Looks like Kulakov will officially be here this year. He’s going to be at camp next week
That gives them 5 defensemen locked in
2004 Sova (L), 6’1 174
2002 Morton (L), 6’3 211
2003 Kulakov (L), 6’2 201
2003 Kyrou (R), 5’9 165
2002 Thompson (R), 6’2 185
At least they have some size here compared to the forward group and some of these are guys who are more traditional stay at home/use the body defenders.
I don’t know what the status is with Kolosov/Tichacek. Based on where they drafted Tichacek, I assume they feel good about landing him. He’s undersized but would fit in nicely as another skilled puck mover. He’s also another L shot though. As is Wil Murphy who we all had high hopes for after 2019 draft. I hope he reports to camp and is an option. Patrick Geary does not appear to be an option because he seems to be headed for USHL/college.
Outside of 2021s competing (which I think one of Harvey/Alboim can at least be a 7th option on backend) Erie is left with Lonsdale, Thompson-Dick, and Johnston from 2019 class. Unless there is a late rounder who comes out of nowhere or a FA player, Erie is probably better off going with Tichacek and moving on from Kolosov.