Draft Alternatives

[kcorp90]

It's been proven as of late, you don't necessarily have to draft in the first round to obtain talent. Free agent signings are paramount in the cap world. I'm looking to see if anyone follows the NCAA or alternative leagues (KHL, SHL, etc.) Are there special players that you may have had your eye that would be of benefit to the Hawks?

I'm sure most have already heard of. Is Drake Caggiula an option for signing? Was he previously drafted? Any thoughts on his skillset, as he seems like a very talented player who could work well w/ Nick Schmaltz. See link: http://thehockeywriters.com/drake-caggiula-unds-human-highlight-reel/

Just checking to see if members on here have been playing scout, and had their eyes on some hidden gems.

Click to read more...

 

[Teemu]

Caggiula should be at the top of the list as far as the NCAA is concerned. A shame the Hawks missed out on Poturalski.

 

[ManChild20]

Vesey or Caggiula should both be high on the Hawks wish list

 

[kcorp90]

I'd love to see Vesey signed, however wasn't it reported Poile was going to create a roster spot for him specifically to keep him within the Nashville organization? I've also heard rumors the Leafs were hot on Vesey and had a leg up as his father (or some relative) is an amateur scout for the organization. Sounds like a long shot to acquire his rights.

The Hawks reputation alone, along with Chicago's ties to drafting North Dakota players (Toews, Schmaltz), and the chemistry w/ Schmaltz should make Caggiula a perfect target as an undrafted free agent signing out of college hockey IMO.

As far as the PTO type of player scenario.. I've loved Fleischmann's game so far. Chances that we sign him on the cheap next season? I'd love to see a Desi type deal for that type of player as well.

 

[hockeydoug]

Troy Stecher was at CHI prospect camp in 14'. Went to WPG's this summer with Tucker Poolman I believe. Right shooting dman. I'm not sure how his projections have changed but he could get a contract this summer.

 

[AmericanDream]

Joey Benik should be at or near the top of our list. kid has been as steady as it gets and is a solid overall player. Him and Prow out of St Cloud State would be HUGE gets if we can land one of them or both.

Or amazingly the next Mike Reilly : Matt Grzelcyk, Boston University Terriers, Defence, Senior (5’9″ 174 lbs)...this is the top target outside of Vesey who could be leaving on the Bruins and hit the UFA market.

Also Alex Lyon is a flat out stud in net and would be in the NHL instantly with us as a backup to Crow...we could use this kid for our goaltending pipeline.

 

[Toews2Bickell]

What about that kid from Boston, Fortunato?

 

[Mickey the mouse]

2 Dmen to keep a close eye on

1. Ethan Prow, St Cloud, UFA, 33 pnts in 34 games
1. Andy Welenski, Minn-Dul. Ana holds his draft rights but wouldn't be surprised to see him wait until Aug 15th and become UFA

 

[crazyhawk]

Caggiula should be at the top of the list as far as the NCAA is concerned. A shame the Hawks missed out on Poturalski.

An unfortunate name given the notorious " Caligula "!

 

[AmericanDream]

I also really like the crafty Dennis Kravchenko from Amherst. He has a lot of skill and at one time was one of the most highly skilled and sought after Americans from the 94 birth year.

 

[Blue Liner]

What about that kid from Boston, Fortunato?

I'd be all for this.

 

[hawksfan50]

How about forward Zach Lynch 6'1 190 (now) a Senior at Robert Morris University

Stellar season with 24g and 28 a for 52 pts in 37GP and +23 ...

The other standout notebook his season is that he leads the NCAA in short-handed goals with 8...nobody is even close to him in that stat..He is 24 years old


Over a point a game guy in both his Sophomore and Junior seasons to..so very consistent producer and very good balance between goals and assists....A terrific all round well rounded talent.

 

[Taze em]

Have to watch those ages when you are getting excited about a player. A 24 year old dominating the NCAA isn't impressive.

 

[hawksfan50]

Have to watch those ages when you are getting excited about a player. A 24 year old dominating the NCAA isn't impressive.

But 8 shorties in any league by any aged player is not something to ignore or be careful about..It is something to get excited about.

NOBODY..of any age in the NCAA is even close to that many..He must have some ability even if only for the pk to do that we'll in that role.
BUT his stats say he is not that big a PP skewed player as some are ..So seems a well rounded multi-role guy......think about it..33.33% of Lynch's goals have come on the PK and only 12.5% on the PP ...leaving 54.17% in ES or put this way.... 87.5% of his 24 goals came not on the PP...Since he would not get any Optima on the Hawks anyway this is the kind of player we need ..to score goals in ES and shorties.

 

[Blue Liner]

What about that kid from Boston, Fortunato?

He's on the Hawks' radar. They host a camp for non-drafted players and they've had him there before. He's smallish but it doesn't scare me in the least. I think he can be an excellent NHL d-man and I'd be all for the Hawks signing him once his college career is done.

 

[AmericanDream]

He's on the Hawks' radar. They host a camp for non-drafted players and they've had him there before. He's smallish but it doesn't scare me in the least. I think he can be an excellent NHL d-man and I'd be all for the Hawks signing him once his college career is done.

I definitely differ with you on this one BL. I know it can't hurt to sign a kid and bring him in, but I am just not a big fan, haven't been for years. I thought he was in way over his head at the WJC and looked invisible when he did hit the ice, but he wasn't getting regular shifts so maybe that caused some issues for him...but I have felt the same since his USNDP days as well but players do mature and improve so hopefully he can.

the more kids the merrier just never had high hopes for him to be honest...and man he is tiny, like Nick Leddy made this kid look small

 

[kcorp90]

How about forward Zach Lynch 6'1 190 (now) a Senior at Robert Morris University

Stellar season with 24g and 28 a for 52 pts in 37GP and +23 ...

The other standout notebook his season is that he leads the NCAA in short-handed goals with 8...nobody is even close to him in that stat..He is 24 years old


Over a point a game guy in both his Sophomore and Junior seasons to..so very consistent producer and very good balance between goals and assists....A terrific all round well rounded talent.

Just noticed that Zac Lynch (undrafted) was included in the top 10 Hobey Baker finalists for this year. Sounds like someone for scouts to keep their eyes on. Our draft pick Tyler Motte included in this group as well. That'll be an exciting addition when his time comes.

 

[Blue Liner]

I definitely differ with you on this one BL. I know it can't hurt to sign a kid and bring him in, but I am just not a big fan, haven't been for years. I thought he was in way over his head at the WJC and looked invisible when he did hit the ice, but he wasn't getting regular shifts so maybe that caused some issues for him...but I have felt the same since his USNDP days as well but players do mature and improve so hopefully he can.

the more kids the merrier just never had high hopes for him to be honest...and man he is tiny, like Nick Leddy made this kid look small

I liked him a lot his last year with the NTDP, personally. Have liked how his game has progressed in college.

He's definitely small and will have to fill out more but his wheels and smarts go a long ways toward minimizing that. Still has a couple years of school left so has time.

 

[Teemu]

Former Sharks 2nd rounder Gabryel Paquin-Boudreau had a big bounce back year this season after some injuries

 

[hawksfan50]

So there is a lot of angst about our poor faceoff C's apart from Toews...


No relief if Schmaltz used at C for us in future..he too stinks at draws at 45.8%)...I also looked at John Hayden normally listed as a C.
.but while he has an impressive.733 faceoff win% it is on a very tiny sample size ...indicating Yale must be using him at wing this season or for some reason they do not let him take draws very much.

So I researched who we SHOULD target among undrafted NCAA Centers who were Seniors, or Jr's (who might be enticed to leave early to turn Pro )..

I wanted only those who were in the top group for #of faceoff wins and also had very good faceoff win %...this eliminate ates good % but low sample size on draws..

I also wanted good points producers not just faceoff specialists ...


I also wanted realistic pro size not some guy at 5'7...


So afterr all that my top 2 candidates were:

MAX FRENCH (Jr) -Bentley

5'10 185 age 23

23 g 24 a 47 pts +8

#1 in NCAA in FO wins (528)

58.6 % faceoff win%


AND


KALLE KOSSILA (Sr.)-St.Cloud St.

5'10 187 age 22

14g 38a 52 pts +30

#9 in faceoff wins in NCAA (463)

Faceoff win% of 57.9%

 

[TLEH]

So there is a lot of angst about our poor faceoff C's apart from Toews...


No relief if Schmaltz used at C for us in future..he too stinks at draws at 45.8%)...I also looked at John Hayden normally listed as a C.
.but while he has an impressive.733 faceoff win% it is on a very tiny sample size ...indicating Yale must be using him at wing this season or for some reason they do not let him take draws very much.

So I researched who we SHOULD target among undrafted NCAA Centers who were Seniors, or Jr's (who might be enticed to leave early to turn Pro )..

I wanted only those who were in the top group for #of faceoff wins and also had very good faceoff win %...this eliminate ates good % but low sample size on draws..

I also wanted good points producers not just faceoff specialists ...


I also wanted realistic pro size not some guy at 5'7...


So afterr all that my top 2 candidates were:

MAX FRENCH (Jr) -Bentley

5'10 185 age 23

23 g 24 a 47 pts +8

#1 in NCAA in FO wins (528)

58.6 % faceoff win%


AND


KALLE KOSSILA (Sr.)-St.Cloud St.

5'10 187 age 22

14g 38a 52 pts +30

#9 in faceoff wins in NCAA (463)

Faceoff win% of 57.9%

Kossila is a good player, and can be a role player in the NHL. French I disagree with. If you're gonna get a defensive center, Kossila is your guy.

 

[Teemu]

12 pts in 8 games in the playoffs this year