Will Bettman rig this for the Hawks again? Fingers crossed

hope so! Even if they get #2 the Russian kid looks really good. Anything after #2 and you're looking at a run of about 7 defefnsemen. The one I really like is mocked anywhere from #4 overall to #8, Buim from Denver. He's a little on the small side though.

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is it like the nba where they can only fall so far?

Saw on Twitter earlier they can only fall to #4.

based on what i seen, watched and heard, i'd also take demidov at #2. his star has dimmed a bit, could be due to getting heavily scrutinized by nhl scouts in recent months - potential issue with his skating. the beef is he relies too much on his inside edges. forced to generate more energy to skate - hence, may tire quickly...stamina, overall agility...etc. heard a scout talk about him for 10 minutes. these guys are paid for their ratings and opinions.

the fans of canadian clubs seem to be in love with cayden lindstrom...big body FWD that has impressed with physicality. they watch more junior hockey than us here. him and D dickinson are the fans' choices. they realize they won't get celebrini, they want lindstrom or dickinson.

if the hawks take a pass on demidov, it could be FWDs lindstrom/eiserman/catton. catton also on the small side, like demidov. can't see passing on demiov to take catton.

#2

Trade it to Toronto with Jones to get Marner and a future pick.

Hope this guy we get meets expectations unlike the last one.

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You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!

I'd take Demidov at #2. They'd have to move up to get Buium, mocks I saw had him going around 7 or so. I'd like to see them try to do that.

is there a clear #2 or is there just a mix of possibilities?

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

Mix of possibilities...

I think the Russian forward is probably the best pick, problem is he will play another year in Russia. I've heard the Hawks like the Bulgarian defenseman. The positive being, he is a RHD.

I'd say it's pretty clear that the Blackhawks are #2!

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Can we trade Bedard and get #1 also? It could be the reset we need.

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You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!

I feel this 'bit' of yours is getting somewhat stale.

2 different interviews last week on the only show that is willing to talk some hockey.

as a GM, kyle davidson is in an enviable position and he knows it...he can't hide it. he does remind us that with all the draft picks in the first 3 rounds, he can wheel and deal. he volunteered that info. i took that as a public service reminder that he is indeed trying to make some moves. haugh did say $34 million available - just about my numbers. the cap is going to $87.7 million, i believe.

the rest is him holding his cards close to the vest. he did make a comment that bedard or other blackhawks playing in the world championship will only help them. the experience of playing with and against some the best in the world...etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKS_idmljH8

as far as the chelios interview...he believes the blackhawks need to surround bedard with more attacking talent. directly on bedard's line and indirectly on line #2, to alleviate some pressure off that 1st line. i took that as it should be addressed with free agents. i also i took that as his endorsement for demidov. don't believe any 2024 draft name being thrown around can help bedard in 24-25.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA-CEXGMiIg

all in all, good stuff. this could be the pivotal off-season (free agency and draft) the club takes concrete steps into being a solid contender for a decade. that decade could start next year, just being a playoff contender. the roster/depth chart aren't too far off, though a big name and medium name free agent will have to sign here.