1. If Chicago is looking to move up in the draft, Pittsburgh would be the most logical trade partner. Davidson and Dubas have a history of making deals with each other, Dubas frequently made draft day deals with Toronto, and Pittsburgh has no 2nd round picks after the Granlund (lol) trade. Personally, I think it would be smart to move up in the draft *if* the FO is targeting a player that may not be available at 19OA.
2. Not much to add to this one.
Draft:
These are based off of recent rumors and draft rankings from The Athletic + Bob McKenzie.
1.1 Connor Bedard, C, Regina (WHL): I think this one is self-explanatory.
1.14 Daniil But, LW, Yaroslavl (MHL): 6’5 forward who skates well and has an above average shot. I think Chicago drafts someone with size here as their current forward core is a bit undersized.
2.35 Bradly Nadeau, RW, Penticton (BCHL): Another forward who skates and shoots well. This is more of a boom-or-bust type of pick, but Chicago can be patient while he develops in the NCAA.
2.44 Adam Gajan, G, Chippewa (NAHL): I’m sure a lot of people are against drafting a goalie this high. Personally, I think it would be a good idea to have an insurance plan in case Commesso or Söderblom don’t pan out.
2.55 Andrew Strathmann, LD, Youngstown (USHL): Undersized, but makes up for it with his skating ability and competitiveness. At first I was surprised to hear his name linked to Chicago, but the more I watch him, the more I understand.
3.67 Carey Terrance, C, Erie (OHL): Plays a pretty simple game, but is a solid all-around player. Likely ends up as a bottom 6 forward who can kill penalties.
3.91 Gabriel Szturc, C, Kelowna (WHL): An overage player and a bit undersized, but he’s also a hard worker and put up solid numbers in the WHL. Reminds me a bit of 2022 draftee Samuel Savoie.
4.97 Jonathan Castagna, C, St. Andrew’s (CAHS): My favorite sleeper pick in the draft. Wouldn’t be disappointed if Chicago took him as high as the 3rd round. 6’2, one of the best athletes in the class, and smart (Cornell commit). Has all of the tools to be a really good NHL player, but has been playing in a league that doesn’t draw much attention.
Free Agency:
There is rumored to be mutual interest between J.T. Compher and Chicago. Davidson has already said that he will not commit to any long term contracts, which means that they will have to overpay for a 2 or 3 year deal. This type of deal could make sense for Compher if he is willing to “bet on himself” and re-enter free agency in two years, after the salary cap is raised significantly. Foligno’s UFA rights were acquired in the Hall trade, and I believe Chicago will do everything they can to sign him. This will also require a slight overpay for a 1 or 2 year deal. Priskie is a solid AHL defenseman who plays the right side and can play NHL minutes, if needed.
Lineup:
One of the things I like most about this team is the lineup flexibility. I do believe that Hall and Bedard will play most of the season together, as well as Reichel and Athanasiou. Any one of Kurashev, Tyler Johnson, Compher, or Raddysh would make sense at RW1. I chose Kurashev because I believe the FO will want to give him top 6 minutes for another season. I also believe that his skating and forechecking would compliment Bedard/Hall. Compher makes a lot of sense at 2C, as he is more defensively responsible and would be surrounded by two strong-skating wingers. TJ and Raddysh played together a lot in 22-23, and Dickinson is the logical choice at 3C. Because of the depth at C, I chose to send Cole Guttman back to the AHL. I think he will be better off playing top 6 minutes in the AHL, and can eventually take Dickinson’s spot after the TDL.
One final point, I believe Korchinski will spend the majority of the upcoming season in the WHL. Seattle is an absolute wagon and it would be best for him to continue his development in a winning environment. Also, Chicago already has several LHD who will need playing time next season. As it currently stands, the left side of Rockford’s D next season will be made up of Nolan Allan, EDM, and one of Roos/Kaiser. Having Korchinski in the NHL would push at least one of those players to their off-side, which would not be ideal.
BURGHgirl a aimé ceci.
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