OHL4Life
I disagree about Playfair to me one most improved players from the start of the season till the end.
I would agree I don't see him being a top 6 player but definitely 7-12, good on faceoffs,has good speed,a bit of a bite to his game,stands up for teamates, reliable penalty killer who blocks shots and enough skill to pick up points,in fact he had 3 points in 6 playoff games,and 17 points in 66 regular season,and he was +1 in the playoffs against a difficult team.
For me every team needs guys like him.
Tyler Angle has some talent,does seem to run hot and cold but this season I am willing to see how he pans out before making definitive decision on him,glad we didn't give up on Cole Purboo when many were saying otherwise, great value for a 9th round pick.
As for William Sirman, while I like him and for being a 14th round pick,with him entering his 19th birthday,he could be vulnerable if some of the younger forwards show well,we will see on this one.
Not sure why you keep mentioning Mizzi and Latta, Mizzi played only 4 games, didn't cost a card and was let go, while Latta didn't play a game.
Truth be told, hindsight being 20/20 I would kept Latta over Mizzi, don't bring in Kadlec and things would have been fine.He is good size forward with grit, something this team was missing,and would have taken up the card that Kadlec did.
Free agents Jake Smith and Igor Larionov were smart signings, didn't cost anything except 1000 for Smith,too bad Larionov had injuries,when he was healthy he contributed especially down the stretch and into the playoffs, when he went down in the playoffs it wasn't an accident that the production of Purboo and Smith dropped.
As for comments re Evans and Kelly the 2 American kids,I disagree on Evans,no doubt in my mind he can play in the O now, Kelly has skill and speed,would like to see him in main camp before saying for sure he isn't ready yet.Would not shock me if he comes to camp to see how he does against older competition.
He has dual citizenship,his mother is from Oakville,one of his sisters goes to University of Guelph,so it help that he is dual,he does though have a 4 year scholarship from Michigan State, though at this time family is being open minded re his future,I do know talking to his family and him on Saturday,they loved it here,loved the facilities,he enjoyed himself throughly
I can also see with 4-16 year olds allowed to be rostered,you want to be sure, Kelly is talented will be interesting what Spits do on this one.
With Evans I say go all out and try and sign him.I can see Spits signing Foudy, McDonald,Evans, perhaps Stevens and Medina,though Medina stays in the US till Mikey goes to Team Canada,bring him and take things from there.The thing is that he has to be signed by Dec 31 in order to play any games after Jan 1
They can do the same thing with Kelly, though I think they won't,it's either roster him this year or wait a year.That might be something all parties agree to.