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

[belfour30]

I really liked Lev based on the public reports I read, but listening to people on this board that actually watched him play has me kinda nervous.

Before the Lev criticism started I was like cool, they're 1A and 1B, but I strongly believe they should take Demidov because where is the scoring coming from?

Now, I'm not as confident in my belief that Lev will be a top pairing D.

 

[TheDachKnight]

“His hockey sense and skills are better than any forward [in the draft] with the exception of [Celebrini and Demidov],” said a scout.

Okay... so the only reason you're ranking Catton at 10-18 scouts is .. because of the size? So we still haven't learned from Benson, DeBrincat, Point for example.. All undersized players who are extremely talented and underdrafted. Also 5'11 174 at 18 isn't even that undersized.

If it drops him to a point where we can trade up and grab him, I’m not even mad. Leaving the draft with Demidov and Catton would be an absolute dream.

 

[Kevin Musto]

I really liked Lev based on the public reports I read, but listening to people on this board that actually watched him play has me kinda nervous.

Before the Lev criticism started I was like cool, they're 1A and 1B, but I strongly believe they should take Demidov because where is the scoring coming from?

Now, I'm not as confident in my belief that Lev will be a top pairing D.

I wouldn't be nervous about Lev. He's still going to be a good player. But, no I don't think he's a slamdunk top pairing defender. I think a rock solid #3D is the projection (second unit on special teams). I wouldn't take him over Silayev, Iginla, or Demidov, but it's not a bad pick either.

If you're concerned about scoring, Iginla is the better scorer than Demidov.

 

[TheDachKnight]

I really liked Lev based on the public reports I read, but listening to people on this board that actually watched him play has me kinda nervous.

Before the Lev criticism started I was like cool, they're 1A and 1B, but I strongly believe they should take Demidov because where is the scoring coming from?

Now, I'm not as confident in my belief that Lev will be a top pairing D.

I think the tools are absolutely there for him to be a top-4 D. I think he can be a top pairing D. People have questions about his hockey IQ which are understandable. I don’t think his hockey IQ is bad though. Just not Buium/Parekh level for a D.

 

[KaraLupin]

I just bet 270 dollars to win 100 that the Hawks draft Levshunov. Seems like it's too good to be true.

100 on Demidov would have won you 250

 

[ClydeLee]

I really liked Lev based on the public reports I read, but listening to people on this board that actually watched him play has me kinda nervous.

Before the Lev criticism started I was like cool, they're 1A and 1B, but I strongly believe they should take Demidov because where is the scoring coming from?

Now, I'm not as confident in my belief that Lev will be a top pairing D.

The specific criticisms of his play are valid, what's rarely said by those against taking him is a lot of Scouts seem to like his potential specifically because he's had less than good development path.

Since Belarus training doesn't have a good track record, but he dominated there. Has 1 year in ushl, late decides to go to college, and some scouts say he improved a lot defensively in the year. He's jumped 3 levels in 3 years, only has 2 NA years played. So, yeah he had struggles that many think with consistency and training in NA hockey he will develop a lot more

 

[clydesdale line]

Lev is going to be a very good player. Not a doubt in my mind. This will all be forgotten in next years draft in a strong forward draft and the Hawks draft a better piece for the pipeline. Hell, I have a feeling with their second pick this year, Hawks will get a very good player.

 

[DisgruntledHawkFan]

If it drops him to a point where we can trade up and grab him, I’m not even mad. Leaving the draft with Demidov and Catton would be an absolute dream.

Catton is four on my board. If he's our second pick we paid way too much or somebody got really stupid.

 

[Darkstar]

I really liked Lev based on the public reports I read, but listening to people on this board that actually watched him play has me kinda nervous.

Before the Lev criticism started I was like cool, they're 1A and 1B, but I strongly believe they should take Demidov because where is the scoring coming from?

Now, I'm not as confident in my belief that Lev will be a top pairing D.

I have no criticism of his physical ability and I think he has a high enough floor that I don't see him busting. If the Hawks think they can fix the mental side of his game, then he definitely has enough upside to be a top pairing RD. My thing is, we're drafting 2nd overall, I don't want a lot of questions in a player.

 

[DisgruntledHawkFan]

I have no criticism of his physical ability and I think he has a high enough floor that I don't see him busting. If the Hawks think they can fix the mental side of his game, then he definitely has enough upside to be a top pairing RD. My thing is, we're drafting 2nd overall, I don't want a lot of questions in a player.

I think Lev plays in the NHL for a long time I just don't think he has the peak you want from a guy you draft at two.

 

[Paul Allen]

I think Lev plays in the NHL for a long time I just don't think he has the peak you want from a guy you draft at two.

Exactly. I get Chris Phillips vibes. Might get you 1100 games but none as a top pairing guy.

 

[TheDachKnight]

Catton is four on my board. If he's our second pick we paid way too much or somebody got really stupid.

Hopefully the latter. Catton is an offensive stud that for some reason just screams Buffalo Sabre.

 

[DisgruntledHawkFan]

Hopefully the latter. Catton is an offensive stud that for some reason just screams Buffalo Sabre.

For five years and they trade him for a package worth half his value.

 

[TheDachKnight]

For five years and they trade him for a package worth half his value.

Ironically to us where he becomes a superstar averaging 70+ points a season during his time here.

 

[DisgruntledHawkFan]

Ironically to us where he becomes a superstar averaging 70+ points a season during his time here.

Your lips to God's esrs.

 

[eklund2chicago]

Why would Wirtz be in Florida to meet Demidov if they think Levshunov is BPA?
There would be no need for the owner to meet with Demidov and to see if there is any "russian factor" if they already thought Lev is BPA

And now when the size concerns and the fear of Demidov not coming over has disappeard it would make sense that they really want him.

Idk, if this was the case I guess more people would probably speculate in the same way. Wirtz/Chicago probably just wants to explore all opportunities before making the pick.

 

[DemiGod]

The specific criticisms of his play are valid, what's rarely said by those against taking him is a lot of Scouts seem to like his potential specifically because he's had less than good development path.

Since Belarus training doesn't have a good track record, but he dominated there. Has 1 year in ushl, late decides to go to college, and some scouts say he improved a lot defensively in the year. He's jumped 3 levels in 3 years, only has 2 NA years played. So, yeah he had struggles that many think with consistency and training in NA hockey he will develop a lot more

Badinka has risen 3 levels in 2 different countries in just 12 months (+33 SHL games). Let's leave the excuses, this is a pick 2.

2021-22: Czechia
2022-23: Finland u20
2023-24: Sweden u20 and SHL (33games Malmo Redhawks)

 

[TLEH]

When I was catching up on the Alfons Freij train everyone was driving, I watched a few of their games and always came away with Leo Sahlin Wallenius being better. (Didn't even go into it looking to scout Leo Sahlin Wallenius, just ended up noticing him way more.) Didn't have an amazing u18s but if I needed a puck moving LD, I would certainly be interested in him of Freij.

 

[ClydeLee]

Badinka has risen 3 levels in 2 different countries in just 12 months (+33 SHL games). Let's leave the excuses, this is a pick 2.

2021-22: Czechia
2022-23: Finland u20
2023-24: Sweden u20 and SHL (33games Malmo Redhawks)

Um.. okay what? How is this relevant or similar?

The points are Belarus has poor development, are you saying Czechia has poor development? Then from Euro to NA.

Staying in Euro ice, from Czechia to finland to sweden junior leagues isnt a significant rise... many prospects get a taste of pro leagues. That's just 1 real shift up though.

What is this silly reaction?

 

[TheDoorDoctor]

Why would Wirtz be in Florida to meet Demidov if they think Levshunov is BPA?
There would be no need for the owner to meet with Demidov and to see if there is any "russian factor" if they already thought Lev is BPA

And now when the size concerns and the fear of Demidov not coming over has disappeard it would make sense that they really want him.

Idk, if this was the case I guess more people would probably speculate in the same way. Wirtz/Chicago probably just wants to explore all opportunities before making the pick.

Call me crazy but this reasoning for wirtz being in Florida makes a lot of sense.

 

[Taze em]

Why would Wirtz be in Florida to meet Demidov if they think Levshunov is BPA?
There would be no need for the owner to meet with Demidov and to see if there is any "russian factor" if they already thought Lev is BPA

And now when the size concerns and the fear of Demidov not coming over has disappeard it would make sense that they really want him.

Idk, if this was the case I guess more people would probably speculate in the same way. Wirtz/Chicago probably just wants to explore all opportunities before making the pick.

Levshunov was there too. Malpractice to not see both. The Hawks aren’t idiots, they know all the HF Lemmings are going to sewer them when their BPA, Levshunov gets picked against the fan bases wishes. It’s a PR trip.

… but good point lol.

 

[TheFridge]

When I was catching up on the Alfons Freij train everyone was driving, I watched a few of their games and always came away with Leo Sahlin Wallenius being better. (Didn't even go into it looking to scout Leo Sahlin Wallenius, just ended up noticing him way more.) Didn't have an amazing u18s but if I needed a puck moving LD, I would certainly be interested in him of Freij.

Wallenius stood out a lot more to me at the u18s than Freij for sure. If I were choosing between the two, I'd take Wallenius.

 

[crazyhawk]

Wallenius stood out a lot more to me at the u18s than Freij for sure. If I were choosing between the two, I'd take Wallenius.

Having a name like Wallenius doesn't hurt a D either!

 

[Mjul Qvist]

Call me crazy but this reasoning for wirtz being in Florida makes a lot of sense.

“If you’re going to take a Russian in the top five picks, your owner has to be on board,” one scout said. “It’s not just a hockey decision. Your GM has to have an idea of how soon that [Russian] player will or won’t be coming to North America. It’s not insurmountable, but there are added layers to taking a Russian really high in the draft.”

 

[Hawkaholic]

"If you’re going to take a Russian in the top five picks, your owner has to be on board,” one scout said. “It’s not just a hockey decision. Your GM has to have an idea of how soon that [Russian] player will or won’t be coming to North America. It’s not insurmountable, but there are added layers to taking a Russian really high in the draft.”

No Russian factor though....