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Post by BigT on Jun 19, 2024 19:42:44 GMT -6
EDM more than likely makes the team this year. On JayZs show they had Soupy on. He said that’s the plan. He’s earned the right to have a chance in the NHL. So with Seth at 6’4”, Vlasic 6’6”, KK 6’2”, EDM 6’4”, Murphy 6’4”, plus Rinzel is looking the part of an NHL player at 6’4”. Alan 6’2”. This are all possibilities at this point. I have to think the D is close to being set. Sure there’s always a player or 2 that'll slide out. And a trade or 2 is possible. I just think too many feel that we have to have that #1 dman draft that’s right shot. All you need is a right shot to play with an awesome left shot. I believe the better approach is to do what Tallon did. The team in 2005/06 was void of forwards. No one thought that Keith and Seabs would become what they did. But they did because they were given the time to do so. So take forwards now. They’ve loaded up on D. They can add more and will. Draft right shot D in the 2nd round. Let them develop properly and you’ll see the results. Even the last GM selected a few decent Dmen in Vlasic, EDM and Allan. But they never rushed one of them. That’s what needs to happen again. There’s also 2 first rounders next year. They can take another D next year. I just think if the Hawks can get Demidov, and at 18 get Hage or Greentree. That’d help. Then take a D with one of the 2nd rounders. Take a d with Tampas pick next year. Or with the first pick take a D if he’s best available!!! pretty much where I am at. I vote 2 forwards in the first round now. there are d that will be there in the 2nd, imo. if they take Levshunov @ 2, then we need to trade up from either 18 or 34. if they take Demidov, I think we can wait @ 18 and get another good forward, then move up from 34. on a different note, I can't remember if this was mentioned before, but has anyone noticed how our picks lay out after the trade? 2(+16)18(+16)34(+16)50...and then 67. That’s crazy about the picks layout. Maybe it’s an omen? Anyways, I really do think the forwards need to be upgraded. Massively. I think the Hawks are fine on D. Not championship caliber yet. But give KK time to become a man. EDM is already a man. Vlasic is a man. They’ll all be good. The Hawks took the proper route with them. If EDM needs more time, so be it. Hawks don’t need another Dman to wait on. Even Levshunov can take up to 2-3 years to be ready. It happens all the time. Look at Buffalo’s defense. Lotsa promise there, but I fear they all were rushed!!!
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Post by mvr on Jun 19, 2024 20:07:10 GMT -6
Add Levshunov to the right side, and the entire defence is set up wonderfully for the next decade. Murphy would fill in for the next one to two years, and then Levshunov would be more than ready to take his spot. There would be real talent on both sides, and there would be plenty of depth.
The scouts tell us Levshunov's floor is a top four guy. He could eventually assume Jone's role on the top pairing.
Then the agenda would be to turn over every stone to find some legit centres and power wingers for the top six.
I keep coming back to Levshunov this year because the alternatives at the top of the draft don't excite me much. Demidov is likely a winger not a centre despite what his agent is trying to sell us. He is not a big guy. The centre Lindstrom has a scary injury. The best of the rest all are defencemen who shoot from the left side.
It is no good jamming square pegs into round holes. Levshunov will be available, and he fits a need.
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Post by vadarx on Jun 19, 2024 20:25:28 GMT -6
Add Levshunov to the right side, and the entire defence is set up wonderfully for the next decade. Murphy would fill in for the next one to two years, and then Levshunov would be more than ready to take his spot. There would be real talent on both sides, and there would be plenty of depth. The scouts tell us Levshunov's floor is a top four guy. He could eventually assume Jone's role on the top pairing. Then the agenda would be to turn over every stone to find some legit centres and power wingers for the top six. I keep coming back to Levshunov this year because the alternatives at the top of the draft don't excite me much. Demidov is likely a winger not a centre despite what his agent is trying to sell us. He is not a big guy. The centre Lindstrom has a scary injury. The best of the rest all are defencemen who shoot from the left side. It is no good jamming square pegs into round holes. Levshunov will be available, and he fits a need. that's fair, and likely the correct one if Demidov is not deemed to be a line driver. if he is, then I take him @ 2 and try and move up for a center or power forward type. if we can't move up, hopefully MBN or Hage drops to 18. if not them, Boisvert will likely be there or Eiserman drops to 18...
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Post by ukhawk on Jun 20, 2024 2:49:17 GMT -6
We don't have our D until we do. Aside from Vlassic, Jones, and Korch, who do we have that is a veritable lock for the top-4 and has proven it at the NHL level?Nothing we have aside from those three is guaranteed--and I'd even argue that not even those three are guaranteed even though I'm high on Vlassic being the backend anchor we needed since Hjammer left. That doesn't mean we absolutely should draft a D-man at #2, especially since below Celebrini all of the so-called experts are waffling like your average politician in an election year. The hole on D, much like the holes at forward, exist until they are filled, so if we do go for Demi, Lesh, trade, etc. and they fill a need that's great, but Kyle from Chicago can't ignore all of the other holes and should be working to fix them. So if we pick Demi, cool, but until/unless one or more of our prospects step up KD should be constantly looking. EDM more than likely makes the team this year. On JayZs show they had Soupy on. He said that’s the plan. He’s earned the right to have a chance in the NHL. So with Seth at 6’4”, Vlasic 6’6”, KK 6’2”, EDM 6’4”, Murphy 6’4”, plus Rinzel is looking the part of an NHL player at 6’4”. Alan 6’2”. This are all possibilities at this point. I have to think the D is close to being set. Sure there’s always a player or 2 that'll slide out. And a trade or 2 is possible. I just think too many feel that we have to have that #1 dman draft that’s right shot. All you need is a right shot to play with an awesome left shot. I believe the better approach is to do what Tallon did. The team in 2005/06 was void of forwards. No one thought that Keith and Seabs would become what they did. But they did because they were given the time to do so. So take forwards now. They’ve loaded up on D. They can add more and will. Draft right shot D in the 2nd round. Let them develop properly and you’ll see the results. Even the last GM selected a few decent Dmen in Vlasic, EDM and Allan. But they never rushed one of them. That’s what needs to happen again. There’s also 2 first rounders next year. They can take another D next year. I just think if the Hawks can get Demidov, and at 18 get Hage or Greentree. That’d help. Then take a D with one of the 2nd rounders. Take a d with Tampas pick next year. Or with the first pick take a D if he’s best available!!! Exactly this.
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Post by ukhawk on Jun 20, 2024 3:03:19 GMT -6
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Post by OldTimeHawky on Jun 20, 2024 4:32:55 GMT -6
Add Levshunov to the right side, and the entire defence is set up wonderfully for the next decade. Murphy would fill in for the next one to two years, and then Levshunov would be more than ready to take his spot. There would be real talent on both sides, and there would be plenty of depth. The scouts tell us Levshunov's floor is a top four guy. He could eventually assume Jone's role on the top pairing. Then the agenda would be to turn over every stone to find some legit centres and power wingers for the top six. I keep coming back to Levshunov this year because the alternatives at the top of the draft don't excite me much. Demidov is likely a winger not a centre despite what his agent is trying to sell us. He is not a big guy. The centre Lindstrom has a scary injury. The best of the rest all are defencemen who shoot from the left side. It is no good jamming square pegs into round holes. Levshunov will be available, and he fits a need. I'm ok drafting Levshunov but didn't Demidov recently say in an interview that he wants to be a center because he likes to play a 2way game? I don't think his agent said it, especially considering his English is good and he can speak for himself.
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Post by OldTimeHawky on Jun 20, 2024 4:50:03 GMT -6
We don't have our D until we do. Aside from Vlassic, Jones, and Korch, who do we have that is a veritable lock for the top-4 and has proven it at the NHL level?Nothing we have aside from those three is guaranteed--and I'd even argue that not even those three are guaranteed even though I'm high on Vlassic being the backend anchor we needed since Hjammer left. That doesn't mean we absolutely should draft a D-man at #2, especially since below Celebrini all of the so-called experts are waffling like your average politician in an election year. The hole on D, much like the holes at forward, exist until they are filled, so if we do go for Demi, Lesh, trade, etc. and they fill a need that's great, but Kyle from Chicago can't ignore all of the other holes and should be working to fix them. So if we pick Demi, cool, but until/unless one or more of our prospects step up KD should be constantly looking. EDM more than likely makes the team this year. On JayZs show they had Soupy on. He said that’s the plan. He’s earned the right to have a chance in the NHL. So with Seth at 6’4”, Vlasic 6’6”, KK 6’2”, EDM 6’4”, Murphy 6’4”, plus Rinzel is looking the part of an NHL player at 6’4”. Alan 6’2”. This are all possibilities at this point. I have to think the D is close to being set. Sure there’s always a player or 2 that'll slide out. And a trade or 2 is possible. I just think too many feel that we have to have that #1 dman draft that’s right shot. All you need is a right shot to play with an awesome left shot. I believe the better approach is to do what Tallon did. The team in 2005/06 was void of forwards. No one thought that Keith and Seabs would become what they did. But they did because they were given the time to do so. So take forwards now. They’ve loaded up on D. They can add more and will. Draft right shot D in the 2nd round. Let them develop properly and you’ll see the results. Even the last GM selected a few decent Dmen in Vlasic, EDM and Allan. But they never rushed one of them. That’s what needs to happen again. There’s also 2 first rounders next year. They can take another D next year. I just think if the Hawks can get Demidov, and at 18 get Hage or Greentree. That’d help. Then take a D with one of the 2nd rounders. Take a d with Tampas pick next year. Or with the first pick take a D if he’s best available!!! Team Canada at the World Juniors had Allan and Korchinski listed at 6'3", Korchinski might be closer to 6'4". And it's nice to see you're finally spelling Allan with two As but you forgot an L, you'll get it. And another dman the last guy drafted that everyone seems to forget is 6'7" 235lbs Harding, he's exactly what Chicago needs, huge smooth skating dman who loves to hit and he's a great fighter, plus he was a point a game as the captain of my hometown junior team. He'll turn pro after next season and quickly become a fan favorite, most likely in Rockford first. And the last two drafts KD mostly took forwards that'll have guys covering every line. So this draft he can draft the best player available and not have to fill positions needed.
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Post by mvr on Jun 20, 2024 5:18:36 GMT -6
Add Levshunov to the right side, and the entire defence is set up wonderfully for the next decade. Murphy would fill in for the next one to two years, and then Levshunov would be more than ready to take his spot. There would be real talent on both sides, and there would be plenty of depth. The scouts tell us Levshunov's floor is a top four guy. He could eventually assume Jone's role on the top pairing. Then the agenda would be to turn over every stone to find some legit centres and power wingers for the top six. I keep coming back to Levshunov this year because the alternatives at the top of the draft don't excite me much. Demidov is likely a winger not a centre despite what his agent is trying to sell us. He is not a big guy. The centre Lindstrom has a scary injury. The best of the rest all are defencemen who shoot from the left side. It is no good jamming square pegs into round holes. Levshunov will be available, and he fits a need. I'm ok drafting Levshunov but didn't Demidov recently say in an interview that he wants to be a center because he likes to play a 2way game? I don't think his agent said it, especially considering his English is good and he can speak for himself. The quote attributed to Demidov suggested he wants to play "like a centre." Given the translation issues, I don't really have confidence in what he means. Does he want to play centre? Does he want to continue on the wing but expand his responsibilities and play more of a centre role? The real issue is - can he do so and still be productive as a scorer? My concern - Does he have the physical build and emotional makeup to play a two-way game at the NHL level? We certainly have no real evidence that he can considering he has rarely played above the junior level and has no international tournament experience. We do know that Levshunov has for the most part adjusted favorably to playing with physically developed larger players older than him. There is an adjustment to playing to the pro game. The player's height and weight measurements come out today. Hopefully he is 6'1" and not 5'11." The Hawks already are loaded with small forwards - Bedard, Kurashev, Moore, Nazer, Ludwinski, Lardis, Kantersov etc. If Demidov could reach even league average size/weight and promises to fully commit himself to learning how to play centre, I'd be somewhat less concerned. Adding yet another small scoring winger is not going to move the needle here.
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Post by mvr on Jun 20, 2024 5:28:59 GMT -6
Or is the agent spreading disinformation on Demidov in hopes that he rises? How does Friedman know?
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Post by BigT on Jun 20, 2024 5:37:48 GMT -6
Most sites have KK at 6’1”. So we’ll see what he measures in at. Every site has Allan at 6’2”. I don’t believe they’re still growing. Too old for that. Even the Hawks site has KK at 6’1”.
Anyways. The Hawks D is well on its way. I doubt there’ll be another chance to pick this high. So if they pass up a shot at a game breaker for a guy that’ll more than likely be a top 4 dman. Hawks have plenty of them. When enough people are saying his ceiling isn’t very high, it’s concerning at #2.
Hawks need forward help a lot more at this point. My first 3 picks would be forwards and at least 2 with size. Hawks don’t need anymore smaller forwards. They have like 10 of them!!!
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Post by mvr on Jun 20, 2024 5:50:36 GMT -6
I remember being in awe watching this extended video on the great Alexander Nylander.
Nylander could make wonderful moves at the junior level; his skating and edges were world class and his stick work exceptional. At the time, he reminded me of the magician Martin Havlat at his absolute peak. No doubt Buffalo agreed - this is why they drafted him in the top ten.
But there were always questions about whether Nylander's game would translate to the pros. Unlike his older brother William, Alex Nylander did not seem committed to fight through traffic and absorb physical play. He could dazzle against smaller, less talented players, but he was too timid to translate that game to the NHL.
Skill is a big part of the game. No doubt about it. But it is only part of it.
When has Demidov demonstrated that he can play against men? The truth is that he has not. We won't know until we see him facing tougher and more physically-developed competition.
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Post by BigT on Jun 20, 2024 6:03:34 GMT -6
Or is the agent spreading disinformation on Demidov in hopes that he rises? How does Friedman know? I really don’t think there’s much to gain from his agent spreading misinformation. I believe it was the Habs as they want him bad. It may also be Anaheim. They want a forward to take over for Zegras, as they seek a trade for him!!!
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Post by mvr on Jun 20, 2024 6:15:16 GMT -6
When we look at 18 year old defencemen, it is a challenge to project what their ceiling might be five years from now.
Wingers tend to be closer to finished products. Defencemen have many years still to develop.
When the Hawks gambled on Adam Boqvist, they passed over what scouts believed were two others with higher floors but lower ceilings: Noah Dobson and Evan Bouchard. My feeling: take the high-floor defencemen every time. Scouts can't project what a defenceman will look like in five years.
If Levshunov is already a 6'2" 200 plus pound top-four right-shot defenceman at age 18, that's a great thing. The Hawks have won the hand; cash in the chips now and be happy with what you have.
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Post by ukhawk on Jun 20, 2024 6:17:34 GMT -6
Or is the agent spreading disinformation on Demidov in hopes that he rises? How does Friedman know? Wouldn't that be detrimental to his other clients in terms of trust with other Org's? Hopefully we see the Hawks own figures on the player soon.
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Post by mvr on Jun 20, 2024 6:24:05 GMT -6
The agent is motivated to maximize the return on his investment.
He wants NHL teams fighting over his player. When Demidov returns to Russia, the agent now has leverage to negotiate a better deal with his home team.
Is Demidov sincere about leaving Russia at the end of the year? Perhaps. But we have seen many Russian players using the NHL teams (including the Hawks) as a counterweight when negotiating new contracts at home. The Hawks' beat writer at the Athletic Scott Wheeler has been suckered in more than once as part of a Russian agent's negotiating ploy.
Spreading disinformation is part of an agent's job.
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Post by acesandeights on Jun 20, 2024 6:37:31 GMT -6
Here is the quote from Sean Shapiro about Demidov and centre. It's from mikeveisor's post back on the 18th.
"Demidov said despite being a winger, he’s wanted to work more like a centre in the defensive zone and improve his overall impact. He said he felt his explosiveness and agility can be a strength in all three zones, it can “surprise people.”
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Post by squishy24 on Jun 20, 2024 6:40:02 GMT -6
The agent is motivated to maximize the return on his investment. He wants NHL teams fighting over his player. When Demidov returns to Russia, the agent now has leverage to negotiate a better deal with his home team. Is Demidov sincere about leaving Russia at the end of the year? Perhaps. But we have seen many Russian players using the NHL teams (including the Hawks) as a counterweight when negotiating new contracts at home. The Hawks' beat writer at the Athletic Scott Wheeler has been suckered in more than once as part of a Russian agent's negotiating ploy. Spreading disinformation is part of an agent's job. “ Top 2024 NHL Draft prospect Ivan Demidov was dismissive when asked when he expects to move to North America in an interview with Scott Powers of The Athletic, saying only, “We’ll see what happens.” Demidov has been entrenched in rumors early in his hockey career, with many speculating that he and defenseman Artyom Levshunov are the top options for second overall. One of the few knocks against Demidov’s game has been his limited exposure to the KHL – instead playing nearly all of his hockey in the MHL, Russia’s U21 league. He similarly played off the question of whether he expects more KHL ice time next season, saying he wasn’t sure and likely wouldn’t know until after the draft. While neither answer was an outright no, Demidov’s uncertainty certainly doesn’t elicit excitement. He’ll remain an incredibly skilled player, surrounded by a litany of questions”
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Post by malagahawks on Jun 20, 2024 7:17:19 GMT -6
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Post by mvr on Jun 20, 2024 7:21:00 GMT -6
Please correct me if I am wrong.
The NHL has tight rules about entry level contracts. Young players are capped at a certain level for their first three years (unless they have previous professional experience). There are potential bonuses to reach, but even the star players such as Bedard max out at or around $3-3.5 M/year total, not including endorsements. Of course, few NHL rookies achieve their bonuses, which means most don't make more than $900 K /year. Take away the taxes, the league/agent fees etc. and the number is closer to $600 K (give or take).
Is it not conceivable that a young Russian phenom could make the same or perhaps more playing in the KHL for at least some of those years? Is this reality not part of the issue here? Many Russian hockey players deliberately have chosen to stay home until they are older and can negotiate a shorter entry level contract with the NHL team which drafted them.
Levshunov already lives in the US. He is not going to play in the KHL next year or in the future. With Demidov, we just don't know.
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Post by mvr on Jun 20, 2024 7:27:58 GMT -6
That's good news. At 192 pounds already. He will likely get to 200 pounds plus. Just about league average for a winger. This eliminates one concern.
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Post by acesandeights on Jun 20, 2024 13:18:51 GMT -6
Here's a few tidbits about Demidov and the Florida combine from a Hockey News article.
40-plus scouts and GM's attended. I'm adding this after posting: I watched part of a show where the host said Danny Wirtz was also there in Florida with the rest of the Hawks congregation.
"Demidov didn't skate due to a lower-body injury, but he was expected to do some off-ice gym exercises later on. He was also a very popular interview for NHL teams in attendance and physically bigger than anticipated."
"I did have to ask, however, if Demidov had a chance to watch any highlights of Chicago's Connor Bedard this season.
Yeah, I watched him," Demidov said with a smile. "Those toe-drags were unbelievable. I really like to watch that."
While Demidov said he doesn't have an NHL idol, there are players he likes to watch that he believes he plays a similar style to: Jack Hughes, Kirill Kaprizov and Nikita Kucherov. He prides himself on his hockey IQ, agility and shot, while he wants to continue getting more explosive and adding to his skills. For NHL talent hawks, there's a lot to like about the kid already.
Demidov got to watch the first two games of the Stanley Cup finals. "It was my first NHL game," he said. "It was crazy when Sergei Bobrovsky would make a save and the whole arena would chant 'Bob-by, Bob-by.' "
I'm adding this after posting also and this is from the same show that mentioned Danny Wirtz also went to FLA: This is related to Demidov speaking good English. A year or so ago Demidov had asked Dan Milstein what he could do to help become a high pick in the draft and Milstein told him he should learn English. So Demidov obviously followed his advice and has been learning English over the last year.
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Post by ebonyraptor on Jun 20, 2024 13:42:36 GMT -6
So far just about everything I hoped would go well at the Milstein Florida event has gone very well - he's bigger than expected, he speaks English, He left no doubt his intension is to finish out his Russian contract and immediately come to N.A. and sign his NHL contract and hopes to play in some NHL games next spring. The Hawks took him out to dinner so they should have gotten a good sense of his personality - especially with him speaking English so nothing is literally lost in translation.
Will it be enough to seal the deal in KD's mind? I hope so.
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Post by BigT on Jun 20, 2024 15:12:30 GMT -6
So far just about everything I hoped would go well at the Milstein Florida event has gone very well - he's bigger than expected, he speaks English, He left no doubt his intension is to finish out his Russian contract and immediately come to N.A. and sign his NHL contract and hopes to play in some NHL games next spring. The Hawks took him out to dinner so they should have gotten a good sense of his personality - especially with him speaking English so nothing is literally lost in translation. Will it be enough to seal the deal in KD's mind? I hope so. Every great team has that awesome 1-2 punch. Not taking anything away from dmen. But up front gotta have that combo of great players. They help to spread the offense around. Like putting Toews on line 1 and Kane on line 2. That team was so deep that the 3rd line was as good as a lot of teams top lines. I absolutely love the idea of Bedard/Demidov. There’s a very good chance the Hawks won’t pick this high again. So gotta look to a player that’s more impactful!!!
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Post by vadarx on Jun 20, 2024 16:02:30 GMT -6
pretty good q&a with Levshunov today in the Athletic. pretty easy to see why teams (and the scouts) like him so much: he is a good interview and very personable. I'm sure he has won over a lot of folks when he meets them in person.
here is the beginning of the article, which I believe illustrates part of the reason for his being ranked so high:
DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. — Artyom Levshunov doesn’t really know me. We shook hands at the NHL Scouting Combine and I asked him a few questions within a group of reporters. That was our only previous interaction.
But when Levshunov and I met this week for a sitdown interview in Florida, he immediately made me feel as if we went way back. He brings an ease and comfort to an interview setting that you don’t normally get with prospects or even many established players. And especially unlike most players, he showed an interest in what I had to say.
The Chicago Blackhawks are going to draft the player they believe will make them the best team in the future. But if you were judging simply on personality, it’d be hard not to choose Levshunov. He’s unique.
On Tuesday, Levshunov sat down with me for about 20 minutes to talk at BARWIS Performance Center in Florida. Just before our interview, he took a picture with fellow draft prospect Ivan Demidov. He put his arm around Demidov, drawing a laugh from both players.
Do you know Ivan at all?
A little bit, I met him like one week ago. When we went to the (Stanley Cup) Final game a little bit ago, they picked me up after the game. I stay with him and (other prospects) at the hotel.
here is another bit:
Whoever drafts you probably envisions you to be a No. 1 defenseman who plays 25-plus minutes and in all situations. Is that the type of player you see yourself being?
Yeah. I try to play both sides. I think so. I would like to be. I would like to play a lot on the ice. I like to play 25, maybe more (laughs). We’ll see, of course.
I’ve heard you’re someone who is the first on the ice and the last off the ice.
I just like to skate, yes, stay more on the ice, just like to shoot the pucks, skating with my teammates, doing extras on the ice. Why not if I have a chance to do this? I like to be more on the ice. I like to be in the gym, also. I like workouts.
What motivates you to do all that?
I just want to better myself. I want to get better all the time.
another note from that interview: it DEFINITELY feels like he isn't too keen on going back to school. he is here to play hockey, that much is for certain. if a team gives him a shot at playing in the AHL this coming season, I think he jumps at it.
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Post by ukhawk on Jun 20, 2024 16:14:34 GMT -6
Last year KD couldn't miss with the 1st pick, I suppose this draft is where he earns his $. Tough pick to make.
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Post by Hockey is great on Jun 20, 2024 16:19:32 GMT -6
Will say I prefer demidov but can’t really go wrong with whatever way they go
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Post by ebonyraptor on Jun 20, 2024 16:47:43 GMT -6
Just a crazy thought - with Waddell saying they're open to trading the #4 pick - how about KD offers the #2 pick for the #4 pick and Kent Johnson. Johnson seems to have fallen out of favor in Columbus and spent time in the AHL where he scored 15 points in 10 games after scoring only 16 points in 42 NHL games last season. He had a decent rookie season getting 40 points in 79 games. Most likely Columbus isn't ready to give up on Johnson yet but if they really want Demidov or Levshunov or Silayev - maybe there's a deal there to be worked out.
With the #4 pick the Hawks would have whichever player is still on the board - maybe it's still even Demidov. Another aspect of this possible trade is that Kent Johnson and Bedard are best buddies and play together in the Vancouver area every offseason.
Edit: I meant to start this with the notion that if KD isn't 100% sold on Demidov as I am. If he believes he's the BPA then he should draft him and not mess around with this trade proposal. If, on the other hand, he's not 100% sold on Demidov (or Levshunov) - then maybe this trade makes sense.
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Post by Nikos on Jun 20, 2024 17:22:45 GMT -6
Just a crazy thought - with Waddell saying they're open to trading the #4 pick - how about KD offers the #2 pick for the #4 pick and Kent Johnson. Johnson seems to have fallen out of favor in Columbus and spent time in the AHL where he scored 15 points in 10 games after scoring only 16 points in 42 NHL games last season. He had a decent rookie season getting 40 points in 79 games. Most likely Columbus isn't ready to give up on Johnson yet but if they really want Demidov or Levshunov or Silayev - maybe there's a deal there to be worked out. With the #4 pick the Hawks would have whichever player is still on the board - maybe it's still even Demidov. Another aspect of this possible trade is that Kent Johnson and Bedard are best buddies and play together in the Vancouver area every offseason. Edit: I meant to start this with the notion that if KD isn't 100% sold on Demidov as I am. If he believes he's the BPA then he should draft him and not mess around with this trade proposal. If, on the other hand, he's not 100% sold on Demidov (or Levshunov) - then maybe this trade makes sense. Columbus probably makes that deal, just not sure If Hawks and KD make unless they feel those three players you mentioned are essentially equal. I understand the past chemistry between Bedard and Johnson could be a plus, although Connor Brown and McDavid really did not work out so far and even Drouin and MacKinnon have not really taken off yet, now Drouin playing much better last year with career high 56 points in 79 games played. The team that is most tied to Demidov other than Hawks is Montreal if you believe the reports out there. I know some have mentioned swapping picks with Canadiens and Beck or Reinbacher coming back.
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Post by 2old4this on Jun 20, 2024 20:02:24 GMT -6
I'm ok drafting Levshunov but didn't Demidov recently say in an interview that he wants to be a center because he likes to play a 2way game? I don't think his agent said it, especially considering his English is good and he can speak for himself. The quote attributed to Demidov suggested he wants to play "like a centre." Given the translation issues, I don't really have confidence in what he means. Does he want to play centre? Does he want to continue on the wing but expand his responsibilities and play more of a centre role? The real issue is - can he do so and still be productive as a scorer? My concern - Does he have the physical build and emotional makeup to play a two-way game at the NHL level? We certainly have no real evidence that he can considering he has rarely played above the junior level and has no international tournament experience. We do know that Levshunov has for the most part adjusted favorably to playing with physically developed larger players older than him. There is an adjustment to playing to the pro game. The player's height and weight measurements come out today. Hopefully he is 6'1" and not 5'11." The Hawks already are loaded with small forwards - Bedard, Kurashev, Moore, Nazer, Ludwinski, Lardis, Kantersov etc. If Demidov could reach even league average size/weight and promises to fully commit himself to learning how to play centre, I'd be somewhat less concerned. Adding yet another small scoring winger is not going to move the needle here. added by 2old4 this: most males stop gaining height ay the time they are sixteen or so, but some may continue to grow another inch or so in their late teens. So we can always hope.
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Post by OldTimeHawky on Jun 20, 2024 20:34:23 GMT -6
The quote attributed to Demidov suggested he wants to play "like a centre." Given the translation issues, I don't really have confidence in what he means. Does he want to play centre? Does he want to continue on the wing but expand his responsibilities and play more of a centre role? The real issue is - can he do so and still be productive as a scorer? My concern - Does he have the physical build and emotional makeup to play a two-way game at the NHL level? We certainly have no real evidence that he can considering he has rarely played above the junior level and has no international tournament experience. We do know that Levshunov has for the most part adjusted favorably to playing with physically developed larger players older than him. There is an adjustment to playing to the pro game. The player's height and weight measurements come out today. Hopefully he is 6'1" and not 5'11." The Hawks already are loaded with small forwards - Bedard, Kurashev, Moore, Nazer, Ludwinski, Lardis, Kantersov etc. If Demidov could reach even league average size/weight and promises to fully commit himself to learning how to play centre, I'd be somewhat less concerned. Adding yet another small scoring winger is not going to move the needle here. added by 2old4 this: most males stop gaining height ay the time they are sixteen or so, but some may continue to grow another inch or so in their late teens. So we can always hope. I Googled it and it says men usually stop growing around 18 but some can grow till their early 20s. I've never heard 16 before, when I was 16 I was 6'1", stopped growing at 19 when I got to 6'3". When Korchinski was 16 he was 5'11" 170lbs, Crevier was 6'1" at 16.
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