The Blackhawks may or may not hit a home run with the third pick in next week's NHL entry draft.
But if they could somehow work out a trade with the Washington Capitals for the first pick overall, the Blackhawks are all of a sudden talking grand slam.
Assistant general manager Dale Tallon admitted on Thursday that the Hawks are "aggressively" talking to the Capitals about acquiring the No. 1 pick and turning it into Russian phenom Alexander Ovechkin.
"We're trying to make every effort to get the first pick," Tallon said. "We're talking to Washington and we're talking to them aggressively. I know a few teams are trying. This is a franchise-type player we're talking about here."
Exactly, which is why most draft observers consider it a longshot that Washington will deal the pick and pass on Ovechkin after winning the draft lottery and leaping over both Pittsburgh and the Hawks.
However, Capitals GM George McPhee this week raised some eyebrows when he said he has yet to make up his mind on how to use the first pick on June 26 in Raleigh, N.C.
McPhee told NHL.com he still wanted to interview Evgeni Malkin, the other Russian winger considered a can't-miss prospect by most scouts. And there has been talk among scouts that the Caps really like Medicine Hat defenseman Cam Barker, whom the Hawks are expected to take at No. 3 should they fail in their attempt to trade up.
Does Tallon believe McPhee is serious about possibly dealing the top pick?
"We'll see," said Tallon. "I know they like some other players, just like we do.
"If it doesn't happen, we'll be happy with picking third. But it sure would be a lot nicer to have the first pick."
The Hawks have four second-round picks, several of which Tallon and general manager Bob Pulford are prepared to include in any package offered to the Capitals. It's believed that off the Hawks' roster, Tuomo Ruutu is the only player they would not be willing to offer Washington.
Pittsburgh is expected to take Malkin at No. 2, though it's possible Penguins GM Craig Patrick could attempt to deal up to get Ovechkin.
The Hawks would love to plug Ovechkin into their lineup for a number of reasons. Not only do they believe he can be a superstar, but he is the kind of dynamic offensive player who could make people notice hockey again in Chicago.
But Washington's McPhee finds himself in a similar position to the Hawks in that hockey's popularity in Washington is suffering as well and the Capitals also could use the kind of spark Ovechkin would provide after the recent departures of stars Jaromir Jagr, Peter Bondra and Sergei Gonchar.
The Hockey News said Ovechkin could be the best prospect ever to come out of Russia, putting him in the company of Sergei Fedorov, Pavel Bure and Ilya Kovalchuk. Tallon compared Ovechkin to Kovalchuk, the Atlanta Thrashers' star winger who can score from anywhere.
The Red Line Report scouting review compares Ovechkin to Calgary's Jarome Iginla and says of the 18-year-old Russian: "Simply the best player on the planet not already in the NHL."
Tallon knows coming away from the draft with Ovechkin would instantly change the makeup of the Hawks for years to come.
"We're trying to do what's best for this organization," Tallon said. "We're not sitting here saying we're happy with the third pick."
"Haven't you seen 'Boyz n' the Hood?' Now one of us is going to get shot" -- Swingers
GMGM wouldn't be doing his job- if in fact he wasn't "listening" to what other franchises are offering. Past has dictated that the #1 draft pic is so coveted, that a franchise is willing to go to the cleaners to acquire it (i.e Eric Lindros). Why shouldn't he listen? Here's some advantages:
1- If McPhee is truly undecided between the Ovechkin and Malkin- he can research to see what teams are offering for either.
2- If a package deal is available for coveted nhl players, and draft picks, why not listen.
McPhee is in the perfect position in the draft. At the very least- if he chooses to do nothing, Ovechkin is guaranteed to be a Capital. But this is the most important draft in the history of the franchise- I'm much happier to see he doesn't have his head buried in the sand...
Just my 2 cents
Box
"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil - For I am the evilest S.O.B to walk the valley"
If Chicago offers something like Calder, Bell, Ruutu, the #3 pick (to take Barker) Seabrooke, a high second this year, and their first next year (shot at Crosby). I'd do that.
Chicago should be contracted if they offer that though.
But we really really want Fat Rico for the Caps, honestly.
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``I'd love to have a pre-game skate tomorrow and be getting ready for Game 8,'' he said wistfully. ``It just makes me excited for training camp.''
- Shean Donovan, two days after losing Game 7 of the SCF
McPhee is listening to offers like a gorgeous woman would listen to compliments. It's good for his ego. He was a loser and an idiot all season. Now, he's Marilyn Monroe.
Oh jeez...this thread just conjured up a picture of GMGM standing over a sewer grate and the air is making the dress he's wearing billow up around his waist.
Or else, there he is in a skintight dress singing "Happy Birthday dear Ted-dy...."
Even though it's only in my mind's eye...I'M BLIND!!!
After trading Ovechkin for Tucker & Barnaby,GMGM does a Britney Spears imitation & Ted does his best Christina Agilera(sp?) ..then Bettman pulls a Madonna VMA's on them......
7/11/01-1/23/03.
"This is America! And in America, if something sucks, you're supposed to be able to get your money back."-Stan Marsh
"Say what again! Say what again! I dare ya. I double dare ya mutha*****! Say what one more goddamn time!"-from "Pulp Fiction"
I'm the Weeping Willow,and I approve of this post.
The Chicago Daily Herald reports that the Blackhawks are talking to the Washington Capitals about acquiring the first overall selection in the 2004 NHL Draft.
Assistant general manager Dale Tallon admitted to the paper on Thursday that the Hawks are 'aggressively' talking to the Capitals about acquiring the No. 1 pick and turning it into Russian phenom Alexander Ovechkin.
"We're trying to make every effort to get the first pick," Tallon told the Herald. "We're talking to Washington and we're talking to them aggressively. I know a few teams are trying. This is a franchise-type player we're talking about here."
Capitals GM George McPhee said earlier this week that he had yet to make up his mind on how to use the first pick on June 26 in Raleigh, N.C.
McPhee told NHL.com he still wanted to interview Evgeni Malkin, the other Russian forward considered a top prospect.
This message has been edited by Mehdi_Caps on Jun 20, 2004 3:15 PM This message has been edited by Mehdi_Caps on Jun 20, 2004 3:14 PM
They have the Detroit pick as Detroit's pick, optional to Washington, which is correct. The pick is the Caps option - Detroit's 1st this year or second next year. I have no idea why that option would exist, but it is there. So until the Caps make a call, it is Detroit's pick.
