Official Chicago Blackhawks Thread: Bedard Era

danault

 

Anisimov a scratch?

 

Kuc says yes; Panik makes his debut.

 

good enough game thus far

despite that 2nd line being quite small against a badass defensive team

 

three games-including tonight-before the Kings play again and they already have two games in hand. Scheduling is bizarre (unless I'm missing something obvious). Hope they have a bottleneck before the playoffs because they look like the biggest threat

 

Weird that Q only gets a contract to 2020. He's only 57.

I don't think its that far fetched for him to catch or get really damn close to Scotty. He's 462 behind. By the end of the year he'll be 445ish behind. Then 4 more years at 45 wins per= -180

265 back and 61 years old. Basically only needs to be an NHL coach to 68. Someone will always want to hire him at this point. Even if he has to spend the last few Babcocking somewhere.

 

Also, we might need to change the title of this thread. Hawks might have found their defenseman with Gustaffson.

 

Midseason top 50 prospects: http://espn.go.com/nhl/insider/stor...pects-following-world-junior-championship-nhl

Spoiler

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  Corey PronmanSpecial to ESPN.com

This is my annual midseason update of the top 50 NHL prospects. The summer top 100 can be viewed here.




Standouts, disappointments at the 2016 WJC
Which players stood out the most (in a good or bad way) at the 2016 World Junior Championship? Corey Pronman runs down his list of standouts, surprises and disappointments.



I've seen almost all of these prospects live, and most of them within the past six months. Notes used for these evaluations include conversations with scouts and NHL executives. I consider statistical production heavily, adjusted for age, league and other important pieces of context.

Keep in mind there have been a fair amount of graduations from the summer rankings, with about 15 of my previous top 50 currently in the NHL.


Criteria for a prospect "graduating" are either 25 NHL games played in any one season, 50 total NHL games played in his career or a current spot on an NHL roster (as of Jan. 11). The latter graduates Connor McDavid, Shea Theodore andJake Virtanen.


1. Dylan Strome, C, Arizona Coyotes (Previous: 7)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 194
Team: Erie (OHL) | GP: 27 | G: 16 | A: 39

The No. 1 spot was a coin flip for me between Strome and Mitch Marner, although Strome's performance at the World Junior Championship was certainly an argument to blow on the coin a little. Strome can slow the game down and see the ice with the best of them. He's also a top-end sniper, showing a unique ability to get pucks through traffic with a hard, accurate wrist shot. He makes plays with a type of game-processing skill that most top players don't exhibit, and that could make him a No. 1 center in the NHL someday.


2. Mitch Marner, C, Toronto Maple Leafs (Previous: 4)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 163
Team: London (OHL) | GP: 27 | G: 24 | A: 37

I love watching Marner play because he has such an exciting element to his game. His combination of speed, hands and hockey IQ are so rare to find. He's incredibly elusive and creative while playing at a quick tempo, which is why I feel he can make the same elite skill plays at the NHL level and has the potential to be a star. Sure, he's not perfect, as his size and physical game can improve, but his defense isn't too much of a hole.


3. William Nylander, C, Toronto Maple Leafs (Previous: 6)
Age: 19 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 190
Team: Toronto (AHL) | GP: 27 | G: 14 | A: 20

Nylander had been having one of the best seasons ever by a teenager in the AHL, but a swift blow to the head at the WJC has put question marks on his health for the rest of the season. When healthy, he's a filthy offensive weapon, with high-end if not elite speed, hands and passing skills; he has shown significant improvement on working to win battles and hold his defensive position, although that will never be his selling point.


4. Daniel Sprong, RW, Pittsburgh Penguins (Previous: 43)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 181
Team: Charlottetown (QMJHL) | GP: 7 | G: 6 | A: 4

Sprong probably shouldn't have started the season in the NHL, but he made a reasonable case after strengthening up over the summer and improving (albeit nowhere near perfecting) his play away from the puck. His offensive tools -- skating, puck skills and shot -- are all high-end, and his playmaking has impressed me more than during his draft season. As of next fall, he could be with the Penguins for the long haul.


5. Zach Werenski, D, Columbus Blue Jackets (Previous: 19)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 209
Team: Michigan (NCAA) | GP: 17 | G: 6 | A: 9

Werenski was the best defenseman at the WJC (a rare feat for an underage player) and has continued to be a force in the Big 10 this season for Michigan. His hockey sense is elite; he shows the ability to move the puck from the blue line with the best of them. Werenski understands how to evade pressure and move the puck into open spaces very well, on top of being very mobile and having a good stick defensively. His main weakness is his toughness, as he can be a little light on his checks at times.


6. Mathew Barzal, C, New York Islanders (Previous: 13)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 187
Team: Seattle (WHL) | GP: 27 | G: 11 | A: 34

Barzal nearly made the Islanders' NHL roster out of training camp, and since then has been great in the WHL and was one of Canada's best players at the WJC. His vision and hockey IQ are off-the-charts tools, he exhibits plus skating and hands, and he's one of the best playmakers you'll see outside the NHL ranks. The Islanders are giving him an extra year in junior to work on the nonscoring components of his game.


7. Pavel Buchnevich, LW, New York Rangers (Previous: 14)
Age: 20 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 176
Team: Severstal/SKA (KHL) | GP: 46 | G: 12 | A: 19

Buchnevich was the leading scorer for his KHL team (Severstal Cherepovets) prior to being traded to a contender (SKA St. Petersburg) a few weeks ago in what will likely be his final season in that league. He's not the same level of prospect as some past KHL stars (Vladimir Tarasenko, Evgeny Kuznetsov) but he's still a top-end player. Buchnevich is extremely skilled, with above-average speed to couple with decent size. He could take a top-nine NHL shift right away starting next season.


8. Kevin Fiala, LW, Nashville Predators (Previous: 11)
Age: 19 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 192
Team: Milwaukee (AHL) | GP: 34 | G: 6 | A: 15

Fiala's scoring is down in the AHL this season, but he's played well at times, just failing to get the bounces in some instances. He can still stand to improve his defensive play, particularly his physical battles, as his underwhelming strength level can show at times. Fiala has also been caught forcing plays a little too much. But most of the time, he's a high-end skill player with great vision and elusiveness.


9. Jakub Vrana, LW, Washington Capitals (Previous: 22)
Age: 19 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 185
Team: Hershey (AHL) | GP: 6 | G: 2 | A: 4

Vrana's stock has held steady, as he injured his wrist very early in the season and has been on the shelf since then. Scouts I talked to who saw him play for Washington's AHL affiliate came back with very good impressions of a player who was able to translate his high skill level at that level. He still needs to bulk up a ton, but he is on the right development track if he can get back on the ice.


10. Sebastian Aho, C, Carolina Hurricanes (Previous: 54)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 172
Team: Karpat (Liiga) | GP: 27 | G: 11 | A: 12

Aho has done nothing but produce everywhere he's gone. He's one of the most dominant players ever from the Finnish junior leagues; he's been a point-per-game, high-minutes player in the top men's league (Liiga) in Finland, and was incredible at the recent WJC. He has great speed, skill and pace to his game on top of being capable defensively despite subpar size.


11. Mikko Rantanen, RW, Colorado Avalanche (Previous: 26)
Age: 19 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 212
Team: San Antonio (AHL) | GP: 22 | G: 10 | A: 16

Rantanen's WJC performance was a little up and down, but overall, he's been dynamite this season. He had a great NHL camp, and since being sent back to the AHL he's been on fire for San Antonio. His skill level for a big man is fantastic, and while his speed can still leave you wanting at times, he creates a ton with his offensive instincts and individual ability. He should be a full-timer with the Avs by this time next year.


12. Vladislav Kamenev, C, Nashville Predators (Previous: 37)
Age: 19 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 185
Team: Milwaukee (AHL) | GP: 24 | G: 6 | A: 8

Kamenev has been nothing but impressive this season. He was Russia's best forward at the WJC and was named to the AHL all-star game as a 19-year-old. He's a big, skilled center with great two-way hockey sense. He can make chances happen by winning battles, setting up teammates or making a skill play. Kamenev is also quite advanced defensively for a 19-year-old.


13. Nic Petan, C, Winnipeg Jets (Previous: 25)
Age: 20 | Ht: 5-9 | Wt: 179
Team: Manitoba (AHL) | GP: 20 | G: 2 | A: 12

Petan broke camp with the Jets, but they wisely sent him back to the AHL given how limited he would have been used this season. Petan's continued to be a playmaking machine as he was through his WHL years. His size is always going to be a significant issue, but he can make dazzling offensive plays and has the hockey IQ to learn how to overcome a lot of the challenges pro hockey will throw at him as he gets stronger.


14. Kirill Kaprizov, LW, Minnesota Wild (Previous: Unranked)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 192
Team: Novokuznetsk (KHL)| GP: 42 | G: 10 | A: 14

Kaprizov has been one of the top players on his KHL team this season (mind you it's a bad KHL squad) as an 18-year-old, regularly getting 19 or 20 minutes of ice time in the first half. His exceptional skill level shows a really high level of coordination, creativity and vision with the puck. He's an above-average skater and finisher as well. Kaprizov is a small guy and could have a little more fight in him, but he has a strong lower body. He's been the biggest riser by far from the 2015 draft class, after being selected in the fifth round.


15. Adrian Kempe, LW, Los Angeles Kings (Previous: 51)
Age: 19 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 187
Team: Ontario (AHL) | GP: 23 | G: 8 | A: 10

Kempe's past 12 months have been impressive, particularly in how well he's adjusted to the AHL and become one of his team's better players. His speed is elite, making him of the most explosive prospects in the AHL. He shows a decent power game and has done well bulking up, which was an issue during his draft season. Kempe has become more confident in his offensive game, which helps his ability to set up teammates better, and he has a killer wrist shot.


16. Timo Meier, LW, San Jose Sharks (Previous: 67)
Age: 19 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 212
Team: Halifax (QMJHL) | GP: 23 | G: 11 | A: 25

I was a little overly critical of Meier in his draft year. Maybe it was his playing with Nikolaj Ehlers that messed with my head a little; maybe it was some other form of bias. Regardless, he's steadily made me a big fan, even though he was underwhelming in the round robin portion of the WJC. He's a good skater with a high skill level and a great motor. He could be a little bit of a better playmaker and have more patience in his game, but he attacks defenses well, and is a solid penalty killer on top of all the offense he creates. He was dealt from Halifax to Rouyn-Noranda earlier this month, and he has three goals and two assists in two games for the Huskies.


17. Ivan Provorov, D, Philadelphia Flyers (Previous: 31)
Age: 19 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 201
Team: Brandon (WHL) | GP: 32 | G: 9 | A: 23

Provorov was one of the best defensemen at the WJC, and continues to be a pillar for his WHL team. His hockey sense is top-end. He just looks like a unique player on the ice in terms of how he moves the puck, jumps into the attack and anticipates the play. He looks a little awkward traveling around the ice due to his skating style, but he makes it work very well for him, and overall I'd rate him very good in that area. He projects as a top-end scorer with average to slightly above-average defensive abilities.


18. Thomas Chabot, D, Ottawa Senators (Previous: Unranked)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 190
Team: Saint John (QMJHL) | GP: 24 | G: 7 | A: 14

Chabot had a really strong NHL camp, a good first half of the season in the QMJHL and was one of Canada's better defensemen at the WJC as an underage player. His skating is ridiculously good for a 6-foot-2 player. Chabot is also a coordinated puck handler who moves it up the ice very well. His defense is a work in progress, but he's shown significant improvement there, leading to a large bump in his overall prospect value. Filling out his lanky frame will go a long way toward closing the gap in that area.


19. Pavel Zacha, C, New Jersey Devils (Previous: 24)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 209
Team: Sarnia (OHL) | GP: 25 | G: 17 | A: 16

Zacha was a last cut from New Jersey's camp. He's been Sarnia's best player this season despite not having fantastic point totals. Zacha is a really dynamic forward. He's a good skater and puck handler for a big man, and has an elite shot. He's the kind of forward who can go around or through you in a dynamic fashion, although he doesn't do that consistently. There are some red flags on Zacha's game, but there's also a ton to like and reason to think he has big-time upside.


20. Colin White, C, Ottawa Senators (Previous: 75)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 183
Team: Boston College (NCAA) | GP: 18 | G: 11 | A: 16

White has put an up-and-down draft season behind him, and has looked like the top-end prospect he was as a 16-year-old. White has been an outstanding all-around forward for Boston College, and had a very strong WJC. White has a fantastic hockey brain, and is always around the puck making some type of play in all three zones. He's an above-average skater and puck handler with great vision. White has shown over the years he can be one of his team's top scorers and penalty killers.


21. Oliver Bjorkstrand, RW, Columbus Blue Jackets (Previous: 36)
Age: 20 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 176
Team: Lake Erie (AHL) | GP: 20 | G: 3 | A: 6

Though he has missed some time this season because of a minor injury, Bjorkstrand has been pretty solid when he has been in the lineup for Lake Erie (AHL). Bjorkstrand is a highly skilled puck handler with a big-time shot. He thinks the game very well, including being decent in the defensive end. His skating has continued to show improvements as well. Bjorkstrand's size and strength level are his biggest liabilities.


22. Brayden Point, C, Tampa Bay Lightning (Previous: 38)
Age: 19 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 165
Team: Moose Jaw (WHL) | GP: 21 | G: 19 | A: 28

Point went to the end of Tampa's camp this fall, and probably will be in the conversation for a full-time job next season, especially if there is some (cough cough) movement in the current roster. Point is a dynamic scorer with high-end puck skills and vision, combined with above-average speed and finishing ability. He's incredibly slippery on the ice, and sees his options develop about as well as any other player in the major junior leagues. He's very small, and still fairly slight, and will need to have a big summer in the gym to make a more legitimate NHL argument next fall.


23. Travis Konecny, C, Philadelphia Flyers (Previous: 18)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 176
Team: Ottawa (OHL) | GP: 29 | G: 7 | A: 38

Konecny has been great in the first few months of this OHL season, and should be a key part of Sarnia's playoff run after being traded to them (he has three goals in two games since the trade). He's a really exciting player to watch because he's a little engine who can beat you with speed or skill, or pummel you into the ice, despite his diminutive frame. If he can stay healthy as a pro, he has all the tools to be successful in the NHL as a scorer. While often tagged as an "energy bug," he does have dynamic skill components to his game as well.


24. Lawson Crouse, LW, Florida Panthers (Previous: 23)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 214
Team: Kingston (OHL) | GP: 22 | G: 9 | A: 15

At this point, we can say Crouse is a very good two-way forward. He's a huge, strong winger with good speed and hands who can dominate a game physically. Crouse is always around the puck because of his speed and work ethic, on top of being a very aware player off the puck. I am slightly more skeptical about his offensive potential in the NHL than I was at the draft last June. I would have liked to have seen more progression this season, but there is still a lot he does well to impact a game aside from scoring.


25. Anthony Beauvillier, LW, New York Islanders (Previous: 66)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 179
Team: Shawinigan (QMJHL) | GP: 23 | G: 19 | A: 24

Beauvillier has been one of the best players in the major junior leagues this season, scoring two points per game and generating five shots on goal per game. Beauvillier has above-average or better speed, hands and finishing ability. His hockey sense is fantastic, displaying great vision and decision-making while also being a quality defensive forward despite his size.


26. Kasperi Kapanen, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs (Previous: 29)
Age: 19 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 181
Team: Toronto (AHL) | GP: 17 | G: 5 | A: 5

Kapanen is by no means a perfect prospect. Several NHL scouts I've talked to this season can provide a list of things he can improve on away from the puck, such as his physical play. However, he is so dynamic, with so much offensive potential that it's hard to not be excited about him. Kapanen's speed and hands are top-end, and he can be so hard to contain coming through the neutral zone or when he gets the puck with space.


27. Nick Ritchie, LW, Anaheim Ducks (Previous: 55)
Age: 20 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 231
Team: San Diego (AHL) | GP: 23 | G: 14 | A: 9

Ritchie has been very impressive this season, being named to the AHL All-Star game and even getting 11 games with the Ducks as well. He's a big, strong, aggressive forward with offensive talent. Ritchie can skate and shoot the puck at an above-average level, as well as make some individual plays with the puck. He's not the best playmaker in terms of slowing the game down and looking for options, but he can still generate offense by carrying the puck in the zone and winning battles.


28. Julius Honka, D, Dallas Stars (Previous: 60)
Age: 20 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 185
Team: Texas (AHL) | GP: 38 | G: 7 | A: 14

Honka is an exciting offensive defenseman with the ability to lead the rush and control a power play at a high level. His skating is elite; he effortlessly gains speed off each stride, and can be a nightmare to check in open ice. Honka is also a skilled, creative puck mover with a howitzer from the point. He is still trying to work on his defensive game, particularly when it comes to winning battles against bigger pro forwards.


29. Ivan Barbashev, C, St. Louis Blues (Previous: 28)
Age: 20 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 181
Team: Chicago (AHL) | GP: 30 | G: 7 | A: 11

There is a lot to like about what Barabshev brings to the table. He's skilled, he sees the ice very well, he can finish and he has a little edge to his game, too. The AHL transition has been a little bumpy for Barbashev, but ultimately he's been a solid player for his team. As he continues to gain strength and adjust to the faster pace, he'll be that much closer to making the Blues roster.


30. Evgeni Svechnikov, C, Detroit Red Wings (Previous: 21)
Age: 19 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 205
Team: Cape Breton (QMJHL) | GP: 27 | G: 17 | A: 22

Svechnikov has a lot of desirable elements to his game. He's a big, sturdy forward with fantastic puck skills, a good shot, a competitive fire battling for pucks and a lot of offensive creativity. His lackluster WJC exposed some of the areas he needs to work on, such as his foot speed and defensive play. He's a player who bleeds upside, but might need a decent amount of time at the AHL level to round out his game.


31. Brock Boeser, RW, Vancouver Canucks (Previous: 69)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 192
Team: North Dakota (NCAA) | GP: 20 | G: 13 | A: 8

Despite a lackluster WJC, Boeser has been very impressive so far this season at North Dakota. He's a winger with size, plus hands, offensive instincts and a great motor. He's hard on the puck in board battles and then can spin away from pressure and create a scoring chance with his skill. He also has one of the better shots in the prospect realm. His skating is lackluster, as he does not have a real separation gear and is a little sluggish out of the gates.


32. Sonny Milano, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets (Previous: 40)
Age: 19 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 205
Team: Lake Erie (AHL) | GP: 24 | G: 5 | A: 9

Milano has red flags in his game. He's not the best off the puck, and it has been nearly two years since he has excelled at a league or major tournament relative to his age. Still when you scout Milano it's hard to come away with any impression other than his being a top prospect. His puck skills are extraordinary, he's a great skater and shows you shifts of being the complete package offensively, and a potential top-six forward at the NHL level. He still has a lot of growing to do to lower the risk in his game, and gain the trust of pro-level coaches.


33. Kyle Connor, LW, Winnipeg Jets (Previous: 30)
Age: 19 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 176
Team: Michigan (NCAA) | GP: 19 | G: 15 | A: 16

Connor has been one of the best players and top scorers in college hockey this season -- as a freshman. He's a workhorse type of player with big-time speed and skill who can drive the pace of a team's offense. While his decision-making isn't perfect, he does show great offensive instincts.


34. Joe Hicketts, D, Detroit Red Wings (Previous: 53)
Age: 19 | Ht: 5-8 | Wt: 179
Team: Victoria (WHL) | GP: 31 | G: 2 | A: 30

A prospect of much discussion given his history of being undrafted, playing very well since being signed by Detroit, and because of his small stature. Hicketts has a lot going for him. He's a very good skater, he's tough as nails and very strong for a small player, he moves the puck well, and has quality all-around hockey sense. He doesn't blow you away with skill, which you'd like to see in a smaller player, but he certainly has talent. How he transitions to the pro ranks is a question mark.


35. Axel Holmstrom, C, Detroit Red Wings (Previous: 33)
Age: 19 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 198
Team: Skelleftea (SHL) | GP: 28 | G: 3 | A: 13

Holmstrom hasn't followed up his outstanding playoff performance last spring in the SHL into this season, but he has still been pretty solid -- especially for a teenager. He's a big center with above-average hands and great vision. His overall hockey sense is impressive, as he can be trusted to control the puck or play in critical defensive situations. The neutral zone is where he can struggle at times, as his speed is quite poor and he really struggles to push defensemen back.


36. Nick Schmaltz, C, Chicago Blackahawks (Previous: Unranked)
Age: 19 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 176
Team: North Dakota (NCAA) | GP: 20 | G: 3 | A: 23

Schmaltz is a hard prospect for me to get a read on. His skill level is high-end, and he's one of the best pure playmakers on this list. Any time Schmaltz is a near a puck he can make a great play happen with his patience, hands and vision. He used to be horror show away from the puck, and while you still see moments that are less than good from him in that respect, he showed notable improvement in his defensive play at the WJC.


37. Oskar Lindblom, LW, Philadelphia Flyers (Previous: 46)
Age: 19 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 192
Team: Brynas (SHL)| GP: 28 | G: 5 | A: 13

He has been very good for Brynas in the SHL this season, getting some significant minutes on a regular basis. Lindblom won't blow you away with skill, but he has solid hands, very good vision and has some creativity in his game. He's also a reliable off-the-puck forward who plays hard and has the size to get to the net to win the tough battles. His speed is still a big issue, although he has shown improvement in that area recently.


38. Anthony DeAngelo, D, Tampa Bay Lightning (Previous: 50)
Age: 20 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 174
Team: Syracuse (AHL) | GP: 33 | G: 3 | A: 17

When talking to NHL scouts about DeAngelo, they are quick to point out his flaws. "His defensive coverage is a mess," said one scout, with another saying that "he takes way too many gambles." However, if you keep asking around, you'll find those who say he has the skill level to beat NHL players in a game tomorrow. He has so much dynamic ability, and he puts up offensive numbers wherever he goes, even if his defense remains a work in progress.


39. Joel Eriksson Ek, C, Minnesota Wild (Previous: 91)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 187
Team: Farjestad (SHL) | GP: 24 | G: 3 | A: 5

Eriksson Ek is a player who has grown on me. He's not a highlight-reel type of player, but he makes a steady impact every shift and always seems to be pushing the play in the right direction. His hockey IQ allows him to be a shot machine, as he is always in the right spot, sees the ice very well and has a solid amount of creativity with the puck. He battles well, and is responsible defensively.


40. Vili Saarijarvi, D, Detroit Red Wings (Previous: Unranked)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-9 | Wt: 165
Team: Flint (OHL) | GP: 30 | G: 5 | A: 15

He wasn't fantastic at the WJC, but his performance overall during the past calendar year has caused him to gain a significant bump in prospect value. Small defensemen need to have exceptional skill to be a top NHL prospect, and Saarijarvi certainly has that. His offensive hockey sense is also off the charts. He opens lanes and controls the power play extremely well, and is a very good skater. I'm not sold on his defensive play, although I wouldn't qualify it as horrible, with his puck movement clearly providing the bulk of his value.


41. Charles Hudon, LW, Montreal Canadiens (Previous: 42)
Age: 21 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 179
Team: St. John's (AHL) | GP: 32 | G: 11 | A: 12

Hudon has continued to play very well at the AHL level -- being one of that league's top shot generators -- and has earned a few games with the Habs this season. He excels as a playmaker with the puck on his stick, showing a high level of skill and great vision on top of being a shifty skater. Hudon can be decent off the puck too, earning more penalty killing responsibility as a sophomore in the AHL.


42. Oliver Kylington, D, Calgary Flames (Previous: 35)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 183
Team: Stockton (AHL) | GP: 26 | G: 4 | A: 5

To say there is variance in opinions on Kylington in the industry would be an understatement. There are some making reasonable arguments to make him a top 25 prospect, while others wouldn't put him in the top 200. If you believe in the Kylington of his 16-year-old season and this season, he looks like an elite skating, highly skilled offensive defenseman. If you believe in the Kylington of last season, he's a defensive nightmare who takes too many risks and can't give his coach a good reason to feel safe putting him over the boards. The upside and recent fantastic performance as an 18-year-old in the AHL give me reason for guarded optimism.


43. Michael McCarron, C, Montreal Canadiens (Previous: Unranked)
Age: 20 | Ht: 6-5 | Wt: 238
Team: St. John's (AHL) | GP: 34 | G: 13 | A: 12

McCarron has continued to show significant improvements in his game, excelling from his first day in the AHL and being named an AHL All-Star this season. He has been a solid, all-situations center for St. John's, displaying very good skill for a 6-foot-5 giant. His skating will never be a selling point, but he has improved in that area on top of becoming much more responsible defensively in the past two years.


44. Connor Brown, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs (Previous: 72)
Age: 22 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 161
Team: Toronto (AHL) | GP: 8 | G: 0 | A: 4

A late cut from Toronto's camp, Brown looked great to start his second AHL season, but an injury has kept him out since the early weeks. The report on him is pretty much the same one from the summer. He's a very intelligent two-way forward with decent-to-solid speed and hands, and a great work ethic. Stay tuned.


45. Michael Dal Colle, LW, New York Islanders (Previous: 17)
Age: 19 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 198
Team: Oshawa (OHL) | GP: 30 | G: 8 | A: 17

There are certainly reasons for pessimism for the former fifth overall pick. He looks uninterested at times in physical battles, and is not the greatest defensive forward by any means. Dal Colle's lackluster performances all season -- from Islanders camp, to the OHL, to Canada's WJC camps -- have also raised some red flags. However, his skill and size are still so tantalizing, and memories of dominant performances over the years don't fade easily. Big men who can dangle and finish don't grow on trees, so I'm not ready to bury Dal Colle yet. But he needs to start making more convincing arguments with his on-ice play. Dal Colle was traded to Kingston earlier this month, and has five goals and four assists in three games for the Frontenacs.


46. Chris Bigras, D, Colorado Avalanche (Previous: 76)
Age: 20 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 190
Team: San Antonio (AHL) | GP: 37 | G: 6 | A: 13

Bigras has been one of the best defensemen in the AHL as a rookie, continuing his excellent performance since being cut from Canada's WJC team last winter. Bigras is such a smooth puck mover, with fantastic hockey IQ and good mobility. He makes the engine run on the power play with his vision and patience. Bigras has been decent defensively at the pro level, although that area still needs some improvement.


47. Jeremy Roy, D, San Jose Sharks (Previous: 48)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 187
Team: Sherbrooke (QMJHL) | GP: 29 | G: 6 | A: 23

Roy is a personal favorite of mine. His performance has held steady from last season, but I'm willing to bet on him exploding during the next 18 months because he has massive potential. He's a smart puck mover who seems to slow the game down whenever he gets near the play. Despite not being the biggest guy, he's also quite good in his own end. He's the prototypical modern-day defenseman who can outlet, rush and make stops.

48. Anthony Mantha, LW, Detroit Red Wings (Previous: 70)
Age: 21 | Ht: 6-5 | Wt: 214
Team: Grand Rapids (AHL) | GP: 29 | G: 10 | A: 14

Mantha is a another tough player to get a read on. Memories of his dominant QMJHL days still linger, as he has been a good, albeit not great pro. The tools are all there. He's big and quick, with a high skill level and a big shot. He has stepped up this season in terms of showing effort more consistently and improving his defensive coverages. There remain moments that concern you with Mantha; you'll still see him give up on a play, or give a half effort during a board battle, but it's not as common.

49. Denis Guryanov, LW, Dallas Stars (Previous: 49)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 201
Team: Togliatti (KHL) | GP: 38 | G: 4 | A: 1

It has been a bit of a rough season for Guryanov. He has struggled to gain ice time on a poor KHL team, and he was the last cut from Russia's WJC team after an undisciplined vicious penalty in the pre-tournament drew the ire of his coach. But at the end of the day, he's still a 6-foot-3 forward with elite speed and good hands who plays hard every shift. This season is starting to look like a write-off for Guryanov, but I could see him having a huge 2016-17.


50. Brendan Perlini, LW, Arizona Coyotes (Previous: 71)
Age: 19 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 205
Team: Niagara (OHL) | GP: 28 | G: 14 | A: 10

It is fitting Perlini ended up as the 50th-ranked prospect, because he is another hard player to get a read on. He bleeds upside, as a big man with lighting quick speed, good hands and a plus shot. However, his season hasn't been that impressive, with his OHL production dipping, and his WJC being lackluster at best. He gets involved in creating chances no matter the setting, but at some point you'd like to see him dominate a level. That hasn't happened yet.

Honorable mentions (alphabetical order):

Trevor Carrick, D, Carolina Hurricanes
Travis Dermott, D, Toronto Maple Leafs
Haydn Fleury, D, Carolina Hurricanes
Nikolai Goldobin, LW, San Jose Sharks
Noah Juulsen, D, Montreal Canadiens
Esa Lindell, D, Dallas Stars
Nick Merkley, RW, Arizona Coyotes
Josh Morrissey, D, Winnipeg Jets
Travis Sanheim, D, Philadelphia Flyers
Jake Walman, D, St. Louis Blues

 

Good read on Seabrook:
http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/1...hawks-d-man-brent-seabrook-quietly-stands-out


Anisimov is back tonight. Was originally going to hang back in Chicago for the canada road trip but flew up today. For as much as the Dallas trade sucked...the Columbus trade feels very nice. Got a #2 Center locked up for the next 5 years at a good cap hit. Just huge. In today's game much bigger deal than having a top 6 winger. And he fits into Q's system much better than I expected. If Dano becomes what the scouts say he will become then the trade is a homerun...for as much as we all loved Saad.

 

Hossa takes a stick to the face, looks bad.

 

Hawks looks beat, hanging on here thanks to Crow.

 

awful review overturn on that goal

no way it was conclusive

 

When did they start this review shit? Terrible

 

happened to Montreal in last years playoff, basically decided then it was going to be a new deal this year

 

Scuderi must be loving life lol

 

We should really take the year off and get a top pick to restock the farm system.

 

This team right now is as fun to watch as the 2013 streak. It's weird because it's kind of an anti-Hawks way they do it.

Dominant PP, rely on 1/2 lines with a dominant superstar and great goaltending. That isn't how they do it. Sounds more like the Capitals.

 

That Kane line is so filthy.

I turn in every night to watch it and I forget we still have Hossa and Toews on the top line.

Seriously blessed to be a Blackhawks fan.

Love that Crawford is making everyone eat shit for his contract he got a few years ago. He continues to improve that contract becomes a steal.

 

what are you showing us Tex

 

Captain's line been so good as of late

 

Watching the game. Drinking Bulleit rye. Wearing my new stadium series Hawks hoodie my girl got me. Go Hawks. Fuck Montreal. :)

 

88 and 72 so fucking good

 

I also have a large beard.

 

11 wins in a row that ties a franchise record...

 

Erik Gustafsson really is coming into his own... that's big

 

Check out Chicago’s 23-skater salary structure. Two players above $10M. Six above $5M. Twelve — more than half the team — underneath $1M. (Barring a miscount, that’s the most active guys below seven figures in the league right now.) Is that where we’re going, especially as the NHL gets younger?
“Very possible,” one GM said. Marko Dano and Ville Pokka, both close to ready, are under $1M for next season, too. In addition to drafting and developing well, what’s really helped the Blackhawks is how they’ve won or kept the rights to highly-recruited college (Kyle Baun, Michael Paliotta) and European
(Artemi Panarin) free agents, despite their success. Other teams try to “negative recruit,” telling these players they won’t get into the lineup. The Blackhawks convince them it will be no problem. Weeks after deciding not to test free agency and signing with Chicago, Paliotta went to Columbus in the trade that brought Patrick Kane and Panarin’s centreman, Artem Anisimov.

- Elliot Friedman

 

Teuvo snap out of it guy.

 

Anisimov!

 

that was pretty

 

Panik and Scuderi sending Stan gift baskets daily.

 

Anisimov is a beast. Great job Stan

 

that line's chemistry is unreal

brand new and havent even reached All Star break

 

Is Handzus' corpse available to win face-offs? We are mediocre there

 

Twice?