Blackhawks Daily: Stanley Cup Final Insanity; Draft Musings

The Stanley Cup Final has gone from ho-hum to can’t miss after the Edmonton Oilers dispatched the Florida Panthers 5-1 Friday night. All of a sudden, what looked like a cake walk for Florida is now quite possibly one of the biggest collapses in NHL history.

paul maurice: “i understand your ruling, but i respectfully disagree”pic.twitter.com/rnZ4stSt3T

— Liam McHugh (@liam_mchugh) June 22, 2024

What makes the Stanley Cup Final more intriguing is that the Oilers–who looked exposed on the back end, has rallied by using firepower from the front of their lineup. This is more intriguing as the Blackhawks sit with the #2 pick and everyone has weighed in on whether it should be Ivan Demidov or Artyom Levshunov.

Everyone has their opinion on it and we’ve definitely looked at it from the perspective of the Hawks leaning towards Levshunov–as of now. The Blackhawks are loaded down the middle and at the blue line when it comes to prospects. The Athletic’s Scott Powers talked to Kyle Davidson yesterday and admitted he feels no pressure making the pick.

Why should he? More than drafting, development and roster construction ultimately have a higher impact on the fortunes of both that prospect and the organization. Sometimes there are can’t miss prospects. Others take a bit longer to find their way. The #2 pick is looking like a 1A-1B argument the Hawks continue to hash out and in that piece from Powers, Davidson admits that drafting is to make sure that particular player is there for the long run.

The case is compelling for both. Sleuthing will continue for the next week–I’ll certainly be doing my part, too.

Blackhawks In Case You Missed It

Tij Iginla and Zeev Buium are the latest prospects we are looking at for the 2024 NHL Draft. What about Cole Hutson, who grades out as a late first-round pick but might be more than analysts expect?

Can previous NHL Entry Drafts can help the Chicago Blackhawks decide who they are going to take second overall?

Tyler Bertuzzi is an intriguing name that could contribute to the Blackhawks. But does he check the boxes at the right price?

What about Steven Stamkos if he makes it to free agency? Short-term, big dollars, and goal-scoring with a championship pedigree. It should get a serious look from the Blackhawks.

Stanley Cup Final Coverage From Florida Hockey Now

Stanley Cup Final history will be made—one way or another. The Florida Panthers are hoping it’s on the right side for them and not as one of the all time choke jobs.

The offside call changed the trajectory of Game Six for the Florida Panthers

The Oilers came out hungry in Game Six. The Florida Panthers had better do the same to avoid a historical collapse

Hockey Now Network

Detroit Hockey Now: General manager Steve Yzerman can’t guarantee he’ll sign all of his unrestricted free agents. What does that mean for guys like Patrick Kane and the Detroit Red Wings?

Montreal Hockey Now:  A full 32-team mock draft that has the Blackhawks taking Artyom Levshunov and the Montreal Canadiens taking Ivan Demidov.