Blackhawks Sign Dominik Kubalik
Welcome aboard! Forward Dominik Kubalik has signed a 1-year contract ($925,000) with the #Blackhawks.
Kubalik just completed an impressive outing at #IIHFWorlds racking up 12 points (6G, 6A) in 10 games for the Czech Republic. pic.twitter.com/Uo8acoPvlL
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) May 29, 2019
Kubalik, who will turn 24 in August, was originally drafted by the LA Kings in 2013. The Blackhawks acquired his rights in a trade with the Kings in January; Chicago sent Arizona’s fifth round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft to Los Angeles.
A left-handed shot, Kubalik is listed at 6-2 and 180 pounds.
? Kubalik sends the puck top shelf and increases @narodnitym 's lead to 3-1 over @deb_teams with 8:19 to go in the 3rd. #IIHFWorlds #CZEGER
Stay up to the minute with game action with the IIHF App:
? https://t.co/PDQtNtuJxc
?? https://t.co/yImldTg3TU pic.twitter.com/L0Dxca8EM4— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 23, 2019
From what Stan has said he’ll get a very good opportunity to be on Hawks roster next year – sounds like a solid addition – has some size which is nice
We’ll see…
I like what I’ve seen from Kubalik in the WC – skates well, has a nice shot and he shows up in a lot of plays. The comparisons with Kahun and Kampf – he’s not as physical as Kampf and he’s not as “nifty” as Kahun. He’s listed as LW but his highlight video shows many of his one-timer snipes coming from the right side so he probably plays either wing – the same as Kahun.
I’m not sure I would want a Kubalik-Kampf-Kahun line because they are kind of mis-matched pieces. If Kampf is the 4C, (and I think he has to be because he doesn’t score enough to be anything else), then he needs wingers who can play a 4th line style, (like Caggiula) and Kahun isn’t that type of player and I’m not sure Kuballik is either.
Should step in right away, you would think theres a good chance at that age he has a european clause, so may not be Ahl candidate. Two offensive guys and a grinder type, may be a good line to start the year with. Sharp seemed high on what Kampf could do offensively if given a couple of wingers who can play offense. Right time to find out if auditioning for a 3c to start year. Other options for 4th c available or could be signed.
I’m skeptical about Kampf as a 3C – besides unless AA is traded he’s 3C
Kampf IMO is a 4C and a good one – maybe I’m wrong but I don’t don’t see enough of an offensive upside to be a 3C
I suppose the thinking is if he could bring what say Coyle for example brings as a 3C in BOS that would be great because Kampf is strong defensively so if he had a little offence to go along with that it’s a win for the Hawks – unfortunately I just don’t see the offence there even to the level of Coyle
Kampf – Kubalik – Kahun could be an interesting 4th line – not a traditional banging one but one that you could play more than traditional 4th line minutes and could hopefully score more than a traditional 4th line
Wrap a committment to team defence may play a part there too, giving Kampf an edge there if AA is moved, which seems reasonable to think may happen. Maybe with those 2 or somebody else, maybe Anisimov stays, but either way 2way bottom 6 Cs is probably what Colliton would like. Alot of times too a C playing 3rd line role plays less minutes than a C playing 4th line role.
I have been down on his offense alot too but Kampfs career stats show there has been as many shots generated for as there is against, with having about 60% D zone starts in his career, which may create good possession with a couple of creative wingers. He will never be a do it all guy, but offensively if he can win some puck battles and give some net front presence and bang in a few there it would go along way with rest of his game, and give him better faceoff matchups again.
@Ian – would love to see Kampf add just a little offensive production because he does do a lot of things well and is fast and works hard
Don’t mind they signed him but where does he fit in? We have a lot of middle 6 wingers (generously speaking) or bottom 6 wingers (realistic speaking) already and Kubalik doesn’t seem like a top 6 winger.
xxxx – Toews – Kane
Cat – Strome – xxxx
Kahun – AA – Saad
Caggs – Kampf – xxxx
That leaves Perlini, Sikura, Kubalik to fill in those blanks. Don’t believe Hayden is a solution, Kruger won’t come back IMO, and Entwistle may or may not be ready for the 4RW.
None of Perlini, Sikura or Kubalik (likely) are realistically top 6 players unless one of them really steps up. Before anyone says it, yes Perlini had about 5 games where he looked solid on the 2nd line, but realistically his body of work suggests IMO he should be a 4RW spot. Caggs, and I do like his play a lot, did okay on the 1st line, but realistically on a top team he’s a 3rd or 4th liner. That said, honestly, Caggs – Kampf – Perlini is a solid 4th line. I love Perlini’s shot and speed but his hockey IQ isn’t great. Sikura has great hockey IQ, speed and stick handling but his shot leaves a lot to be desired. Pick your poison on which should be on the 1st or 2nd lines, but both should not play on the top 6; let those two compete for a top 6 spot and have Caggs anchor the 4th line.
Back to one of the most glaring holes the Hawks need to fill, a top 6 winger either on the 1st or 2nd line. Sikura and Perlini compete for the other open spot and one of those and Kubalik compete for the 4RW opposite of Caggs.
…and btw, trade AA and bring in someone like Haula who has a year left out of Vegas as Vegas needs to shed cap and dump either Haula or Eakin.
@Eddie – good breakdown
I think they sign 1 FW to play one of those top 6 slots – someone like Anders Lee if he makes it to UFA status, maybe Dzingel
I think Saad fills the other spot – at least in theory he’s a top 6 FW IMO whether he plays up there or on the 3rd line – I’d like to see a good sample size of him with T and K on the 1st line but he may be more valuable on the 3rd
Trading AA and replacing him with someone like Haula, Eakin or Kadri (my preference) or Brock Nelson I also agree with
I’ve also thought of the same 4th line you mentioned Kampf – Caggs – Perlini
Perlini may prove to be more than that but let him prove it
So in theory top 6 – 19, 88, 20, 12, 17 and UFA
Bottom 6 AA (or replacement) Kubalik, Kahun, Caggs, Kampf, Perlini
Sikura starts in RKF
Not bad…
…another idea for the vacant top 6 winger spot is either Kapanen or Jonsson out of TOR either via trade or offer sheet which TOR could be susceptible to or the threat of an offer sheet may provoke a trade
Eddie, with Debrincat, Strome, Gus, Cagguila, Kahun and Kubalik already on books next year as rfas, i can’t see Bowman bringing in a Haula or Eakin types on expiring contracts at 3 to 4m caphits and looking for a raise next summer in what he termed another build year.
Be interesting to see how much is spent on ufas, i said earlier it appears Delias the backup, i see Nemeth a target on defense, a bottom 6 forward likely and as Wrap said trade for a young forward who will become a top 6 player he can cost control for a few years. Probably try different players first part of season to shape the roster for rest of season.
Next season is still a partial rebuilding year. It should be all about preparing to make a serious run in 20/21, including our #3 pick and some from our pipeline. Hopefully, the organization has determined who should be and should not be on the team. I don’t think AA, Kruger, Forsling, Dahl, Gus, and a few others factor into the team’s future. Hopefully, at least some of them can be traded for a fair return (picks/prospects) and clear some more cap space.
Agreed O6H-if you trade AA (and if it can happen it will) one of the needs is a 2/3 C and Kampf moves up the depth chart-he is a very good option for 4th line and penalty kill-although a complete revamp of that sh.. show needs to happen this coming year. I really wish there was a system and necessary players to let 19 play less intense minutes on the PK and allow a great HOFer to focus more 5 on 5 in the league as he gets older.
Maybe they will go the Cozens route, it certainly has been a need in the system. The Hockey News has a scouting comparison between him and Dach. Dach gets the nod on IQ and passing, Cozens on compete, skating, shot and physicality. Dach seems to be a more like Strome, but with more potential to be a better skater.
Kubalik, Kahun, Kampf? This is what we are debating? Marginal players who would not be in the NHL if not for the poor pro scouting on the HAWKS. Another waste of money and time. Joke.
Signing European 4th line players?Honestly this is horrible but not surprising. Same old same old dumb moves. We have plenty of hard nosed Canadian or American players around the league who can truly play 4th line minutes with more speed and physicality. Joke
If Asimov is moved, not convinced they will make a splash for a 3c. Luke Johnson or Kruger can play bottom 6 for awhile, Reese Johnson is somebody to watch in Rockford, may make a very good role player at some point. Kurashev and Entwistle could factor in and Barrett next year possible, after an injury year, Wise may have alot of conversation in another year on his progression. Realistically Toews isn’t in all likelyhood that far away from that type of role either. So good chance they fill there with competent bottom line Cs inhouse and upgrade from within as time goes on, vs making pricey/term committment in fa.
Isn’t Asimov that robot from Honda motor corporation?
I think it depends on how we do the checking line. That determines who is on the checking line. Then thats decided by who we have for bottom 6 players.
So if were going to 2010 makeup for the checking line, 16/36/32 then Saader and Kampf and whoever is like Steeger would be 3rd line as the checking line.
If were going with the 2013, 2014, 2015 for the checking line (which we cant do unless were deep), 36/16/67 then theres where Kampf is really good and in line with stats/points. That would be a checking line with guys who are not stat rackers. Guys like 67 and 16 and 11 and Eager and Burish.
Guys that are a pain to play agasint can score a little and always bring the heat. That sounds like Kampf to me.
We played the first 30 games with tank ufas and had about between a 1/2 (half) to 3/4 (three qtrs) of a full roster. Then around game 30 we made the roster adjustments and went 25-15-and change from game 30-82. So to me, and were adding good players to that, were going to be that 25-15 kind of team.
Not saying were going to go 50-30 but we are going to be better then last yr, in every way. We need to take these steps to build toward being a top team again. At some point in this season and during the 21 season were going to get to having a full roster. Thats when its going to get good.
Theres nothing wrong with trying lines like Ian said or ER said. This yr is a good time to do that. Were not in a transition yrs anymore. We are now in a, on the way, to getting deeper yr. The 21 season and on I expect great things.
Original, that what I think for 23man, once were deep again. Those guys arnt on it.
Fine with Krugs every yr until Kurachev, Enwhistle, top 3 pick thats a FW are playing.
Good thing is I like the Cozens dude and Turcotte and this Byram guy.
We were good games 30-82, and were adding to that. Going to be deep in 2yrs. With very good young fast excellent skating players.
21 season and on is the ticket. But were going to be good this yr, having closer to a full roster then last two yrs.
I look at Boston’s 4th line, and it’s Acciari, Kuraly and Wagner. Arguably one of the best in the NHL. They can hang vs. the skilled lines, but they bring an intensity and physical dominance that wears down the other team, especially the defensemen. That type of play is effective in the playoffs. It’s no secret the top teams in the playoffs (Boston, St. Louis) employ this type of play and use it effectively.
@Trip – no doubt this year those teams employing physical dominance especially BOS and STL have dome well and are probably going to face each other for the Cup
However that doesn’t mean the Hawks have to copy exactly their template – they won their 3 Cups by getting the best of teams who played that way ie. PHI, BOS, ANA, STL and LA to name 5
I’m not saying the Hawks don’t need to add some physicality to their current roster but they should also stick to the skill/speed/mental toughness with some physicality approach that won them 3 cups
Once they have the right roster to maximize that style of play they’ll beat the BOS/STLs of the world
Every yr we were deep we have that. 2009 2010 2012 2013 2014 2015.
We ll have that again. Were going to be deeper then last yr and have some of that. Though we wont be as deep as the top teams in 20 season.
Who evers good, when those guys are ready and established, were deep and have that kind of 4th line. Kurachev, Entwhistle, top 3 pick, Barratt, maybe Wise, others? Still have Kabalik Kahun to.
Its starting to fill up once more of these guys are ready. They all will be young fast and hungry and relentless. Like these 4th lines your talking about.
Just have to wait about one more yr until enough of them are ready.
Thats the kind of player Reese Johnson, if you read some of what his junior coach and Gm says he can become. Hardworking player who brings compete and greasiness to the lineup, plus has potential to be one the top faceoff guys in the league too boot. At 6’1″ and 192 lbs who will be 21 in july, could be a factor next season with an Ahl stint first.
His Gm and coach in juniors was Brent Sutter who is saying that.
How good is 65% at juniors equal to. Which centers have we had that were like that. Bolly wasnt that high. Wonder he be like Krugs was before cheap shots.
Quote from Mo: “Good thing is I like the Cozens dude and Turcotte and this Byram guy.” I agree and believe one of them will be putting on the Indianhead sweater on June 21. Dach may be the most NHL-ready but many reports say that his ceiling is probably not as high as several others. He is not a #3. Zegras and possibly one or two others may go before him.
Out with Kruger, Kahun, Hayden and Sikura. Need upgrade, real upgrade.
Kirby Dach , 3rd overall. 6’4″ 200lbs. Great skater!!!!
Kublaick is having an awesome World Championship over a ppg and is in the top 10 scoring overall. Has good speed,good size and an awesome shot. He’s a free lottery ticket with top 6 ceiling.
Have you seen Dach play in WHL games or did you see him in the Cherry/Orr CHL allstar game this past January? To call him a “great skater” isn’t accurate. He’s a decent skater, especially for a big guy but the other 2 centers he’s in competition with for the #3 pick – Turcotte and Cozens – can skate rings around Dach – not even close.
I prefer Byram for the #3 pick but if Stan wants a center I would take both Turcotte and Cozens over Dach.
Here’s what’s interesting to me if the Hawks select Byram. If StanBo chooses him, then the Hawks believe he’s a serious, serious #1 D, in the mold of Doughty or to whomever else Byram draws comparisons. That’s pump-your-fist exciting. I don’t know which assessments to believe, #1 D-man or just the best of a mediocre bunch in a mediocre draft class. Whichever direction the Hawks take will provide clarity.
Otherwise, I think it’ll be Turcote. And, I think we should be very pleased by it.
Aurora agree, i would be alot more over on Byram if he was in the conversation with the seemingly sure things, Hughes and Kappo. Instead he is being considered as maybe the best of the next bunch, alot of good things being said but thats where he fits at the end of the day, plus still avoiding comparisons to last years defense picks. Its his offense lately that pushed him up the draft ladder.
If he only becomes another very good prospect defenseman, then a huge opportunity to draft a future top line end forward is lost. Tend to think it will be one of Turcotte, Cozens, Dach or Zegras that is picked.
As long as the Hawks take who they think is the BPA available regardless of position I’ll be OK with it
Originally that appeared to be either Pod or one of the centres but Byram has made a strong case
I hear/read different opinions of his ability to defend – some suggest he’s capable in his own end others think he’s got a long ways to go in the D zone and speaks to how high someone might have him ranked
Those who think he can defend have him usually at #3 because no one doubts his offence
Interesting to note that Central scouting has him #2 in NA players and Button has him #3 on his board – two pretty reputable recommendations
I see Corey Pronman @ The Athletic has Turcotte #3 and Byram #4
I posted a while back that these two seemed to be at the top of the next tier of the draft after Hughes and Kakko and IMO the Hawks will likely draft one of those two
Whoever they think is the BPA
This is what I posted on May 19 under the Koekkoek string:
“If a center is taken, my guess is it will be Turcotte. Is more of a complete player who has put up mega numbers. May have more upside than the other two as well.”
As I posted above at 12:15 am, I excluded Dach because the other two centers are better choices.
ER and I agree that Byram should be the pick. For those of you concerned about his ability to defend, most d-men need more development in this area than offensive and other skills. Byram is great at taking away lanes and limiting options for the opposition. His decision-making and positioning rated as excellent. Skating and passing outstanding. Accurate shot. Very high Hockey IQ. It is harder to draft a defender of this quality than most high-end centers.
The Hawks do not have a #1 for next season. Keith can now be considered a 2. Seabs has fallen to third pairing. Murphy barely a 2. Joki is likely a 2. Between Boq, Beau, Mitchell, and anyone else, figure two or three will make the team in a year or two. It is questionable whether we will have two first pairing by Fall 2021. Improvements for sure, but our D still Deficient. Byram projected as a 1.
This draft is similar to 2015 when Mcdavid was 1st and Eichel 2nd were pretty much givens, then you had Dylan Strome who went 3rd was in a group with Hannifan the best defenceman and Marner and a couple of others who were being picked to go 3rd.
Good comparison Ian. This seems very similar to 2015. Sadly that year the “tanking” to get to the bottom was ridiculous . Remember when Jonathan Toews received a standing ovation in Buffalo was scoring two goals in the last few minutes for a Hawks regulation win. The fans there wanted McDavid so bad that they cheered for the opposing team.
As for this draft, it seems that Zegras is more in the Patrick Kane mold while Turcotte is the 200 foot center that Toews is. It’s amazing that out of all the amateur scouting the Hawks do and the hours they put in, this draft will come down to this one pick. It must be a home run.
Just watched shift by shift games for both Byram and Turcotte – obviously they pick good games to do these shift by shift videos and both players looked good
It should be mentioned that Turcotte is playing with an All Star team whereas Byram is playing with a less talented team although I think the college team that Turcotte was playing against was a better team than the Calgary Hitmen that Byram was playing against
I’ve heard Turcotte compared to Kesler and I thought that an appropriate comparison – fast, relentless, good nose for the net, good D however Kesler was never an real #1 C on a good team – he was a great #2 C behind Getzlaf
Byram on the other hand looks to have a higher ceiling – QBs the PP, really good shot, excellent passer and skater and while the Hitmen were not a tough opponent his D work was better than I expected – his ceiling seems higher than Turcotte’s in an admittedly small sample – a #1 D
So based on this limited sample I’m picking Byram over Turcotte at #3 if that’s the choice
(except
I like Cozens and based on everything since we won the draft lottery top 3 pick.
Right now Byram and Turcotte are the top guns.
Like that we pick D guy that means he is a #1 Defensemen. We do that I will say, lets get pissed!
Trevor Zegras, Great skater, great vision, He can play fast, he makes fast plays.
But a really exciting player.
I’m pretty sure that Mark Kelley likes Zegras a lot.
I for one am hoping the Hawks take Zegras at three.
Its tuff to know. Going by what everyone is saying. Highlights are highlights, everybody looks good. Every guy going to have good games and off games.
I do not consider Dach, Zegras, and others only because of the majority and pro tv scouts guys.
You really have to watch 5-10 reg and playoff games of each guy to make list.
Zegras is great, but no way is he going ahead of Turcotte and Cozens.
Unfortunately the Best Player Available argument is becoming very ambiguous.
Reading Craig Button’s Mock Draft tonight, clearly Byram is the best defenseman and if Stan drafts him there is no argument, the Hawks got the best defenseman as Broberg is next at 14.
Having said that, I still think Stan and Mark K. Will go with a Center. The question is which one ? Unfortunately teams picking from 6 to 10 will end up getting guys we’ve talked about here like Cozens, Zegras and will claim “steal”.
So the question becomes, is there a franchise player at 3 ? Or in their scouting meetings is there a guy, so far out in front of the other forwards, like Turcotte, who they know when flying to the draft even before they arrive in Vancouver , they are going to select?
Saw Dach in playoffs as well and he is a great skater with Forsberg hands, At 6’4″, he is a perfect fit. Very gritty too! Now maybe Turcotte and Cozens can definitely skate circles around Strome until the sun goes down but not Dach. Otherwise, Cozens over Turcotte.
Craig it will on where the organization sees each player in 5 or 6 years time when in their prime more than they see now, thats the hard part. If they see Byram as high as some are selling on him now, they will take him likely but they have their own scouting and it may say something different. I am hoping they take who they feel will be best player for Blackhawks if its Byram or even if they still feel its Podkolzin and Khl not an issue. Just because mock drafters looking for bragging rights are bailing on him, doesn’t mean teams don’t think he can be best of the rest and still go high. Still for me have to believe it will be one of the 4 i mentioned earlier.
Wrap agree with a lot of what you say, bot in the post and in general-but most college teams couldn’t beat the Calgary Hitmen this year. No way.
I can remember last years draft, no one would have predicted Barrett Hayton and Jesperi Kotkaniemi getting picked in the top five. Having a so called dark horse, Trevor Zegras picked in the top three this year could be a real possibility. Remember the Hawks will be projecting what the prospects will be in three or four years not what they are now.
@Noonan – interesting, I’ll take your word on that – I hardly watch any US college hockey
So if the Dubuque Fighting Saints are not as good as the Calgary Hitmen then that takes a little bit of the shine off of Turcotte’s performance in that game
I do think, prob, Bowman ans crew will already know who were picking before going to draft. Unless Kakko isint picked 1st or 2nd. Our guys arnt going to wait until the last second to get a feel/vibe on who we like better. I am now more fine with Turcotte not Cozens then before.
So Turcotte is a 1st lince center and Byram is top pair then thats ok.
we ll take a top pair Defensemen with, winning the draft lottery top 3 pick.
We had the 12th pick and were getting a franchise player. Elite stud, not 12th pick.
I saw the NYI writer for The Athletic proposed a Leddy for Saad trade
If I’m the Hawks I don’t do that – besides not being a proponent of trading Saad (I think he’s very valuable to the Hawks and may have a career year coming up) I’m not a Leddy fan
Watching some of the Islanders in the playoffs especially vs CAR he just didn’t impact the game very much – his compete level isn’t high enough IMO – same when he was in CHI
@Stape – last year Kotkaniemi moved steadily up the rankings as the draft approached much like Byram this year and IIRC Button actually picked MTL at #3 to take him just before the draft so it wasn’t that much of a surprise
Hayton was however more of a surprise getting picked so high
Good point Stape.
An interesting way is too look at last 5 drafts and where these guys are now and were then, kind of thing. Thats a lot of thinking, that could project by looking at those players. Different players so cant say, could use as a guide somewhat.
We already have 10 OFF Defensemen. Do not need a high cap hit OFF Defensemen, thats worse.
Leads cant play Defense, even though hes fast, rather have/keep Gus for normal caphit.
Saader shouldnt be traded unless its for a #2 or #3 DEF Defensemen. He showed hes still as good as before, after the first 10 games.
I have good vibes for Saader that this season and going forward hes going to be a beast.
Cant forget we did not have a full roster the last two yrs. Without 4 lines teams can focus in on certain players and theres no depth.
As we get more deep at FW, its really going to trickle down effect. Guys like Saader are going to drive lines again.
Why are the Bruins in the finals again, still super competitive after the cup win in what was it 11 . whereas with Bowman in charge the Hawks suck , will they win a cup with Stanley in charge. its wishfull thinking. It is argued on this site that the cups came under Tallons watch . Now is Bowmans turn we will see . Good luck to the Blues
Agree wouldn’t do the Keddy deal.
Wrap Buttons may have said something to that, but his june predictions were Kotkaneimi at 5th and he was only one close in Hayton at 7th. He actually had the top 7 right just not right order. Nobody ad 3rd pick right.
BOS sucked for 2 yrs, like we just did, and got Pastrinak and 4 good young players from that. So they got 5 good young players and got good in 2 yrs.
We are doing the same exact thing.
CHI sucked for 2 yrs, we got Debrincat and 4 Horsemen. So we got 5 good young players. Were going to be deep in 2 yrs. Same thing.
The difference is BOS did not get a top 3 Elite player. CHI won draft lottery top 3 pick. So CHI will be better then BOS once draft players are established.
Toews Kane
Bergevon Krycek
Saad
Marchhand
Were better for core players.
Only thing they have is Rask is younger then Crow and Crows been hurt twice and Rask has been hurt once.
Otherwise CHI should be better then BOS in a couple yrs.
Watching U.S. Russia, is it me or does Hughes spend most of his ice time on his rear end. Devils are nuts if they don’t take Kakko
You see that picture of Kakkos illegal stick head lock with Hughes in it.
Agree don’t do Leddy deal. Wrap Buttons may have made a comment to that, but his June rankings had Kotkaniemi at 5th and he was hard on Zadina for 3rd. He was the closest on Hayton at 7th, Buttons actually had top 7 right, 3, 5 6 and 7 were in wrong spots. Don’t think anybody had no. 3 or 5 right.
It wouldnt ever happen. NJ picks Kakko, NYR pick Podloz. Would you take Hughes.
Alot of people thought Hughes should of followed Matthews lead and played in Europe mens league this year to be Nhl ready. He may have quite an adjustment ahead of him next season, where Kappo won’t be near as much. What kind of player that Hughes is projected to come in 4 or 5 years will likely keep at 1st overall.
Haven’t seen him before u18s and iihf but haven’t been impressed. With that said scouts and analysts no doubt know more than I do. So yes, with all the hype he gets i would take him with #3. He’s definitely getting beat up playing against men though, gaudreau, keller, and kane aren’t big men and they spend far less time on their back sides
Boston also didn’t win a 2nd and 3rd Cup … just sayin.
We also essentially won in 2014. Thats coming closer to winning then these other teams that get beat in finals. Would blow the doors off the Rangers that yr.
Stape may be right that Zegras is going higher than I thought. In a couple of mocks he is ranked 4th or 5th, behind Turcotte and ahead of Cozens.
I’d make Leddy trade in a second. Gives us flexibility then to trade another defender like Gus or one of the kids. Cap wise we dump over paid Saad so kinda cancels out and Leddy is without question better defensively then Gus. It obviously seems like we like off minded d men but Leddy much more solid defensively then Gus and we could have 3 off mind d men, Leddy, Joki and eventually Boq or Beaudin then Keith, Seabs and Murphy. Murphy Keith And Leddy at least give us 3 top 4 d men and Joki and Boq eventually have good chance too. Look at last year without Murphy then with Murphy. I’m still looking at Podkolvin hard. I also like Cousins a lot but doubt he will be ready next year and maybe what 50/50 2021 so Pod staying in khl a year or 2 shouldn’t remove him from consideration. We ,hopefully, not picking at 3 again for a while so you have to get the best guy. Even if he stays in khl for year or 2 which I actually doubt, no guarantee any of other kids will be ready for next 2 even 3 years so you get best player available. If Byram the best u take him but I don’t think he separates himself from group mentioned and if not, don’t see us talking a 5th straight d men with 1st/2nd rd picks. Without Leddy trade we can still be good team but I wanna be a great team and I think we need to make a couple big moves to do it. And if we can also trade AA with Saad we, cap will be ok. I know it’s a super long shot and he one of my all time fav hawks but I’d see if any young team that needs leaders would have any interest in seabs. We not gonna get much or anything really back and prob have to sweeten deal maybe with Beaudin and Sikura but man would it be great to get him off the books. I don’t think we could send a few million with Seabs to make him more interesting but if they could I’d do that too. This almost certainly not gonna happen but I’d look into it for team like Ottawa or NJ.
How about draft Byram, trade Gus for Kapanen and sign Edler to run the PP and be a better defender than Gus?
Everytime I see that MIN logo, I get chills.
12th pick. Top 3 pick.
Top pair Defensmen or 1st line center.
Kabalik might be like a 12th pick player.
Have a feeling Kubalik will be put with Toews and Kane on the first line. Big, physical enough, and offensively talented. Might be a good fit.
Good news. I think he can have a similar rookie season as Kahun had (37 points). He skates well and has a pretty good one-timer. Not sure how he is on the defensive side of the puck but hopefully that isn’t going to be a problem. He’s listed as LW but he gets a bunch of one-timer shots from the right side so maybe he’s comfortable playing either side.
Expect he may get a look with 19 and 88 snd/or 12 ad 17. If he doesn’t fit there will likely stick on a 3rd offensive secondary scoring line.
Bowman compared him to Kahun, so likely get similar opportunities to show what he can do.
What wing he plays may also be impacted who they add through UFA status or trade to the forward group and how comfortable they are on one side or the other
Kabalik makes top 9 better. Trickle down effect. We now have enough players to have 4 lines. Without having guys like Knutz and others on 4th line. Huge Diff.