I think there's a possibility that Demidov is still available at 5. Picks 2-5 will be more about team fit and need more than it will be about BPA. I think assuming Chicago doesn't win the lottery, Chicago accepts.

I mean seems pretty lopsided at first but who knows. They should just stick with 5th

You could probably take out the Colorado 2nd and that would still be considered fair value... question is why? There's a legitimate chance Demidov is available at 5, Michkov didn't go until 7th last year.

I agree that the real question for both teams is why. It'll be a tough spot. MTL will HAVE to think there's a clear guy a #2 and CHI would have to be indifferent for the guys 2-5. The Hawks need high end talent more than shear picks. We have more picks than MTL right now anyway. I'm talking to other Hawks fans about us possibly being already at the point where were almost forced to move up in the draft because you simply can't draft everyone in a draft.

would you take the gamble tho with Columbus and their russians line ? I wouldn't, if you know he is not there I would do it.

I did the trade on puckpedia pick tool, I agree the second 2nd might be a bit overkill

Hawks don't make that trade. They have plenty of 2nd round picks collected already. And the Hawks aren't tanking for McKenna in '26.

you definitely are tanking for mckenna lol

That's the same reference I used for pick value haha, its a good tool. I guess ultimately I'm just not as confident that Demidov is that far from someone like Lindstrom or even Eiserman / Catton / Iginla for example... that's just me I may not be as informed. I think another thing that we don't consider though is that the defenseman are highly regarded this year and therefore some strong forwards could be passed over.

Might want to look up Kyle from Chicago's end of season presser. Hawks are moving into phase 2 of their rebuild. Improving the roster and their results. Bottom of the league for 2 more seasons isn't in the plan.

I think it’s unnecessary. It’s probably more likely they would accept a solid prospect or two instead of more picks.