2019 NHL Draft Profile: Trevor Zegras
In our fifth draft prospect profile, we stay at the forward position. To date we have profiled:
Now we’ll examine another center, Trevor Zegras.
Center
USNTDP
6-0, 166 pounds
Ranked #10 by HOCKEYPROSPECT.COM
Ranked #10 by FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Ranked #9 by ISS HOCKEY
Ranked #7 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #7 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)
Ranked #10 by TSN/McKenzie
- From EliteProspects.com:
Trevor Zegras is an elite two-way forward that can play both wing and center. His pro-level mobility is the foundation of his game, supplementing an in-transition speed that shifts the pace of play. He knows how to get under the skin of opponents and will actively seek out opportunities to lay the body and create separation, all the while staying attentive to the unfolding play. This unique aspect of his game makes him difficult and frustrating to play against. His ability to finish and create plays is undoubtedly the hallmark of his game, as he is one of the major dynamos of his draft class. He is a dangerous scoring threat anywhere below the blue line and his vision matched with his net-drive propels him into positions that create high percentage opportunities. Defensively astute and proactive, he sees the lanes that his opponents do and will do his best to force the puck along the wall where he is at his best. All-in-all, Zegras is one of those special buzzsaw-type players that can excel in key roles and perform under pressure. (Curtis Joe, EP 2019)
- From DobberHockey.com:
Zegras is a creative player with exciting puck skills. He blends good speed with unique lines to cause separation through the neutral zone and distribute effectively to his mates. Playing behind Jack Hughes for the last two seasons has muffled his hype, but he’s been dynamite as the 2C with The Program. His patience with the puck allows his vision to take over. Has been at his best while playing against NCAA competition and on the international stage. Possesses all the ingredients for a productive top-six future. Cam Robinson
- From TheDraftAnalyst.com:
Slick playmaking center with exceptional hockey sense who took over the under-17 NTDP’s top line after Jack Hughes and Alex Turcotte were promoted. Zegras, who is committed to Boston University, is very dangerous with the puck and appears quite comfortable handling the responsibilities inherent in leading a talented squad’s offense. He is both crafty and fancy with the puck, and his passes almost always are on the tape with authority. Zegras’s pass accuracy remains consistent anywhere on the ice and he’s just as dangerous threading the needle while manning the half wall as he is in open ice. His ability to stickhandle while keeping his head up allows him to be the first to identify trailers or back-door cutters, and Zegras will use no-look centering passes on the power play to exploit an open passing lane. He’s also capable of tricking goalies with a hard, accurate shot that he can tuck under the bar from bad angles.
Zegras plays engaged with or without the puck and stays in motion in all three zones. He locks in on the puck regardless of where it is or whether or not he’s in control. Once he’s corralled it, Zegras can use a variety of stutter steps, gear changes or pirouettes to motor past or through traffic. His agility is outstanding, and he always seems to make the right reads when anticipating puck travel. Zegras is a strong skater with very good straight-line speed who can stay low to the ice and maintain his balance as he zips through the neutral zone into opposing territory. His zone entries are clean and designed to create time and space while maintaining possession. He is very good on faceoffs and will play physical along the boards.
- From LastWordonHockey.com:
Skating
Zegras is a very good skater. His speed is very good. However, it is his first step quickness and acceleration that set him apart. He can use his ability to change speeds to elude defenders and beat them in one-on-one situations. Once he gets a step on a defender he can accelerate to the net. His agility and edgework are elite. Zegras can change directions on a dime and make quick cuts. He has decent balance and can fight through checks at the junior level but needs to get stronger to be able to work down low at the pro level.
Offensive Game
Zegras marries his skating ability with the ability to handle the puck and make plays at top speed. He has very good vision and passing skill, helping him to be a primary playmaker on his line. He also has a high hockey IQ and good vision. Zegras anticipates the movements of his teammates and opponents, allowing him to find the open man and create quality scoring chances. He can make tape-to-tape passes through tight areas as well as make a saucer pass to a teammate. Zegras is especially effective on the power play, where he can run the play off the half-boards.
While best known as a playmaker, he can score goals with soft hands in tight to the net. Zegras has good hand-eye coordination and can tip in shots and pounce on rebounds. His wrist shot has decent strength and is very accurate. He has a quick release and can fool goaltenders. Zegras could use some more muscle on his slap shot. Zegras plays a bit of a perimeter game in the offensive zone though. He could stand to get more involved in the dirty areas of the ice.
Defensive Game
Zegras works hard in his own end of the ice. He backchecks hard and supports the defence down low. He uses his quickness and an active stick to create turnovers. Once the puck does change possession, he transitions quickly to offence. Zegras has good positioning and seems to always be on the right side of the puck. He is also good in the face-off circle. Zegras isn’t the biggest hitter but is willing to get involved in puck battles and board work in his own end. He also uses his smarts, positioning, and anticipation to be effective in his own end of the rink.
Projection and Comparison
Zegras has the potential to be an effective two-way forward in the NHL. He will need some time to develop though. Heading to the NCAA will give him the time to bulk up and get stronger before heading to the pro game. If a team is willing to be patient, they could end up with a very effective player. While he projects as a centre, he has spent time on the wing as well. Zegras’ game is reminiscent of Evgeny Kuznetsov. This is a stylistic comparison though, not one based on talent level.
Lots of skill and potential but size and developening that is still required makes me hope at no.3 it’s somebody else.
Same size as Sikura. We don’t need another smurf. Next.
Great talent. 2 way forward. I still take Cozens. He’s bigger, better, and he’s immediately available. That zebras wants to go to BU first is also a deal breaker.
Would be a good pick at 5-8 but we are too high. Like him a lot but he’s not up there with any of the other players. Though I personally like Zegras better than Dach.
lol – another smurf.
Don’t worry. Hawks will not select him at #3. If they think he has a lot of upside and is a good fit, they can trade down to get him. Will probably go 6-9.
All of us have read that Dach is a little slow with his first step. Yet Central Scouting ranks him as the 3rd best N. American skater. Dach is bigger and stronger than Zegras. The Hawks are small and need some size. Probably means that Dach or Cozens would be #3. I still like Pod the most, if there is a guarantee he will join this year.
Analyzing size only is short-sighted. Wayne Gretzky was 5-11, as were zillions of amazing players. He’s 1 inch shorter than Toews. This kid is a freaking awesome player. Saw him play live 2 times and was very impressed.
How many more profiles are there? Zegras isnt even in the running afaic.
Playoffs:
-I cant believe Tampa could get ousted tonight. Seriously wtf?!
-Im not surprised at the Pens at all. Their record was better than what it should have been. Theyre the Blackhawks of 2017 (and we know what happened there!)
-Joe Thornton can be dirty but i dont think he was there on his hit that caused a suspension. You can see him actually getting out of the way. But hes a big guy so part of him still collided into the Vegas player.
-Speaking of which. You can practically see the parting for Vegas path straight to the finals again.
-London Knights game 7 tonight. Please dont choke!
FWIW I Like Cozens. The Toews/ Kane window should not be dismissed. That window is slowly closing and the Hawks need a skilled center/forward that has good size, excellent skating ability, and does not shy away from tight space on the ice. They need that player right now.
Perhaps they can pursue some d corps help via free agency, because team defensive shortcomings have been graphic the past few seasons. Never mind the rock bottom quality of the PK which was simply an embarrassment this year.
SB has his work cut out for him. The fans rightfully demand a more competitive and deeper roster. We watched last summer roster changes unfold and it left most of us thinking “really, is that it??” . That can’t happen again. The lottery miracle to #3 cannot be squandered. This team needs help now.
Let’s Go Hawks! and
Jets, Avs, and Stars in their respective 1st round series.
Profile on Byram? Really think the debate is down to Podkolzin, Cozens and Byram. Would love to read about the kid. His WHL numbers with Vancouver are impressive.
O6, I think “skater” in “North American Skater” is meant to differentiate between forwareds/d-man versus goalies. I don’t think it means he is 3rd best at skating. I think every other N.A. forward/d-man in the top-10 actually skates better than Dach.
Phil, I agree the Toews/Kane window must be a factor, not only with the #3 pick but with every other move to be made.
However, unless New Jersey or New York coughs up a fur ball and either Hughes or Kakko falls in the Hawks lap – the Hawks will not get immediate help regardless who they select at #3. But, the good news is they don’t need the #3 selection to play for the Hawks in 2019/20 – they need him to be ready to play in the NHL for the 2020/21 season when other elements of the future Cup contending team are coalescing.
If Byram were hands down going to be a #1 d-man within the next few years, then I would be onboard with taking him with the #3 pick, but I don’t think it’s a certainty that he is projected to be a #1. I would rather have Cozens or Turcotte than a #3 d-man which might be the ceiling for Byram.
Fortunately, we should get to see a lot of these players in the international tournaments coming up in May.
This is why getting a top 3 pick is so huge. We not only get to pick a center, RW/LW with size, we get first choice of who we want.
That is what I was asking, was which of these positions is easier/more doable to get ufas/trade in summer. Like MS said were adding more then one or two players this summer, in addition to the young wave making its way onto the 23man.
ER, you may disagree but here is what Central Scouting says about the top five ranked skaters:
“Joining Hughes among the top-five ranked skaters from North America are: No. 2 Bowen Byram (Cranbrook, B.C.), a defenseman for the Vancouver Giants (WHL); No. 3 Kirby Dach (St. Albert, Alta.), a center for the Saskatoon Blades (WHL); No. 4 Alex Turcotte (Elk Grove, Ill.) a center for the U.S. Under-18 Team (NTDP); and No. 5 Dylan Cozens (Whitehorse, Yukon), a center for the Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL).”
There is more to the skating rankings than just speed.
@ Original – pretty sure this is the list you’re referring to and it seems like the word skaters is just a stand in for player
https://www.tsn.ca/2019-nhl-cs-final-draft-ranking-na-skaters-1.1291009
Although it is still interesting that from this list (NA skaters only) Cozens is ranked behind Byram, Dach, and Turcotte
Not sure how accurate NHL CS has been over the years but I have noticed they’re often not in sync with the so called experts employed elsewhere like Button for example
Regardless it’s interesting food for thought that all 3 of those players plus undoubtedly Kakko and Pod would be higher ranked than Cozens
As ER mentioned some international play coming up that may be the deciding factor on who Hawks take at #3
I think Byram is being overrated.
Dont get me wrong. Im sure hes a good one but hes alone up there with a pile of forwards.
This could be how Chicago could get another team to cough up alot for the Hawks pick. (Obviously only do it if its too good to pass up)
I agree that we dont NEED the pick to start this fall. It would be great but a year wait is fine.
Next year the team needs to make the playoffs
The following year contending.
It can happen. Boston did it.
Wrap, you are correct. The Central Scouting list is their draft rankings. Skating is a component of player evaluation, something I should have made clearer in my post. However, Dach would not be rated #3 without possessing superior skating skills.
I think Podkolzin is better than the others. Hope Button is right about him coming here for next season and the Hawks select him.
The guys here saying a player is a deal breaker if he’s not here right away need a dose of reality. There’s very very few players that play in their draft year. There’s even fewer that actually should play in their draft year. Toews didn’t. Should they not have taken him because he was going to North Dakota?
Completely agree Ernie, the only players who for sure will step in right away are Kakko and Hughes. It’s really a toss up. If you take best player available Podkolzin is the one, but there’s the chance he never comes over from Russia. If you take a center you probably want Cozens, he won Craig Buttons “best skater” award (in terms of actual skating ability not best player obviously) and he is probably the 3rd most likely to play in the NHL next season. Then the obvious choice for best defenseman in the draft is Byram. I guess its wherever SB thinks the need is the most or if they draft by best player available (which generally is the best way to go).
Like Morrison is saying I guess SB should pick to fill the hole that’s hardest to fill with the 3rd overall pick. Whatever’s easiest to find in Free Agency could be a factor with who SB picks. I have faith though in Mark Kelley and the amateur scouting staff that whoever they pick will be a key piece in the future.
I hate to beat a dead horse. This kid is a talented player. No doubt. A little light. He has committed to BC. That is also a deal breaker. Cozens and Dach are 1a and 1b on my list.
I disagree entirely with anyone who thinks we don’t need the player to be in the NHL. Cozens, as I have said many times, can start at the 3C. I truly want to trade for Brendan Lemieux. They won’t take Anisimov, but perhaps they will take Kahun and Dahlstrom for Lemieux. I also think that the hawks can and should trade Kampf. The hawks may also trade Hayden. I don’t recall if Kruger is a FA or not. But, he can go too. Bring up Highmore and Johnson. Nilsson is at Rockford as is that kid we acquired from the NYR. Either can step up if one of those two 4th line guys get hurt. The hawks have to acquire more depth for Rockford. and that 4th line. If it is at all possible to sign Karlsson, that would be perfect. If not Jake Gardiner is another excellent option. Seabrook has to go. As much as I like him and appreciate all that he’s done, he is too slow and take the roster spot of younger and faster guys. In my mind, the hawks need to acquire only two players. The rest can come from the minors. Is Entwhistle ready? I dunno. That 4th line guy has to have PK skills. Cozens does, as does Lemieux, and Saad. Highmore can PK as can Johnson. I am in possibilities land!!!
No more smurfs! No more Sikura! No more Kahun! No more Kruger! No more Hayden! Bowman and especially Kelley need to draft size and speed combined! No more Anthony Louis!!! No more Jack Wise?????????????????
Dach or Cozens are perfect for what we need! NHL ready as well!
They still have to be careful with anyone who they draft not to rush in. If they aren’t ready the aren’t ready. Very few players are actually able to step right into the NHL. Last years draft was kind of an anomaly with Dahlin, Tkachuk, Svechnikov, and Kotkaniemi all making their teams out of camp. They shouldn’t rush in a kid just because of the Toews and Kane window.
It’s important to also look into the future. If they draft a guy like Cozens, Dach, or Podkolzin and they do make the team out of camp, the Hawks should follow in the footsteps of Montreal and Ottawa in how they brought along Kotkaniemi and tkachuk. Play them on pp but dont rush them into to much ice time. It’s gonna take time no matter who we pick at 3.
HULL65, not sure why you have Hayden in your list of smurfs – he’s like 6’3″ and 220lbs. How about the smurfs wearing #88 and #12 – can they stay?
Brendan Lemieux….the player on his 3rd NHL organization since being drafted 5 years ago with a whopping 18 points in 72 NHL games…and 65 points in 117 AHL games. He’s barely a .5 ppg player in the minor leagues.
John Hayden has put up similar numbers, and is only 1 year older.
Hull, you do realize that Chicago is bigger than Tampa Bay right? Sure they’ve crapped the bed in the playoffs, but their regular season was near historic. And the team they’re down to only averages .6″ taller per player.
Some of the teams smaller than Chicago and Tampa Bay…. Nashville, Colorado.
Some of the teams at the top of the list… Minnesota, Edmonton, LA are in the top 5.
3 of the best teams in the league are in the bottom 5 in size.
Clearly size doesn’t mean a damn thing. But why let facts get in the way of rhetoric?
They can’t stay. 88 and 12 aren’t Canadian. Sure they came through the CHL but only big Canadians that came through the CHL should ever be drafted, signed, or traded for. Everyone else is a bunch of bums.
Starting to believe if they take a forward its Podkolzin and if not they take Byram.
As was mentioned the odds of somebody helping next year are slim. Podkolzin in 2 years will still be just 19 turning 20 in June, likely why he signed Khl contract so if drafting team wants him to develop before joining them it would happen there. The possibility of ruining him by trying to force him earlier may be a bigger risk at that age than him not coming in a year or 2. Wouldn’t be surprised, if Blackhawks were high on the thought of keeping him on Nhl roster all season he might leave his Khl club and come after one year. If it happens there is a worry then a Cozens or Turcotte could be picked if they want to draft a forwa..rd. But thinking it will Podkolzin or Byram now.
Entwistle with 2 goals as Guelph comes all the way back from 3-0 in games to beat London (and Boquist) in 7 games – the final tonight 6-3
I don’t know how often that happens in the CHL but regardless an historic comeback – good for Guelph – I might go to another game now!
Columbus just eliminated Tampa by being 12 or 13 in most hits per game delivered so far in playoffs, while Tampa ranks 5th or 6th in per game. Did an awesome job of taking away the shooting lanes and room through center ice. Plus Bobrovsky and their best players being their best players.
Hard to believe London lost that seriesWrap.
Also for previous post with AA under contract and Kurashev very close, 3c may not be a big concern if they feel Toews can still bring it for 3 or 4 more years, be in a position to sign a big fa by then, likely to replace him.
I realize KHL contracts can be broken but Podkolzin has a 2-year contract meaning he will play there for the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons. And then maybe even longer – who knows? He will play for SKA which is not one of teams in financial difficulty so they may not be so easy to bribe to get Podkolzin out of his contract. Also, because SKA has lots of cast – they can offer Podkolzin more to re-sign than an NHL team can offer him on a rookie contract.
Batman and Robin can bring it for another 4/5 yrs. I still think they ll be pretty good 35-40, just not prime yrs anymore.
I thought CLB was deep, 4 lines, then they went ahead and got those deadline players. Hmm. 8 seed was always close but they were there, even with CAR passing them.
EB nobody can say that for sure, obviously if anything like that exists they would pick someone else. A lot of astute hockey people seem to be downplaying that an issue exists so may veryveryell be none at all. Russians want to play in Nhl, Russians don’t want to play in Ahl, if that is resolved usually isn’t any issue.
Wrap, was that you that posted when they kept it 3-2 that Enwistles team changed the lines after London went up 1-0 and since then Enwistles line adjustment the whole way. Wow.
Craig Button said he likes Trevor Zegras a lot. Reminds him of Elias Pettersson.
After Jack Hughes Button said he would pick Zegras ahead of any of the other centers in the draft.
Ernie,
Lemieux has a better all around game than Hayden. Just like Caggiula makes the 1st line click, I believe that Lemieux would do the same for the 3rd. His father, Claude, was not a prolific scorer. He was a post-season warrior. He was that “under your skin” guy. Hayden is nothing more than a 4th line guy. If he can stay then fine. Highmore, Johnson, and Hayden would be a nice 4th line.
Who the heck wants to keep Anisimov? He doesn’t win at the dot, he’s lumbering, he had one good season with Kane and Panarin. Cozens is a vastly superior upgrade. As a 3C he has no pressure to be an All-star.
Karlsson or Gardiner is the key pickup for the defense.
Gardiner is a defensive liability who will be unable to help Chicago.
Edman , Kurashev is who I was saying for 3c, AA could be kept around if Kurashev needs a couple of months in Ahl if they wanted and moved during season.
@Mo – from what I can tell Entwistle’s line with Suzuki and Radcliffe stayed together after they made the switch in 2nd period of game 6 and yes it seems to have been key to winning the last 2 games – as I said was impressed with Entwistle’s attention to the details of the game – not a top 6 but potentially a very good bottom 6 player and maybe sooner than later
@Stape – not sure where you read that Button said he’d pick Zegras over any other C other than Hughes
Here’s the link to the latest of Button’s ranking – this is post lottery – if he has a more recent ranking please share
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JWGihP-nBw
Notice that after Hughes Cozens is the next centre on his list at #4 and then Dach at #5
I have not seen anything Button has done that ranks Zegras ahead of both those two never mind Turcotte
@Stape – I think I found what you were referring too and Zegras is ranked 4th on this version of Button’s rankings but it’s prior to the draft lottery dated Mar 25
https://www.tsn.ca/craig-s-list-hughes-leads-class-heavy-on-american-talent-1.1279391
The draft lottery link I sent above was April 9
Not sure what happened in that span of time to change his mind but there it is
@Wrap Google Chicago Blackhawks podcast and you will be able to listen to Craig Button. You will also hear him say it is not wise to try to rush the draft picks to the NHL
All Hawks fans should listen to the podcast as Button will give a lot of Hawk fans some sound advice
Lehner! Whoooo! Dont touch me cheap boy.
When Trotz left WAS, I thought WAS was screwed. Nope, PIT was screwed.
Trotz put PIT to bed. They are done, for good.
Remember it was CLB that woke up WAS last yr. TAMP still sleeping since game 6 and game 7 agasint WAS. WOW.
TB is 0-6 when it matters.
Who said last yr, where does TB go from here.
65-15, then blown by.
After not showing up to play against WAS in game 6 and game 7?
Sphincter says what?
Lightning can learn from the Blackhawks.
What it means to get everybodys best against you and still win Cup, after Cup.
TAM best team for 4 yrs since Blackhawks 2015 team.
They havnt won nothing yet.
88 and 12 are the great smurfs who can play! The others, no way. Hayden, smurf in his hockey IQ!
Wow, Button,pro scout guru, says Hawks don’t have a number one dman prospect in Boqvist, Mitchell, Joki, and Beaudin. Agree!
But disagree with his Zegras pick as the best centre after Hughes. Dach and Cozens ahead of Zegras who is too soft.
Love to see Panarin scoring goals to win the Cup against NAS and Pecker.
I am good with whomever the Hawks draft not playing in the NHL for a year or two. DeBrincat was drafted in 2016, played one more year in the OHL (16/17) and made the NHL in 17/18. I don’t see why we should not expect something similar with the Hawks #3 pick in 2019. Play a year in juniors or NCAA (or Europe) in 19/20 and try to make the team in 20/21.
As far as who the Hawks should take, I think they have a golden opportunity to pick someone who can combine size, speed and skill and they need to not waste it. Unless one of the smaller skaters really distinguishes himself in some way from the likes of Cozens or Dach, I think the Hawks will regret not taking a player who can combines size/speed/skill.
If all else is more or less equal, go with size. You can’t teach size.
We want to have enough tuff and guys with size, sort of like BOS. Not have the whole or alot of the team be big and slow like STL, LA, ANA and BOS of the past.
CLB and BOS has transitioned to what we are doing have just enough tuff and guys with size to go with elite and very good skill and skating players.
We need to finnish filling up the roster with what CLB and BOS have that we do not have enough of, right now. Then were there.
Alex Tuch! Bowman needs to think of a player that resembles an Alex Tuch who has great speed and size if he drafts a centre. Blake Wheeler! Evander Kane if he drafts a winger! And I would put my focus on the CHL prospects where the playoffs are way more intense than in any junior league. Boqvist is a magician offensively but he could not defend anything against the Guelph Storm forwards.
Miro, think same.
Just watched Kevin Weekes (NHL Network) call Panarin one of the best players and a “beast”. Columbus better win it all. When the party’s over they will soon go into a depression after losing Panarin and some other high-end UFAs.
Headline for the Tampa newspaper:
128 Points for What?
Ian,
I’m standing pat with Cozens at 3C. If Gardiner is that bad, and, apparently, defensively, he is, then all in for Karlsson. He is the best FA D-man. I don’t agree that Hayden has a low hockey IQ. His problem, as I see it is lack of consistent play. Of course Lemieux.
Anisimov, Dahlstrom, Kahun, and Kampf can and should be dealt. They are not too far away. I think, with Lemieux and Cozens, with Saad is 3 scoring lines with grit and skill. That 4th line should be much improved. Karlsson, minus Seabrook, with Jokiharju up, gives us a better look. Would Seabrook be a better D-coach than Brookbank or is Rockford the better place to get his coaching chops? Subtraction and 2 additions from the outside is not too hard to get done.
Agree with Hull65 about needing to get bigger and stronger. I have been saying this for years. The Blackhawks always get out-hit. A good team needs balance between small high-skilled speedsters and players hard to knock off the puck, who can stay in front of the net and be a little intimidating. On D you need two or three who can clear the forwards from the net and put fear into opposing players if they get into the dirty areas, like a Scott Stevens. (Most of you are too young to remember Tim Horton, of the donut fame. He would give opposing players reminders of why going into the corners was hazardous to their health.)
I agree with Hull65 about our four D prospects. They are great on the rush and can shoot, but are not ready to defend. I don’t know if Byram is the answer, but we need a skilled, physical Byfuglien-type and there is not one in our system.
That said, if the Hawks pass on Pod, they need to take a combination of high skill with strength, meaning Cozens or Dach. The others are a reach at #3.
Ottawa has to be crapping their pants. The #1 pick they received for Duchene might wind up being pick 28,29,30 or 31.
Rangers just lost out on 1st round pick from Tampa in the McDonough and Miller deal.
One other thought. Anaheim turned their franchise around for 15 years in 2003 when they drafted Getzlaf and Perry in the first round, the Hawks will get a top end player at number 3. If Stan can somehow move up from pick 43 in the second round, they could walk away with two cornerstones in one weekend in June. Very exciting!
Edman have I like Cozens and have been pushing him for awhile, just mentioning other options. Do believe that Bowman who wasn’t in a position to add good big skilled feds a lot of the time lately, should do so this draft as the roster has alot of smaller skilled ones. Podkolzin it appears could be best player available and feel if they are happy with what they hear from talks with Podkkolzin, he might be their pick. Do they feel the same about Byram and their defense as Buttons did, not convinced they do, but time will tell I guess.
Stape, Buttons did say he would pick Zebras behind Hughes but said it depends on the team picking and never said he thought Blackhawks should or built a case for them taking him like did with Byram, didn’t get the feeling he thought Zebras was a good fit.
@ Ian. Yes Button said he would take Zegras as the second Center behind Hughes.
The only reason I mentioned Zegras was because no one on this site was talking about Zegras going as the second center…Not a single Hawks fan.
You are also correct when you say Button was not building a case for the Hawks to draft Zegras.
No one on the podcast asked Button if he thought Zegras would be a good fit for the Hawks. So your didn’t get the feeling he thought Zegras was a good fit is obviously your opinion.
Hull-I agree about having additional strength and grit-but to clarify Boqvist was only on the ice for one goal-the final empty net goal by Entwistle. He played well defensively in the last game. He may end up the same size as Keith by next year-just over 6 feet and about 190 pounds.
Original, yea need enough of that but not more then 6 of 12 FW with size or not more then 3 of 6 D guys with size. NEed to thought have enough and some spare depth players for 13 14 FW and 7 and 8 D guys.
Craig, and to watch him raise the Cup wit Panarin maybe, ouuch.
Yea I ve been wanting us to do that move trade up the 2nd pick to 20-30 area.
@Noonan – I didn’t go to Game 7 but watched the highlights and went to game 6 and I thought Boquist defensive work was fine – his style in the D zone is reminiscent of Keith
I’m wasn’t impressed with the London coaching – London got torched by the Entwistle/Suzuki/Radcliffe line and I didn’t see any adjustments – at least not ones that worked
He didn’t seem to have Bouchard (supposedly his best defender) matched up (at home in Game 7) vs Entwistle’s line
At some point I would have gone talent vs talent and had Bouchard and Boquist vs Entwistle – try to force that line to defend but Hunter never tried it at least not in the last 2 games
Cozens is the guy. I would be fine with Podloz if Organization does.
Updating this comment thread w/ this from today (May 31) at the Combine: