanted Demidov, and I’m sure he would have fit nicely on the team but the team desperately needed defensemen, a right shot and top pairing guy. And I think they could still use that “stud” all purpose defenseman. I get the sense Levshunov is projected as a top pairing but not necessarily a true number one. Of course his growth may get him there. And as far as taking Boisvert at 18 over Eiserman, they were after more of a character guy, a guy who competes all over the ice, a guy with physically and brings skill and a great shot. Again Eiserman may prove to be a top six scorer while Boisvert is a more middle six do everything guy in the mold of a Dave Bolland. Maybe Best Available is more a buzzword in the first round in part because in some cases the talent level is so close?
- paulr

Someone here said Eiserman gives them Laine vibes? We all know there's more to hockey than scoring goals, but when there is tape where he doesn't even try on defense what does it matter how many goals he scores. I agree with you i want a bunch of hockey players that are a pain in the ass to play against, i believe KD and crew admire that same quality.

I do think Levshunov pick was a combination of size, skating ability, offensive ability and ceiling, the more i watch highlights of him there is more to like. He looks a little like Korchinski at times in his own end but does have a nice flow in the ozone and love his wrist shot.

Someone here said Eiserman gives them Laine vibes? We all know there's more to hockey than scoring goals, but when there is tape where he doesn't even try on defense what does it matter how many goals he scores. I agree with you i want a bunch of hockey players that are a pain in the ass to play against, i believe KD and crew admire that same quality.

I do think Levshunov pick was a combination of size, skating ability, offensive ability and ceiling, the more i watch highlights of him there is more to like. He looks a little like Korchinski at times in his own end but does have a nice flow in the ozone and love his wrist shot.
- BetweenTheDots

That was me.

I have to kind of laugh at people saying what Levshunov will or won't be at this point in time. The kid literally has not even laced up his skates with any Blackhawks players or coaches. Let's at least let him take a practice lap before determining the entirety of his NHL career.

Not directed at you or this post really, but I've read "not a true No.1" and similar types of comments to describe an 18 year old. There will be plenty of time for "I told you so's".

It’s funny, we always discuss the best available on here but in the team management discussions, albeit abbreviated, they talk about fit on the team. I know lots of posters wanted Demidov, and I’m sure he would have fit nicely on the team but the team desperately needed defensemen, a right shot and top pairing guy. And I think they could still use that “stud” all purpose defenseman. I get the sense Levshunov is projected as a top pairing but not necessarily a true number one. Of course his growth may get him there. And as far as taking Boisvert at 18 over Eiserman, they were after more of a character guy, a guy who competes all over the ice, a guy with physically and brings skill and a great shot. Again Eiserman may prove to be a top six scorer while Boisvert is a more middle six do everything guy in the mold of a Dave Bolland. Maybe Best Available is more a buzzword in the first round in part because in some cases the talent level is so close?
- paulr

I think they went hard on analytics. Big Arty was a stand out for a lot of the micro stats in terms of how many times he was at or near the top. Boisvert was also highly rated in some areas and Vanacker was a head of everyone in expected goals based on this groups measurements:

https://nhlentrydraft.com...-analytics-north-america/

Vanacker fwiw was higher than Eiserman in terms of adjusted xGF.

Dave Bolland was interestingly enough was pretty prolific in the OHL. His last year in London he had 130 points and 85 the year before that.

That was me.

I have to kind of laugh at people saying what Levshunov will or won't be at this point in time. The kid literally has not even laced up his skates with any Blackhawks players or coaches. Let's at least let him take a practice lap before determining the entirety of his NHL career.

Not directed at you or this post really, but I've read "not a true No.1" and similar types of comments to describe an 18 year old. There will be plenty of time for "I told you so's".
- Chunk

Hahaha, very true, i always enjoy when i hear untapped potential and he has all the tools, said about Levshunov by the Blackhawk scouts. The funny thing based on all the mocks it was between Demidov and Levshunov so it's not like they reached on a player. More concerning is the Ducks and Blue Jackets passed on Demidov?

I think Reichel will get a longer leash unless he really stinks out there on the ice.

I think character, leadership and IQ, in addition to skill of course, are a few of the traits the team looks for when evaluating prospects. I may be wrong, but I have a feeling KD wants to avoid players, like Dubois, McGroatry, Zegras, and Necas who put themselves ahead of their teams and want to move on to greener pastures.
- boilermaker100

I get what you are saying here, and don't completely disagree, but I don't really have a big issue with any of these players outside of Dubois who literally stopped doing his job on the ice. If these players don't like what the team is doing, or don't think they are being put in the best position to succeed, what is wrong with them using the rights given to them via the CBA to try to get to a better situation?

Look at Luongo, or even closer to home T. Johnson. Both were stuck in bad situations because of the rigidity of their contract situation. Luongo famously said "My contract sucks" because he couldn't get moved.

If you don't like how the company you work for is being run, you have every right to change to a better situation, or at least one that you think fits your skill better. It sucks because it feels more personal when it is your favorite sports team, but I really don't blame the players much here. There really aren't that many times during a player's career when they can dictate where they want to go (unless they are on a succession of 1 year contracts).

Edit: Has Zegras asked to be traded? Don't remember hearing that.

I think they went hard on analytics. Big Arty was a stand out for a lot of the micro stats in terms of how many times he was at or near the top. Boisvert was also highly rated in some areas and Vanacker was a head of everyone in expected goals based on this groups measurements:

https://nhlentrydraft.com...-analytics-north-america/

Vanacker fwiw was higher than Eiserman in terms of adjusted xGF.

Dave Bolland was interestingly enough was pretty prolific in the OHL. His last year in London he had 130 points and 85 the year before that.
- fattybeef

Just wonder are all these leagues equal?

I also wonder if we drafted this year's Calum Ritchie, in Marek Vanacker played with a torn labrum....

I also wonder if we drafted this year's Calum Ritchie, in Marek Vanacker played with a torn labrum....
- BetweenTheDots

From what I read both Boisvert and Vanacker got off to a slow start last year but really turned things around (even despite Vanacker's injury). If they continue at this new pace then KD may have really hit two home runs.

From what I read both Boisvert and Vanacker got off to a slow start last year but really turned things around (even despite Vanacker's injury). If they continue at this new pace then KD may have really hit two home runs.
- DarthKane

The Hawks right now have a bunch of "could be's" which is really exciting. They have several defensemen of all types who look promising. They have some players with actual size (not just tall), they have some 200' guys, they have scorers, they have playmakers, most of them have good speed, and they all seem to be big competitors. We'll see over the next 4-5 years which ones grab a spot and which fall through. By sheer volume of high picks, they should hit on a good number of players. Definitely exciting.

I'm really happy that they put some real NHL talent on the roster to get them moving in the right direction.

From the interview I'm thinking unless Korchinski shows something in preseason he's going to Rockford.
- BetweenTheDots

There are a lot more kids besides KK. Even if he stays up doesn't mean they have deviated from the plan. He's just the obvious guy.

Good to see Marcel² get one more chance. He needs a bunch of playing time and it will be hard to get with all the prospects at ROC. Might have to play a lot at Indy. Can't teach size, though, maybe he will break through.
- totem

Wish we were good enough to carry Brandon Bollig.

I see Hawks 65 to 70 points and my point for this Hall most likely gets hurt same with AA not going to get much scoring from the back end or bottom 6 figure imo 70 to 80 points total between the 6 towards. Time will tell plus Davidson is not done improving this team, see another trade coming before training camp starts.
- Scott1977

We might have an NHL roster this year. But so far it's not a good NHL roster.