the penguins decline.
They aren't retaining the the return is awful.

Don't make Crosby and Malkin laugh at the comparison.
They went to a dead in the water team much like chicago and Crosby put up 100 points his 1st year and Malkin 85, the next year they were both 100 pt players. And that was in era of hockey where points were harder to come by.
Bedard isn't even close.

lol. Crosby and Malkin were also insulated by good veteran players. Relax, though, bud. I'm sure they wouldn't take any offense to the comparison. No one is taking anything away from your precious penguins. In fact, in case you didn't notice, the person posting this is probably the biggest Pen's fan on this entire site.

Possibly, but, oddly enough, I'm almost kind of hoping we don't win the lottery. I want to save our "2nd lottery win in a 5 year span" for Bedard's cousin (by marriage), Gavin McKenna, in the 2026 draft.

Who says you can't get both

No way are they the next Crosby/Malkin. A lot of scouts have said Celebrini will not be a franchise player.
McDavid and Drai are the only Crosby/Malkin duo right now.

True. It would take some massive luck, though. Gavin McKenna will probably be 1st overall in 2026 and the new lottery rules only allow teams a chance to win the lottery two times in a 5 year span.

Good plan! McKenna is insane! He will definitely go 1OA. Bedard, McKenna down the middle would be nasty! It’s hard to judge how good Celebrini, and McKenna are right now, but I too would rather McKenna on my team. I say get McKenna in 2026, and grab a good defence man this year. There are plenty good defenders.

Well there you go. I was going to actually wait to see how their careers went before counting any chickens, but if the crystal ball of 1 random keyboard warrior says no way, that’s obviously how it’s going to turn out in the end. Thanks for providing the community service of not having us waste our time. Hey, does your crystal ball got any winning lottery numbers you want to share with me?

I believe that rule only applies if you win the lottery from outside last place. If the hawks finish 32nd and pick first this year, they would still be eligible to win the lottery in 2026

Yeah. That is my understanding of the rule as well. But some people are still interpreting it differently. I don't feel like going back through and dissecting it again, though. We'll just have to wait until it happens to get some clarification, or someone asks.

Yep. I like Celebrini A LOT. He has a great career ahead of him. But up against guys like Hagens and McKenna, I think Celebrini will be the lesser player in hindsight.

Plus, I would not be sad in the least bit if CHI didn't win the lottery and ended up with Lindstrom or Demidov. But if KD picks a defenseman in the 2 to 5 range I probably will be a little upset.

I'll comment on your proposed moves only. Hawks likely wouldn't take on Rakell and his 4 remaining years for less than a 1st round pick. If they'd take him on at all. Too much money and term for guy who's play is obviously declining. The Schultz signing is good. Can't see Kapanen as a target though. He's no better an option for Bedard's line than Kurashev currently is. Hawks need a more effective goal scorer to play on Bedard's RW. And Hawks are much more likely to being back Megna than Tinordi.

np glad to help. PS Bedard is no Crosby. If you want to know what a Crosby level player looks like entering the league, McDavid is in EDM.
Have fun.

Exactly! This draft is loaded with good quality players. That’s also it. It depends on where you are drafting. There are some good defenders that they could take, like Artyom Levshunov for example. I would say he would be the only RHD that would be worth taking in the top 10, followed by guys like Parekh, Yakemchuk etc. My primary targets for the Blackhawks would be Lindstrom, Levshunov. Demidov, and Helenius are good, but I would prefer someone bigger with Bedard.

Is that a no on the lottery numbers?

I've watched a ton of Levshunov this year and I just don't like him as an option for CHI's 1st this year. They will more than likely have a top 5 pick if not top 3, and I can think of 5 guys I would probably select before Levshunov. We need top 6 forwards WAYYY more than defenseman. I would love Lindstrom or Demidov. Demidov's size is fine. He needs to put on some muscle over the next couple years, but, offensively, he is the most dynamic and electric player in this draft. Whether he plays with Bedard or runs the offense on the 2nd line, he would be a fantastic addition to CHI. After Celebrini, Lindstrom, and Demidov, I have Catton, and then there is a bunch of guys at 5th that I wouldn't mind, Levshunov included, but I don't think he is a sure thing there.

Levshunov is good, but he is way overhyped. I liked him a lot more when he was ranked outside of the top 10. Now, I'm backing off. He is not good defensively, half the time he hurry's off the ice when play is transitioning to defense. On offense, he is fine, but his abilities are being overblown. He cannot "take over a game" or "do it all on is own" like some people say. Most of his production comes from touches in the cycle. He does have a pretty good shot, though. Especially when he takes it to the middle and closer to the net.

Fair enough, and thanks for the insight on Levshunov. You know the Hawks more than i do, just thought they could use a good number one defence man, however, that could come in 2025 if necessary. If Demidov did put on some muscle he would be a force to be reckoned with. His offensive game is outstanding, I can agree that it is one of the best in this draft. Levshunov is good, and I think he will just get better, but I can see why you would want a forward over him. A good guy to play in the top 6 would be good for them, especially with guys like Nazar, Reichel, Moore etc, finding their games, and developing as good NHL options. Moore imo was another good selection last year, and I’ve always been very big on Nazar. Another forward wouldn’t hurt this team, and they are looking pretty good in net with Commesso, and Gajan too!

Definitely. I feel like we have a handful of guys with top 6 upside but not sure things. The only sure things, in my opinion, are Bedard and whoever we pick in this years draft. I doubt Nazar and Moore will be play drivers, they will likely be supplementary top 6 or solid 3rd line forwards. Idk, though. Maybe KD is fine with one superstar (Bedard) driving the bus for all the supplementary players. We'll see, I guess.

For sure! I can see Nazar being a good top 6 winger in the NHL, but that could also be because I am very high on him haha. Now that you put it that way though, it does sound like they could use some more good quality top 6 guys. Again, thank you! Have a great day!

Oh yeah. Don't get me wrong. I am high on all those guys, too. But I try to temper expectations and be realistic. Plenty of kids produce tons of offense at the junior and college level and then they get to pro and can't get anything done. So, I don't think those guys are "sure things" to be top 6 forwards let alone top line, but they are definitely exciting young players with a lot of potential.

1,2,3,4,5 and 6

lucky numbers just for you!