Official Blackhawks 2024 Offseason Thread-Bedard owns Chicago

[blackpep72]

RIP Oilers.

 

[LordKOTL]

Nice take.....I'm hoping for stingy-D.... AND lights-out goal tending............Am l asking for too much?.....lol........maybe 25 shots against per game.

Since the 2005 lockout the best the 'hawks team D managed was 25.1 SA/GP in 2010. The 2nd best was 26.1 in 2013.

2013 is the best example of stingy goaltending with Crawford posting a .926/Emery posting a .922. 2010 had Niemi at .912 and Huet at .895.

Per your hopes, consider the top-4 D's we had in those years: Keith/Seabrook/Hjammer, and then either Campbell or Oduya, not to mention Toews, Sharp, Bolland, and of course Hossa up front.

Getting that level of Stingy D will take a lot given the players who cause it to happen.

And conversely, in 2015 that very same D let 30.2 SA/GP, but Crawford posted a .924, with help from Raanta and Darling (but unlike Emery or Huet, they each played less than 1/4 of a season but posted .936 so the stats may not be normalized).

I think either stingy goaltending or stingy team D will work, both is better . I also think that we will need more defensive-minded FWDs as well to round things out. Right now we don't really have anyone up front who is long-term NHL level that is within Jock-smelling distance of Bolland or Kruger, much less Sharp, Toews, or Hossa.

EDIT:

Interesting factoid I just came across.

As a whole-team measure:

GA/GP from the 2005 lockout: the best 3 'hawk teams in order were 2013 (2.20), 2015 (2.27), and then 2010 (2.48)
GF/GP from the 2005 lockout: the best 3 'hawk teams in order were 2019 (3.26), 2010 (3.20), and then 2014 (3.18)

2014 had a respectable 2.59 GA/GP. 2019 had a horrendous 3.55 GA/GP. Meanwhile 2013 and 2015 had GF/GP of 3.10 and 2.68, respectively.

I think there's a lot to be said about the axiom "Offense sells tickets, defense wins championships".

 

[UChiLAbear]

Since the 2005 lockout the best the 'hawks team D managed was 25.1 SA/GP in 2010. The 2nd best was 26.1 in 2013.

2013 is the best example of stingy goaltending with Crawford posting a .926/Emery posting a .922. 2010 had Niemi at .912 and Huet at .895.

Per your hopes, consider the top-4 D's we had in those years: Keith/Seabrook/Hjammer, and then either Campbell or Oduya, not to mention Toews, Sharp, Bolland, and of course Hossa up front.

Getting that level of Stingy D will take a lot given the players who cause it to happen.

And conversely, in 2015 that very same D let 30.2 SA/GP, but Crawford posted a .924, with help from Raanta and Darling (but unlike Emery or Huet, they each played less than 1/4 of a season but posted .936 so the stats may not be normalized).

I think either stingy goaltending or stingy team D will work, both is better . I also think that we will need more defensive-minded FWDs as well to round things out. Right now we don't really have anyone up front who is long-term NHL level that is within Jock-smelling distance of Bolland or Kruger, much less Sharp, Toews, or Hossa.

EDIT:

Interesting factoid I just came across.

As a whole-team measure:

GA/GP from the 2005 lockout: the best 3 'hawk teams in order were 2013 (2.20), 2015 (2.27), and then 2010 (2.48)
GF/GP from the 2005 lockout: the best 3 'hawk teams in order were 2019 (3.26), 2010 (3.20), and then 2014 (3.18)

2014 had a respectable 2.59 GA/GP. 2019 had a horrendous 3.55 GA/GP. Meanwhile 2013 and 2015 had GF/GP of 3.10 and 2.68, respectively.

I think there's a lot to be said about the axiom "Offense sells tickets, defense wins championships".

It's no coincidence that the 3 best GA BH teams won the Cup. And the 2010 team was great...it's too bad the Cap f'd things up. But yes my point is a great D with a very good O at the least. Your last sentence is golden imo......And you hit the nail on the head about the Fs needing to step up and get a 200 ft. Checking game. Definitely a weakness. Imo most of the Fs drafted by KD are 2-way playahs...especially this year's draft. Thanks again for the stats. I really enjoy them. And as I say on the Bears' board to the Fantasy Football people....lol....I understand stats are a gauge, not an instrument.

 

[MassHavoc]

Inside top prospect Artyom Levshunov's journey from Belarus to Blackhawks

Just over two years ago, Levshunov was a total unknown in the hockey world. Now the muscular defenseman is Belarus' highest-drafted prospect and the future cornerstone of the Hawks' defense. Here's how he got to this point and where he's headed next.

chicago.suntimes.com

 

[LordKOTL]

It's no coincidence that the 3 best GA BH teams won the Cup. And the 2010 team was great...it's too bad the Cap f'd things up. But yes my point is a great D with a very good O at the least. Your last sentence is golden imo......And you hit the nail on the head about the Fs needing to step up and get a 200 ft. Checking game. Definitely a weakness. Imo most of the Fs drafted by KD are 2-way playahs...especially this year's draft. Thanks again for the stats. I really enjoy them. And as I say on the Bears' board to the Fantasy Football people....lol....I understand stats are a gauge, not an instrument.

100%.

The only caution is that in the same vein that a guy like Marcus Kruger would have never been an offensive juggernaut, the same applies conversely: Patrick Kane will never be a defensive juggernaut.

The same might apply to Bedard.

That being said, like Kane, Bedard just needs to up his D-game enough to not shoot the team in the foot if he is an O-biased player.

I am hoping that the 2-way players KfC drafted translate their game to the NHL.

 

[UChiLAbear]

100%.

The only caution is that in the same vein that a guy like Marcus Kruger would have never been an offensive juggernaut, the same applies conversely: Patrick Kane will never be a defensive juggernaut.

The same might apply to Bedard.

That being said, like Kane, Bedard just needs to up his D-game enough to not shoot the team in the foot if he is an O-biased player.

I am hoping that the 2-way players KfC drafted translate their game to the NHL.

Not only Kruger, but Madden, Shaw, Eager, Frolik, Smith and Carcillo. Not that all were on the same Cup teams, but it's crucial to have those style of players whose main job is to check and defend the opponent's Top Line. Not to mention the PK. Crucial also is to make sure that 4th Line C is very good or better on FOs. Madden (2010) Kruger (2013, 2015) between those two and Toews, many a FO was won. Imo, fans don't seem to realize how important it is to have great FO guys. But I may be wrong about that. Maybe they do but it's not in conversations much. My take is having 4th Line players is about disrupting the opponent's O. Any scoring from the 4th Line is just 'gravey.'

 

[Raskolnikov]

I can't believe Stan gets to work and Q took the fall for a player outside his top 20 players to manage.
Robbed Q of wins record.

 

[MassHavoc]

I can't believe Stan gets to work and Q took the fall for a player outside his top 20 players to manage.
Robbed Q of wins record.

True but I believe his suspension was taken back as well. So he can work now but is just old and probably doesn't want to?

 

[Raskolnikov]

True but I believe his suspension was taken back as well. So he can work now but is just old and probably doesn't want to?

Should have been his Panthers capstone and another 150 wins.

 

[MassHavoc]

Pat Maroon preparing to fill distinct role in Blackhawks' new-look lineup

Maroon's signing flew under the radar on July 1, but the three-time Stanley Cup champion perfectly fits the Hawks' desire for clearer roles for their forwards. He'll likely become primary enforcer if he can overcome some lingering back issues.

chicago.suntimes.com

 

[Raskolnikov]

When is the expiration date for crying about Demidov?

I feel like an opportunity was presented to have Gretsky AND Ovechkin in their prime together, and the Blackhawks were like "nah, let's add an 8th 6'4" inch right handed defenseman to the farm system instead and hope 2 or 3 stick." (Kane and Panarin is probably a better comparison fairly close to reality)

Biggest mistake since Panarin.

Not having a real hockey GM finally burnt us. I thought it was a lay up or I would have spoken up pre-draft.

Every time I see a habs article and realize how giddy they are I cry.

 

[LordKOTL]

When is the expiration date for crying about Demidov?

I feel like an opportunity was presented to have Gretsky AND Ovechkin in their prime together, and the Blackhawks were like "nah, let's add an 8th 6'4" inch right handed defenseman to the farm system instead and hope 2 or 3 stick." (Kane and Panarin is probably a better comparison fairly close to reality)

Biggest mistake since Panarin.

Not having a real hockey GM finally burnt us. I thought it was a lay up or I would have spoken up pre-draft.

Every time I see a habs article and realize how giddy they are I cry.

Offense sells tickets, defense wins championships. Edmonton is proving that and I think this coming season is their last window of opportunity. It just proves how instrumental guys like Keith, Seabrook, Hjammer, Toews, Hossa, etc. were in our cup wins.

 

[playthrough2001]

From Pronman at The Athletic:

“Chicago Blackhawks rank number 1 in 2024 NHL pipeline rankings.

Chicago’s system is characterized by 1) how top-heavy its premium talent is and 2) how deep its system is overall. The Blackhawks made a lot of picks in the last few years. The result is 17 prospects projected to be legit NHL players and the No. 1 overall pipeline. They are led by a potential star center in Connor Bedardand a potential star defenseman in Artyom Levshunov.

Chicago probably needs a few more high picks to round out the premium talent in this organization and give Bedard some scoring support up front, but there is a foundation of a potential contender steadily being built here.

Key additions: Artyom Levshunov, Sacha Boisvert, Marek Vanacker, John Mustard

Key graduate: Alex Vlasic

2023 ranking: 2

2024 NHL Draft grade: A

Player Ranking​

1. Connor Bedard, C

July 17, 2005 | 5-foot-10 | 185 pounds | Shoots right

Drafted: No. 1 in 2023
Tier: Elite NHL player

Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: Elite
Hockey sense: High-end
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Elite

Analysis: Bedard was the best rookie in the NHL. His pure offensive tools are off-the-charts good, and he can make special plays around the puck consistently. He has among the best puck skills in the NHL, and the ability to beat most defenders 1v1. He makes a ton of highly creative plays through opponents and to teammates. He’s a great passer who makes unique plays, but his shot is much more of a threat. He’s a lethal midrange shooter who can project to have multiple 40-plus-goal seasons. He has the ability to terrorize defenses on the power play with the multiple ways he can beat them. Bedard is a small center and isn’t an elite speedster for a small guy, but he moves well and is very elusive in tight areas. He competes hard and doesn’t get pushed around. He projects as a true superstar in the NHL.

2. Artyom Levshunov, D

October 28, 2005 | 6-foot-2 | 205 pounds | Shoots right

Drafted: No. 2 in 2024
Tier: Bubble elite NHL player and NHL All-Star

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: High-end
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Analysis: Levshunov was the best defenseman in the Big Ten this season and a big part of why Michigan State is a top team. He is extremely skilled and creative, both as a puckhandler and passer. He has the hands of a top offensive defenseman and looks very comfortable with the puck. He skates well and can play an up-tempo style in how he attacks with his skill. He has the offensive sense to potentially run a PP1 in the NHL and has a good point shot, too. His defensive play doesn’t stand out as much, particularly because he tries to attack so much, but he can make stops due to his athleticism and has physicality in his game. He is too aggressive at times and plays too much like a forward for some scouts’ liking. He makes enough stops to ease most evaluators’ concerns given how much offense he brings. He has the potential to be an impact NHL defenseman who scores at a premium level.

3. Kevin Korchinski, D

June 21, 2004 | 6-foot-1 | 185 pounds | Shoots left

Drafted: No. 7 in 2022
Tier: Bubble top and middle of the lineup player

Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Below NHL average

Analysis: Korchinski had an up-and-down rookie NHL season which is to be expected of any teenage defenseman. There is no doubting the tools Korchinski has. He’s a fantastic skater for a big man, with clear NHL footspeed and edge work. His ability to turn pucks up ice with his feet is a differentiator. He is quite skilled and creative with the puck, sees the ice well and creates a lot of offensive chances due to his feet and brain. He has clear NHL offense, but whether he can defend has always been the question on Korchinski. He shies from physical play and doesn’t always give a strong defensive effort. He’s such a good athlete you figure a coach can carve him into a competent defender, and he projects as a quality top-four defenseman.

Continued at the link below:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/56...ine-rankings-2024/?source=user_shared_articleChicago Blackhawks rank No. 1 in NHL Pipeline Rankings for 2024

 

[UChiLAbear]

From Pronman at The Athletic:

“Chicago Blackhawks rank number 1 in 2024 NHL pipeline rankings.

Chicago’s system is characterized by 1) how top-heavy its premium talent is and 2) how deep its system is overall. The Blackhawks made a lot of picks in the last few years. The result is 17 prospects projected to be legit NHL players and the No. 1 overall pipeline. They are led by a potential star center in Connor Bedardand a potential star defenseman in Artyom Levshunov.

Chicago probably needs a few more high picks to round out the premium talent in this organization and give Bedard some scoring support up front, but there is a foundation of a potential contender steadily being built here.

Key additions: Artyom Levshunov, Sacha Boisvert, Marek Vanacker, John Mustard

Key graduate: Alex Vlasic

2023 ranking: 2

2024 NHL Draft grade: A

Player Ranking​

1. Connor Bedard, C

July 17, 2005 | 5-foot-10 | 185 pounds | Shoots right

Drafted: No. 1 in 2023
Tier: Elite NHL player

Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: Elite
Hockey sense: High-end
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Elite

Analysis: Bedard was the best rookie in the NHL. His pure offensive tools are off-the-charts good, and he can make special plays around the puck consistently. He has among the best puck skills in the NHL, and the ability to beat most defenders 1v1. He makes a ton of highly creative plays through opponents and to teammates. He’s a great passer who makes unique plays, but his shot is much more of a threat. He’s a lethal midrange shooter who can project to have multiple 40-plus-goal seasons. He has the ability to terrorize defenses on the power play with the multiple ways he can beat them. Bedard is a small center and isn’t an elite speedster for a small guy, but he moves well and is very elusive in tight areas. He competes hard and doesn’t get pushed around. He projects as a true superstar in the NHL.

2. Artyom Levshunov, D

October 28, 2005 | 6-foot-2 | 205 pounds | Shoots right

Drafted: No. 2 in 2024
Tier: Bubble elite NHL player and NHL All-Star

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: High-end
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Analysis: Levshunov was the best defenseman in the Big Ten this season and a big part of why Michigan State is a top team. He is extremely skilled and creative, both as a puckhandler and passer. He has the hands of a top offensive defenseman and looks very comfortable with the puck. He skates well and can play an up-tempo style in how he attacks with his skill. He has the offensive sense to potentially run a PP1 in the NHL and has a good point shot, too. His defensive play doesn’t stand out as much, particularly because he tries to attack so much, but he can make stops due to his athleticism and has physicality in his game. He is too aggressive at times and plays too much like a forward for some scouts’ liking. He makes enough stops to ease most evaluators’ concerns given how much offense he brings. He has the potential to be an impact NHL defenseman who scores at a premium level.

3. Kevin Korchinski, D

June 21, 2004 | 6-foot-1 | 185 pounds | Shoots left

Drafted: No. 7 in 2022
Tier: Bubble top and middle of the lineup player

Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Below NHL average

Analysis: Korchinski had an up-and-down rookie NHL season which is to be expected of any teenage defenseman. There is no doubting the tools Korchinski has. He’s a fantastic skater for a big man, with clear NHL footspeed and edge work. His ability to turn pucks up ice with his feet is a differentiator. He is quite skilled and creative with the puck, sees the ice well and creates a lot of offensive chances due to his feet and brain. He has clear NHL offense, but whether he can defend has always been the question on Korchinski. He shies from physical play and doesn’t always give a strong defensive effort. He’s such a good athlete you figure a coach can carve him into a competent defender, and he projects as a quality top-four defenseman.

Continued at the link below:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/56...ine-rankings-2024/?source=user_shared_articleChicago Blackhawks rank No. 1 in NHL Pipeline Rankings for 2024

Thanks for the post...

 

[ytsejam]

I don't see how Bedard is considered a prospect though.

 

[UChiLAbear]

I don't see how Bedard is considered a prospect though.

I would think prospect means much more room to grow as a playah....but anyone's guess as what prospect means.

 

[LordKOTL]

From Pronman at The Athletic:

“Chicago Blackhawks rank number 1 in 2024 NHL pipeline rankings.

Chicago’s system is characterized by 1) how top-heavy its premium talent is and 2) how deep its system is overall. The Blackhawks made a lot of picks in the last few years. The result is 17 prospects projected to be legit NHL players and the No. 1 overall pipeline. They are led by a potential star center in Connor Bedardand a potential star defenseman in Artyom Levshunov.

Chicago probably needs a few more high picks to round out the premium talent in this organization and give Bedard some scoring support up front, but there is a foundation of a potential contender steadily being built here.

Key additions: Artyom Levshunov, Sacha Boisvert, Marek Vanacker, John Mustard

Key graduate: Alex Vlasic

2023 ranking: 2

2024 NHL Draft grade: A

Player Ranking​

1. Connor Bedard, C

July 17, 2005 | 5-foot-10 | 185 pounds | Shoots right

Drafted: No. 1 in 2023
Tier: Elite NHL player

Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: Elite
Hockey sense: High-end
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Elite

Analysis: Bedard was the best rookie in the NHL. His pure offensive tools are off-the-charts good, and he can make special plays around the puck consistently. He has among the best puck skills in the NHL, and the ability to beat most defenders 1v1. He makes a ton of highly creative plays through opponents and to teammates. He’s a great passer who makes unique plays, but his shot is much more of a threat. He’s a lethal midrange shooter who can project to have multiple 40-plus-goal seasons. He has the ability to terrorize defenses on the power play with the multiple ways he can beat them. Bedard is a small center and isn’t an elite speedster for a small guy, but he moves well and is very elusive in tight areas. He competes hard and doesn’t get pushed around. He projects as a true superstar in the NHL.

2. Artyom Levshunov, D

October 28, 2005 | 6-foot-2 | 205 pounds | Shoots right

Drafted: No. 2 in 2024
Tier: Bubble elite NHL player and NHL All-Star

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: High-end
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Analysis: Levshunov was the best defenseman in the Big Ten this season and a big part of why Michigan State is a top team. He is extremely skilled and creative, both as a puckhandler and passer. He has the hands of a top offensive defenseman and looks very comfortable with the puck. He skates well and can play an up-tempo style in how he attacks with his skill. He has the offensive sense to potentially run a PP1 in the NHL and has a good point shot, too. His defensive play doesn’t stand out as much, particularly because he tries to attack so much, but he can make stops due to his athleticism and has physicality in his game. He is too aggressive at times and plays too much like a forward for some scouts’ liking. He makes enough stops to ease most evaluators’ concerns given how much offense he brings. He has the potential to be an impact NHL defenseman who scores at a premium level.

3. Kevin Korchinski, D

June 21, 2004 | 6-foot-1 | 185 pounds | Shoots left

Drafted: No. 7 in 2022
Tier: Bubble top and middle of the lineup player

Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Below NHL average

Analysis: Korchinski had an up-and-down rookie NHL season which is to be expected of any teenage defenseman. There is no doubting the tools Korchinski has. He’s a fantastic skater for a big man, with clear NHL footspeed and edge work. His ability to turn pucks up ice with his feet is a differentiator. He is quite skilled and creative with the puck, sees the ice well and creates a lot of offensive chances due to his feet and brain. He has clear NHL offense, but whether he can defend has always been the question on Korchinski. He shies from physical play and doesn’t always give a strong defensive effort. He’s such a good athlete you figure a coach can carve him into a competent defender, and he projects as a quality top-four defenseman.

Continued at the link below:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/56...ine-rankings-2024/?source=user_shared_articleChicago Blackhawks rank No. 1 in NHL Pipeline Rankings for 2024

Thanks for posting this. I read the whole thing earlier and even thugh it's not shown in the snippet you posted, I have no clue what they are on: How in the hell is Korch's compete level ranked below NHL average but Reichel's is ranked at NHL average? I mean, I get the argument that Korch needs more compete--I'm not arguing that, but Reichel pretty much mailed the year in.

*EDIT*

Here's the snip:

4. Lukas Reichel, LW

May 17, 2002 | 6 feet | 170 pounds | Shoots left

Drafted: No. 17 in 2020
Tier: Middle of the lineup player

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Analysis: Reichel had a so-so season where he struggled to replicate his prior NHL success although he was good for Germany at the men’s worlds. Reichel is a talented forward who still has a lot of potential. He has a ton of individual skill, he’s a strong skater and he can create a lot of offense with pace. He can make tough plays and finish chances. Reichel’s compete isn’t a selling point; it’s good enough but he can drift to the perimeter. There are a lot of indicators he can be a middle-six forward who can help a power play.

I disagree with the synopsis. Reichel's' compete is not good enough and he needs to stop drifting to the perimeter and bring his hard hat and work boots every game. If he doesn't improve it, he's going to be another Nylander the Lesser. He doesn't have the size or grit for the bottom half of the lineup so unless he sticks in the top half he's likely going back to Europe.

 

[MassHavoc]

I think that pipeline article shows what I've been saying (and other agreeing with) that the high draft picks quantity has been so important to "hit" on with value. The tendency and knee jerk in the past from some GMs around the league is to build to as many picks as possible in order to swing for the fences and hope you hit on enough and not worry about the rest because you only have so many roster spots. I think lucking out with Bedard has allowed the conservative approach to gathering picks and taking quality will pay off with articles like this pipeline detail.

The approach seems to be really health for this club in that they still have enough to hit home runs, and the rest will be quality enough that even if they can't break into our lineup, they will be super valuable trade capital especially at a trade deadline when we're trying to make a cup push or reduce the impact of a key injury down the road when they are competitive. I've said all along that the goal of the GM is to get as many players into the NHL as possible, regardless of what team they play for, sets precedence and trade value for your players higher too.

 

[Diehardfan]

As far as Reichel goes....some players take longer to click than others. Duncan Keith was barely mediocre till he was 24. I think we will find out a lot more about him this year. He's still only 22. And if he doesn't work out....well, you're not gonna strike gold on every pick no matter how high it is.

 

[UChiLAbear]

As far as Reichel goes....some players take longer to click than others. Duncan Keith was barely mediocre till he was 24. I think we will find out a lot more about him this year. He's still only 22. And if he doesn't work out....well, you're not gonna strike gold on every pick no matter how high it is.

Same as everyone else I too was disappointed in Reichel. But you're right about not giving up on him just yet. Definitely agree with your quote..."He's still only 22."