Who should the Chicago Blackhawks select 2nd overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft?

[LavalPhantom]

People are really getting worked up by Richardson's comments. I don't actually disagree with him either. You do need both to win in the current NHL. A guy like EJ Emery for example definitely fits that mold on the D side of things and they can get him later.

I’m based in Montreal and Habs media interpret that as if it’s a foregone conclusion that the Hawks are drafting Lev. That and their assumption that the Hawks are much thinner on prospects at defense. Their dream of drafting Demidov at 5 is very alive (in their mind).

Richardson’s comments might just be his preference, or bait to see if Anaheim would make an unreal offer for #2.

 

[pvr]

As if him being maxed out physically would be a problem lol. He’s already a man and physically developed.

Between the ears is the problem for me and most others

You shouldn’t be so hard on yourself and most of the others here. The rest feel free to lump into that category, myself excluded of course.

 

[pvr]

I’m based in Montreal and Habs media interpret that as if it’s a foregone conclusion that the Hawks are drafting Lev. That and their assumption that the Hawks are much thinner on prospects at defense. Their dream of drafting Demidov at 5 is very alive (in their mind).

Richardson’s comments might just be his preference, or bait to see if Anaheim would make an unreal offer for #2.

The Hawks are much thinner at skilled forward prospects than defense prospects. The Hawks arguably have four potential 2D candidates, one of whom likely already is one (Vlasic). The question is whether one develops into a 1D. Aside from Bedard, there are no other definitive high end forwards, with 1-3 prospects possibly top six candidates if they max out their potential.

 

[HawksDub89]

The Hawks are much thinner at skilled forward prospects than defense prospects. The Hawks arguably have four potential 2D candidates, one of whom likely already is one (Vlasic). The question is whether one develops into a 1D. Aside from Bedard, there are no other definitive high end forwards, with 1-3 prospects possibly top six candidates if they max out their potential.

This is how I see it as well.

Need more elite forward prospects.

 

[dj Mahoney]

I’m based in Montreal and Habs media interpret that as if it’s a foregone conclusion that the Hawks are drafting Lev. That and their assumption that the Hawks are much thinner on prospects at defense. Their dream of drafting Demidov at 5 is very alive (in their mind).

Richardson’s comments might just be his preference, or bait to see if Anaheim would make an unreal offer for #2.

Montreal is pretty deep on D for the future , I wonder how you compare to Blackhawks ?

 

[bleuetbio]

I’m based in Montreal and Habs media interpret that as if it’s a foregone conclusion that the Hawks are drafting Lev. That and their assumption that the Hawks are much thinner on prospects at defense. Their dream of drafting Demidov at 5 is very alive (in their mind).

Richardson’s comments might just be his preference, or bait to see if Anaheim would make an unreal offer for #2.

Im from Montreal too and yes click and bait articles told things that not happening. It looks like it rolls from Montreal to the multiverse. In general, well-educated readers will remember that Richardson was a coach in Montreal and has nothing to do with scouting.

Then, what put some smoke screen it more the fact that GM management put some efforts to overlook some dmen... and even in Montreal. The reason why Montreal fans would like Demidov is more because is the only forward outisde Celibrini considered a lock for the top 5. There no consensus about Lindstrom - Iggy - Helenius and the silly Sennecke bandwagon.

 

[dreadpirateroberts]

Interesting. Luke reveals (from 5:40) what kind of players Hawks are looking from the draft. Sounds like big and mobile D who can defend and move the puck. Sam Dickinson anyone?

If you look at the teams left in the playoffs, 95% of the defensemen playing are 6’0” and above. The only guy under 6 foot is Fox, which is a player you make an exception for and want on your team

 

[Hattrick Kane]

Montreal is pretty deep on D for the future , I wonder how you compare to Blackhawks ?

Montreal does have lots depth at defensive prospects. They do have a major problem though.

The two guys ranked the highest in Hutson and Mailloux, are both atrocious defensively. The Hawks are trying to build a defense capable of playing actual defense.

Vlasic, EDM and Allan are already really good defenders in their own rights. Korchinski and Rinzel need work. So the Habs defense as a whole might have more offensive upside, but I think the Hawks will be better defenders.

 

[dj Mahoney]

Montreal does have lots depth at defensive prospects. They do have a major problem though.

The two guys ranked the highest in Hutson and Mailloux, are both atrocious defensively. The Hawks are trying to build a defense capable of playing actual defense.

Vlasic, EDM and Allan are already really good defenders in their own rights. Korchinski and Rinzel need work. So the Habs defense as a whole might have more offensive upside, but I think the Hawks will be better defenders.

Yes i agree , I think people really overlook the Black hawks young D (the Rodney Dangerfield of talent pools) I feel like Del Mastro and Kaiser could really be special . Still waiting on Phillips, he has the tools , just has to put it all together .

 

[Hattrick Kane]

Yes i agree , I think people really overlook the Black hawks young D (the Rodney Dangerfield of talent pools) I feel like Del Mastro and Kaiser could really be special . Still waiting on Phillips, he has the tools , just has to put it all together .

I completely forgot about Kaiser, but I like him too.

 

[dj Mahoney]

I completely forgot about Kaiser, but I like him too.

Kaiser has always given me Duncan Keith vibes , If he's half that good he'll be great .

 

[Hattrick Kane]

Kaiser has always given me Duncan Keith vibes , If he's half that good he'll be great .

If Korchinski never becomes the #1 guy, he’s who I want running the powerplay.

 

[dj Mahoney]

If Korchinski never becomes the #1 guy, he’s who I want running the powerplay.

Yup Kevin's got a real high ceiling . I don't think it's a stretch to see him as a #1 eventually . He seems really focused and talented as well.

 

[TheFridge]

Kaiser has always given me Duncan Keith vibes , If he's half that good he'll be great .

He's definitely got a bit of an edge like Keith. Don't think he has the touch/offensive sense but otherwise, I'm a big Kaiser fan.

 

[LavalPhantom]

The Hawks are much thinner at skilled forward prospects than defense prospects. The Hawks arguably have four potential 2D candidates, one of whom likely already is one (Vlasic). The question is whether one develops into a 1D. Aside from Bedard, there are no other definitive high end forwards, with 1-3 prospects possibly top six candidates if they max out their potential.

I know all that and agree! I’m a die hard Hawks fan, I just happen to live in Montreal and sharing what I see from the local media.

Montreal is pretty deep on D for the future , I wonder how you compare to Blackhawks ?

I’m on the Hawks side!

 

[Mjul Qvist]

Mr. Chiseled-Chin may not even be coaching here two seasons from now so I'm not sure if his opinion is actually relevant/accurate to anything

It was not his opinion.

He actually said "we're looking for more big rangey D that can defend and move the puck, and more skill and speed up front."

That statement covers a lot of ground.

That is true.

 

[Chicago1948]

If Lev was a LD instead of a RD he would not be rated nearly as high. Nobody gives a crap which hand you shoot with as a forward but since there is a shortage of right shot D., he is over valued. Demidov, if healthy, is the pick. A PPG guy is way rarer than a 6’2 dman. Give me the potential of more goals, more assists and now we are on th right path.

 

[ClydeLee]

A near ppg freshman D at any side with size and willingness to hit is still going to be hyped. I don't get the if he wasn't RD claims.

The only knocks are a guy with 2 years NA play, has poor defensive awareness. That's a sell at ld or rd

 

[clydesdale line]

Levshunov jumped three levels in three years... three... and more than held his own. Does he have questions? Sure, especially the hockey sense, but that's the type of kid you gamble on because he continues to get better and defy the odds. He's been in 3 different systems as well. I don't want him at 2 and I like him more than most, but if the Hawks pick him, I hope they leave him in college another year. I would not be surprised if he's thought of differently.

 

[Kevin Musto]

If were Levshunov were left handed, I think at most he'd be one or two spots below where his consensus currently is. Which in this year's draft where 10 players are all in the same tier, is pretty meaningless.

The reality is a freshman defenseman producing this much in their draft year is going to generate hype. And yes, Zeev Buium did that too and isn't as hyped as Levshunov, but Buium has speed and strength concerns so that's why he's generally rated lower.

 

[Hattrick Kane]

It just makes so much sense that Davidson is gonna trade up to try to get Yakemchuk. Toolsy and right handed, seems like a potential faller as I’ve seen some other players rising.

Which is always weird since everyone’s season is already over lol.

 

[CanadianHawks]

It just makes so much sense that Davidson is gonna trade up to try to get Yakemchuk. Toolsy and right handed, seems like a potential taller as I’ve seen some other players rising.

Which is always weird since everyone’s season is already over lol.

Started to get that hunch after hearing Constantino saying he believes Hawks will try to move back into top 10

He seems exactly what they would target in that range if we go with Demidov

 

[hawksfan50]

I do not think KD will trade down for Yakemchuk....Better to keep #2...Take Lindstrom and trade up with #18+Reichel for Yakemchuk and a future 2nd or maybe #18for #10 and taking a bad contract..I see a trade back up to get Yakemchuk not coating us the#2...which our biggest Need is a Big Power Speedy Physical 2C with 1C ability down the line and moving Brdardvin future to wing if he does not improve on defense and faceoffs ...Lindstrom is a unicorn forcis amongst a sea of smalk forwards we have accumulated excepting Colton Dach and Gavin Hayes who may only be 3rdvliners anyway...not a 2C that bug and fast and perfume with a greatcshot who was dominating thexWHL when he got injuredand missed thec2nd half..

You must realize thatLindstrom projectedcto 98 points ...I doubt Denidov would tear up the WHL at a better pace than that ...surecyou look at Demidov's 1.65 ppg reg .season ..but everyone keeps posting how the MHL is not the same level of juniors than the WHL OHL or tte QMJHL...but even if you insist it is,He woukd only have had a better full season pace of 1.65ppg to 1.43 ppg for Lindstrom ...and you can say Demidov upped his reg .season pace to 2 pints a game in pkayoffs...however you fail to notice that prior to injury Lindstrom was on a 12 game points strak scoring 21 points including 13 goals in that upped pace..He was getting even Better.

Just project "prototypical" Big Center size speed andcscorobg ability in 1 package WITH physicality and an edge in stylebofbpkay..At 6"4 maybev6'5 on sone listibgsxandc216 lbs now..you are crazy to pass thisvup forca dangker (albeit creative) like Demidov.. a very goidctalent...butvwe know smaller skilk can get lost in playoffs.. (Panarinwgerexarecyou?)

Sorry you cannot give up a #2 overall prize like Lindstrom ..that type of unicorn in this draft..

Plus Demidov is just average in straight line speed ...where heviscgreatviscpuckhandling/dangling..that may get stymied by quality dmen in the NHL...so not sure he can get any better skilk than he already has.

But Lindstrom can get better..Can get even stronger where it improves an already strong physical domination of the junior level.. He coukd be playing at nearx230 lbs I future.. Could bevan unstoppable physical force dominating even the Men's game in the Show.

Denidiv is exciting but that can be stopped by bigger physical and goidxskating nhl pros..But physicality +speed that Lindstrom has ia a locomotive that is hard to stop.

The only issue with Lindstrom should be his medical and physio reourts which alk 32 teams will get access to..unless there is a red flag in thecreports and if they indicate he will soon be back to 10O% ,you woukd be insane to pass on such a textbook desired Big power Center prize at your doorstep..You do not get such a chance to grab this potentially dominant guy in the middle, that often..If all well healthwise,you are crazy to pass on such a unicorn prize.
You do not trade this down for Yakemchuk and another pick.

You prove the point by suggesting they trade Demidov down for Yakemchuk and another 1st which I could see IF there were no unicorn Big scoring goid defending center like Lindstrom available at #2...but Lindstrom is available at #2..You cannot justify trading that down.

Thus Lindstrom has far greater "value" that Demidov ..

Woukdvyoubtrade Barkov for Panarin? Great Big Centersxarevmorevvaluedvthatvsmaljer skilked wingers...Period.

 

[JaegerDice]

I think they’ll pick Levshunov, and he’ll be good.

But I think Parekh is gonna be the Quinn Hughes of this draft.

 

[hawksfan50]

Just came out 2 hours ago on Bleachernation.com is an article by Steve Ellis who reviews his top100 and also comments on draft risers and top center rankings quoting whatother analysts are saying about them and where they are in others' ranking lists.

For instance,vhe he compares and contrasts Pronman and Wheeler on their final rankings abd DIFFERING opinions on prosoectcts ...

For instance Pronman less enthusiastic on Demidov (has him 8th)...Wheeleris ga-gacover Denidov at #2..


My own opinion is that Demidov is a #4 or#5verall ranking.

They also differ on Carter Yakemchuk...Pronman has him at #3 ...Wheeler at # 12...

Ellis is thus pintobg out sobe ratger big gaps in gaps in opinion.

There is no 1 BPA consensus ranking after Celebrini.


When it comes to risers he says a lot of NHL scouts and ranking orgs have cone around on LD Stian Solberg of Norwaytonthebpintvhecis a riser int round 1....(this dashes my earlier hope after watching the WHC that Solberg would moveup from a mid 40sc-50s ranking to early y2nd such that he was my new target for the Hawks at #34...but Ellis points out that both Pronman and Wheeler have Solberg rising to a lot higher into round 1 now...
The size at 6'2 201,the skating, physical play,good shot is all very good, and even showed improving offense agaivst men at tge WHC ...to the point itvrealkyvshotsvhon to the pont he is #12' with Pronman andc#22 with Wheeler ...in both ranking rises Solberg stated his case as a big riser such that my hope the Hawks steal him at#34 now looks impossible..
.I think Solberg has advanced up every NHL teams' boards too.

TO my eye test Solberg likex rugged intimidating human eraser / shutdown defender..already at such a young age.. looks like an NHL vet pro Now ...already... not lijec a junior age dman who maybe becomes a force in the NHL .

I think there may also be a lot more offensive potential too..He has a good shot and a good outlet pass ..but in my view the question is will attempt to be be more active in attack or just stay back and do his defender job? But even IF he just becomes only a STAH dman,he is the tyoe of d- man you want back there in your d-corp..Hawks have no dman as physically ferocious or can stick on a check and erase guys of the play.as good as this kid can already!
So I think a lot of teams could be targeting him much higher than anyone thought before his performance for Norway at the WHC...he was clealy their best d-man...
Even though Hawks arev loaded in LD in the pipeline I really wanted Solberg for us at #34...but after reading where Pronman and Wheeler see him rising so much hogher into early teens to early 20s range,there is no way I see KD taking him at #18 because of the Hawks deep LD stockpile ...we have too many otger positional needs.

Getting back to the article by Ellis,he mentions 1 RD who he thinks Hawks will target in round two...Adam Kleber ....got the size,the good defending,the skating , and is very athletic...could bea goood 2way RD ...rankings range for mid 50sto early70s .. doubt Hawks would take him as high as #34 but maybe at #50 ?

A lotof buzz that Hawks mayvtakexE.J.Emeryvat #18
.but I am not sold on him ...especially that high .. MAYBE at #34 ?..but I would rather just get Kleber at#50 for RD and use#34 for another forward...