Mark Kelley’s weigh in on Top Draft Prospects

[Brother Espo]

(News Article)

Hello all -

As a new member and long-time Hawks fan, I thought I would take the initiative to share a recent Tribune article featuring VP (of amateur scouting) Mark Kelley’s weigh in on Top Draft Prospects for 2019:

Blackhawks' search for the No. 3 pick began long before they moved up in the draft lottery

Seven prospects of interest are spoken about by Kelley in some detail and the article perhaps offers a window into the potential internal discussions being held by Hawks’ scouting and managerial staff.

Bowen Byram - “Great transition game, pushes the pace.”

Peyton Krebs - “He has a great motor, a great compete level.”

Dylan Cozens - “He is a big, powerful centerman. Great skater, great competitor.”

Kirby Dach - “Great set of hands, very, very smart, aware hockey player.”

Vasili Podkolzin - “He’s physically strong, plays a lot of the game inside the dots.”

Alex Turcotte - “A 200-foot game, you just know what you’re going to get.”

Trevor Zegras - “Great skater, great vision. Makes plays.”

I apologize if this article has already been posted. Moderators, if you feel this is not worthy of its own thread, please feel free to merge with a pre-existing thread.

Regards,
Espo

Click to read more...

 

[BK]

Notice in the article that he talks bout skating with everyone except Dach (Turcotte as well but for focused on him being hurt and then sick).

 

[Kevin Musto]

Notice in the article that he talks bout skating with everyone except Dach (Turcotte as well but for focused on him being hurt and then sick).

Kelley's description of Dach also fits Strome. Doesn't make Dach a bad prospect. Though not worthy of 3OA (which we've been over before).

Seemingly he was praising Krebs and Turcotte the most.

 

[JaegerDice]

Notice in the article that he talks bout skating with everyone except Dach (Turcotte as well but for focused on him being hurt and then sick).

Music to me ears.

 

[Kevin Musto]

Kelley only had 19 words to say about Byram. Less than everyone except Zegras who also had 19 words said about him. Of course Zegras isn't even in the conversation for #3.

So it's very clear that Kelley is trying to keep up the facade and hide from everyone that Byram is the pick. I see right through you Kelley...

 

[Brother Espo]

Prior to last year’s draft, Mark Kelley had been asked about which characteristics the Hawks value in their players. In response, he said, “The hockey IQ, the skating, the skill set... We want to draft players who play the style we like to play. That is fast and with the puck.”

Deep NHL draft has Blackhawks excited to be near top but hopeful high pick is last for a long time

Espo

 

[AmericanDream]

what this interview doesn't show is "the bulge" Kelley got talking about Turcotte lol...

 

[clydesdale line]

Kelley only had 19 words to say about Byram. Less than everyone except Zegras who also had 19 words said about him. Of course Zegras isn't even in the conversation for #3.

Unless your Craig Button who LOVES Zegras.

 

[Kevin Musto]

I'm dissapointed they didn't ask for his opinion on Boldy. I feel like he would've gushed about him.

 

[TLEH]

Hundreds of people know more about hockey on this website than Craig Button. Guy is a turd. His rankings are based purely on the WJC and the U18s and thats about it. Maybe sprinkle in some Hlinka.

 

[AmericanDream]

Unless your Craig Button who LOVES Zegras.

that kid is another wildcard that can go very high.

crazy to think but this could possibly happen:

#1 Hughes
#3 Turcotte
#5 Zegras
# 7 Boldy
#8 Caufield
#10 York

there is a chance it can go down something like that, never in the history of the draft has 1 team produced 6 top 10 picks..I doubt any have ever produced 4 or 5...this is going to be legendary.

 

[AmericanDream]

reading Kelley talk about who we might get at #3 is giving me Jon Snow tingles lol!!!

 

[Kevin Musto]

reading Kelley talk about who we might get at #3 is giving me Jon Snow tingles lol!!!

This year's "On The Clock" series is going to be legendary.

Of course nothing will top, "Hayton. Hayton? Hayton??"

 

[Brother Espo]

I'm dissapointed they didn't ask for his opinion on Boldy. I feel like he would've gushed about him.

It is also possible that Kelley had influenced which prospects were to be discussed for this article. The Hawks’ participation here is on some level an indication of their wanting to prepare the fan base in advance of their selection in June. Peyton Krebs’ inclusion, I believe, was not random, but an indication of management’s serious consideration of him. Let’s not be surprised if he is indeed a current favourite of Hawks’ scouts.

 

[KWP]

Kelley only had 19 words to say about Byram. Less than everyone except Zegras who also had 19 words said about him. Of course Zegras isn't even in the conversation for #3.

So it's very clear that Kelley is trying to keep up the facade and hide from everyone that Byram is the pick. I see right through you Kelley...

19 words. There's a certain #19 on the club. Hmmmmmm ...
Kelley ... talking in code?

We obv need a more in depth interview - whoever gets 88 words ... ;-)

 

[Bubba88]

He likes Turcotte, he values everythibg Bowen adds.
Pods will not be the pick.

 

[TheDachKnight]

I'm dissapointed they didn't ask for his opinion on Boldy. I feel like he would've gushed about him.

Yeah, and not one word about Brett Leason either.

 

[TheDachKnight]

It is also possible that Kelley had influenced which prospects were to be discussed for this article. The Hawks’ participation here is on some level an indication of their wanting to prepare the fan base in advance of their selection in June. Peyton Krebs’ inclusion, I believe, was not random, but an indication of management’s serious consideration of him. Let’s not be surprised if he is indeed a current favourite of Hawks’ scouts.

Yeah, I definitely think he’s in consideration here at #3. His skill set fits perfectly with the type of player we like. I also think based on what he said that Cozens, Krebs, and Turcotte are their current favorites with Krebs and Turcotte being higher than Cozens. I could also see us being really high on Byram despite the shorter response. Everything he said about Byram described a player that would fit our system to a tee. The only ones he had really long responses for were players that dealt with adversity (injuries/moving team/lack of support).

 

[Toews2Bickell]

what this interview doesn't show is "the bulge" Kelley got talking about Turcotte lol...

The only player he mentioned by first name when giving his scouting report. Welcome to Chicago, AT.

 

[AmericanDream]

The only player he mentioned by first name when giving his scouting report. Welcome to Chicago, AT.

Kelley is not a good poker player lol..

 

[Blue Liner]

Kelley is not a good poker player lol..

He was with last year's first round pick.

 

[Toews2Bickell]

Kelley is not a good poker player lol..

“He is” “he is” “he is” “alex is”...looks like we’re taking the best center in the draft, a generational talent.

 

[AmericanDream]

He was with last year's first round pick.

true, but I don't remember him discussing names like this..and I am joking of course, just all in fun..

 

[TLEH]

I have full faith in Mark

 

[Toews2Bickell]

In all seriousness its probably Turcotte vs Byram like most expect. Seems to like Krebs as well but that might’ve been a bigger consideration at 9-12.