GDT: NHL Draft 2023

[danteipp]

That "whopping" $2 million fine, of which $1 million was donated to charity and probably allowed the Blackhawks to write it off, was not near enough.

The Blackhawks should have lost draft picks just for allowing a sexual predator to slink off and then coach other teams and assault at least one more kid.

Pathetic, especially when you add in Wirtz's disgusting behavior and that "tampering" or unapproved testing, like Arizona did by violating the combine testing policy, is seen as a worst offense by the NHL based on punishments.

 

[danteipp]

Hey at least they didn’t sign Kovulchuk to a 12 year contract or watch prospects workout before the combine.

Exactly what I said. When tampering and extra testing draws a more serious punishment than sexual assault, you have your priorities all screwed up. I see that Vancouver just got hit with a $50,000 fine for violating the CBA, with on-ice work after the season ended, and, didn't the Rags get fined $250,000 for commenting on the refs after Tom Wilson "Rock Bottomed" their team? What a joke.

 

[IslesNorway]

The simple fact that they do not ever air it live speaks volumes. How hard is that to do? Of course it is rigged and everyone knows it.

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

They say he’s ridiculously talented. I could see CBJ definitely being interested in him and they’re not afraid to go Russian but I just see Jarmo falling in love with Carlsson.

The problem with Michkov just now is not so much the current 3-year KHL contract or that, well, he's Russian and in Russia, but rather that his father was found dead in a pond a few weeks back. Said he was heading out for groceries or something, and never came back.

No follow-up investigation. No report on the cause of death.

So, what does that mean right now?

I think he's still sitting there when Washington or Philly picks.

 

[leeroggy]

The problem with Michkov just now is not so much the current 3-year KHL contract or that, well, he's Russian and in Russia, but rather that his father was found dead in a pond a few weeks back. Said he was heading out for groceries or something, and never came back.

No follow-up investigation. No report on the cause of death.

So, what does that mean right now?

I think he's still sitting there when Washington or Philly picks.

Wow, I missed that. Forget the politics and remember what it was like to be a teenager and lose your Dad. Now I have a reason to root for the kid to be successful.

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

Wow, I missed that. Forget the politics and remember what it was like to be a teenager and lose your Dad. Now I have a reason to root for the kid to be successful.

Indeed.

But whatya wanna bet that he's thinking he can never leave Russia???

 

[WangMustGo]

They say he’s ridiculously talented. I could see CBJ definitely being interested in him and they’re not afraid to go Russian but I just see Jarmo falling in love with Carlsson.

I was thinking 4 or 5, but who knows. Smith is getting alot of hype too. A couple of teams get scared off and suddenly Michkov ends up falling into the Caps/Flyers lap.

 

[saintunspecified]

Exactly what I said. When tampering and extra testing draws a more serious punishment than sexual assault, you have your priorities all screwed up. I see that Vancouver just got hit with a $50,000 fine for violating the CBA, with on-ice work after the season ended, and, didn't the Rags get fined $250,000 for commenting on the refs after Tom Wilson "Rock Bottomed" their team? What a joke.

I think the league cares about its owners, its image, and its current obligations. Kyle Beach, victims of abuse, and victims of domestic violence are not among those. (I'm not defending the league, just stating what I think is the reality.)

Rocky Wirtzs's shoving Bobby Hull repeatedly down Chicagoans throats made it very clear when this whole thing was going down whose side he was on.

 

[periferal]

Legit don't know how anyone would advocate anything but best player available with every pick. Why...?


1) There are going to be busts coming from 1st round picks. It's hard enough to find a legit NHLer in the 2nd round of any draft
2) The prospect pool is as barren as it can get anyway. By the time any 2nd rounder is ready we're going to have
3) Again people get too married to picks/prospects. You have to view them as assets - Like stocks, mutual funds, gold, silver, or an NFT. They can all be traded later on...So the goal should be to get the BEST POSSIBLE ASSET with each pick. Heck - If the next Sorokin is available with our 2nd round pick, take him (and then you can trade him, or Sorokin, later). I'd rather have that than reach for a bottom 6 forward (or worse).


Now the question is...How is the current scouting department to be able to make the best pick possible with the limited picks we do have?

 

[doublechili]

This thread got me doing some very preliminary researching, basically just looking for Euro forwards who might be available in the 2nd round and are in the size range the Isles have been drafting lately (obviously this is assuming the GM and scouts stay).

I see people have mentioned Nordh and Wahlberg already - they both fit the mold.

Has anyone mentioned Martin Misiak? He's a forward, listed at 6'2", 198lbs and is described as a fast skater. I mention him mostly because he's from Slovakia but played with Youngstown of the USHL part of this past year, and the Isles have Machu there and probably have seen him a fair amount.

BTW, William Whitelaw is another Youngstown player. Smaller, but skilled and apparently a very high compete level. But a 5'9" kid from MN would be a departure from what we've seen.

I never heard of Whitelaw until a couple of days ago when I posted above, and now tonight Whitelaw scores in OT to win the series for Youngstown over Chicago Steel. If he and Misiak continue having great playoffs, maybe neither guy is available for us now....

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

I never heard of Whitelaw until a couple of days ago when I posted above, and now tonight Whitelaw scores in OT to win the series for Youngstown over Chicago Steel. If he and Misiak continue having great playoffs, maybe neither guy is available for us now....

That's huge!

The Chicago Steel are not supposed to not be in the Clark Cup final.

Such a gosh darn doggone shame that Machu has not been part of this run...

Re: Whitelaw
He and Musty were the go-to guys for Team USA at the Hlinka Gretzky Tourney last summer. They were known beforehand, but that tourney kicks off the scouting season. He's going top 60 this summer and that's been the feeling all winter.

Here's how agencies see him:

McKeens's hasn't listed their rankings yet, but expect him to be seen as top 40 there.

 

[xECK29x]

I know some USHL/USPHL scouts personally who watched Whitelaw over the last few years and are very high on him.

 

[seafoam]

Draft whoever is most likely to become Matthew Tkachuk.

 

[BrockLobster]

I like Oliver Bonk, but something tells me we go forward with our first pick.

That has to be radek bonk's kid.

Edit: it is.

 

[doublechili]

That's huge!

The Chicago Steel are not supposed to not be in the Clark Cup final.

Such a gosh darn doggone shame that Machu has not been part of this run...

Re: Whitelaw
He and Musty were the go-to guys for Team USA at the Hlinka Gretzky Tourney last summer. They were known beforehand, but that tourney kicks off the scouting season. He's going top 60 this summer and that's been the feeling all winter.

Here's how agencies see him:
View attachment 706020

McKeens's hasn't listed their rankings yet, but expect him to be seen as top 40 there.

Here's a blurb about the game, and according to this Machu not only played but he assisted on the tying goal late in the 3rd period that sent the game to OT:

"The first period was scoreless, and early in the second period, the Steel took the lead when Jack Harvey scored assisted by Jake Livanavage and Christian Manz .

Kenta Isogai tied the game 1-1 late in the third period, assisted by Andon Cerbone and Tomas Machu . The game went to overtime.

In overtime, it took 7:50 before William Whitelaw scored the game-winner for the home team, assisted by Shane Lachance and Martin Misiak ."

Youngstown Phantoms win in overtime thriller to decide series - The Rink Live | Comprehensive coverage of youth, junior, high school and college hockey

The Youngstown Phantoms have secured victory in the series against the Chicago Steel in 3-1 games. The series was decided with a 2-1 win in a game that went to overtime.

www.therinklive.com

 

[doublechili]

I really like what I read about Whitelaw. But, if Lou remains has he drafted a 5'9" guy with the Isles with a higher pick, or at all? I'm willing to roll the dice on a smaller guy with speed and skill in the 2nd round, if he's available. If Lou stays, maybe Whitelaw reminds him of Parise. More on Whitelaw:

"Blessed with speed, creativity, and a motor that never quits, the 5-foot-9 dynamo could be another Yanni Gourde – undersized, but bursting with skill and an unwavering compete level. ...
Phantoms head coach Ryan Ward, ... after a 2-1 shootout win over the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in February praised his young center for having his best game of the year.

“…I don’t think I’ve ever seen a hockey player work that hard. He was backchecking. He was tracking, he was heavy, he was hard. He’s made for those moments. Let’s be honest, Will Whitelaw is a future NHL player and he’s an unbelievable kid.”

As mentioned by Ward, that work ethic will go a long way in making Whitelaw an NHL player one day. Combined with his skill with the puck, NHL-caliber shot, and ability to get fans out of their seat with a highlight reel goal, he is one of the most exciting players in this draft class."

William Whitelaw - 2023 NHL Draft Prospect Profile - The Hockey Writers NHL Entry Draft Latest News, Analysis & More

Yet another undersized skilled forward with loads of potential, William Whitelaw could be a steal in the 2023 NHL Draft.

thehockeywriters.com

 

[Skip To My Lou]

I really like what I read about Whitelaw. But, if Lou remains has he drafted a 5'9" guy with the Isles with a higher pick, or at all? I'm willing to roll the dice on a smaller guy with speed and skill in the 2nd round, if he's available. If Lou stays, maybe Whitelaw reminds him of Parise. More on Whitelaw:

"Blessed with speed, creativity, and a motor that never quits, the 5-foot-9 dynamo could be another Yanni Gourde – undersized, but bursting with skill and an unwavering compete level. ...
Phantoms head coach Ryan Ward, ... after a 2-1 shootout win over the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in February praised his young center for having his best game of the year.

“…I don’t think I’ve ever seen a hockey player work that hard. He was backchecking. He was tracking, he was heavy, he was hard. He’s made for those moments. Let’s be honest, Will Whitelaw is a future NHL player and he’s an unbelievable kid.”

As mentioned by Ward, that work ethic will go a long way in making Whitelaw an NHL player one day. Combined with his skill with the puck, NHL-caliber shot, and ability to get fans out of their seat with a highlight reel goal, he is one of the most exciting players in this draft class."

William Whitelaw - 2023 NHL Draft Prospect Profile - The Hockey Writers NHL Entry Draft Latest News, Analysis & More

Yet another undersized skilled forward with loads of potential, William Whitelaw could be a steal in the 2023 NHL Draft.

thehockeywriters.com

He did draft Iskhakov.

 

[doublechili]

He did draft Iskhakov.

Good call - and he was a 2nd round pick as well. That was Lou's first draft though, in 2018, when he was supposedly relying strictly on the scouts, FWIW. Anyway, we'll see!

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

Here's a blurb about the game, and according to this Machu not only played but he assisted on the tying goal late in the 3rd period that sent the game to OT:

"The first period was scoreless, and early in the second period, the Steel took the lead when Jack Harvey scored assisted by Jake Livanavage and Christian Manz .

Kenta Isogai tied the game 1-1 late in the third period, assisted by Andon Cerbone and Tomas Machu . The game went to overtime.

In overtime, it took 7:50 before William Whitelaw scored the game-winner for the home team, assisted by Shane Lachance and Martin Misiak ."

Youngstown Phantoms win in overtime thriller to decide series - The Rink Live | Comprehensive coverage of youth, junior, high school and college hockey

The Youngstown Phantoms have secured victory in the series against the Chicago Steel in 3-1 games. The series was decided with a 2-1 win in a game that went to overtime.

www.therinklive.com

Sweet!

Very good to see!

+4 in 5 PO games.

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

I really like what I read about Whitelaw. But, if Lou remains has he drafted a 5'9" guy with the Isles with a higher pick, or at all? I'm willing to roll the dice on a smaller guy with speed and skill in the 2nd round, if he's available. If Lou stays, maybe Whitelaw reminds him of Parise. More on Whitelaw:

"Blessed with speed, creativity, and a motor that never quits, the 5-foot-9 dynamo could be another Yanni Gourde – undersized, but bursting with skill and an unwavering compete level. ...
Phantoms head coach Ryan Ward, ... after a 2-1 shootout win over the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in February praised his young center for having his best game of the year.

“…I don’t think I’ve ever seen a hockey player work that hard. He was backchecking. He was tracking, he was heavy, he was hard. He’s made for those moments. Let’s be honest, Will Whitelaw is a future NHL player and he’s an unbelievable kid.”

As mentioned by Ward, that work ethic will go a long way in making Whitelaw an NHL player one day. Combined with his skill with the puck, NHL-caliber shot, and ability to get fans out of their seat with a highlight reel goal, he is one of the most exciting players in this draft class."

William Whitelaw - 2023 NHL Draft Prospect Profile - The Hockey Writers NHL Entry Draft Latest News, Analysis & More

Yet another undersized skilled forward with loads of potential, William Whitelaw could be a steal in the 2023 NHL Draft.

thehockeywriters.com

Well, don't get too excited yet.

Plenty of reason to think Whitelaw is going in the top half of the 2nd round.

Other Youngstowners who are being talked about very fondly from a drafting perspective are, aside from your aforementioned Misiak (who leads the team with 8 PO points at the moment), goalie Jacob Fowler and defensemen Chase Pietila and Andrew Strathmann. Particularly Strathmann is thought of as a Dman worthy of a (high?) 2nd round pick.

All three are heading to D1 programs this fall and particularly Fowler's path at Boston College could be extremely interesting to follow as something like 7 USNTDP kids are heading there as freshman next fall too, including the ENTIRE first line from the gold-medal-winning U18 team.

Many think Boston College is on its way to becoming THE powerhouse program within two years.

He did draft Iskhakov.

I remember back in 2019, I was reading some draft preview publication and they called Matias Maccelli a "poor man's Iskhakov".

Ahhh, the good ol' days...

​

 

[Skip To My Lou]

I remember back in 2019, I was reading some draft preview publication and they called Matias Maccelli a "poor man's Iskhakov".

Ahhh, the good ol' days...

HA! Can you imagine. Funny since Maccelli is one of my favorite young players in the league. Has a heck of a career ahead of him.

 

[The Real JT]

Bailey putting up a 60 point season next to Bedard next year

If that ever happened the Isles would give up assets to flip him and then ironically the Hawks would get even more assets when they move him at the TDL.

Who could have imagined Bailey would be so valuable?

 

[Taswell]

Indeed.

But whatya wanna bet that he's thinking he can ever leave Russia???

There's already talks that they are trying to get him to sign an even longer extension on top of his 3 years.

 

[scott99]

Indeed.

But whatya wanna bet that he's thinking he can never leave Russia???

There’s a rumor that his pro team is going to sign him through 2028. With this being a possibility, plus the Russia situation, plus him being 5’10” 160, plus his average skating, I can see Michkov falling out of the 1st round.

 

[The Real JT]

Well, don't get too excited yet.

I remember back in 2019, I was reading some draft preview publication and they called Matias Maccelli a "poor man’s Ishakov".

Ahhh, the good ol' days...

Funny, I thought Ishakov was a poor man’s Ishakov.