And the 2017-18 season comes to an end. Erie finishes 23-35-7-3 for 56 points. 220 GF, 270 GA. -50 GD isn't too bad compared to the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons that kick started the 4 year run.
Overall pleased with this season. They're going to pick 4th overall and 12th in the CHL Import Draft, both valuable picks, they unloaded Raddysh/Sambrook to add a great young player in Fowler and a plethora of picks, and they stayed competitive.
Looking to next season, the team is shaping up well. The biggest hole imo is going to fill Headrick's spot on D who was a mainstay, especially after trading Sambrook.
Up front, it looks like Patry is here to stay and play C. I think they'll move Poddubnyi for a pick or two and take a 2001 born forward with the 12th overall pick. From the 2017 draft, it would be great if they can add Brendan Hoffman and Kyle Schroeder. Michael Miele is a potential wildcard. Hopefully Maksimovich is back for his OA season and captains the team. I think Girhiny will also return as an OA, he's a viable 2nd/3rd line winger. My rough estimate at the forwards:
Maksimovich(OA)-Fowler-Lodnia
Golod-Gritz-Girhiny(OA)
Sproule-Patry-Yetman
Schroeder-Import-Hoffman
Mack, Miele?
On defense, the rumor is that Jamie Drysdale (RD, ranked as high as #2 overall in the 2018 draft) is coming to Erie. He's young but that helps fill the RD void. Outside of him, Erie has RD Brendan Kischnick signed, he will probably be capable of playing some minutes next season. I think I may move Wainman to make room on the left side if they are drafting Drysdale.
Martin-Timmermans
Beamish-Kischnick
Duff-Drysdale
Henry
In net it's fairly straight forward as barring any surprises, the duo of Oberoi-Murphy should return. Both have been good in spurts, I think Murphy has the higher potential and hopefully he takes a step forward next season. The only potential wildcard is 2017 15th round pick Jackson Bernard, who is undersized but has put up good numbers.
Should be a fun offseason with the team picking high in the draft for the first time in 5 years.