2023 NHL Draft situation

[ClydeLee]

If they're terrible wouldn't that make the case he's only playing with bad players though

The only worry I have of Michkov from watching clips is he makes a ton of plays around the net with skill and finish. Can he do that against men. I've not seen lots of KHL tape of him but if that holds up there, even know a bad team, that's a great sign it can work for him at his size still in the nhl

 

[Space umpire]

If they're terrible wouldn't that make the case he's only playing with bad players though

The only worry I have of Michkov from watching clips is he makes a ton of plays around the net with skill and finish. Can he do that against men. I've not seen lots of KHL tape of him but if that holds up there, even know a bad team, that's a great sign it can work for him at his size still in the nhl

If they're terrible wouldn't that make the case he's only playing with bad players though

The only worry I have of Michkov from watching clips is he makes a ton of plays around the net with skill and finish. Can he do that against men. I've not seen lots of KHL tape of him but if that holds up there, even know a bad team, that's a great sign it can work for him at his size still in the nhl

I’ve seen a whopping 3 minutes of highlights so hardly an expert opinion.
He reminds me of Kane.

 

[Putt Pirate]

Great goal from Zach Benson.

 

[Blackhawkswincup]

The only issue with Michkov is the reality that he may not be able to leave Russia and that should terrify teams who are considering taking him in top 3 of draft

Given what happened with Fedotov and the ongoing situation with Russia there is far too much risk in drafting him

 

[Drumman44]

I keep forgetting we have our own 2nd round pick this year. Who do we like at 34ish?

 

[Blackhawkswincup]

I keep forgetting we have our own 2nd round pick this year. Who do we like at 34ish?

Whoever is 1st round grade that falls for some reason

There are always a few

 

[Mrfenn92]

I keep forgetting we have our own 2nd round pick this year. Who do we like at 34ish?

Cam Allen Charlie Stramel Kasper Hulttunen

 

[Malaka]

The only issue with Michkov is the reality that he may not be able to leave Russia and that should terrify teams who are considering taking him in top 3 of draft

Given what happened with Fedotov and the ongoing situation with Russia there is far too much risk in drafting him

Malkin made it out… also I would think the Blackhawks have the financial resources to literally have blackwater pararescue him.

For all we know the writing on the wall of preference toward veterans and lack of consideration toward his development loaning him to a team that’s 5 - 43 might lead him to wanting out

 

[Kevin Musto]

I keep forgetting we have our own 2nd round pick this year. Who do we like at 34ish?

Hunter Brzustewicz.

Russian factor could make Mikhail Gulyayev available as well.

 

[Blackhawkswincup]

Malkin made it out… also I would think the Blackhawks have the financial resources to literally have blackwater pararescue him.

For all we know the writing on the wall of preference toward veterans and lack of consideration toward his development loaning him to a team that’s 5 - 43 might lead him to wanting out

?

Malkin wasn't highly ranked Russian prospect during a time of war.

And Fedotov was arrested and sent away to army

Michkov hasn't fulfilled his military service requirement and likely would face same situation as Fedotov

And the Hawks are not going to send in a group of mercenaries to get Michkov nor can they bribe him out most likely as it would be in violation of sanctions on Russia

 

[clydesdale line]

Hawks don't have a 6th round pick in this upcoming draft (traded it for 6th round pick last years draft) or a 4th rounder in next years draft (Hagel trade). I can see Davidson filling those voids in trades this deadline.

 

[Larmer83]

I keep forgetting we have our own 2nd round pick this year. Who do we like at 34ish?

RD Hunter Brzustewicz
RD Maxim Strbak
LW/RW Alex Ciernik

 

[Blackhawkswincup]

Hawks don't have a 6th round pick in this upcoming draft (traded it for 6th round pick last years draft) or a 4th rounder in next years draft (Hagel trade). I can see Davidson filling those voids in trades this deadline.

Yeah I have been expecting 4th coming Hawks way in some deal

 

[Malaka]

?

Malkin wasn't highly ranked Russian prospect during a time of war.

And Fedotov was arrested and sent away to army

Michkov hasn't fulfilled his military service requirement and likely would face same situation as Fedotov

And the Hawks are not going to send in a group of mercenaries to get Michkov nor can they bribe him out most likely as it would be in violation of sanctions on Russia

I would imagine they could buy out his contract and then some...

 

[ColbyChaos]

Source

His Cristal obsession

 

[Pez68]

I would imagine they could buy out his contract and then some...

That's not the problem. You can't be this naive to the Russia situation, can you?

 

[Northernhawk]

That's not the problem. You can't be this naive to the Russia situation, can you?

I don’t know about these Russian draft picks...Maxim Shalunov, after a brief ECHL career we’re still waiting, Ivan Nalimov came over for what? A game? Still waiting on Artur Kayumov, and now Ilya Safonov...we had Andrei Altybarmakayan kind of make some noise with the Hogs for two seasons but he wasn’t qualified

The list goes on and on
Igor Makarov
Denis Istomin?
Alexei Ivanov?
Anton Babchuk as a first rounder played
Alexander Kozhevnikov
Vladimir Gusev
Alexei Zotkin?
Alexander Golovin?
Oleg Minakov?
the Mike Smith heavy Russian draft of 2000 with two first rounders Mikhail Yakubov, Pavel Vorobiev, Igor Radulov, Alexander Barkunov and Vladislav Luchkin
Dmitri Levinsky?
Stephan Mokhov?
Andrei Yershov?
Sergei Shikhanov?
Andrei Kozyrev
Dimitri Nabokov RIP
Sergei Petrov?
Sergei Krivokrasov 1st that played!
Sergei Klimovich
Igor Kravchuk managed an NHL career
Alexander Andrijevski

Still waiting for that Russian Blackhawk star, we had him as a ‘gem find’ named Artemi Panarin...oh well

I think why risk a pick when you can go with a less risk free pick

 

[Malaka]

That's not the problem. You can't be this naive to the Russia situation, can you?

I know Russians personally that have defected and best friends Ukrainians the like who have family there. And I follow it pretty well more but maybe less lately… I’d still say money talks. Especially for a country that is experiencing economic insecurity and the owner of SKA being one of the gas oligarchs. There’s several issues that add to why he might want to not live out that KHL contract. But what do I know. Just adding some thoughts.

 

[Kevin Musto]

This is an elite talent right here

 

[Pez68]

I know Russians personally that have defected and best friends Ukrainians the like who have family there. And I follow it pretty well more but maybe less lately… I’d still say money talks. Especially for a country that is experiencing economic insecurity and the owner of SKA being one of the gas oligarchs. There’s several issues that add to why he might want to not live out that KHL contract. But what do I know. Just adding some thoughts.

There's a lot more to it than that. Putin is a spiteful, vindictive mother f***er. Who knows if he wants the best Russian prospect leaving to play in the United States. Who knows what Michkov's political position is. Who knows if he's for, or against Putin, and what situation that puts him in. Who knows if he even wants to come over here and play. Maybe he is a Putin lover, who hates the US, and wants to stay in Russia. Who knows if he has family that would need to get out, if he wants to leave, and if they would be safe.... And that's assuming you can even get him out of there with the current situation.

It's a hot f***ing mess and I wouldn't want any part of it, as a GM.

 

[Malaka]

There's a lot more to it than that. Putin is a spiteful, vindictive mother f***er. Who knows if he wants the best Russian prospect leaving to play in the United States. Who knows what Michkov's political position is. Who knows if he's for, or against Putin, and what situation that puts him in. Who knows if he even wants to come over here and play. Maybe he is a Putin lover, who hates the US, and wants to stay in Russia. Who knows if he has family that would need to get out, if he wants to leave, and if they would be safe.... And that's assuming you can even get him out of there with the current situation.

It's a hot f***ing mess and I wouldn't want any part of it, as a GM.

I do think there are some straightforward refutations like the fact that all of the best Russians are playing here still in reference to whether Putin wants him here -- but I regardless agree with your point that it is a lot of uncertainty.

If the juice is worth the squeeze where he's got a ceiling similar to Bedard, and you have the logistical resources to do so, you figure it out. There's a lot to be said about the ROI on greatness from a business perspective... Kane jerseys will be selling in Chicago for the next century.

If this kid was the next Ovechkin, which I understand is not necessarily reality, you would want him developing in house, and would throw the sink at him realizing that potential. Would you not?

 

[hawksfan50]

My new draft rankings Top 20

1.Connor Bedard
2 Adam Fanantilli
3.Will Smith
4 Zac Benson
5. Mathew Wood
6.Mikhail Gulayev (D)
7.Leo Carlsson
8.Andrew Cristal
9.Oliver Moore
10.Ryan Leonard
11.Gabriel Perreault
12. Colby Barlow
13. MATVEI MICHKOV
14.Riley Heidt
15.OLIVER BONK(D)
16. Axel-Pelikka (D)
17.Koehn Ziemmer
18.Brayden Yager
19.Edouard Sale
20. (Still deciding)

I still have concerns about Carlsson's lack of pace...he looks like a solid power forward for a 200 ft player but doubt whether he drives a line as a Center...may just be a power winger...which us fine and likely a high floor safe and solid player ...maybe like Sedin level winger ..whichbus great but not consensus top 3 in my books and add in the lack of elitepace abd I just have to drop him down..Sorry consensus I just do not project him to impaxt as big as the hype raises expectation for him. I will say he has good hockey hockey instincts .a fine solid top ten pick but I just cannot put him as high as #3.

WILL SMITH does everything well and can drive and generate lots of scoring chances for both himself and his wingers..I cannot see him kiwe than#3 overall..only issue is to add more pounds and strength...Now 6'0 173...get him to 185-190 and he will impact big time.. surefire big oints 1C or 2C with a 200ft game too...just our on the weight t to lanky frame to help him in the board battles ...

Zac Benson has so much ridiculous skill ...you are going to get a show and certain points generated for sure...the talent shines..

Will Scouching thinks Gulayev may be the best dman of this draft ..Electric speed...Rt. shot PND with a good def
ensivel game too...yes smallish dnan at 5'11 170 is at this age still might grow abd can add weight but if not you still get a dnan that can impact the attack into tgevi-zobe then direct the play once he enters...

Very intrigued by big Mathew Wood wgmgo as a freshman at Connecticut isxa piubtca game guy already 6'3 190 LW who can skate with speed and with high points at every prior level ..
I put himat #5 and the Russian dnan Gulayev at #6 overall then Carlsson at #7 ...

I have Will Smith's 2 wingers ;Ryan Leonard and Gabriel Perrault ar #8 and #11 respectively with another USNTDP u18, Center Oliver Moore at #9...
Andrew Cristal deserves to be top 10....I put him at#8 ...good overall 2 way player who generates most of the offense for Kelowna without much help ..
At #12 I have RW Colby Barlow ...can score goals with his shor and is physical ..He will need help to from a distributing center ...doubt he is dynamic enough to drive a line from the wing.

Finally at #13 is where I out Michkov...yes maybe elite shot ...but lots of issues with him besides the 3 more seasons after the draft before he can cone over .. size issue...1 way player can stay high abd cherry Pick...just concerns about overall game outside the o-zone and not going to create much for his line mates ...andxabout actually effectiveness at higher levels ...not having great impact at KHL level but to be fair hjs team Sochi is not a goid team...he has little help of talent around him...still I expected more production impact of he was "generational" like sone had hyped before this season. TOO MANY red flag issues to put him back into top ten let alone top 5 ...for me.

Rikey Heidt of Pribce Geoege (WHL) intrigues measures a very good skating 2 way C who also uses his skating to generate lots of good scoring chances...more skewed assists to goals ,you think he has fewer goals than he should may be his hands or shot may not be be upto the level of the rest of his talent. IF he finishes more of tge grade A chances he creates ,then you may be getting a steal in the mid -first ..
I have London Knights Right shot dman Oliver Bonk at #15...6'2 189 already ...he has both size projectability,good scoring both goals and assists for his age in the OHL and a calm poised efficiency in defending ...really like his potential
for a top pairing or 2nd pairing NHL dman.

I will comment on my putting Brayden Yager down at #18...consensus seemed to have him as a sure top 5-7 range prospect before this season started..But I guess more production was exoected from him this sesdon than has materialized...plus so many scouting reports have voncernsxabout his skating pace..while few have dropped him down to end of thecfirst round(e.Will Scouching) ,I feel he should drop to at least end of the middle of round 1..I justvdo not think he showed mich improvement this season over his level last season...perhaps some injuries muted his play this season...he has goodcwork ethic...but he should had more impact than he has this season based on his level of impact last season..so I think he is no longer top ten material and shoukdcdrop as I have now done with him .

 

[x Tame Impala]

There's a lot more to it than that. Putin is a spiteful, vindictive mother f***er. Who knows if he wants the best Russian prospect leaving to play in the United States. Who knows what Michkov's political position is. Who knows if he's for, or against Putin, and what situation that puts him in. Who knows if he even wants to come over here and play. Maybe he is a Putin lover, who hates the US, and wants to stay in Russia. Who knows if he has family that would need to get out, if he wants to leave, and if they would be safe.... And that's assuming you can even get him out of there with the current situation.

It's a hot f***ing mess and I wouldn't want any part of it, as a GM.

All things they can find out through interviewing him IMO

 

[hawksrule]

My new draft rankings Top 20

1.Connor Bedard
2 Adam Fanantilli
3.Will Smith
4 Zac Benson
5. Mathew Wood
6.Mikhail Gulayev (D)
7.Leo Carlsson
8.Andrew Cristal
9.Oliver Moore
10.Ryan Leonard
11.Gabriel Perreault
12. Colby Barlow
13. MATVEI MICHKOV
14.Riley Heidt
15.OLIVER BONK(D)
16. Axel-Pelikka (D)
17.Koehn Zimmer
18.Brayden Yager
19.Edouard Sale
20. (Still deciding)

I still have concerns about Carlsson's lack of pace...he looks like a solid power forward for a 200 ft player but doubt whether he drives a line as a Center...may just be a power winger...which us fine and likely a high floor safe and solid player ...maybe like Sedin level winger ..whichbus great but not consensus top 3 in my books and add in the lack of elitepace abd I just have to drop him down..Sorry consensus I just do not project him to impaxt as big as the hype raises expectation for him. I will say he has good hockey hockey instincts .a fine solid top ten pick but I just cannot put him as high as #3.

WILL SMITH does everything well and can drive and generate lots of scoring chances for both himself and his wingers..I cannot see him kiwe than#3 overall..only issue is to add more pounds and strength...Now 6'0 173...get him to 185-190 and he will impact big time.. surefire big oints 1C or 2C with a 200ft game too...just our on the weight t to lanky frame to help him in the board battles ...

Zac Benson has so much ridiculous skill ...you are going to get a show and certain points generated for sure...the talent shines..

Will Scouching thinks Gulayev may be the best dman of this draft ..Electric speed...Rt. shot PND with a good def
ensivel game too...yes smallish dnan at 5'11 170 is at this age still might grow abd can add weight but if not you still get a dnan that can impact the attack into tgevi-zobe then direct the play once he enters...

Very intrigued by big Mathew Wood wgmgo as a freshman at Connecticut isxa piubtca game guy already 6'3 190 LW who can skate with speed and with high points at every prior level ..
I put himat #5 and the Russian dnan Gulayev at #6 overall then Carlsson at #7 ...

I have Will Smith's 2 wingers ;Ryan Leonard and Gabriel Perrault ar #8 and #11 respectively with another USNTDP u18, Center Oliver Moore at #9...
Andrew Cristal deserves to be top 10....I put him at#8 ...good overall 2 way player who generates most of the offense for Kelowna without much help ..
At #12 I have RW Colby Barlow ...can score goals with his shor and is physical ..He will need help to from a distributing center ...doubt he is dynamic enough to drive a line from the wing.

Finally at #13 is where I out Michkov...yes maybe elite shot ...but lots of issues with him besides the 3 more seasons after the draft before he can cone over .. size issue...1 way player can stay high abd cherry Pick...just concerns about overall game outside the o-zone and not going to create much for his line mates ...andxabout actually effectiveness at higher levels ...not having great impact at KHL level but to be fair hjs team Sochi is not a goid team...he has little help of talent around him...still I expected more production impact of he was "generational" like sone had hyped before this season. TOO MANY red flag issues to put him back into top ten let alone top 5 ...for me.

Rikey Heidt of Pribce Geoege (WHL) intrigues measures a very good skating 2 way C who also uses his skating to generate lots of good scoring chances...more skewed assists to goals ,you think he has fewer goals than he should may be his hands or shot may not be be upto the level of the rest of his talent. IF he finishes more of tge grade A chances he creates ,then you may be getting a steal in the mid -first ..
I have London Knights Right shot dman Oliver Bonk at #15...6'2 189 already ...he has both size projectability,good scoring both goals and assists for his age in the OHL and a calm poised efficiency in defending ...really like his potential
for a top pairing or 2nd pairing NHL dman.

I will comment on my putting Brayden Yager down at #18...consensus seemed to have him as a sure top 5-7 range prospect before this season started..But I guess more production was exoected from him this sesdon than has materialized...plus so many scouting reports have voncernsxabout his skating pace..while few have dropped him down to end of thecfirst round(e.Will Scouching) ,I feel he should drop to at least end of the middle of round 1..I justvdo not think he showed mich improvement this season over his level last season...perhaps some injuries muted his play this season...he has goodcwork ethic...but he should had more impact than he has this season based on his level of impact last season..so I think he is no longer top ten material and shoukdcdrop as I have now done with him .

I’m admittedly no scout, but I’ve seen Matthew Wood play a few times and the dude can’t skate. Lumbering is the adjective that came to mind.

 

[Kevin Musto]

This is an elite talent right here

btw second from the right in this video looks like Frank

Glad to see him in high spirits