The Daily: Clues Say ‘Hawks Take Demidov for Bedard; Mock Drafts

Nate Brown of Chicago Hockey Now believes clues may be adding up to the Chicago Blackhawks drafting Ivan Demidov with the No. 2 pick in the NHL draft. The San Jose Sharks will select college star Macklin Celebrini at No. 1.

Brown writes that 2023 first rounder Matvei Michkov’s reported decision to terminate his contract to join the Philadelphia Flyers is “the latest in a series of news that likely points to Demidov as Chicago’s choice when they go second overall.”

The Athletic’s Scott Powers recently quoted an unnamed scout saying Demidov has the potential to be a 50-goal scorer.

Imagine a player with that ability on a line with Connor Bedard.

“So with a contract likely to be signed sooner rather than later with Chicago along with the talent and seemingly the type of personality he possesses,” Brown writes, “it seems a slam dunk for Demidov to be a member of the Blackhawks. The talent up front would feature two young exciting forwards in him and Connor Bedard, solving that big issue.”

Ivan Demidov,

Welcome to Chicago 🔥#Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/tEHX6VePUt

— Ovi (@OviClapBomb) May 14, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Bob Duff writes that the Detroit Red Wings need more consistency out Alex DeBrincat in 2024-25.

Mock drafts seem convinced the Red Wings will draft a forward at No. 15, such as Norwegian Michael Brandsegg-Nygard

What GM Steve Yzerman and Detroit players think of coach Derek Lalonde. He’s heading into his third season.

Wings Offseason

The Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit’s AHL affiliate, plays Game 2 of their playoff series tonight against the Milwaukee Admirals. The Griffins hold a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series. There’s an extra layer of interest for Detroit fans because 2023 first-round draft pick Nate Danielson may make his professional debut in the game. Coach Dan Watson has said Danielson is an “option.”

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Jimmy Murphy writes about whether Linus Ullmark will be in Boston next year. He has been surrounded by trade rumors. Boston Bruins. 

Montreal: MHN explores the Montreal interested in prospect Cole Eiserman from the U.S. NTDP. Montreal Canadiens.

Philadelphia: Russian report says Matvei Michkov is terminating his KHL contract to join the Philadelphia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski writes about three former Penguins worthy of reacquiring. Pittsburgh Penguins.One of them is is a current Red Wings player.

Vegas: Five reasons why the Golden Knights will still be a contender next season. Vegas Golden Knights.