Blackhawks are at it again! Once more unto the trade breach the Blackhawks have brokered a deal that will send their 11th round pick 216, 2nd round pick 26 and 6th round pick 116 in the prospect draft, along with a 5th round in the 2016 draft to the Islanders for a 12th round pick 240 and a 1st round pick 20 in the prospect draft.
Many Blackhawks fans are calling for the head of the new GM, but Rocky Witz has assured his fans that GM Vorrigan has the teams' best interest at heart.
"We believe in our new GM, and he has been given the stamp of approval from both Scotty and Stan Bowman." Rocky Witz told reporters.
These unprecendented trades have seen most of the draft picks the Blackhawks had in the NHL draft be traded for picks in the upcoming prospect draft. Just to give fans more ammunition, here are some of the players that have been picked up by other teams because of Vorrigans' love of trading.
The Coyotes drafted Mark Giordano, a Norris caliber blueliner with the 25th pick in the 2nd round. In the Coyotes trade, the Blackhawks aquired their 2nd round pick, #32, which they promptly traded to the Washington Capitals who drafted Max Pacioretty a 30 goal scorer. In the 3rd round, the Blackhawks helped out both New York teams, trading the 50th pick, allowing the Islanders to draft Drew Doughty, another Norris candidate; and then to the Rangers was sent the 56th pick, allowing the Rangers to draft Anze Kopitar, a top 5 two-way forward in the league.
As you can see, the Blackhawks have seemed to throw away the Cup. Vorrigan has been heard mumbling, "The master plan, the master plan, it must work!"; fellow assistant GMs are fearful for their jobs. "This city expects champions, and we are not so sure Vorrigan can pull off, 'this master plan', of his." as seen on Twitter (@anonbhawksgm).
Only time will tell if the new GM's master plan is going to work, but if fans on twitter are any indication:
@lynchvorrnuts writes, "WTH, this dickhead better get his act together, passing on Gio...." #lynchVorr
@myuncleisatrain says, "TBH B4 I didn't kno we had a Hockey club, fuck dis guy!" #Chicagohashockey
@kaners'boner says, "I don't mind any of this, Kaner was drafted he can carry us to the Cup"
The fans want a winner, and many do not think Vorrigan can provide this!
Jackie Khones, investigative journalist, has discovered that their are a few teams interested in moving up in the upcoming 2015 prospects draft, key among them NY Rangers GM admin , who is looking to get into the top 5. When asked what he was asking, this journalist recieved a cold shoulder, and deafening dialtone. Seriously, can this guy get any more mysterious? Stay tuned while I track down his momma and ask her why she named her kid "admin"
In other news,
Boston Bruins GM kg is in prime position to make a game-changing pick as he owns the no.1 pick in the prospect draft. Will he draft McDavid, or is he going with a more established player along the lines of Forsberg --only time will tell. And serious what a killer name, "Yo kg what is the happy-happs!"
The Tampa Bay Lightning are in the search to possibly move up in the prospect draft, seeking at least a top 10 pick, will their be any takers? Definitely seems to be enough teams looking to move up, this is going to get interesting.
Toronto Maple Leafs GM twistededge reports that he is being hounded with offers for his 14th pick in the prospect draft....looks like he may have a bidding war on his hands. Also, appropriate name for the GM of the Leafs.
And as always, the Blackhawks GM Vorrigan is trying to get everyone's 1st round pick. This man is insane, but damn does it make for interesting stories.
Also, secret is Jackets' GM is trying attain more NHL draft picks, so those on the lookout for prospect pick might be able to make something happen
The Nordiques GM was a-wall this past week during the draft bringing it to a standstill. He has told us that it was because of the UFC fight, but this intrepid reporter believes that this GM is actually part of Rhonda Rhousey;s entourage.. It was coincidence they say, he works at Dave & Busters, but I disagree. This GM disappeared for the whole day and night before the fight. It was because they were getting ready for the 10 minute that it took to win the fight, and then the 18 hours of partying after. You heard it hear first.
The Minnesota Wild GM has been seen walking around Scotland talking incessantly about how his team is short on actual Wild players. Does this mean that "the" Wild GM doesn't believe that his team has the players to make a run at the Cup, or is it every other GM is trying to poach Wild players because they are so good? Only time will tell, and this reporter will keep an eye on it.
Happy birthday to both the Wild GM and Kings GM
Ok that's it for now, tune in (hopefully this weekend) for some mid prospect analysis and more...
Prospect draft analysis of the 1st round. (preliminary report, more comments to come)
Round 1
1. Conor McDavid (Bruins), This was a no brainer ,I think everyone would have been more concerned if he had chosen someone else.
2. Jack Eichel (Leafs from Habs), Part of what it took for the Habs to get Price, he looks to be comparable to Lindstrom or Toews.
3. Johnny Gaudreau (Sharks), I have to believe this pick was more expected than McDavid, he did try to grab him in the 3rd round of the NHL draft.
4. Filip Forsberg (Kings), interesting pick, has tons of upside, just hope he misses on his slump after a great year.
5. William Nylander (Lightning via Ducks/Hawks) this was interesting just because he traded up for this guy, who would have been available, most likely, at his original pick of 16.
6. Tuevo Teravainen (Blackhawks via Wild/Ducks) the start of the Hawks actually building a team, top 10 prospect overall.
7. Aaron Ekblad (Rangers) thought about trading his pick before the draft but is definitely glad he didn’t. Should have gone top 5.
8. Evgeny Kuznetsov (Capitals via Jackets/Ducks) most likely to build on a great 2nd half to last season going forward.
9. Petr Mzarek (Red Wings) homer pick if I ever saw one. Top 10 goalie prospect, but feels like too early to pick a goalie that might have to split starts. Only time will tell
10. Jonathan Drouin (Ducks) Only 1 player was worse than Mackinnon last year and it was this guy. Expected to challenge last year for the Calder, things never panned out. Hoping that he starts to perform at a high level, could be his year’s Tarasenko/Forsberg.
11. Andrei Vasilevsky (Wild vis Capitals) goalies seem to be prized in this league. This guy has more talent than Mzarek but is definitely going to get less starts barring an injury.
12. Andrew Hammond (Isles via Yotes) being a hot goalie for 2 months is all we have to go on this goalie never anything of note before that. This could be the pick that is looked back on as either genius or epic fail, especially considering he will be splitting starts or spend time in the AHL.
13. John Klingberg (Jackets via Caps/Wild/Jackets) no brainer at this point in the draft. Great future, and a regular blueliner on his team. Is a little funny that Jackets owned the pick then it traded hands eventually ending back up as the Jackets selection, and I am sure he was happy with his choice.
14. Olli Maatta (Maple Leafs) bright future if he can stay healthy and not have any more freak health issues.
15. Kevin Hayes (Nordiques) great pick, a little high in the round for my liking, but he is an NHL regular already and a much more consistent player than his brother.
16. Sam Bennett (Flyers) word is the Blackhawks really hoped he would last til 20, but I am surprised he made it out of the top 10. Was on fire in the playoffs, and looks to be a key component on the Flames this year as they try to build on their surprise success last season.
17. Derrick Pouliat (Penguins) homer pick, quality young blueliner who will probably slot in with Maatta or as the 6th man.
18. Michael Hutchinson (Flames) can he regain his starter role the took from Pavelec last season only to lose it down the stretch toward the playoffs? He is the future of the Jets in goal and it is bright.
19. Adam Lowry (Jets) made the Jets out of training camp last year, has the talent, just needs to add offense this coming season.
20. Andre Burakovsky (Blackhawks) should be skating on either Ovie’s or Backstrom’s line. Should build on a good year last season as the Caps try to get to the finals.
Best pick of Round 1: (other than the obvious)
- Sam Bennett at 16
- Aaron Ekblad at 7
o Both should have gone sooner than they did.
Craziest pick:
- Lightning for taking Nylander at 5. Projects to be a 1st line d-man but has still not played any substantial time in the NHL. There were rumors of the Lightning trading down, but nothing ever came of trade talks. I believe the Lightning knew that they could trade down to much later in the 1st round and still acquire Nylander, but when you want a player sometimes you don’t want to take the chance.
Riskiest pick
- Ducks taking Drouin vs Isles taking Hammond. Both players are clearly overrated and having nothing but speculation for this coming season. Drouin has not really been given a fair shake on the Lightning and Hammond just came out of nowhere to give the Senators a chance at the playoffs, though he faltered once they got into the playoffs.
Stay tuned for more installments from Underground Hockey…
Nylander is projected to be a first line centre. Wanted to trade down, but heard rumours he may be going in the top 10, plus I was on vacation with no wifi, so that restricted me from sending in my pick, and he was the guy I wanted.
I understand this was a big reach, but I really believe in him. Trust me if I couldve gained assets and got Nylander I would do it in a heartbeat, there was just no possible way.
Cannot wait until round 2 where hopefully Marner will look a lot better (imo steal of the draft, but thats me and Im baised, but I really expected him gone within the first 10 picks)
Round 2 draft analysis. Some surprises in this round...
2,21 Marko Dano (Wild via ANA, NYI) – Came over to the Blackhawks in the Saad trade, and could be as good, or even better than Saad, potential is there
2,22 Anders Lee (Jets) – Showed promise last season when Okposo went down with an injury, but that was when he was playing on Tavares’ line, he cooled off once back on the 3rd/4th line duties.
2,23 Bo Horvat (Flames) – already an NHL regular who could become a top 6 eventually depending on how things play out for the Canucks. He is both offensively and defensively gifted, but these qualities have yet to really come into their own in the NHL.
2,24 Martin Jones (Penguins) – Once the constant backup to Quick, he now has a chance to prove if he is a starter, but he will probably split starts til he either excels or Stalock does.
2,25 Mitch Marner (Lightning) – Much better pick this time for the Lightning. He has the talent, just needs to be able to translate it to the NHL; most likely 2-3 years away unless he wows at training camp. Needs to add size, and is a little on the small side, but it doesn’t seem to hold him back. Projects to be good, but needs more experience, will be an interesting watch during training camp.
2,26 Sam Reinhart (Rangers via Nords) - Future 2c, would be a 1c on any other team, that didn’t have Eichel. Could make the team this year, but I think another year would be best as it would allow the kid to get some bulk and strength added.
2,27 Max Domi (Coyotes via Isles/Habs/Leafs) – Will be on the roster this year, and looks to add some flash to the Yotes offense. It looks like he will be on a line with Duclair and Vermette which will give a mix of youth and veteran experience.
2,28 Nikolaj Ehlers (Jackets) - Great pick, projected to be up with the Jets in the next season or 2. He has an amazing shot, great speed, and really just needs to bulk up a bit.
2,29 Darnell Nurse (Blackhawks via Yotes) has all the tools to be a 1st line dman, needs to work on his offense to become a true no.1.
2,30 Anthony Duclair (Capitals) Paired on line this coming season with Domi, it might become the best line the Yotes have had in quite some time. Duclair is an aggressive offensive player who needs to become a more rounded player and add some size, but be surprised if he doesn’t make the Yotes lineup this training camp.
2,31 Dylan Strome (Flyers) – possible no.1 pick in any year that didn’t have McEichel, Strome projects to be the best prospect the Yotes have. He has the speed, smarts, shot, and drive to become their 1C, but expect him to spend (hopefully) another year in Erie getting some size and experience.
2,32 Matt Borowiecki (Red Wings) – a tough stay-at-home defenseman, he is a solid pick at this stage, especially considering he is going to be in the NHL this year, full-time.
2,33 Temmu Pulkkinen (Blackhawks via Ducks) – Possible steal for this round, should be slotting into a 2nd/3rd line role for the Wings. Hard, accurate shot, has great vision, and will pick up some pointers from the Magic Man.
2,34 Ivan Provorov (Blackhawks via Rangers) – Has lots of potential and showed it during his season in the WHL, very offensive-minded dman, but has the tools to become well-rounded at both ends of the ice.
2,35 Noah Hanifin (Ducks via Wild) – solid defenseman but needs work his physicality and better breakouts from the blueline. He has the makings of a solid 1st liner, with potential for a captaincy in the future.
2,36 Leon Draisaitl (Isles via Hawks) – This guy is in weird position on his team. With the Oilers winning the McDavid sweeps, they now have an over-abundance of Centers, and he Is the odd-man out. Regardless, I believe he learned a lot after playing on the Oilers last year, and has gained experience that should help his game this year. Depending on the team he plays for (if he is traded), he could have an impact in the NHL this year.
2,37 John Gibson (Kings) – has the tools to be a no.1 goalie now, showed it last season with the Ducks when Anderson got injured. This should be an interesting season for him; he will either wrestle the start job from Anderson or be the backup until he is traded.
2,38 Valeri Nichuskin (Sharks) – after spending most of last season sidelined, Nichushkin has a chance to build upon all the expectations that surround him. Compared to Ovie, he has yet to find the consistency and team play that Ovie is known for. This is an important year for him.
2,39 Cedric Paquette (Habs) – old-school style of forward, with some offensive potential; should be a 20 goal forward this year. He should continue to move into a quality 2-way forward.
2,40 David Pasternak (Bruins) – it will be an interesting year for the Bruins, as they are in some sort of kinda-rebuild. Showed great promise after coming back from World Juniors, he should continue to improve and get better, especially as it seems the Bruins try to get younger.
Best pick of Round 2:
- Nickoj Ehlers at 28
- Dylan Strome at 31
- Teemu Pulkkinen at 33
Riskiest pick:
- Jets taking Anders Lee at 22; Lee numbers were great when he replaced Okoposo (getting half of his points), but returned to being average once he was back on the 3rd line. So this season will be an interesting year for Lee, he just signed a big contract and is now expected to provide some bigger offensive numbers.
- Kings taking Gibson at 37; Gibson is a great goalie, has proven it in the past when Anderson has gotten injured, but he is still stuck behind Anderson. This is the risk with Gibson, finding playing time as he is ready to be a no.1 on a team that already has 1.
Possible sleepers:
Valeri Nichuskin (missed most of season with injury) Marko Dano (benefit from possibly being on Hawks 1st line) Martin Jones (chance to finally be a no.1 goalie) Sam Reinhart (should have quality linemates around him)
All of these guys have a chance to breakout and surprise a lot of people. It should be interesting to watch them play
Round 2 draft analysis. Some surprises in this round...
2,21 Marko Dano (Wild via ANA, NYI) – Came over to the Blackhawks in the Saad trade, and could be as good, or even better than Saad, potential is there
2,22 Anders Lee (Jets) – Showed promise last season when Okposo went down with an injury, but that was when he was playing on Tavares’ line, he cooled off once back on the 3rd/4th line duties.
2,23 Bo Horvat (Flames) – already an NHL regular who could become a top 6 eventually depending on how things play out for the Canucks. He is both offensively and defensively gifted, but these qualities have yet to really come into their own in the NHL.
2,24 Martin Jones (Penguins) – Once the constant backup to Quick, he now has a chance to prove if he is a starter, but he will probably split starts til he either excels or Stalock does.
2,25 Mitch Marner (Lightning) – Much better pick this time for the Lightning. He has the talent, just needs to be able to translate it to the NHL; most likely 2-3 years away unless he wows at training camp. Needs to add size, and is a little on the small side, but it doesn’t seem to hold him back. Projects to be good, but needs more experience, will be an interesting watch during training camp.
2,26 Sam Reinhart (Rangers via Nords) - Future 2c, would be a 1c on any other team, that didn’t have Eichel. Could make the team this year, but I think another year would be best as it would allow the kid to get some bulk and strength added.
2,27 Max Domi (Coyotes via Isles/Habs/Leafs) – Will be on the roster this year, and looks to add some flash to the Yotes offense. It looks like he will be on a line with Duclair and Vermette which will give a mix of youth and veteran experience.
2,28 Nikolaj Ehlers (Jackets) - Great pick, projected to be up with the Jets in the next season or 2. He has an amazing shot, great speed, and really just needs to bulk up a bit.
2,29 Darnell Nurse (Blackhawks via Yotes) has all the tools to be a 1st line dman, needs to work on his offense to become a true no.1.
2,30 Anthony Duclair (Capitals) Paired on line this coming season with Domi, it might become the best line the Yotes have had in quite some time. Duclair is an aggressive offensive player who needs to become a more rounded player and add some size, but be surprised if he doesn’t make the Yotes lineup this training camp.
2,31 Dylan Strome (Flyers) – possible no.1 pick in any year that didn’t have McEichel, Strome projects to be the best prospect the Yotes have. He has the speed, smarts, shot, and drive to become their 1C, but expect him to spend (hopefully) another year in Erie getting some size and experience.
2,32 Matt Borowiecki (Red Wings) – a tough stay-at-home defenseman, he is a solid pick at this stage, especially considering he is going to be in the NHL this year, full-time.
2,33 Temmu Pulkkinen (Blackhawks via Ducks) – Possible steal for this round, should be slotting into a 2nd/3rd line role for the Wings. Hard, accurate shot, has great vision, and will pick up some pointers from the Magic Man.
2,34 Ivan Provorov (Blackhawks via Rangers) – Has lots of potential and showed it during his season in the WHL, very offensive-minded dman, but has the tools to become well-rounded at both ends of the ice.
2,35 Noah Hanifin (Ducks via Wild) – solid defenseman but needs work his physicality and better breakouts from the blueline. He has the makings of a solid 1st liner, with potential for a captaincy in the future.
2,36 Leon Draisaitl (Isles via Hawks) – This guy is in weird position on his team. With the Oilers winning the McDavid sweeps, they now have an over-abundance of Centers, and he Is the odd-man out. Regardless, I believe he learned a lot after playing on the Oilers last year, and has gained experience that should help his game this year. Depending on the team he plays for (if he is traded), he could have an impact in the NHL this year.
2,37 John Gibson (Kings) – has the tools to be a no.1 goalie now, showed it last season with the Ducks when Anderson got injured. This should be an interesting season for him; he will either wrestle the start job from Anderson or be the backup until he is traded.
2,38 Valeri Nichuskin (Sharks) – after spending most of last season sidelined, Nichushkin has a chance to build upon all the expectations that surround him. Compared to Ovie, he has yet to find the consistency and team play that Ovie is known for. This is an important year for him.
2,39 Cedric Paquette (Habs) – old-school style of forward, with some offensive potential; should be a 20 goal forward this year. He should continue to move into a quality 2-way forward.
2,40 David Pasternak (Bruins) – it will be an interesting year for the Bruins, as they are in some sort of kinda-rebuild. Showed great promise after coming back from World Juniors, he should continue to improve and get better, especially as it seems the Bruins try to get younger.
Best pick of Round 2:
- Nickoj Ehlers at 28
- Dylan Strome at 31
- Teemu Pulkkinen at 33
Riskiest pick:
- Jets taking Anders Lee at 22; Lee numbers were great when he replaced Okoposo (getting half of his points), but returned to being average once he was back on the 3rd line. So this season will be an interesting year for Lee, he just signed a big contract and is now expected to provide some bigger offensive numbers.
- Kings taking Gibson at 37; Gibson is a great goalie, has proven it in the past when Anderson has gotten injured, but he is still stuck behind Anderson. This is the risk with Gibson, finding playing time as he is ready to be a no.1 on a team that already has 1.
Possible sleepers:
Valeri Nichuskin (missed most of season with injury) Marko Dano (benefit from possibly being on Hawks 1st line) Martin Jones (chance to finally be a no.1 goalie) Sam Reinhart (should have quality linemates around him)
All of these guys have a chance to breakout and surprise a lot of people. It should be interesting to watch them play
Really like the Nichuskin pick. He would have gone higher last year and fell for reasons that don't involve some determination that he can't cut it in the league. Hits all the checkboxes, outstanding potential + immediate opportunity + role fit to be an asset this year and beyond, something a lot of second rounders couldn't deliver
3,41 Ryan Spooner, F (Bruins) – Has lots of upside, but was definitely a homer pick. He should be at the center of the Bruins future, just lacks size on a team that usually goes big and tough.
3,42 Curtis Lazar, F (Canadians) – Comparable to Lucic, just hopefully not as much of a douche as Lucic is. Big, powerful, will definitely be a Captain one day in the NHL.
3,43 Jori Lehtera, F (Sharks) – Ok pick, little early for my taste. This guy is very inconsistent, when he is on he can score with the best of them, but when he is off it is pretty ugly. This will be the year he proves if he is a star or just a 2nd liner waiting for linemates to make him look good.
3,44 Nikita Zadorov, D (Kings) – a quality blueliner, who needs to work on offensive scoring. His trade to the Avs could help him considerably as he has struggled on a outmatched Sabres team for the past year.
3,45 Sergei Plotnikov, F (Ducks) – interesting pick for a guy who has played most of his career in Russia and is on a 1 year trial deal that has a clause to go back to Europe. This could be genius or a huge waste of such an early pick with so many definite NHL players still available. Might get time playing with Malkin but most likely end up as a 3rd/4th line guy.
3,46 Damon Severson, D (Jackets) – A bright spot for the Devils blueline last year that was anemic and just old. This kid has a chance to really produce this year and provide some offense for a low-scoring Devils team.
3,47 Calvin Pickard, G (Rangers) – With the run on goalies that seems to be happening way too early, Pickard is still behind a workhorse goalie in Varly, so he might get decent amount of starts but nothing more if Varly stays healthy.
3,48 Tobias Rieder, F (Ducks) – a never quit battling forward, who could make the permanent jump to the NHL this year now that he is with the Yotes. He could find himself playing on a line with Duclair, but most likely a 3rd line spot that will utilize his defensive abilities and grinding for goals.
3,49 Jean-Gabriel Pageau, F (Red Wings) – great all-around player, who the Sens are hoping becomes the next Giroux, which is definitely possible. The only thing is he is small, but with his talent it should not be a problem
3,50 Jacob Markstrom, G (Yotes) – Really early pick for a guy that has never shown to his full potential. He could have a chance with a team that has an aging goalie in Miller, but this is his make or break year to start living up to his potential.
3,51 Mikko Ratanen, F (Blackhawks) – Not a highlight reel scorer like Tarasenko, more in line with Benn quiet and consistent playmaker who makes those around him better. Not a physical player he relys more on his smooth hands and hockey IQ to excel. He is start in the AHL at 18, and will be a player to watch.
3,55 Nick Ritchie, F (Nords) – in the mold of Lindros, Ritchie has dominated at every level of play with his great hands and hockey IQ, yet he does need to watch on his agility as a big guy. He is probably still a couple years out on a Ducks team that is in the middle of contending for the Cup.
3,56 Matthew Barzal, F (Lightning) – another round, another risky Lightning pick. Barzal has the tools to be a top 6 guy, is fast, high hockey IQ, but needs to add size and also needs to live up to his potential. His numbers should be much higher considering the talent and abilities he has, that will be something to watch the next couple of years as he develops. (Lightning please don’t post me all his stats, etc….haha)
3,57 Victor Rask, F (Pens) – Already a mainstay on the Canes, Rask will continue to work towards being a top 9 2-way forward. Might have been too early to pick this guy, but he should see more time on better lines this year and has more offensive chances.
3,58 Jason Zucker, F (Flames) – Every year this guy improves, he seems to get faster. Was a bright spot all year, and continued to look good during the playoffs. Easily projecting to be a top 6 forward, and should see an increase in scoring this year.
3,59 Oscar Klefbom, D (Jets) – Loads of potential, that the Oilers have not ruined yet, haha. But seriously, has the raw talent just needs to work on the finer points of defense including positioning. He should be part of the top pairing for the Oilers this year.
3,60 Shea Theodore, D (Ducks) – Great defense and good instincts when on for the PP. He has the talent to become a 2-way defender that contributes periodically on offense. Still at least a year away with the depth of the Ducks blueline, might see him used as trade-bait if the Ducks need someone at the trade deadline.
Best pick of the round goes to either the
Wings pick of Pageau;
Jets getting Klefbom so deep into the round;
If either are even half what is expected of them, their GMs will be very happy.
I added a new section now that we are getting deeper in the draft, best future potential.
Mikko Ratanen drafted by the Blackhawks;
Nick Ritchie drafted by the Nordiques;
Matthew Barzal drafted by the Lightning;
Worst pick potential, because there is always a chance still….
Jacob Markstrom picked by the Yotes just not living up to expectations;
Sergei Plotnikov picked by the Ducks, for so early in the draft too much up in the air with his contract and clause to leave for Europe. Not saying talent Is not there, just that make or flight contract.
Last Edit: Aug 26, 2015 15:18:35 GMT -8 by Deleted
