Flint Firebirds 2020 Offseason Thread

[OHL Fan]

I would agree with running with Cavallin for first half of year and by Xmas Flint will know if they are serious championship contenders and can then trade for top end goalie to platoon with Cavallin. If not serious contenders then just ride out the year and win a round or 2 in playoffs and go for it the year after.

It is possible that both Imports leave to play in the AHL or Europe? With the given COVID situation, who knows if imports come to North America to play?

Alot of uncertainty out there.

 

[TcNorth]

I do not think Flint can win the division with Cavallin playing 80-90% of our games. I think we need a very good veteran back-up.

 

[Gensdef]

Its time Cav got his chance. I for one think he can do it.

 

[MJ5]

Its time Cav got his chance. I for one think he can do it.

I agree with you, I thought he was playing very well last year.

 

[General Pete]

So what does everyone think is our current depth chart or system right now? I will give it a try

Piercey - Roberts (OA) - Oxentyuk
Othmann - Morgan - Keppen
Wismer (OA) - Giroux - Hayes
Pierce - Kressler - Yule (OA)
Lombardi - Petrou

Mccourt (OA) - Kolyachunok
Busby (OA) - Lalonde (OA)
Gretz - Harper
Deline

Cavallin
Grainer
Nixon (Jr. B???)

Looks like we have 6 oa's...need to trade 3. What does everyone else think the lines will be

 

[Firebrd828]

So what does everyone think is our current depth chart or system right now? I will give it a try

Piercey - Roberts (OA) - Oxentyuk
Othmann - Morgan - Keppen
Wismer (OA) - Giroux - Hayes
Pierce - Kressler - Yule (OA)
Lombardi - Petrou

Mccourt (OA) - Kolyachunok
Busby (OA) - Lalonde (OA)
Gretz - Harper
Deline

Cavallin
Grainer
Nixon (Jr. B???)

Looks like we have 6 oa's...need to trade 3. What does everyone else think the lines will be

I REALLLLLLY want to see Piercey-Roberts-Keppen play together. Those are three BIG fellas, and I can't imagine too many guys would be excited to meet them in the corners.

 

[Savard18]

Without additions or considering OA’s

Keppen-Morgan-Wismer (OA)
Piercey-Roberts (OA)-Oksentyuk
Othmann-Kressler-Pierce
Yule (OA)-Giroux-Hayes
Lombardi-Petrou

McCourt (OA)-Lalonde (OA)
Busby (OA)-Kolyachonok
Gretz-Deline
Harper

Cavallin
Grainer
Nixon

To be honest I think it’s about 50/50 or 60/40 we see a season next year and if we do it’s likely a shortened one. It also wouldn’t shock me to see the NHL-AHL-CHL allow another OA or two on CHL rosters due to the circumstances. As far as imports go, who knows right now? That being said, I think Flint has a better chance than most of having both imports return and report.

 

[TcNorth]

So what does everyone think is our current depth chart or system right now? I will give it a try

Piercey - Roberts (OA) - Oxentyuk
Othmann - Morgan - Keppen
Wismer (OA) - Giroux - Hayes
Pierce - Kressler - Yule (OA)
Lombardi - Petrou

Mccourt (OA) - Kolyachunok
Busby (OA) - Lalonde (OA)
Gretz - Harper
Deline

Cavallin
Grainer
Nixon (Jr. B???)
Looks like we have 6 oa's...need to trade 3. What does everyone else think the lines will be

Really depends on who we get back in trade. Four of those guys will probably not be in the picture. General Pete, after not seeing much of you the last 4 years, it is so nice seeing you involved!

 

[General Pete]

Really depends on who we get back in trade. Four of those guys will probably not be in the picture. General Pete, after not seeing much of you the last 4 years, it is so nice seeing you involved!

Thanks TC. I just found out about this site! I was shocked there were other people like me who care about hockey in Flint. With the red wings being no good, the Firebirds are just up the road for me now and I am takin a liking to them

 

[OHL Fan]

Keppen-Morgan-Wismer (OA)
Piercey-Kressler-Oksentyuk
Othmann-Lombardi-Pierce
Petrou-Giroux-Hayes


McCourt (OA)-Busby(OA)
Gretz-Kolyachonok
Harper-Deline


Cavallin
Grainer
Nixon- Jr. B

Yule and Roberts will lose out to Wismer as OAs on front end. Lalonde will lose out to Busby and McCourt on back end. Assuming Tucker is in AHL.

Top 7 forwards are set in stone, and it will be up to other 5 fwds to dictate their role and position in lineup.

 

[Savard18]

Keppen-Morgan-Wismer (OA)
Piercey-Kressler-Oksentyuk
Othmann-Lombardi-Pierce
Petrou-Giroux-Hayes


McCourt (OA)-Busby(OA)
Gretz-Kolyachonok
Harper-Deline


Cavallin
Grainer
Nixon- Jr. B

Yule and Roberts will lose out to Wismer as OAs on front end. Lalonde will lose out to Busby and McCourt on back end. Assuming Tucker is in AHL.

Top 7 forwards are set in stone, and it will be up to other 5 fwds to dictate their role and position in lineup.

This is a very realistic and likely line up given no additions. I would like to see what Kressler could do with 2C icetime and those linemates but if they’re serious about competing I think they’d be better suited to adding a really solid 1st line level Center to play with Oksentyuk and Piercey. Give them two potent lines and let Kressler Center Othmann with someone else. Even that would be a good line, not mention I’m pretty confident in Kressler’s ability to play a shutdown role whenever necessary. I thought his motor and defensive abilities were superior to Ty at the same age. Additional depth at the blue line is necessary too. Whether via trade or a signing.

 

[dirty12]

Keppen-Morgan-Wismer (OA)
Piercey-Kressler-Oksentyuk
Othmann-Lombardi-Pierce
Petrou-Giroux-Hayes


McCourt (OA)-Busby(OA)
Gretz-Kolyachonok
Harper-Deline


Cavallin
Grainer
Nixon- Jr. B

Yule and Roberts will lose out to Wismer as OAs on front end. Lalonde will lose out to Busby and McCourt on back end. Assuming Tucker is in AHL.

Top 7 forwards are set in stone, and it will be up to other 5 fwds to dictate their role and position in lineup.

I think that it is Lalonde (Windsor) that stays, and Busby (Barrie) that is traded east. If Flint is set on acquiring a #1 C, they will likely need to part with a promising player(s) such as Giroux and maybe one of Dunbar or Roy. Until then, an older and bigger player with the smaller rookies might be a good idea. I actually believe that third line could be pretty darn good at mid-season.

Keppen-Morgan-Wismer
Othman-Kressler-Oksentyuk
Piercy-Giroux-Hayes
Lombardi-Petrou-Pierce

Kolyachonok-Lalonde
McCourt-Gretz
Deline-Harper

 

[TcNorth]

I think that it is Lalonde (Windsor) that stays, and Busby (Barrie) that is traded east. If Flint is set on acquiring a #1 C, they will likely need to part with a promising player(s) such as Giroux and maybe one of Dunbar or Roy. Until then, an older and bigger player with the smaller rookies might be a good idea. I actually believe that third line could be pretty darn good at mid-season.

Keppen-Morgan-Wismer
Othman-Kressler-Oksentyuk
Piercy-Giroux-Hayes
Lombardi-Petrou-Pierce

Kolyachonok-Lalonde
McCourt-Gretz
Deline-Harper

In this above scenario, Busby and Connor Robert's would be available for some good picks and/or players.

 

[General Pete]

What's the chances the AHL has a delay in start and guys like Dellandrea and Tucker come back?

 

[MJ5]

What's the chances the AHL has a delay in start and guys like Dellandrea and Tucker come back?

I did see someone who covers the CHL on twitter talking about the crazy circumstances, and just maybe the CHL would allow maybe a 4th or 5th OA, next year because most people seem to think all of the hockey world will be delayed a bit. They also talked about the uncertainty of the import draft, due to travel restrictions.

I think guys like Tucker who would have gotten a taste of the AHL after the OHL season could deff be in limbo now. Ty maybe as well.

With all the restrictions right now, could a season start in December? January? Instead of 68 games, its 50? 40? you only play your conference games to limit travel?

 

[MJ5]

Why The ECHL And OHL Will Be The First Leagues To Return

Here's to hoping for a close to full season!

 

[jprenkert]

I think there will be a season, maybe slightly delayed. But with new info coming out daily about this virus, the more it seems normal will be returning soon. Ohio statistically seems to be about done with the corona from the information I have seen.

 

[General Pete]

Do you think we will be signing anyone else soon or are they done?

 

[OHL Fan]

Do you think we will be signing anyone else soon or are they done?

I was speaking to my spouse's massage therapist and they confirmed that at least 1 2004 dman will be signing next week.

 

[jprenkert]

Love these tips. lol Wonder what good scoop local gardener, and school cross walk guard has. lol best part is these come true.

 

[General Pete]

I was speaking to my spouse's massage therapist and they confirmed that at least 1 2004 dman will be signing next week.

ha that is funny. Well that labels it down to seven guys.... Brown, Damato, Constance, Fitzgerald, Gualtieri, Vannetten, Sofikitis

Flint Firebirds OHL Draft Central – Flint Firebirds

 

[sudburydinnerjacket]

ha that is funny. Well that labels it down to seven guys.... Brown, Damato, Constance, Fitzgerald, Gualtieri, Vannetten, Sofikitis

Flint Firebirds OHL Draft Central – Flint Firebirds

doubt it’s AB. LD would be my guess.

 

[General Pete]

doubt it’s AB. LD would be my guess.

AB I am guessing Aaron Brown. Why don't you think he will commit to Flint?

 

[sudburydinnerjacket]

AB I am guessing Aaron Brown. Why don't you think he will commit to Flint?

correct. They have signed 2 players selected
After him so it would appear it’s the players camp holding up a signing. Factor that in with a USHL selection one has to think the player is at least considering other options.

 

[TcNorth]

It would be shocking to see a kid (AB) from Belleville, Ontario select the USHL over the OHL. I suppose srranger things have happened.