Ottawa and Oshawa will both be wild cards with respect to the East. Both are in a situation to Compete this year or do a minor retool and sell a little and shove assets toward a run next year.
Until both of these teams show their hands, any predictions with respect to the East are useless. These are the two teams in the drivers seat. That is a fact. They have the best rosters combined with available assets and financial resources to make deals easier. In other words, they can acquire scholarships etc and pay them with ease.
The Pete’s have a decent returning roster but they are handcuffed by not having the assets to add significant players combined with the potential of having players not waiving no trade clauses to go there. No disrespect to the Pete’s organization meant but they have some work to do in the reputation department before high profile players willingly report when other options may present themselves.
Ottawa has Goaltending, Defence and front line scoring. If they choose to make another run, all they need to acquire is secondary scoring. Secondary scoring is the easiest to acquire. The other two are much more difficult. They have the assets to acquire as much secondary scoring they need, barring any significant injuries to existing front line scoring.
Sirius is correct. Quinn will be a serious top scorer next season. With Rossi and Hoelscher down the middle and then Tolnai probably getting an opportunity to hold down the 3rd centre position, they have the required centremen. Keating, Quinn, Clarke and Bitten should round out the top two lines. Two more wingers and potentially a centre if Tolnai proves not capable should not be all that difficult.
Ottawa could be the runaway leader in the East if they choose to be the team to beat. Or, they could retool and trade Hoelscher and Bahl as well as Hoefenmeyer when he returns.
Oshawa is in the same boat except they seem to be short in some positions more difficult to fill. Either way, those two teams will drive the bus next season in the East. Or, they will choose to pass the baton and bail.
