I'll try to answer a few of the questions that people have had regarding some of the hawks. I've seen most of their homes games and have been watching them for years, so I have a pretty good feel for most of their players. First will be my rankings that the original poster asked about:
Johansen - Can dominate when he's on his game. Needs more strength but will get that as he matures and has the most upside of the 4 mentioned.
Niederreiter - Very solid 2-way player with a decent offensive touch and some grit. May never be a superstart, but will have a long, productive career.
Bartschi - Does everything well, shifty, quick, good release and can play physical enough to be effective. Has adapted well to the NA game and will be a solid pickup by any NHL team.
Rattie - Likes to dangle and show his offensive flair, needs to focus on back checking and getting to the greasy areas of the ice, but has enough skill and intelligence to make it at the next level as a solid 2nd line forward.
My own personal favorite: Joe Morrow. Super smooth skater, under rated defensively and has a cannon of a shot. Most people have him ranked as early 2nd round, but I think someone will like him enough to draft late in the 1st.
Now to answer a few of the questions about players:
Mac Carruth: Been fairly inconsistent this year. Started off playing great and stopping everything in sight, then went through a string of games where he was letting in a few soft goals and not controlling his rebounds. Has played better lately and is making the stops he's supposed to make and the occasional highlight reel save. Still needs to improve a lot to be NHL ready, but has the swagger and confidence to do it if he gets the proper coaching and works at it.
Brett Ponich: In my opinion has shown the biggest improvement of any of the returning Hawks this season. Big improvement in his skating from previous seasons. I was not a Ponich fan before this year, but his play has won me over. Is a big, physical d-man that is willing to do whatever his team needs of him, which also shows that he is growing into his leadership role also. May not be the best choice for captain on this particular Hawks team, but is playing really well this season.
William Wrenn: Has quietly stepped in and done a very nice job for the Hawks. Has chipped in a few points and is a +16 through 10 games. How this guy was the #7 d-man and a -7 on DU is beyond me. He has been put in as a shutdown d-man against other teams top lines and has been solid. Not spectacular at any one thing, but knows his role and has been playing quite well.
