On Saturday at the combine, Misa said he dined several times with the Hawks this season, and Martone made his case for the No. 3 pick.
Our Hawks dined with top forward prospect Misa several times this past season, even though they didn’t take him (or anyone else) to dinner during NHL combine week. Misa, coming off his OHL-leading 134-point season with Saginaw, said Saturday he became pretty close with Hawks scout Jim McKellar. “I love the organization, so we’ll see what happens,” Misa said.
In order for the Hawks to land him, they will probably need to execute a trade with the Islanders or Sharks for the No. 1 or 2 pick, and that will be challenging. It does seem possible, though, especially considering the murkiness of this draft and the quantity of assets the Hawks could offer. If the Islanders want to reposition themselves for hometown kid Hagens, or if the Islanders take defenseman Schaefer and the Sharks see minimal differentiation between the forwards, conditions could be ripe.
If it came to fruition, Misa could be a fantastic running-mate for Bedard — the type Hawks fans have salivated over dating back to Demidov last year — with his combination of elusiveness, playmaking and hockey IQ. NHL teams are unsure about this, but Misa personally believes he’s ready to play in the NHL next year. He also said he feels “a lot more comfortable” playing center than wing, for what that’s worth.
Porter Martone gave perfunctory responses Saturday when asked about meeting with a variety of teams. But once asked about the Hawks, he turned on the charm. It sounds like the Hawks are much less sold on Martone than he is on them, though. Even if general manager Kyle Davidson is willing to broaden his horizons somewhat this year, Martone’s skating is so poor that it would be difficult to overlook. And for a player his size (6-3, 204 pounds), he’s not as fiery or scrappy as one would expect.
Other notes:
If the Hawks want to nab one of the best skaters in this draft class — like they have the past couple years — Arizona State freshman Cullen Potter could be a target with the No. 25 or 34 picks. Potter’s mom was a four-time Olympian, and his dad is also a skills coach, so they’ve made his skating technique textbook from a young age.
If the Hawks instead seek their other favorite trait — high work ethic — with the No. 25 pick and try to add a little more size to their system while at it, Malcolm Spence could be a target. Spence, a Michigan commit, also skates well. He’s a safe bet to be a bottom-six NHL forward.
5th would mean get who’s left of frondell/designers for 25th instead of 34th? Could do that 34 to 25 with other picks. If doing the 3 for 5 we want moar then 25th. You got to trade up to 15-20 then you get a player quality.
Carbinou.
Earmark lucky they even won a game. LA pounded them until they screwed up/otherwise first round exit. Then blink of eye and in finals. Get outplayed 3-1 and win that. Then get outplayed 9-1 in 6-1/3-0 and win that.
FLR ain’t LA.
Do not mind that move 2010. I would even consider that with Philly. Would first ask for the two picks without giving up pick #34.
You tell Philly that Nash is giving you #5 & #23 for #3. Then you tell Nash that Philly is giving you #6 & #22 for #3 and see who blinks.
Preds move fo get pick number 3 and 34 and Hawks get picks number 5 and pick 23
then Hawks have picks 5 -23- 25 in the first round. Then they can move pick 25 and and Dallas second round pick pick for whatever they want ..maybe move up to 19-20 and get ??
According to Larry Brooks from the New York Post. Alex Lafrenniere is on the trade list ..so now its 2 journalists from Quebec and one from NewYork that heard about Alexi Lafreniere .
6”2’ 200pounds 23 yo
I saw 👀 him play with Rimouski Oceanic and this guy is really a beast .,young, can play both wings and very intelligent player. 7,45 millions/ year for another 6 years .
I would make a move for sure .
Many possibilities in the next months.
Let see what the Hawks will do in the next 3-4 weeks
Finally we will see wherethey want to put their priorities..
There is the first NYR move. Still only have $15mil for 3F and 2D. Seravelli thinks a $7mil offersheet but I would not offer anything that cost us a 1st because of McKenna. Do it the following year if there isn’t a stud.
Trade for Cuylle Or Lafreniere. Maybe offer Lardis
The old adage Best Available Player, still applies but here is where the Hawks have Gaps now or in future drafts.
1. Top three FOR
2. RHD as we only have 3 Levs, Rinz, Crev
3. G in the late second or third round
My predictions:
#3 Misa or Hagens. The hawks need a top three, and these are the only choices. The caveat is that Schaefer is no longer there.
#25 Jack Murtagh or if Logan Hensler/Mrkta drop I could see them take a RHD.
#34 Cullen Potter
MO…. great post/thoughts on that last one
I can NOT wait for the Hawk’s Draft and Signings this summer,,, Only a few more weeks!!!!!!!!!!
I liked that last post Mo 👍
Read some draft picks comparisons that were interesting
Schaefer = Heiskanen
Misa = Kaprizov
Desnoyers = Toews
Frondell = Barkov
Hagens = Jack Hughes
Martone = B Tkachuk
O’Brien = W Johnston
Eklund = Konechy
So out of the comparisons which Pro would you want in their prime.
With diff coach’s system and more diff players on roster/each yr. We should keep every player to see/unless we already know for sure or part of important trade.
You can always cut a tree down later you can’t put it back.
Regarding Reichel– I must admit to NOT watching alot of Hawks last year… snooze,,, BUT — I did watch hilites…
Reichel– stands out to me w/ Talent/speed/ quickness… I do NOT trade the kid– unless it is a BIG win for Hawks,,, so Not just for picks/prospects…. Love to see Hawks GET JJ Peterka ( German Team mate) with Reichel –or some stronger/young players to skate w Reichel.
Hagens– His Numbers in Jrs– say he is gonna score in NHL… Period
At the same time… Do the Hawks want Jack Hughes or Lundell/Barkov type??? Which translates to — Hagens or Frondell/Desnoyers
I do NOT trade Picks/and or Reichel to Move up for Misa… I think that is short sided thinking.
ring-ring: hello ER, Kyle here. Hello Kyle, let’s just cut to the chase – got your pencil ready … ok, take this down – at #3 you take Martone, at #25 you take West, at #34 you take either Nesbit or Nestrasil and then you take your top rated goalies the next 2 picks. Got it? Good. Bye.
Since Frondell Desyoners are similiar who what do you guys compare to 2010 and 2013-6 dynasty’s players we had.
Also I like to read a full list of good/not good about these two players.
Made by you guys here/i value peoples ideas thoughts wisdom here more then elsewhere.
From everyone’s smarts plays better in playoffs and plays 200ft two way style player is what stands out to me.
Hagens might be best player in draft. We need size though do we need want 200ft key top 6/4 players more. Yes.
From the start I posted frondell thinking we would be 5-8th. Here it is and frondell is top 3 to use at 3rd.
I also go back to ideas I had mths ago about if we have to take Hagens/which was a dream two yrs ago we then can always trade one of the smaller/6ft players for a diff style player that equal quality.
So there’s no harm in taking Hagens.
Desyoners Frondell seems like Deys is liked more here. I read nowhere else.
Since we got 3rd I like not dreaming of Shaffer Misa and being happy to get Hagens Desyoners Frondell the exact kind of player we need want.
We need a core and role and depth not just one player so keep adding what we don’t have and don’t worry about the perfect pick yet. It’s not going to matter now and we can trade top players for top players when we’re ready/or need to becasue that’s what we missing or cocach system.
The Havlat Hoss exchangeagram.
😆 Ebony, I will go with Desnoyers and Nesbitt then Vansaghi.
Ring Ring Is this Ebony Raptor? This is KFC. Who would you take at 3, 25 and 34 in this up coming NHL Draft. It’s just 17 days away.
I’ve been sitting around patiently waiting for KD to call and ask for my opinion on who he should take at #3 and #25 … well my patience is wearing thin – it’s a pain in the butt carrying my phone around making sure it’s always within my reach to quickly answer and not miss his call. C’mon man, pick up the damn phone already.
Hawks65 , I like most of your comments especially about Reichel. Give the guy an honest shot. I have run into a lot of NHL players as well and most are not under 6 ft tall and 175 lbs. In today’s game you need big boys who can skate and play. I don’t want Hagens because the Hawks have enough small forwards. Just my humble opinion
Tommy
I have the same feeling about Martone and Misa
Remind me of the player who is playing with Seatle … He was supposed to be pick number One. But finish 5-or 6 . White is his name i think 🤔. Frondel Desnoyer, Haggins ..i would be Happy also
And sincerely dont think its a good idea to go up to pick Missa but for Schaefer …hummm. Maybe its ok .
All inn for thise 2 guys
All I know is that I would have to be making this pick at #3, because I want all three guys on our team – Desnoyers, Frondell, and Hagans! I will be happy with any of the three. I don’t know why, but instinct and gut tells me that Martone and Misa will not be as good as advertised. Can’t explain it! Just like I knew Dach was going to be so-so at best. Never saw him play, except on highlights, but I just knew at the time that we would have fared better with Byrum or Boldy.
Bluto/JR all good points.
This one’s directed more at Edmonton. Last year, I called out Draisaitl for acting like a punk — and now it seems like that attitude has spread throughout the whole team. I get it, you were embarrassed on the ice, but resorting to cheap shots? Come on. Grow up. It’s one game. Take the loss like professionals instead of acting like sore losers. Oh that is right they have Perry the biggest punk ass B**ch of all time. I still cant believe the Hawks actually had that douche bag on our team.
Hawks 65– I agree/and disagree regarding size…
Those guys you mentioned — ” who are’nt exactly monsters”… well
they are — bigger and more physical than several of the Hawks now +++ they can put points up. And can compete on Board play… They are roughly Sam Bennett’s size. Peterka is a solid Board player. Necas Doesn’t shy away like Marner.
Stated several other times…. Hossa was NOT as BIG as listed… I have stood pretty close to him several times… BUT- he was a MONSTER strong Hockey player w/ Puck — and Uber talented.
Frondell Kid– hilites- show some similar Traits to Hossa… strength and One timer and Played against men. ( Hagens also played against much older NCAA gys)
But– I do really agree— HAGENS –Might be the SAFE pick– cuz his past numbers are ELITE for Comps/Age group… So His chance
to Excel In NHL– seem to be a safe bet….
End of Day… lot of good choices… But No One Knows who will be the Best of the bunch in NHL future.
You are on fire 65, good reads. I am the one throwing Kurashev in every trade. Just trying to get rid of him as an extra body trying to make it look like a bigger package. Would take a 7th rounder.
We won’t be in the playoffs for a couple of years so Necas could learn how to play in the playoffs.
On size 6′ is 6′. Rodrigues and Marchand only forwards under 6′. Not saying under 6′ footers are not good just saying you cannot have 5 of them. 3 is the max! Bedard Nazar are two Moore Lardis Ludwinski Thompson Savioe are five more. We have enough.
We sign Donato or don’t sign Donato is ok with me. He will and should sign for the most he can get. The team that needs him is much closer to the playoffs and Cup than us to over pay.
On your side in keeping Reichel and giving him a long leash. Bertuzzi and TT are our place holders for the next two three years. Gone next year will be Nick and Dick.
Lastly, these sports writers are truly pathetic. The rumors they come up with are amazing. I expect the Hawks to call SJ and NYI about moving up. I expect them to call about moving back. I expect teams to call the Hawks about the same things. That is what a GM does. It is not a rumor. Oh look KFC picked up the phone to call a GM.
Why would the AVS trade Necas. I am not sure he is on my radar. Like Marner and Mathews, Necas seems to fade in the playoffs.
My only concern right now is getting a top six which in 2 plus weeks means we get to see what KFC rings up. If history has a say, it will be Hagens unless somehow Misa falls which means KFC deviates from his last three drafts and takes someone from the OHL. Or maybe he really throws us for a loop and picks International or QMJHL.
Look forward to the comments, feel free to be harsh to me. I can take it. The draft will be my next post unless posters post otherwise.
I know +/- is overrated but can we stop with the Kurashev trades. He is a negative 129 in 317 games. Look at his history, he is the king of negatives:
https://capwages.com/players/philipp-kurashev
In 2018-19 at Switzerland U20 he scored 6 goals and 1 assist in seven games but here comes the mike, he was a solid -5. Although somehow how some way, KFC found someone to take Jones and actually give back value. The way it looks a few former Hawks might give the Panthers the CUP this year.
But the great add Tyler Bertuzzi, was a whopping -39. Wahoo, Tyler, you are the best. Yet, Reichel gets lambasted as a 4th line guy at -16 just ahead of Donato who scores 31 but was still a -15. Donato is rewarded for being such a great player this year. Oh, we need Donato lets trade Reichel.
My point is this. We want results fast, so younger players like Reichel are getting harshly judged. Vets like Donato or Bertuzzi get a longer leash because we expect them to struggle, even when they SUCK. The Hawks have been hard to watch and quite frankly, I have never seen a Hawks team this bad for 2 years in a row except maybe the Suter and Yawney two years. Oh wait, I yawned through his two years as did most of the Hawks. Oh I am on fire tonight.
Sorry to call this out, but there’s a bit of inconsistency in the logic I’m seeing around player size. Hagens gets knocked for being “small,” yet we’re talking about wanting Misa — who is taller, sure, but only by two inches and with a nearly identical weight. Then there are names thrown around like Robertson, JJ, and Necas, who aren’t exactly monsters either.
Let’s put this into perspective. Most of the Florida Panthers’ current roster weren’t big players when they were drafted. Matthew Tkachuk, for example, was 6’1″, 194 lbs at the draft. Hagens is 5’11”, 185 lbs. Misa is 6’1″, 183 lbs. Desnoyers is 6’2″, 172 lbs. Are we really splitting hairs over two inches and a few pounds?
Does two inches suddenly make a player “grittier” or “tougher”? If so, someone should’ve told guys like Andrew Shaw and Brad Marchand — or half the league, for that matter. Connor McDavid? Also 6’1″, 194 lbs.
Let’s be real — talent trumps size. Always has. I’ve made it clear: Misa and Hagens are my top two because I believe they have top-line forward ceilings. If Schafer drops, sure, he’s a strong option at 3. And honestly, I’d be fine with any of the six — Desnoyers, Frondell, Martone included. They’re all legit Top-6 caliber players in my eyes with Schaefer as a top pairing DEF too.
And just to add: I run into NHL players at hotels all the time. You’d be surprised — most forwards are under 6 feet and hover around 170–175 lbs. These guys are built for speed, not size. They’re twigs on skates, and yet they dominate.
Let’s not get caught up in size bias when skill and IQ are what win games. Do I have to ask, does size matter or is it the talent with the stick. Hah.
One line Bluto said does it for me,
Desnoyers upped his game in playoffs.
Throw all the could do, will do , won’t do,
worried abouts out the window. Upped his
game in the playoffs, what you want in a
draft pick.
I Hope. Hawks will pick at 3-To 5 and not moving ⬆️ up .
Iwouls gowith Frondell or Desnoyer . With the first pick .
Just like you Coach Ivan I have mixed choices. I am going with Desnoyers. My order is Desnoyers, Martone, Frondell. Not even considering Hagens because of size and like you said redundancy. The skating aspect of what I am hearing is getting me off Martone. The perfect storm would be Desnoyers and two of Nesbitt, Vansaghi, Horcoff, Zonnon, Fiddler, Murtagh, Carbonneau. I do think that can happen if we do not trade any picks for established talent which I am not opposed to.
Taking Desnoyers gets us a quicker/better 200ft player. Nesbitt or Vansaghi gets us our size and sandpaper we missed out by not getting Martone.
Also reading that Coyle and the Aves a little rocky. Aves cap strapped.
Necas and Coyle for Tor #1 Dal #2 Reichel Kaiser Kurashev.
Gives them roughly $9.5mil for 2Fs and 1D. They get a pick in the first round and second round which they have none of. Offer Tor’s #2 in ’26 if that would make it happen.
Would also take a look and seewhat Det would give us if we take Tarasenko off their hands, a 2nd or 3rd. for a NYR 4th.
Tommy Ivan– I am with you brother… lot’s of choices here… same guys I like… Martone– is actually the Best Size option… BUT keep reading he is average skater… which scares me off a little
Hagens is probably safest cuz most PURE talent.. But like u said -redundant on this roster right now… Unless the Hawks do add 3 guys like JR mentioned earlier
Frondell- seems like a safe bet– LOVED his Hilites– Hossa like in both One time/release and REVERSE JITS like a BEAST//HOSSA
Also– saw Frondell had HIGHEST V02 Test level at Draft combine… so ELITE Conditioning –Like Duncan Keith… Comps to somewhere in between Lundell/Barkov… Who are BOTH stud IQ /all around Centers
Desnoyers–seems like a winner… High IQ/Compete/ and Upped his Game in Playoffs
Which one is best???? ONLY time will tell… But leaning to Frondell/Hagens
Try using the ESC key trick to get around the paywall and read the nytimes article – I just used it and was able to read the article. it doesnt always work but most of time it works for me.
It’s simple – click on the link and then as soon as it opens hold down the ESC key and keep it depressed the entire time you’re reading the article.
I am all over the place with this draft and picking 3rd. My favorite player is Hagans, because he is so skilled and a great offensive force, but he is the same size as Bedard and Nazar; so he’s redundant. Martone is a tough player, but he’s not a Tkachuk! Desnoyers is a lot like Toews, a winner, good size, good skater, decent offensively, but bad wrists. Frondell is the safest pick, and could turn out to be the best one in his draft class. I really don’t know…I wanted Boldy in the Kirby Dach draft and I was right about that one, so if I have to choose, I will choose Hagans!
JR– any 2 of these 3 ( Robertson/Necas/JJ) and the Hawks instantly become a middle of the Pack NHL team… add a Bigger Center via draft and Ehlers/Boeser and Hawks MIGHT even make playoffs
Gonna be interesting summer
BR and 2010: I believe there is a 7 day free trial
Happy for the coaching staff we got. Think Blashill is a good choice.
Must get one of these unhappy players like JJ, Necas or others.
Also get a trade with the cap crunch teams like Dal and get Robertson as an example.
Use draft capital other than our own picks so to possibly make an offersheet to someone
Bobby G
Cant open …not a member .
Can’t open it here as a non-subscriber to athletic …
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6378213/2025/06/06/caleb-desnoyers-2025-nhl-draft/
You can’t read this and be disappointed if the Hawks take him at #3.
A bigger, stronger center – who can also skate – is what playoff teams in the last rounds have. We need at least 1 of them at some point soon. Watch the games – puny centers don’t win ya the Cup in this era. They get splattered against the walls and on the ice.
according to journalists here in Montreal,Hawks are getting very High onCaleb Desnoyer in the pastfew days . And Martone gets less attention because his speed.
I would prefer Desnoyer big time . 1 guy said that Desnoyer is very calm and was consistent all year and that he was a very clever player.
He was hurt the last 5-10 games . Wrist injury
The kid needs to get stronger. 6’2” 180 pds …needs another 10 -12 kilos . Should be easy at that age .
1 journalist said Hawks would like to go higher to pick Misa .
Many mix feeling about Misa Some say he is not a top 2 player on this draft. But we will know that just in 4-5 years from now .