Hawks win the lottery AGAIN

I'm hoping for at least Tanner Howe. Any pick higher is a bonus.

I like the KD is going to fast and versatile forwards. I'm with you that guys like TH and AA are likely good trade targets. If Reichel/Bedard have decent chemistry in the early parts of the year...I'd definitely retain 50% on TH and send him to the highest bidder. I personally would NOT sign TRad to another deal though. His value is too high as a trade chip right now due to cap space issues.

With that said, while I can see the direction your hoping the team goes...I personally would be a fan of taking the Reichel approach with our forward group as well. Nazar probably goes back to UM for his junior year...then Rockford. Oliver Moore at least until his sophmore year and then Rockford. I just really want to make sure these guys are actually ready for the NHL. Don't rush a single one of them.

Go sign a UFA or 2. Brian Campbell was overpaid back in the day, but he was the best Dman available at the time and helped mentor the younger guys. I'd do something similar. Keep Murphy if the trade value isn't there. Sign Pesce. We don't have many RD prospects...so having veteran leadership there would be good. Rinzel likely won't be ready for an NHL role prior to Murphy's contract is up anyway. Maybe a Backlund for a year or two just like Perry/Foligno. Give him the money he wants (maybe a bit more) to help be the team leader. He's definitely a good guy in the locker room and plays a 2-way game which is vital for all prospects to learn.

I just wouldn't rush anything is what I'm driving home. Even Stevie Y has recently come out and said playoffs are not a do/die for us. We need to get the right personnel in here first. That way we can hopefully have sustained playoff success.

Agree. The team here is more of a projection over the next 2 seasons then it is next year. I do think in 2025/2026 they will be competing and should be....not to say it's a playoff team or a threat by any means, but it's time to compete and build a winning culture most importantly. Next season, 2024/2025, will be about bringing up as many as the kids as possible to gain experience and start working on chemistry, nothing more than that and yes, Nazar or Moore could still be in college or Rockford but depends on how this season goes. This season is a tank/experience year nothing more. By 2026/2027, it's all in for the playoffs IMO...not a cup run but playoff hockey and a threat.

IMO, this being a tank year, this 2024 draft is just as critical as the 2023 draft was.