Erie Otters 2019 Offseason Thread

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Mata

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Wow. He’s small but he’s elite. First American taken in the draft. I saw a few people on Twitter saw that he was arguably the most talented American in the draft but given his size, he was under the radar more than he should have been

Elite skating and skills and without a college commitment. Hope the team has spoken to him at least a couple times and like where he’s at. Because if not, it’s a bad pick. But if we sign him, it’s a potential steal. Yes he’s not big and yes size is becoming an issue but you can’t teach pure and raw talent which he has. If Erie signs him, then not sure they could have gotten better value at 37 than this kid

I would say the only downside is his size. Unfortunately as the caliber of talent goes up so do physical specs. It doesn't mean he can't succeed at the next level, but science is definitely not on his side.
 

NOA

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I would say the only downside is his size. Unfortunately as the caliber of talent goes up so do physical specs. It doesn't mean he can't succeed at the next level, but science is definitely not on his side.

I wouldn’t necessarily worry about his chance to succeed at the OHL level with that size. He has just as many questions as any player drafted, meaning that he has to prove himself. His issue is size but others have skating or consistency issues.

look at Garreffa, Nick Robertson, Lucas Chido, and many more. Don’t forget Debrincat

If he has the talent, he will work in the OHL. The nhl is another story but even those teams are starting to come around more to the idea of at least giving pure talent a chance. Would definitely help if he grew 2-3 inches though
 

EON

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No problems getting Lockhart to report. Brown said Saganiuk is committed to the USNDP team but expects him to play in this league, whatever that means. Lockhart is probably the only guy from the draft making the roster with so many returning players (barring a surprise, like Bressette). We'll see how it pans out. I would like them to target a RD in the import draft now (or possibly a goalie).

Rough roster outline, assuming one of Swankler/Alexander shows up:

Golod-Swankler/Alexander-Fowler
Sproule-Cajka-Yetman
MacDougall-Lockhart-Hoffmann
Sellan-D'Amato-Cohen
Sedore

Mack/Gritz/Singer possibly on the outside imo but we'll see.

Henry-Drysdale
Duff-Import

Martin/Beamish/Gillard/Kischnick/2018 picks fighting for spots 5-8.

Murphy (or import)
Campbell
 
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NOA

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No problems getting Lockhart to report. Brown said Saganiuk is committed to the USNDP team but expects him to play in this league, whatever that means. Lockhart is probably the only guy from the draft making the roster with so many returning players (barring a surprise, like Bressette). We'll see how it pans out. I would like them to target a RD in the import draft now (or possibly a goalie).

Rough roster outline, assuming one of Swankler/Alexander shows up:

Golod-Swankler/Alexander-Fowler
Sproule-Cajka-Yetman
MacDougall-Lockhart-Hoffmann
Sellan-D'Amato-Cohen
Sedore

Mack/Gritz/Singer possibly on the outside imo but we'll see.

Henry-Drysdale
Duff-Import

Martin/Beamish/Gillard/Kischnick/2018 picks fighting for spots 5-8.

Murphy (or import)
Campbell

I think Martin makes the team based on his leadership and experience alone. Need some of that on this team especially when he also brings some size to the roster

Agree that Mack/Gritz have to earn their roster spot given their age and play. Singer is probably on the roster but if we signed one of Swankler/Alexander, it certainly makes it tough. D’Amato and Sellan also on the fringe. D’Amato adds size and I thought was more consistent than Sellan last year but Sellan is a year younger. Both will have to fight for it

I really see the forward group as this:

Fowler
Cajka
Golod
Fowler
Sproule
Hoffman
Lockhart
Cohen
MacDougall

Those to me are 9 locks.

Mack
Gritz
Sellan
Sedore
D’Amato
Singer

Those 6, plus potential new signings, all will have to work for the remaining 4/5 spots. If we assume that Erie makes at least one more signing at forward (whether it be Alexander or Swankler or a suprise name) then that leaves about 3/4 spots for those 6 names. Singer, Sedore, Gritz, D’Amato to me have the best chance

On defense, I would just add Martin to a lock. I expect a 2018 player to be signed. Plus at least one of Gillard/Kischnick
 
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NOA

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Definitely odd with Saganiuk. You could argue about 3/4 different meanings behind what Brown said. Honestly the reporters should have had an additional question or two, they let him off easy :laugh:

Unsure what will happen but based on where Erie picked him, what Brown said and how he normally comments on these types of situations, I’ll say that for whatever reason Brown feels confident that (one day) Saganiuk will play for us. Maybe he’s confident because he talked to him. Maybe he just has a great gut feeling. Brown is typically not one to say “no doubt in my mind” though. Odd choice of words if he were just hopeful

Is it possible that Saganiuk told Brown that he wanted to played for the development team for 1/2 years but then would strongly consider or wished to go OHL over college? Maybe that’s why Brown is confident? He knows that in a year or 2, Saganiuk will be ready to be here?
 
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Mata

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I can't for the life of me see them keeping Singer. He is a 99 and if we want to project our run in 2 years he won't be here. Why wouldn't they want another 2000 or 2001 that is of average talent or maybe slightly above talent? I know Singer has a knack for the goal, but some of these other guys are really good in all 3 zones, where as I see Singer as more of an offensive specialist.
 

nelli27

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I have every reason to believe that Lockhart will live up to the hype but I have to tell you guys that as a fan of one of your rivals I'm glad you didn't take Clarke. The duo of Clarke and Drysdale on defence for the next 3-4 years had me concerned. That would have possibly given you the best d-pairing for a hockey cycle.
In any case, I think you guys will be a force in the near future.
 
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NOA

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I can't for the life of me see them keeping Singer. He is a 99 and if we want to project our run in 2 years he won't be here. Why wouldn't they want another 2000 or 2001 that is of average talent or maybe slightly above talent? I know Singer has a knack for the goal, but some of these other guys are really good in all 3 zones, where as I see Singer as more of an offensive specialist.

I can tell you one thing they need to reduce their 2000s, not add to it

Henry, Duff, Golod, Cajka, Yetman, Murphy are their main 2000s. Doesn’t even include MacDougall, Gritz, Mack.

They should probably move on from 2 of these guys this coming season to make it easier for the following year. Cajka would probably not be back as an import OA.

I have no problem keeping Singer over Mack/Gritz if Singer has a leap in his production which he is more likely to have than those 2.
there is a spot for Singer unless we go forward in the import (which I doubt, but possible) or unless we sign one of our college guys. If that doesn’t happen, to me there is a spot for him because I see him above guys like Mack/Gritz since those 2 don’t provide OA value and are likely in their last year with the team anyways
 
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NOA

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I have every reason to believe that Lockhart will live up to the hype but I have to tell you guys that as a fan of one of your rivals I'm glad you didn't take Clarke. The duo of Clarke and Drysdale on defence for the next 3-4 years had me concerned. That would have possibly given you the best d-pairing for a hockey cycle.
In any case, I think you guys will be a force in the near future.

Well, there is no chance we would have seen the duo for 4 years, probably not even 3. Imo Drysdale is gone after 3 years in the league. Which meant Erie would have had the pairing for 2 years and probably only 1 dominant year

I personally think Lockhart is going to be a stud. Based on where he played this past year and his size, he might have been a bit undervalued.
Dave Brown’s comments since late February about the draft indicate that they got their guy. He has such great skating and hockey IQ. But you combine that with deadly accurate passes and shots and he could be special.

Clarke is more of a sure thing prospect and I can’t deny that. But those who have said “wow Drysdale and Clarke would have been so good” also need to then say “but what about the forward group?”
I think in a year or so we could be saying “wow Drysdale on defense, and Lockhart on offense”

I think they addressed a bigger need. As good as Clarke is or can become, people need to understand that Lockhart has a similarly high ceiling. Given his size, he’s only going to get stronger/better. And if he reaches close to that huge potential, there will be zero thoughts on what if
 

OttersFan

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My overall take without analyzing every player from the draft: Erie drafted well (as expected) this year.

Clearly Lockhart is a lock for next year. (see what I did there).

Notably, Christian Kyrou given his brother's background could be one to sign in the next year to come because he knows how great this league is.

Would like to see how Forbes Andersen plays, 6'2, 180lbs. Can't find his stats anywhere.

How do we see our PP/PK looking next year? That's an area that needs addressed and with the drafted players who makes the line?
 

Mata

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I can tell you one thing they need to reduce their 2000s, not add to it

Henry, Duff, Golod, Cajka, Yetman, Murphy are their main 2000s. Doesn’t even include MacDougall, Gritz, Mack.

They should probably move on from 2 of these guys this coming season to make it easier for the following year. Cajka would probably not be back as an import OA.

I have no problem keeping Singer over Mack/Gritz if Singer has a leap in his production which he is more likely to have than those 2.
there is a spot for Singer unless we go forward in the import (which I doubt, but possible) or unless we sign one of our college guys. If that doesn’t happen, to me there is a spot for him because I see him above guys like Mack/Gritz since those 2 don’t provide OA value and are likely in their last year with the team anyways


I like our defense how it is setting up...

Duff, Drysdale, Martin, and Henry are solid. I realize Martin would be in his last year, but he provides size and leadership. Outside of that I am a fan of Kischnick for his motor.

On offense we are all over the place with in my opinion most being support players. I agree too many 2000s if we are looking at 2 years to make a run. Unfortunately Mack just hasn't produced. He is a great kid, but results driven he has come up a little short.

Where do you think we go for the import? I would ideally like another forward since outside of possibly another goalie. We have a year to develop another defender to replace Martin when he is done. I guess it depends on how well Fowler does upon his full return and hopefully playing a full season. But offense I feel is still our weakest area with regards to a 2 year plan.
 

OttersFan

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I like our defense how it is setting up...

Duff, Drysdale, Martin, and Henry are solid. I realize Martin would be in his last year, but he provides size and leadership. Outside of that I am a fan of Kischnick for his motor.

On offense we are all over the place with in my opinion most being support players. I agree too many 2000s if we are looking at 2 years to make a run. Unfortunately Mack just hasn't produced. He is a great kid, but results driven he has come up a little short.

Where do you think we go for the import? I would ideally like another forward since outside of possibly another goalie. We have a year to develop another defender to replace Martin when he is done. I guess it depends on how well Fowler does upon his full return and hopefully playing a full season. But offense I feel is still our weakest area with regards to a 2 year plan.

I do like Kischnick especially if he is willing to play forward. He's a very versatile player and I think that's what keeps him. Not to insult his skill on defense because he really is gritty on the boards and throws his body when he needs to. He's willing to step up and play wherever they need him and I think that's beneficial to Erie.
 
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J Simmons

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No problems getting Lockhart to report. Brown said Saganiuk is committed to the USNDP team but expects him to play in this league, whatever that means. Lockhart is probably the only guy from the draft making the roster with so many returning players (barring a surprise, like Bressette). We'll see how it pans out. I would like them to target a RD in the import draft now (or possibly a goalie).

Rough roster outline, assuming one of Swankler/Alexander shows up:

Golod-Swankler/Alexander-Fowler
Sproule-Cajka-Yetman
MacDougall-Lockhart-Hoffmann
Sellan-D'Amato-Cohen
Sedore

Mack/Gritz/Singer possibly on the outside imo but we'll see.

Henry-Drysdale
Duff-Import

Martin/Beamish/Gillard/Kischnick/2018 picks fighting for spots 5-8.

Murphy (or import)
Campbell
Assuming we don’t even get Swankler or Alexander and we’d end up signing Saganiuk we’d still have a pretty solid top 6 moving forward (if we were making a run in the next year it would be even better since it’s all 01/00):

Golod-Yetman- Fowler
Sproule- Cajka- Hoffmann
Macdougall- Lockhart- Saganiuk
Sellan- Damato- Cohen
 
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7D442

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ERIE PA
Food for thought : London’s first 2 picks avg 6ft 1 and 1/2 200 pounds and Hunter mentions size ,weight and speed

Our top 3 picks avg 5ft-6 according to the Otters page..GM Dave Brown mentions speed, skill and passing in his interview .

(Again this is what’s listed on the Otters website don’t nail me to the cross if the kid grew an inch since the stats were were printed )
 
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NOA

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I like our defense how it is setting up...

Duff, Drysdale, Martin, and Henry are solid. I realize Martin would be in his last year, but he provides size and leadership. Outside of that I am a fan of Kischnick for his motor.

On offense we are all over the place with in my opinion most being support players. I agree too many 2000s if we are looking at 2 years to make a run. Unfortunately Mack just hasn't produced. He is a great kid, but results driven he has come up a little short.

Where do you think we go for the import? I would ideally like another forward since outside of possibly another goalie. We have a year to develop another defender to replace Martin when he is done. I guess it depends on how well Fowler does upon his full return and hopefully playing a full season. But offense I feel is still our weakest area with regards to a 2 year plan.

The biggest question are what does Brown think of the defensive prospects in the system? Will Campbell sign, and if so what’s his potential? And are we going to sign some of our top unsigned forward prospects?

These are all questions that Brown has more clarity on but we don’t. Which is why I can’t predict what they will do in the import draft
 

NOA

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Assuming we don’t even get Swankler or Alexander and we’d end up signing Saganiuk we’d still have a pretty solid top 6 moving forward (if we were making a run in the next year it would be even better since it’s all 01/00):

Golod-Yetman- Fowler
Sproule- Cajka- Hoffmann
Macdougall- Lockhart- Saganiuk
Sellan- Damato- Cohen

Saganiuk is clearly the biggest get of all 3 now. Then probably Alexander just based on him being a year younger than Swankler. But Swankler would be a good fit as well.
 

NOA

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Food for thought : London’s first 2 picks avg 6ft 1 and 1/2 200 pounds and Hunter mentions size ,weight and speed

Our top 3 picks avg 5ft-6 according to the Otters page..GM Dave Brown mentions speed, skill and passing in his interview .

(Again this is what’s listed on the Otters website don’t nail me to the cross if the kid grew an inch since the stats were were printed )

Brown basically pointed out in the interview that he didn’t care about size

To me, it doesn’t matter initially. First thing is first and that’s getting all the skill and speed we can get. As Brown noted, they want to return to the skill, puck possession game that made them dominant for 4 years. At some point, we will need to add size but players grow and trades can be made if it becomes a need.

I do feel that sometimes drafting the smaller guy over the bigger guy when both are similarly ranked is the smarter long term play. Stephen Harper, David Broll, Nick Palmieri, Connor Crisp are just some of the names of bigger players we drafted very high. Most didn’t reach a higher level of play. Sometimes these bigger kids are successful at MM level because they are 6’0-6’2 and 170-180 when everyone else is 2-4 inches shorter and 20-40lbs lighter.

Still a chance that Lockhart grows an inch or 2. Saganiuk will always be small but both those two play the game the way it has to be played for small forwards and they have such elite skill so I wouldn’t be too worried about it
 
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7D442

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Brown basically pointed out in the interview that he didn’t care about size

To me, it doesn’t matter initially. First thing is first and that’s getting all the skill and speed we can get. As Brown noted, they want to return to the skill, puck possession game that made them dominant for 4 years. At some point, we will need to add size but players grow and trades can be made if it becomes a need.

I do feel that sometimes drafting the smaller guy over the bigger guy when both are similarly ranked is the smarter long term play. Stephen Harper, David Broll, Nick Palmieri, Connor Crisp are just some of the names of bigger players we drafted very high. Most didn’t reach a higher level of play. Sometimes these bigger kids are successful at MM level because they are 6’0-6’2 and 170-180 when everyone else is 2-4 inches shorter and 20-40lbs lighter.

Still a chance that Lockhart grows an inch or 2. Saganiuk will always be small but both those two play the game the way it has to be played for small forwards and they have such elite skill so I wouldn’t be too worried about it

Yes i understand his message re size. I found this interesting though - physically speaking - 2 completely different approaches from these 2 organizations in their respective early round picks ..LNDN and Erie

My question is this : who are our OA ‘s as of now on this roster for next season ? Singer- Golden - and Martin ?

I think you keep Singer and let the kid produce .. Kind of reminds me of one of my kids who since an early age - just had a knack for scoring and creating opportunities.. some may not be flashy but who cares - a goal is a goal ..

I think you keep Martin back there for experience and maturity and Golden you trade off early to a team for an entire years worth of production ..AND try to get like a 3 rd pick in next years draft in return ..
 

Mata

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Yes i understand his message re size. I found this interesting though - physically speaking - 2 completely different approaches from these 2 organizations in their respective early round picks ..LNDN and Erie

My question is this : who are our OA ‘s as of now on this roster for next season ? Singer- Golden - and Martin ?

I think you keep Singer and let the kid produce .. Kind of reminds me of one of my kids who since an early age - just had a knack for scoring and creating opportunities.. some may not be flashy but who cares - a goal is a goal ..

I think you keep Martin back there for experience and maturity and Golden you trade off early to a team for an entire years worth of production ..AND try to get like a 3 rd pick in next years draft in return ..

Out of the 3 you listed, I think Martin is the one you HAVE to keep. Outside of his skillset, he is a pretty good mentor/leader for the younger kids. That is lacking from a team standpoint IMO with Singer and Golden.

As far as the speculation regarding who shows up, signs, etc between now and the season opener, possibly Golden and Singer end up on the block or not making the cut.
 
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Mata

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And the only reason I don't have a place for Singer in my mind comes down to the style of play Erie is trying to implement. Speed, skill, and Hockey IQ. Singer has a great IQ and a tremendous shot, but from the skating aspect and all 3 zones, he seems to be better served on a bigger, slower and more methodical approach, not the creative fast paced environment we are looking to build upon.
 

NOA

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I think you got a good one in Will Murphy. A good offensive skating talent with great upside. Expected him to go higher and was waiting for Saginaw to steal him at #88, but you were #86.

This was my favorite pick of the draft. Tremendous value there for someone who easily could have gone in the later second round. Has great hockey IQ and from what I read he is super smart off the ice too. Good skater with good size. Everything I read on him just says how well-rounded he is and does just about everything at an average or above average level

Erie has a history of drafting mid round defenders and developing them into at least solid 2-3 pairing guys and every once in awhile they get a major steal (sambrook, Dermott, D.Raddysh, etc). Murphy has a good chance to be in that mold and if Erie sticks to their typical model, he will be here for the 2020-21 season
 

nofriendsinhockey

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I would say the only downside is his size. Unfortunately as the caliber of talent goes up so do physical specs. It doesn't mean he can't succeed at the next level, but science is definitely not on his side.

Saganiuk can displace any of the bottom 3
Love his game
 
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EON

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I'm with you there neili, I would have preferred Erie take Clarke. Big reason for me is that they have potential high end forward prospects (Swankler, Alexander, now Saganiuk, possibly the import draft) while they don't have any high end defense prospects. But I'm still happy with the Lockhart pick and now will just hope Brown signs Campbell, at least one of Swankler/Alexander,Sagniuk, and picks up a solid top 4 dman in the import draft.
 
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