cvandenberg22
Registered User
- Dec 25, 2012
- 104
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OHL Future Watch: Barrie Colts
The Barrie Colts have possibly positioned themselves better than any other team in the OHL moving forward. They made a number of moves this year, trading players such as Ryan Suzuki, Tyler Tucker, Matej Pekar, Jack York and captain Jason Willms in order to compile younger players who will make a future impact, as well as future draft picks.
Forwards
The Colts have the potential to have 3 of the top 20 scorers in the OHL next season in Evan Vierling (2002, C), Tyson Foerster (2002, RW) and Ethan Cardwell (2002, RW). Vierling, the former 2nd overall pick in the 2018 OHL draft, was acquired in the Tyler Tucker deal with Flint, while Cardwell was added in the Ryan Suzuki trade from Saginaw. Both Vierling and Cardwell averaged over a point a game as 17 year olds with Barrie after the trades. If J.J. Peterka, their 2nd round import pick commits to them over the summer, they have the potential to have 4 of the top scoring forwards in the league. Add to that depth overage candidate and current captain Luke Bignell (2000, C/LW), Anthony Tabak (2001, LW) a big, 6-5 winger, and young, talented players like Jordan Frasca (2003, C), Ryan Del Monte (2003, C/W), Trey Zagrzebski (2003, RW) and first round OHL pick Hunter Haight (2004,C) and the Colts will have the ability to score goals in bunches next season. Nicholas Porco (2001, LW) is a huge wildcard as he has immense potential, but struggled after his trade with Saginaw last season. He may be moved before the season. Also, Victor Hadfield, who can play both forward and defense may be kept as he is the only other 2000 born player on the roster.
Defense
The Colts have a steady defense corps that is going to count on its young 2003s to solidify top 4 roles. They have 2 2001-born defensemen who will be anchors of their group in Nathan Allensen and Matthew Hill, a 6th round pick in 2019 by Arizona. Brandt Clarke (2003, RD) could very well be one of the best defensemen in the league next season and is a projected top-10 pick in the NHL draft in 2021. A key to the strength of the group is 2003-born Connor Punnett, a 1st round selection by Saginaw a year ago who came over in the Ryan Suzuki deal. He has the potential to be an impact player as he enters his NHL draft-eligible season. Matthew Sredl (2002, RD) and Ian Lemieux (2002, LD) are depth pieces that made some strides last season. An overage right-shot defenseman such as Dennis Busby (FLINT) would be a huge add for the Colts as they will have an overage spot or two to fill. Also, Americans Noah Marino (2002) or Hunter Brzustewicz (2004) reporting would be massive additions and would fit with their contending timelines.
Goaltenders
Arturs Silovs (2001) came over last season and played well at times behind a defense that was young and weathered some injuries. With the D-corps a year older, the big Vancouver 6th round pick should emerge as one of the top goalies in the OHL. Jet Greaves (2001) shared the duties with Silovs, and is also highly thought of by OHL GMs. Look for the Colts to trade Greaves for a right shot defenseman, a young goalie or for draft picks, as they have Ansel Holt (2003) and Nolan Chartrand (2004) waiting in the wings.
Draft Capital
The Colts are the best positioned team in the OHL moving forward with their draft picks, which could be used to add to their young lineup, or will be cashed in for future impact players to support their nucleus moving forward. Barrie could have as many as 8 2nd round picks in the next 4 drafts, and 7 3rd round picks in the next 3 drafts. Obviously, they will not be able to make all of those selections, so look for them to use some of these assets to grab another top 2001, 2002 or 2003 player to add to their team.
In conclusion, the Colts could challenge for the OHL title as early as this season, but have to be the favourite in 2021-22, once their 2002 and 2003 classes mature. Jason Ford is considered one of the top GMs in the league and with a couple of surplus assets going into next season, and all those draft picks, it will be interesting to see what chess moves he makes.
The Barrie Colts have possibly positioned themselves better than any other team in the OHL moving forward. They made a number of moves this year, trading players such as Ryan Suzuki, Tyler Tucker, Matej Pekar, Jack York and captain Jason Willms in order to compile younger players who will make a future impact, as well as future draft picks.
Forwards
The Colts have the potential to have 3 of the top 20 scorers in the OHL next season in Evan Vierling (2002, C), Tyson Foerster (2002, RW) and Ethan Cardwell (2002, RW). Vierling, the former 2nd overall pick in the 2018 OHL draft, was acquired in the Tyler Tucker deal with Flint, while Cardwell was added in the Ryan Suzuki trade from Saginaw. Both Vierling and Cardwell averaged over a point a game as 17 year olds with Barrie after the trades. If J.J. Peterka, their 2nd round import pick commits to them over the summer, they have the potential to have 4 of the top scoring forwards in the league. Add to that depth overage candidate and current captain Luke Bignell (2000, C/LW), Anthony Tabak (2001, LW) a big, 6-5 winger, and young, talented players like Jordan Frasca (2003, C), Ryan Del Monte (2003, C/W), Trey Zagrzebski (2003, RW) and first round OHL pick Hunter Haight (2004,C) and the Colts will have the ability to score goals in bunches next season. Nicholas Porco (2001, LW) is a huge wildcard as he has immense potential, but struggled after his trade with Saginaw last season. He may be moved before the season. Also, Victor Hadfield, who can play both forward and defense may be kept as he is the only other 2000 born player on the roster.
Defense
The Colts have a steady defense corps that is going to count on its young 2003s to solidify top 4 roles. They have 2 2001-born defensemen who will be anchors of their group in Nathan Allensen and Matthew Hill, a 6th round pick in 2019 by Arizona. Brandt Clarke (2003, RD) could very well be one of the best defensemen in the league next season and is a projected top-10 pick in the NHL draft in 2021. A key to the strength of the group is 2003-born Connor Punnett, a 1st round selection by Saginaw a year ago who came over in the Ryan Suzuki deal. He has the potential to be an impact player as he enters his NHL draft-eligible season. Matthew Sredl (2002, RD) and Ian Lemieux (2002, LD) are depth pieces that made some strides last season. An overage right-shot defenseman such as Dennis Busby (FLINT) would be a huge add for the Colts as they will have an overage spot or two to fill. Also, Americans Noah Marino (2002) or Hunter Brzustewicz (2004) reporting would be massive additions and would fit with their contending timelines.
Goaltenders
Arturs Silovs (2001) came over last season and played well at times behind a defense that was young and weathered some injuries. With the D-corps a year older, the big Vancouver 6th round pick should emerge as one of the top goalies in the OHL. Jet Greaves (2001) shared the duties with Silovs, and is also highly thought of by OHL GMs. Look for the Colts to trade Greaves for a right shot defenseman, a young goalie or for draft picks, as they have Ansel Holt (2003) and Nolan Chartrand (2004) waiting in the wings.
Draft Capital
The Colts are the best positioned team in the OHL moving forward with their draft picks, which could be used to add to their young lineup, or will be cashed in for future impact players to support their nucleus moving forward. Barrie could have as many as 8 2nd round picks in the next 4 drafts, and 7 3rd round picks in the next 3 drafts. Obviously, they will not be able to make all of those selections, so look for them to use some of these assets to grab another top 2001, 2002 or 2003 player to add to their team.
In conclusion, the Colts could challenge for the OHL title as early as this season, but have to be the favourite in 2021-22, once their 2002 and 2003 classes mature. Jason Ford is considered one of the top GMs in the league and with a couple of surplus assets going into next season, and all those draft picks, it will be interesting to see what chess moves he makes.
