I don't see much similarity between the two beyond the elite skating ability. I see a lot more Nazar in Potter but a more extreme version where the skating and hands are even better but the play selection is worse by at least an equal magnitude. Frank has improved on that a lot, maybe Potter can too. If so he would have one of the highest ceilings in the draft. He doesn't have Nazar's motor though which gives him a much lower floor too.
2025 NHL DRAFT Thread
- Thread starter clydesdale line
- Start date
Kevin Musto
Hard for Bedard
- Feb 16, 2018
- 21,266
- 30,881
he reminds me of Frank in that I think Potter has shown the most growth out of anyone in the class
Nazar was the same in 2022
dj Mahoney
Registered User
- Apr 11, 2021
- 1,266
- 1,157
TLEH
Pronounced T-Lay
Kevin Musto
Hard for Bedard
- Feb 16, 2018
- 21,266
- 30,881
TLEH
Pronounced T-Lay
I struggle with guys like Potter. I feel like he needed more substance. He did improve during the year but he’s another guy I feel like the tools just outweigh the production so much. He created a lot, just didn’t finish. I don’t feel like he sees the ice very well.
Larmer83
I'm taking the high road moving forward.
In 2022, Nazar was a part of a USNTDP forward group that had 6 first round draft picks. His production justified his draft position. The season prior, his production was as good or better then his USNTDP first round peers.
TheFridge
Registered User
- Mar 20, 2022
- 1,454
- 2,587
I'm trying to get a sense at what Potter does that "no one else in the draft can do" that resulted in 13 goals and 22 points in 35 games as a freshman. That's not elite production. Usually guys with 1st line upside, who are lauded in the way you've described, don't produce pedestrian results against their peers.
Kevin Musto
Hard for Bedard
- Feb 16, 2018
- 21,266
- 30,881
They're not his peers.
There's only three '07s in the NCAA. And he's the best of them.
Second half of the season he upped his production to nearly a ppg clip. Really impressive adaptability.
The narrative would be different if he was world beating in the USHL or OHL.
Blackhawks’ dream offseason: Mike Sullivan, Michael Misa, Mitch Marner?
This could be a memorable or forgettable offseason depending how the chips fall. But here's what the ideal situation would look like.
www.nytimes.com
Big news for Musto:
Kevin Musto
Hard for Bedard
- Feb 16, 2018
- 21,266
- 30,881
THANK f***ING GODBlackhawks’ dream offseason: Mike Sullivan, Michael Misa, Mitch Marner?
This could be a memorable or forgettable offseason depending how the chips fall. But here's what the ideal situation would look like.
Big news for Musto:
HawksDub89
Registered User
- Apr 17, 2019
- 1,493
- 2,312
I really like the idea of Martone going to college for a year. Think he could really work on some things vs better players and more gym/practice time.
He’s one of those kids I worry about if you pass on him he could become a star.
He has some of the best upside in the class.
He’s one of those kids I worry about if you pass on him he could become a star.
He has some of the best upside in the class.
Toews2Bickell
It's Showtime
- Nov 24, 2013
- 24,142
- 24,798
He'll go to Boston play 15 years for them and end up their next captain
Reports say that he is great character and natural born leader. You need that kind of personalities in your team beside skills for winning culture.
Last edited:
Misa seems to be the hands down 2nd pick and he does bring a lot to the table. I think the Hawks would have to get a really nice incentive not to take him and additional draft ammo probably won't move the needle.
HawksDub89
Registered User
- Apr 17, 2019
- 1,493
- 2,312
Kevin Musto
Hard for Bedard
- Feb 16, 2018
- 21,266
- 30,881
He's captain for a reason.
Also wouldn't surprise me if he was captain of the next World Juniors team.
If we're picking 3 or 4, and he's available, he's clearly a cut above the rest, and I'm thrilled to hear from Powers that he's on the menu for the Hawks.
Highest IQ in the draft and built like a unit.
The skating obviously doesn't align with KD's preferences, but you can't build a team through the draft. You have to take the highest value player. Even if you decide in 5 years that Martone doesn't fit the style of the roster, you can trade him for someone who does, and I predict he'll be worth more than anyone else available at 3 or 4.
He should look at Matthew Tkachuk who is one of the slowest skaters in the NHL but has scored two times over 100 points in regular season etc.
Hawkaholic
Registered User
Yeah, part of the reason I wouldn't mind falling to 3 or 4, is to get him. I realize KD could get him @ No2, but I feel like he doesn't have the balls to pass on Misa and take Porter.
unbridledid
Registered User
- Jun 8, 2011
- 655
- 79
Would you pass on Misa at 2nd overall ? I mean...he may not be the guy that the Hawks want at 2.
With the Boisvert pick I think they showed they don't need everyone to be a burner as long as they bring another element and can get around the ice alright, which Martone is capable of. He just has a really weak first step, though he makes a lot of quick plays in transition that can contribute to playing a fast team game even if he's not transporting pucks (if all goes as planned and he's playing with Bedard, you probably wouldn't want him doing that anyway). I wouldn't hate the pick at all even if I don't think he's so clearly head and shoulders above the rest of the field at 3.
Hawkaholic
Registered User
ChicagoHockeyFan
Registered User
- Mar 3, 2019
- 436
- 415
I think at 3 or 4 Desnoyers could get benefit of the doubt over Martone due to projecting better as a center and is a better skater. But I would be very happy with either one of them
Kevin Musto
Hard for Bedard
- Feb 16, 2018
- 21,266
- 30,881
Martone just has so much more upside.
Desnoyers, I think best case scenario he's hovering around the 60 point range.
Martone could get up to 80 range.
unbridledid
Registered User
- Jun 8, 2011
- 655
- 79
