cvandenberg22
Registered User
- Dec 25, 2012
- 104
- 52
North Bay Battalion:
The North Bay Battalion have done a good job transitioning from Stan Butler’s defense-first system, to bringing in players with skill, leadership and a winning attitude. They have had two strong draft classes in a row, prioritizing players in the high rounds that come from powerhouse AAA Midget programs like the Don Mills Flyers (2019) and the Toronto Jr. Canadians and Quinte Red Devils (2020). These 2003 and 2004 draft classes, should allow them to enter the OHL’s elite as early as 2021-22.
Forwards:
The Russian invasion has begun in North Bay. Minnesota Wild 5th rounder Matvei Guskov (2002, C/LW) was brought in from London to provide some leadership and help support 1st overall CHL Import Draft pick Matvei Petrov (2003, RW). Liam Armsby (2003, C) should be a 1st round NHL selection in the 2022 NHL Draft. Luke Moncada (2000, C) is the leader of this group and big Brandon Coe (2001, RW) will be one of the top scorers in the OHL this season and should be a top 3 round pick in the 2020 NHL draft. Vegas Golden Knights’ 5th rounder Mason Primeau (2001, C) is a huge pivot, who could be moved before the season to give more ice time to some of the young forwards. Mitchell Russell (2001, RW) had 21 goals, but has never fulfilled the promise he showed when he was a 1st round selection in the 2017 NHL draft. They have some young forwards who showed a lot of promise this season in big Kyle Jackson (2002, LW) and Don Mills Flyers product Alex Christopoulos (2003, RW). Dalyn Wakely (2004, C) was an absolute steal in the 2nd round of the 2020 OHL draft and in my opinion was one of the top 5 talents available.
Defense:
Ty Nelson (2004, LD) is the present and the future on defense. The 1st overall selection in the 2020 OHL Draft will be given the keys to the franchise from day one and though he needs to get bigger and stronger, he has a tremendous skill package that will allow him to run the powerplay from day one. Paul Christopoulos (2003, RD) was a huge addition to the blueline, and could be a top 100 selection in the 2021 NHL Draft. Simon Rose (2001, LD) and Avery Winslow (2002, LD) hag good season and will assume top 4 roles on the Battalion, although they are more suited in bottom 6 roles on a contending team. Ty Hollett (2003, RD), Ryan Thompson (2002, RD), and James Mayotte (2002, LD) are young, developing rearguards who need to take a step forward to help solidify the back end. Tnias Mathurin (2004, LD) was an absolute steal for the Battalion in the 3rd round and will be given an opportunity to play a top role as soon as he is ready. Look for North Bay to make a move for 1-2 overage defensemen to help support the growth of Nelson, Christopoulos and Mathurin.
Goaltenders:
Joe Vrbetic (late 2002) is a 6-6, athletic goalie who has the potential to be a difference maker this season and could be a top 3 round selection in the 2021 NHL Draft. He saw a ton of pucks last season behind a week defense, and unless North Bay makes a couple of trades to shore up the back end, he will again be busy. Domenic DiVincentiis (2004) provides North Bay with a second young goaltending prospect to watch for. The Battalion may decide to go with the young duo, or they may look to pick up a veteran goalie who can backup Vrbetic for a season until DiVincentiis is ready. I am surprised that they did not look to select someone in the U18 draft at this position.
Draft Capital:
North Bay has a cupboard full of picks, with 2 2nd round picks next season, and at least one pick each year They also have potentially 2 3rd round picks in the next 2 drafts, and as many as 5 3rd rounders in 2023. This season, they need to stay the course, potentially adding some 2000 or 2001 born veteran defensemen if the price is right. Assets like Moncada, Coe and Primeau should be moved out at the trade deadline to continue to accumulate picks, and to make room for some of their talented young forwards.
In conclusion, the Battalion are one year away from contending and should be in the mix for a top 3 pick in the 2021 OHL Draft. If they have a chance to add a young, impactful 2003 or 2004 born defenseman as part of the aforementioned deadline deals, they should jump at it. A deal such as RW Brandon Coe to Barrie for Powassan native Connor Punnett and picks would be the type of deal they should be looking at, as it fits their timeline to compete. Simply put, their 2003 and 2004 born classes are loaded with skill, leadership and will feature a number of future NHLers and this should be their focus moving forward.
The North Bay Battalion have done a good job transitioning from Stan Butler’s defense-first system, to bringing in players with skill, leadership and a winning attitude. They have had two strong draft classes in a row, prioritizing players in the high rounds that come from powerhouse AAA Midget programs like the Don Mills Flyers (2019) and the Toronto Jr. Canadians and Quinte Red Devils (2020). These 2003 and 2004 draft classes, should allow them to enter the OHL’s elite as early as 2021-22.
Forwards:
The Russian invasion has begun in North Bay. Minnesota Wild 5th rounder Matvei Guskov (2002, C/LW) was brought in from London to provide some leadership and help support 1st overall CHL Import Draft pick Matvei Petrov (2003, RW). Liam Armsby (2003, C) should be a 1st round NHL selection in the 2022 NHL Draft. Luke Moncada (2000, C) is the leader of this group and big Brandon Coe (2001, RW) will be one of the top scorers in the OHL this season and should be a top 3 round pick in the 2020 NHL draft. Vegas Golden Knights’ 5th rounder Mason Primeau (2001, C) is a huge pivot, who could be moved before the season to give more ice time to some of the young forwards. Mitchell Russell (2001, RW) had 21 goals, but has never fulfilled the promise he showed when he was a 1st round selection in the 2017 NHL draft. They have some young forwards who showed a lot of promise this season in big Kyle Jackson (2002, LW) and Don Mills Flyers product Alex Christopoulos (2003, RW). Dalyn Wakely (2004, C) was an absolute steal in the 2nd round of the 2020 OHL draft and in my opinion was one of the top 5 talents available.
Defense:
Ty Nelson (2004, LD) is the present and the future on defense. The 1st overall selection in the 2020 OHL Draft will be given the keys to the franchise from day one and though he needs to get bigger and stronger, he has a tremendous skill package that will allow him to run the powerplay from day one. Paul Christopoulos (2003, RD) was a huge addition to the blueline, and could be a top 100 selection in the 2021 NHL Draft. Simon Rose (2001, LD) and Avery Winslow (2002, LD) hag good season and will assume top 4 roles on the Battalion, although they are more suited in bottom 6 roles on a contending team. Ty Hollett (2003, RD), Ryan Thompson (2002, RD), and James Mayotte (2002, LD) are young, developing rearguards who need to take a step forward to help solidify the back end. Tnias Mathurin (2004, LD) was an absolute steal for the Battalion in the 3rd round and will be given an opportunity to play a top role as soon as he is ready. Look for North Bay to make a move for 1-2 overage defensemen to help support the growth of Nelson, Christopoulos and Mathurin.
Goaltenders:
Joe Vrbetic (late 2002) is a 6-6, athletic goalie who has the potential to be a difference maker this season and could be a top 3 round selection in the 2021 NHL Draft. He saw a ton of pucks last season behind a week defense, and unless North Bay makes a couple of trades to shore up the back end, he will again be busy. Domenic DiVincentiis (2004) provides North Bay with a second young goaltending prospect to watch for. The Battalion may decide to go with the young duo, or they may look to pick up a veteran goalie who can backup Vrbetic for a season until DiVincentiis is ready. I am surprised that they did not look to select someone in the U18 draft at this position.
Draft Capital:
North Bay has a cupboard full of picks, with 2 2nd round picks next season, and at least one pick each year They also have potentially 2 3rd round picks in the next 2 drafts, and as many as 5 3rd rounders in 2023. This season, they need to stay the course, potentially adding some 2000 or 2001 born veteran defensemen if the price is right. Assets like Moncada, Coe and Primeau should be moved out at the trade deadline to continue to accumulate picks, and to make room for some of their talented young forwards.
In conclusion, the Battalion are one year away from contending and should be in the mix for a top 3 pick in the 2021 OHL Draft. If they have a chance to add a young, impactful 2003 or 2004 born defenseman as part of the aforementioned deadline deals, they should jump at it. A deal such as RW Brandon Coe to Barrie for Powassan native Connor Punnett and picks would be the type of deal they should be looking at, as it fits their timeline to compete. Simply put, their 2003 and 2004 born classes are loaded with skill, leadership and will feature a number of future NHLers and this should be their focus moving forward.
