2021 NHL Draft Profile: Matthew Knies

This year, the Chicago Blackhawks own the 11th overall selection in the first round of the 2021 NHL Draft. Over the past couple weeks, we’ve been discussing names the Blackhawks might consider when they’re on the clock. Thus far we have discussed forwards Matthew Coronado, Chaz Lucius, Mason McTavish, Aatu Raty and Brennan Othmann, Cole Sillinger and Zachary Bolduc.

Now, let’s talk about Matthew Knies, who could be a strong second-round projection for the Blackhawks.

Matthew Knies
LW
6-3 / 210
Tri-City (USHL) — committed to the University of Minnesota (NCAA)

Ranked #59 by TSN/McKenzie
Ranked #37 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)
Ranked #76 by FCHOCKEY
Ranked #25 by NEUTRAL ZONE
Ranked #58 by DOBBERPROSPECTS
Ranked #77 by DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY
Ranked #61 by SMAHT SCOUTING

From Corey Pronman (The Athletic)

#31 overall prospect
Skating: Below-average
Puck Skills: Average
Hockey Sense: Below-average
Compete: Above-average
Shot: Below-average

“Knies had a great underage season but his draft season was a struggle to produce as much offense as expected. Despite his mediocre point totals (42 points in 44 games) I still see a very talented player and he was an important player for a top USHL team in all situations. I see a 6-foot-3 forward with great hands who can beat defenders clean with skill. I debated his sense being listed as “average” or “below-average.” I’ve seen enough plays from him, particularly as an underage, to say he can see the ice, but this past season made me question his sense at times and his puck decisions. His game lacks finish as well, although he went on a big goal scoring tear to end the season. Knies works hard on the ice, winning a lot of battles, killing penalties and taking pucks to the net. His skating isn’t the best and will lack the ability to separate at the NHL level. In a sentence, Knies projects as an NHL two-way middle-six winger.”

81 thoughts on “2021 NHL Draft Profile: Matthew Knies

  • July 9, 2021 at 8:04 am
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    So how should we read into this?
    Skating: Below-average
    Puck Skills: Average
    Hockey Sense: Below-average
    Compete: Above-average
    Shot: Below-average….
    Not a great skater, with so-so shot and hockey sense but is BIG and has DESIRE?

  • July 9, 2021 at 8:47 am
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    He is just a kid, but a big kid. He would have 3 or 4 year’s at U. Minn. to work on skating, shot & pick up additional “hockey sense” (whatever that truly means) and likely add muscle & bulk. **IF** Pronman’s prediction of a two-way middle six forward is accurate he could be quite useful since there isn’t much size & grit floating around the organization today.

  • July 9, 2021 at 9:31 am
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    In the 2nd round I would rather select Kirby’s “little” brother.

  • July 9, 2021 at 10:40 am
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    2nd rnd picks are not might be good, let’s see how he develops in college….Solid PASS on this kid in the 2nd rnd. If he is still there in the 4th….take em.

  • July 9, 2021 at 11:49 am
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    Could see a 2nd round pick be used on this guy or at least a similar power forward type of player if 11th overall doesn’ t bring a player in that mold.

  • July 9, 2021 at 2:14 pm
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    PASS on this one. Too much to work on for him to be a 2nd round pick. He will probably need near all 4 years in college to develop.

  • July 9, 2021 at 4:40 pm
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    With two picks in the second round, the Hawks should still be looking for top six upside or top two pairing upside..Cat, Saad, and Keith were all found in the second round..no reason to take a forward who sounds like he’ll top out on the third line and if he doesn’t reach his ceiling, end up as a fourth line winger..100 percent pass..the fourth and five rounds are where you can start drafting players with tenacity..in the second round, you better still be looking for at least one elite or near elite trait, whether its skating, hockey sense, a strong shot, etc..

  • July 9, 2021 at 5:19 pm
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    Slayer, I agree with your take on what to look for in the 2nd round.

    This draft seems like a pretty weak draft compared to the last handful of years, but there are usually some diamonds in the ruff so all the more reason to shoot for high ceiling and hope your guy is the one.

  • July 9, 2021 at 5:21 pm
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    The more I look at the guys who will probably be available at #11 – the more I’m tempted to take one of the 2 goalies or a guy who skates really well like Fabian Lysell.

  • July 9, 2021 at 7:12 pm
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    @ebonyraptor..exactly..I’d be looking for upside and ceiling in every round this draft..there will be a lot of variance between all of the teams boards this year so what may in past years had been considered a ”reach” doesn’t apply as much this year..grab the player in each round who has the highest ceiling on your board..the Hawks have plenty of players to fill bottom six roles and there are always inexpensive UFA’s like Carpenter if you want to add a different dimension or a veteran presence to your bottom six..the top six and the top four is what needs an infusion of upside talent..

    I’ve been banging the drum for Wallstedt at 11 for awhile now, specifically because I think he has more upside than the other choices that will probably be there at 11..however, if he’s gone, Lysell, Fyodor, or Sillinger would be my second choice and I’d be happy with any of the three..none are a perfect prospect, but each has an elite trait that you can build off of(Lysell-skating, Fyodor-his 200 ft game, and Sillinger-an NHL ready frame and shot)..

  • July 9, 2021 at 7:16 pm
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    Maybe with the second round Vegas ( 61 or 62 pick )k .kid is 18 y o .
    Good size compete above average…that’s it but can always grow up .??????

  • July 9, 2021 at 7:30 pm
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    Had some questions from last thread.

    WRAPAROUND
    July 8, 2021 at 5:13 pm
    One of Sillinger or Lysell should be available at 11 even if nothing unexpected happens

    Either would be fine with me – maybe a slight preference for Sillinger but I’ll trust the Hawks scouting to make the call

    If McTavish Edvinsson or Johnson drops in their laps then that’s fine too

    MORRISON
    July 8, 2021 at 8:46 pm
    Only thing I think if about not draft another good goalie after you already have one is this. TB had two the goalie we beat in 15 with TB being 0-1 agasint us. Then they had this younger goalie the guy they have now. So maybe having two good goalies could be good. Not being stuck with a extra one like FLR to use the trade and get good trade and make sure we end up with at least one elite goalie.

    MORRISON
    July 8, 2021 at 8:51 pm
    2010, yea right! we need to get a good one no Fing around with hopefuls.

    Not wanting to trade 2nd though I would rather get a better player and ok with 2nd since we can get another 2nd with another summer ufa tradeline guy.

    Only thing about that is is this draft or next yrs draft deeper in the 2nd round with quality players. Remember we find gems in 2nd rounds. Also is this draft or next yrs draft more worth moving up to 7 8 9 area from 9-12 if thats where we are next draft. Therefore the 2nd round pick were not sure on if this draft or next drfat is more wirth having.

    Sure having 6 players in top 45 picks this draft and next draft is very importanty. Like Tim said we need to build a monster and also aquire from ufa not just draft. Do from both you can do it.

    MORRISON
    July 8, 2021 at 8:53 pm
    Thats my question do you guys think its worth tarding 2nd or 3rd to move up and get Tavish or Edvisson compared to just getting Sillinger or Lysell. And know that we can replenish the 2nd with another summer ufa add tradeline get the 2nd back.

    Is Tavish ot Edvisson better then Sillinger Lysell to do that?

  • July 9, 2021 at 7:49 pm
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    Slayer, we have found several gems in the 1st half on 2nd rounds and that prob continues until it doesnt. We have only a couple gems from 46-60.

    So lets trade up that lower 2nd and get/have two 30-45 picks that it what I really want.

  • July 9, 2021 at 8:07 pm
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    I took a quick look at goalies drafted at #11 merely for my own amusement rather than evidence of whether to draft a goalie there and the two goalies who I came across drafted at 11 were Jonathan Bernier and Trevor Kidd – both respectable but probably a disappointment at 11 overall

    On the other hand lots of very good to great goalies drafted elsewhere – Marty Brodeur was 20th Price and Vasy in top 10 just to name a couple of the top of my head

  • July 9, 2021 at 9:57 pm
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    Wrap Jack Campbell was taken at 11 by Stars in 2010 and just blossomed this year. Actually i hoped Bowman would’ve went after him last fall, might’ve worked out.

    13 goalies taken in first round from 05 to 15.
    2007, 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2014 none were taken.
    2005 Price 5th Habs, Rask 21st Leafs
    2006 Bernier 11th LA, Helenius 15th Bolts, Varlomov 22nd Caps, Irving 26th Flames
    2008 Pickard 18th Preds, MacCollom 30th Wings
    2010 Campbell 11th Stars, Visentin 27th Ari.
    2012 Vasilevskiy 19th Bolts, Subban 24th Bos.
    2015 Samsonov 22nd Caps

    Also Dansk 31st, Markstrom 31st, Koskinen 31st and Plante 32nd would first rounders this year.
    So make your own judgement on results, plus consider with this year being much more of a crapshoot draft than other years.

  • July 9, 2021 at 10:00 pm
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    Actually only this years cup finalists Price at 5th and Vasilevskiy 19th developed and helped the team that drafted them.

  • July 10, 2021 at 12:43 am
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    Hell no to this guy with our 1st or second round picks. Might be a good pickup in the fourth round. I agree with you EB.

  • July 10, 2021 at 6:58 am
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    If this guy can be physical hard to play against player and able to contribute offensively on a line with more skilled players at some point, he definitely could be the gem found in 2nd round especially at pick #61 we want. Hopefully the scouts get this stuff right, tough job with last 2 seasons of limited scouting.

  • July 10, 2021 at 10:04 am
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    So other then Price none of the elite goalies/say top 15 goalies in league at sometime where picked in top 15 picks. The gems came from different spots in 1st and other/top 16-30 picks. Interesting to me that means no unless its top 8ish and thats right where that guy is this yr.

    When was that FLR goalie picked? Spencers?

    Rash wasnt BOS draft pick holy crap thought he was bread and borm from them. Theres TOR missing elite goalie though they still would need to learn how to play Defense and have the Defensemen to do it.

  • July 10, 2021 at 10:06 am
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    ER/Jim, yeah I aint taking goalie unless its that Wallsetd guy he could be like Spencer otherwise history shows gems come from teams that take a chance but not with top 8-15 picks only ealier like top 7/8 or later.

    Anyone put a statement on this.

    Is Tavish ot Edvisson better then Sillinger Lysell to do that?

  • July 10, 2021 at 10:09 am
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    Ian, we could be one of the few teams that benefits from that because we hvae more/better scouts then every other team so we have/had more people out there. Even though its more of a projection two yrs in advance then normally is we still had more scouts out there from when these players were younger.

    Ian says
    Hopefully the scouts get this stuff right, tough job with last 2 seasons of limited scouting.

  • July 10, 2021 at 10:10 am
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    Lets think positive and thats how you make things happen. Being a negative minus person/additude just makes it pressureed and thats when misakes happen more often and things donot happen.

    God is there anything worst then 2nd best. Prefontaine.

  • July 10, 2021 at 10:11 am
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    I’m seeing Knies climbing into the 1st round on some mock drafts lately. I think it’s probably more an indication the 2021 draft is more of a crap shoot than other years.

    Placing players in tiers usually results in a handful at the top in Tier-1, another smaller group in Tier-2 that can sometimes stretch into mid-1st round, and then Tier-3 stretching into the 2nd round. This year it seems like Tier-3 starts earlier than usual, like around 10/11 and then quickly becomes indistinguishable from what would normally be Tier-4 players.

    I won’t be surprised 5 years from now when I look back at this draft and some of these players look a lot better than they do now … but now – YEESH!

  • July 10, 2021 at 10:17 am
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    Mo, rather than say McTavish and Edvinsson are better than Sillinger and Lysell – I would say they leave me less wanting. Their warts aren’t as pronounced. Not high praise but that’s the best I can do.

  • July 10, 2021 at 10:27 am
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    Nashville took the top rated goalie Askarov at #11. Also available at #11 were Anton Lundell, Seth Jarvis, Dylan Holloway, Kaiden Guhle, Lucas Reichel, Dawson Mercer, and several others who I would select over anyone projected to be available at #11 this year. Oh well … the good news is we get to pick the runt of the litter we prefer over the other runts that will be selected after #11. :-)

  • July 10, 2021 at 10:54 am
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    EB yeah Askarov at 11th in 2020 Nash, Knight at 13th in 2019 Flor and Oettinger 26th in 2017 Dal, were taken in 1st round since 2015, just figured ot was too early to say they are real deal yet. Coulda went back a little further and Fleury was a 1st overall but just before him was Dipietro 1st overall and a alot more forgetable names in 1st round than rememberable ones in the years between 2000-2005 first round goaltender picks.

  • July 10, 2021 at 11:25 am
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    Ian, I was trying to draw attention that in my opinion there were a lot more “desirable” players picked after 10 last year than are available this year.

  • July 10, 2021 at 11:47 am
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    Just posting below the link for the Mock Draft from the Hockey Writers:

    https://thehockeywriters.com/2021-nhl-draft-the-hockey-writers-mock-draft-round-2/

    They have the Hawks taking Cossa in the first round in what they called a surprise pick, and then 6`3″ LW Stromgren and 6`3″ Center Cole Huckins with their second pick. Every Mock Draft has it different so this is only one groups view. I personally like these picks in the second round. At Lines.com they have the Hawks taking Wallstedt in the first round and Tyler Boucher and Colton Dach in the second round ( Huckins goes right after Dach to Montreal in this Mock Draft so there might be some consensus there ). They`re saying Boucher might be the most tenacious forward in the draft . I`m trying to find some assessment of his skating however and haven`t found it as of yet. If the Hawks could find a way to get another pick in the second round and pick up Dach as well as any of these other prospects they might have had a very successful draft. Lines.com has Matthews Knies going 46 th to Philly which suggests there`s some consensus there as well. I`d be adverse anymore to drafting any prospect with issues or below average skating in their profiles.

  • July 10, 2021 at 11:49 am
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    Agree this is probably a draft where the scouts who find the undrafted gems to offer elcs next winter is alot more important than other years.

  • July 10, 2021 at 11:52 am
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    Mo not sure this is a draft that pays huge benefits from moving up in, alot of questions around the scouting this year.

  • July 10, 2021 at 11:58 am
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    With the disarray that this team is in with the lack of hard-core players,I just don’t get taking a goalie with the 1st pick. They are light years away from being competitive with their forwards and top tier D Men. Getting a high-end goalie that may play immediately and then face 60 shots a night with no protection near the net front doesn’t make sense to me but I have been wrong before .

  • July 10, 2021 at 12:05 pm
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    hockey writers have Edvinsson at 12 after cosco. We ll take Edvinsson and be good with that yep thanks.

  • July 10, 2021 at 2:19 pm
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    I find it amusing how much judgement is based on so little information. I trust the decisions to those that have invested significant amounts of time watching games (in person or on film), interviewing players, talking to coaches and consulting with those in the know. They obviously have access to much more information than we do.

    Also, I would place a heavy emphasis on the player’s intangible qualities that don’t show up on many of these evaluations: character, work ethic, competitiveness, coachabilty / commitment to learn and improve and desire. We know next to nothing about any of these prospects’ DNA.

    Jim Finks’ and Jerry Vannisi’s formula for success was character first. Their draft record leading up to the ’85 Bears is proof of concept.

  • July 10, 2021 at 4:28 pm
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    Not with a second round pick. Unless there are deals made to give the Blackhawks multiple picks in the top couple or three rounds of the draft prior to draft day. Sounds like a big kid that despite noted deficiencies has a chance to (a) get bigger, (b) get stronger and become a slightly better skater, and (c) develop more in general with the college game. Might turn out to be a good player but not for awhile. Too many pressing needs on the big team and in the system to go for him now.

  • July 10, 2021 at 5:50 pm
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    Not nise enough for me. 4th rounder or if we make deals to get a third.

    Someone wrote that there is something on the table for Keith from Edm.

    What would happen if we get Tkachuk from Cal and Kassian from Edm……

    Few mocks have us taking Wallstedt or Cossa. Still want a big forward.

    Tankathon has us passing on both Wallstedt and Cossa. With Wallstedt going to Cal with the next pick. Still think we can pull a John Lynch move on Calgary that he did to the Bears.

    Can’t wait for 7 days then 6 days the 5 days

  • July 10, 2021 at 6:59 pm
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    hjalmarsson drafted at #108. larmer #120. relax guys. not many things in life are a bigger crap shoot than the nhl draft. gems all over the course of a draft. just hoping two or three this year will eventually be productive hawks.

    my biggest hope for the draft this year is that keith, strome, de haan, and zadorov are gone before draft day. the biggest bonus would be bowman gone as well.

  • July 10, 2021 at 7:28 pm
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    Hawks 29
    And big Buff …in the Six round …..that was a nice pick also…ask Pronger ….haha

  • July 10, 2021 at 7:38 pm
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    Iff we take Edvinsson maybe some guys won’t be happy because he has a big body but don’t like to be physically involve ….we need a big strong physical player .

  • July 10, 2021 at 8:52 pm
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    Not draft related but I’ve been told that now that Keith wants out, the Hawks are hoping to erase his salary cap hit off the books that is the key factor. Having said that, fans like myself should not expect a prospect or draft picks back. The Hawks hope to free up 5.5 Million for his last two years. Nothing more.

  • July 10, 2021 at 8:53 pm
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    On the draft. I’ve been told the Hawks really like Chaz Lucius.

  • July 11, 2021 at 12:06 am
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    craig

    keith for anyone or a pick that rids them of his total contract would be a huge win. love keith, but time to free up that cap hit.

  • July 11, 2021 at 1:54 am
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    Not sure why freeing up all of Keith’s $5.5M cap hit is so important … unless they need the cap space to make a big splash signing (please no to Hamilton and no to Jones because of the cost it will take to acquire him – especially if he doesn’t extend past 2021/22).

    I think there are two reasons to trade him more important than cap space – (1) to give his TOI to young players who are part of the rebuild, and (2) to honor his request (within reason) to be traded to a northwestern team closer to his son. I would put it this way, I wouldn’t make getting rid of the entire $5.5M cap hit a requirement to trading him.

  • July 11, 2021 at 5:50 am
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    If you’re looking at the 2nd round to be immediate or even in another year roster help, then you’re liable to be in for a disappointment. Drafting at that point is based how good they see a player in a few years for the roster and not what he can be now.

    Craig agree likely moving Keith’s caphit no doubt is to be the hope, that is probably the reason deal hasn’t gotten done yet.

  • July 11, 2021 at 9:03 am
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    The More videos I watch of Lysell- the more I like.

    He seems to have elite skating- like Kane/Panarin elite

    My 2 cents
    imo- his downside is Pius Suter w/ tons more upside… whoever drafts the kid will be very happy in long run

    If He has Heart/motor of Reichel- He will be a solid player.

  • July 11, 2021 at 9:31 am
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    When Keith leave for Winnipeg the Hawks will have a good opportunity to bring a young solid dMan .
    With Seabrook,Shaw, Crawford ,Keith gone the real new Hawks wave will really begin .I would not be surprise to see a few big move in the next 6 months.
    Maybe a bit disturbing for the fans but it’s necessary to do it in 21 .
    I am sure it’s time to move on to the new Decade.
    Just my 2 pesos
    Love my Hawks

  • July 11, 2021 at 11:22 am
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    Based on Craig`s post I just watched some video`s on Chaz Lucius as covered by Dobber`s Prospects. I like their coverage as they stop the play at certain moments of Lucius` play and added comments dissecting his decisions and performance. I came away more impressed by his upside. His skating didn`t look like an issue at that level either. He looked very skilled, was able to make plays, and seemed to always pressure the puck.

  • July 11, 2021 at 12:55 pm
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    Yea I think we need to draft only fast good skaters for every pick from now on no matter what. Mandatory.

    Jim says
    I`d be adverse anymore to drafting any prospect with issues or below average skating in their profiles.

  • July 11, 2021 at 2:16 pm
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    All the articles I have been reading about the Keith potential trade with EDM are saying EDM standing pat on not giving much in return if Hawks won’t keep some salary. Kind of at an impasse with Hawks being unhappy with return. That’s frequently the situation with publicized announcements of trade desires – buyer has an upper hand in negotiations.

    This needs to get done. It’s an important step in opening a spot for a kid, and respecting Keith contributions in 3 Cups.

    If there is really no other interested parties, I sense most on this board are gonna get even more upset with Bowman for making a bad trade. For me, a trade where we only give up Keith is a good trade, regardless of the return. Sure, I’d like a 2nd rounder, but that doesn’t seem practical or remotely possible. A 4th seems about right if we don’t retain any salary (which I hope we don’t). Anything worse than a 4th means we simply had no leverage and washed our hands of the cap hit. I can live with it because it opens a spot for developing a position that takes a lot of time.

    At the same time – getting reamed to acquire Seth Jones seems highly possible. And if he isn’t extended in that trade, then we are almost certainly are gonna lose the trade, and likely the player.

    For me, Hamilton is a loss at about any cost.

  • July 11, 2021 at 2:46 pm
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    Keeping priorities straight – I don’t care if the Hawks get nothing back in trading Keith. The highest priority is getting the young d-men experience which is served best by not haing Keith taking those minutes. That is more important than getting a 2nd or 4th round pick – especially if you don’t have to retain salary. Hell, I’d even retain some salary and get essentially nothing back to open up that 20+ minutes of TOI.

    Plus – if Keith doesn’t get traded and doesn’t remove his NMC, then one of Murphy, Zadorov and Stillman would need to be exposed and potentially lost for nothing.

    The trade should not in any way, shape or form be influenced by the court of public opinion – screw the yokels in the peanut gallery – do what’s best for the rebuild.

  • July 11, 2021 at 3:26 pm
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    This is good and why I like Dach soo much better then the spoiled brat Byram. Now makes sure you make me look good Kirby.

    WHO IS JOHN GALT?
    July 10, 2021 at 2:19 pm
    I find it amusing how much judgement is based on so little information. I trust the decisions to those that have invested significant amounts of time watching games (in person or on film), interviewing players, talking to coaches and consulting with those in the know. They obviously have access to much more information than we do.

    Also, I would place a heavy emphasis on the player’s intangible qualities that don’t show up on many of these evaluations: character, work ethic, competitiveness, coachabilty / commitment to learn and improve and desire. We know next to nothing about any of these prospects’ DNA.

    Jim Finks’ and Jerry Vannisi’s formula for success was character first. Their draft record leading up to the ’85 Bears is proof of concept.

  • July 11, 2021 at 3:33 pm
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    Sure remember though half of the roster 2009/when it started was from 1st 2nd round picks and half from later rounds so 1sts 2nds are very important as well as top 8-12 way better to have then 19ths.

    I feel top 3/5 and 8-12 are very important because thats when we have off yrs and need to cash in on the top 10 quality draft because we wont be in a couple yr again for another decade we ll be too good and picking 20-30 every yr until 2035.

  • July 11, 2021 at 3:38 pm
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    2010, sure what we do need though is two top pair Defensemen and ok if where getting both from ufa we then need one of them from draft and this is are only chance/maybe next yr draft and thats it for a top pair from draft and the 2-3 yrs before there ready.

    So I like Edvinsson if hes there because thats a top pair guy if not then I want to be excited about any of these FW we have listed here at our top list. Tavish Sillinger Lysell.

  • July 11, 2021 at 3:41 pm
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    Forgot to mention point was that it might be fine if one of the two top pair guys is not physical like 2 27 51 but can hold there own by having guys like 4 7 32 that can pound. So we need enough. I know what your saying since we need two just get a top pair guy.

  • July 11, 2021 at 3:43 pm
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    If were trading Dunks caphit just for the caphit then that signals were adding an elite player ufa. Jones? top pair guy to add a young top pair guy ameks sense.

  • July 11, 2021 at 4:19 pm
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    Keith for Kassian retain 1mil.

  • July 11, 2021 at 4:29 pm
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    Kassian is an overpriced meathead, but he can skate and hit people so if it clears Dunc’s TOI for some young guys to get – so be it.

  • July 11, 2021 at 5:22 pm
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    Oilers are over the hump so to speak as far as being capped strapped right now. Seems more like a little posturing more than anything, trying to get a little extra for the return Blackhawks want in retained salary. The fact that at this pount neither side has walked away from the deal seems to make you think it likely will happen.

    If a top pair guy is going to be needed to be acquired and Jones will sign an extension, getting it done now at a cheaper market price/ caphit than what another year or2 would bring, why wouldn’t you do it and have more capspace to keep younger stars around in future contracts, plus making another major add down the road more realistic to do.

  • July 11, 2021 at 7:24 pm
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    First, let me state the obvious negatives: Strome, Dehaan, Zadorov, & Keith are not long for the Hawks or should be dealt with by any buyers. For someone to be interested in Keith, it would be hard to swallow half salary, but you do it if that is what it takes. Bowman has zero leverage. Nylander and Carpenter are probably on that list as well.

    What are the positives, the Hawks have 3 strong top-line wingers Kane, Dcat, Kub, with two solid centers Dach and Toews ( if he can complete a season). With Reichel or Borgstrom on the other wing. For the rest of the bottom 6, the third line of Suter, Hagel, and Connolly would be fun to watch for me. We can round out the 4th line of hardman, Gaudette, Vinnie, Kurashev, Carp. Kampf Nylander, or whoever. If Hagel gets dropped to the 4th line, the good news probably means either Kurashev or Borgstrom have taken key steps. A lot riding on Reichel.

    Now here is the weakness, DEF, and Goalie. Let’s start with Goalie; Lankinen had a strong year with a very bad DEF. Unlike Corey Crawford, who came in the next year with an excellent Cup Winning team. If Lankinen can improve this year, the Hawks are in a good position waiting for Drew C in the next few years,

    Lastly, the DEF. Murphy with Stillman or Kalynuk makes a solid 2nd pair. The 3rd Line of Still/Kalunuk with Boq/Mitchell. Hence Stan targeting two top pair DEF in Seth Jones and Doug Hamilton. One could say Dougie is not a top pair, well he would be on the Hawks with Jones would really solidify our DEF. I would be open to trading Boq or Mitchell with some other assets to acquire Seth Jones. It might take a sign and trade with Carolina to get Hamilton if he needs eight years.

    Now here is my two cents. I would keep Boq and get Jones. Forget about Hamilton, you have to bank on Boq becoming a star, it took Brett Burns a few years before his offense came around. The Hawks are close as they proved with an average team they could compete with everyone but Tampa and for some reason Nashville. I also think Kane had a wrist injury as his backhand the last half of the year was non existant except for soft passes. Could be wrong. Anyway, the Hawks have the makings of a solid team, lets see if Boq can be a #1.

  • July 11, 2021 at 8:31 pm
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    Reading this makes me want this player if not 5-5 160 we can add size later and have some coming arleady/already have like Barratt/others.

    We need want hardnose and good skaters only now to finetune roster.

    BLUTO
    July 11, 2021 at 9:03 am
    The More videos I watch of Lysell- the more I like.

    He seems to have elite skating- like Kane/Panarin elite

    My 2 cents
    imo- his downside is Pius Suter w/ tons more upside… whoever drafts the kid will be very happy in long run

    If He has Heart/motor of Reichel- He will be a solid player.

  • July 11, 2021 at 9:14 pm
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    On Seth Jones. Most Reporters are saying that teams will only trade for Jones if they can get him to agree to a contract extension. From what I’m hearing the Hawks are interested in him period. They would worry about the extension later once they have him in a Blackhawk uniform.
    That’s very interesting in the sense that Columbus might not have any dance partners except Chicago when it comes to Seth Jones.

    I’ve got my fingers crossed that he goes elsewhere because quite frankly Stan is going to get fleeced, that’s almost a given.

  • July 11, 2021 at 10:04 pm
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    Our #1 & a#2 & Kurashev for Jones & the 24th pick. CBJ have 3 1st rounders.

    Ferland Beagle Ericsson flip the 9th for 11th pick (really 10th pick) flip 40th pick for 60th pick for Keith.

    Lucic flip 12th for 11th pick flip 44th for 60th pick for Keith

    Just looking for some action

  • July 11, 2021 at 10:33 pm
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    Future, good idea/s we do have a good young group coming so keeping loading young wave and ad those two or three elites we need/are missing since 4 81 7. Not in the high caphit in the amount of having 6 7 or 8 elite player on roster. How do you do that without being top heavy you have some 8+m quality players at 5.5m caphits like 2 and 81 did.

    Thats how.

  • July 11, 2021 at 10:35 pm
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    My 2 cents at present is,you can not count on Toews and Dach at all right now. Hagel is not a 4th line player. Do what it takes to get Seth Jones,Zach Werenski, and the monster D Man from Dallas. Boqvist is not the future at all,please don’t compare him to Brett Burns or any other regular D Man. Carpenter,Strome, Nylander,Suter,Zadorov,and Subban should be moved out as soon as possible so this organization can move forward. Finally Colliton and his entire staff should be let go. Just some random thoughts.

  • July 11, 2021 at 11:07 pm
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    tim w

    can’t argue with most of your thoughts other than i am willing to give suter another look see. also not ruling out toews and dach, but not writing their names in stone either as a dynamic one/two combination in the middle.

  • July 12, 2021 at 12:26 am
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    Anyone figure out how to not have this 12 hr delay for posts is Tab on a deserted island with Hanks and it takes 12 hrs to go through the portal/

  • July 12, 2021 at 12:52 am
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    I’m at a loss to understand why Bowman would think a high profile free agent would consider signing in Chicago this year or next, thus the belief that Jones would need to be extended before arriving. I seriously doubt his addition, especially considering that we would need to lose a quality guy from last year’s roster most likely to get the trade done, would put us over the top and into a challenger type position for the Stanley Cup. And if I am right – why would Jones sign? You KNOW he wants a Cup. And now.

    A one season purchase of Jones makes absolutely no sense.

    I also feel the drama and bad press we are receiving from the lawsuit and investigation would push big players away at this time too. Things look far too unstable to risk a career move for a big name player to choose Chicago.

    I just don’t see it.

    Get another Janmark and Soderberg and flip at the TDL. Sell on Keith and De Haan – whatever the cost is. Move forward with the original plan. No shortcuts. They only lead us back to mediocrity. We actually have a potential NHL goalie and another in the minors. Sort out the kids on defense – we paid a lot of draft currency to accumulate some supposed talent. Sort them out for gosh sakes.

    No shortcuts.

    Anything else to me looks like an attempt to salvage a fan base and get a better revenue stream for 2021-2022. The price is mediocrity the following years.

  • July 12, 2021 at 7:19 am
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    Ian, I see Dunks and Seabs caphits alone thise two covering the two top pair DEfensemen we now have to add so its a wash/even.

    Salary cap goes up each yr/once were good again see that covering young core players after elc 77 27. 12 is already at higher caphit so it was high at forst/now it looks good that its already tehre.

    We can basically match 2015 teams caphits per caphit then add/have more players with higher caphits with how much higher salary cap is in 2024 then it was in 15.

  • July 12, 2021 at 9:40 am
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    Why not use cap space to add a bad contracts and pick up young assets in the process? Bad contract Bickell….young asset Teuvo Teravainen.

    Is the so called rebuild over and now is the time to add some final pieces to put the hawks over the top?

    Jones has already said that he wants to test the free agent market. What would be the purpose of a non Stanley Cup contender giving up assets for a one year rental?

    Would it just be a desperation move by Bowman to try to make the playoffs at all cost to save his ass with total disregard for future Blackhawk teams?

    There is no way the Bowman should be trading first round draft picks or young prospects away instead he should be adding picks and young prospects.

  • July 12, 2021 at 10:15 am
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    While I wouldn’t call myself a “Bowman backer”, I think I’ve taken a more measured approach in assessing his job performance than many of my fellow Hawks fans. However, if he trades for Seth Jones with no assurance Jones will extend with the Hawks – that might be enough to push me to join the Stan haters mob.

    I can think of only 2 reasons for the Hawks to acquire Jones for only the 2021/22 season and neither of them square with rebuilding the team into a Cup contender – (1) to make a splash for various reasons, none of which are in keeping with a rebuild plan, and (2) the notion that Jones would help make the Hawks a legitimate Cup contender in 2021/22, which is not the sound thinking required to be an NHL GM.

    Stick with the rebuild plan.

  • July 12, 2021 at 10:48 am
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    ER – why do you have to label people? Why is someone who does not like Stan Bowman and/or the job he has done, a “hater”.

    Why do you call people who share an opinion a “mob”?

    This is largely an opinion site. Just because people don’t share your opinion does not mean they should be labeled as “haters” or a “mob”.

    I suppose you will say you are just expressing your opinion and will not change your ways. That would be sad.

  • July 12, 2021 at 11:06 am
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    WIJG – not sure you’re being serious. Wouldn’t calling haters “haters” and the mob “mob” be within my right to express my opinion? Gee, I would hate to think my opinion upset delicate sensibilities.

    Meanwhile, I find using non specific or generalized labels can be an effective shortcut to express my opinion. I consider myself and I expect most posters here to be “fans” of the Hawks – would that pass your test for proper use of a label?

  • July 12, 2021 at 11:45 am
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    Exactly what I expected.

    LMFO!

  • July 12, 2021 at 12:00 pm
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    Ignoring the gist of my post to take issue with me using the words haters and mob is just what I have come to expect from you. Then constructing a defense of your indefensible criticism by citing the obvious and reasonable response I would have truly shows you knew your criticism was not only unwarranted but utter nonsense.

    I could point out that my post wasn’t directed at you or anyone else in particular whereas you chose to attack me, but I don’t have delicate sensibilities so it really doesn’t bother me and I actually find it kind of fun to respond in kind.

    By the way, I know I’ve read other posters use the word “haters” in relation to Stan on this site – just curious – did you attack them too or is it just me who has annoyed you to that level?

  • July 12, 2021 at 1:42 pm
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    Keith traded to Edmonton for Caleb Jones and 3rd round pick.

  • July 12, 2021 at 1:43 pm
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    Seth on his way?

  • July 12, 2021 at 1:44 pm
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    No salary retained on Keith contract.

  • July 12, 2021 at 1:46 pm
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    Reports are that Duncan Keith has been traded to the Oilers for Caleb Jones and a third. No Salary retention noted at this point in the reports but that could change.
    Time to ship Zadarov to Vancouver if possible and then get something for Strome if possible perhaps even a second rounder.
    If we`re not in the running for Seth Jones, I think going after Adam Larsson ( a UFA formerly with the Oilers this past year ) might be a great pickup.

  • July 12, 2021 at 5:21 pm
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    @silent Spot. janmark a free agent. go get him

  • July 12, 2021 at 5:24 pm
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    This cant say this too many times.

    No shortcuts.

  • July 12, 2021 at 5:37 pm
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    Saying Dunks trade to EDM for prospect 3rd and no retain salary.

    WIthout Dunks Haan thats two less top 4 Defensemen then we had that alone could have us getting another top 3 draft pick in 2022 draft. Which could be the best thing for us loading young wave. Sneak in another elite draft player before were too good. Then add like crazy to young core.

    2 7 caphits should cover new top pair.

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