cvandenberg22
Registered User
- Dec 25, 2012
- 104
- 52
OHL Future Watch: Hamilton Bulldogs
Hamilton is poised to take some steps forward this season. Their strength is in their forward core, but they return most of their players from last season, although Jan Jenik will be missed. They do not have a lot of draft capital as they have traded their 2021, 2023 and 2024 2nd round draft picks in previous trades they made on their way to capturing the OHL title in 2018.
Forwards
Hamilton has one of the top offensive weapons in the league in LA Kings 2nd rounder Arthur Kaliyev (2001, LW). He will probably finish his career in the top 50 scorers in OHL history and could lead the OHL in scoring this season. Alongside him is import Jan Mysak (2002, C), who lit it up after joining the Bulldogs after the World Juniors, and will in all likelihood be a 1st round pick in this year’s NHL Draft. Tag Bertuzzi (2001, C), Logan Morrison (2002, C) and Avery Hayes (2002, RW) provide additional scoring. Ryan Winterton (2003, LW) and Lawson Sherk (2003, C/LW) should take some steps forward this season after playing depth roles last year.
Defense
Nathan Staios (2001, LD) had 41 points last season and will play on the top pair. Cameron Suprycka (2002), Michael Renwick (2001) and Peyton Vescio (2001) all play depth roles. Jorian Donovan (2004, LD) is the future on the blueline. Hamilton needs to either make a trade for an overager on the backend to help Staios, or look for a top import to provide some more depth for Hamilton to compete.
Goaltenders
Hamilton is set in goal with Zach Roy (2001) returning, as well as Marco Constantini (2002) forming a tandem.
Draft Capital
Hamilton needs to address the thinness on its back end or it will not be able to compete this season for the OHL Title. If things so sideways, Kaliyev will command a massive haul, which can replenish the lack of 2nd round picks. They do however have an abundance of 3rds (2 in 2021 and 2023, and 3 in 2024).
In summary, if Hamilton can pick up a potential top 2 defenseman to complement Nathan Staios, with their offensive firepower up front, they could be one of the top teams in their conference. I can’t see Kaliyev being kept by the Kings, as they can’t put him in the AHL because of the junior transfer agreement, and the Kings have a tremendous amount of forward prospect depth in their organization. If they underachieve this season for some reason, look for Kaliyev to be dealt at the deadline for a wealth of picks, which will allow them to reload and focus on the depth in their 2002 and 2003 birthyears.
Hamilton is poised to take some steps forward this season. Their strength is in their forward core, but they return most of their players from last season, although Jan Jenik will be missed. They do not have a lot of draft capital as they have traded their 2021, 2023 and 2024 2nd round draft picks in previous trades they made on their way to capturing the OHL title in 2018.
Forwards
Hamilton has one of the top offensive weapons in the league in LA Kings 2nd rounder Arthur Kaliyev (2001, LW). He will probably finish his career in the top 50 scorers in OHL history and could lead the OHL in scoring this season. Alongside him is import Jan Mysak (2002, C), who lit it up after joining the Bulldogs after the World Juniors, and will in all likelihood be a 1st round pick in this year’s NHL Draft. Tag Bertuzzi (2001, C), Logan Morrison (2002, C) and Avery Hayes (2002, RW) provide additional scoring. Ryan Winterton (2003, LW) and Lawson Sherk (2003, C/LW) should take some steps forward this season after playing depth roles last year.
Defense
Nathan Staios (2001, LD) had 41 points last season and will play on the top pair. Cameron Suprycka (2002), Michael Renwick (2001) and Peyton Vescio (2001) all play depth roles. Jorian Donovan (2004, LD) is the future on the blueline. Hamilton needs to either make a trade for an overager on the backend to help Staios, or look for a top import to provide some more depth for Hamilton to compete.
Goaltenders
Hamilton is set in goal with Zach Roy (2001) returning, as well as Marco Constantini (2002) forming a tandem.
Draft Capital
Hamilton needs to address the thinness on its back end or it will not be able to compete this season for the OHL Title. If things so sideways, Kaliyev will command a massive haul, which can replenish the lack of 2nd round picks. They do however have an abundance of 3rds (2 in 2021 and 2023, and 3 in 2024).
In summary, if Hamilton can pick up a potential top 2 defenseman to complement Nathan Staios, with their offensive firepower up front, they could be one of the top teams in their conference. I can’t see Kaliyev being kept by the Kings, as they can’t put him in the AHL because of the junior transfer agreement, and the Kings have a tremendous amount of forward prospect depth in their organization. If they underachieve this season for some reason, look for Kaliyev to be dealt at the deadline for a wealth of picks, which will allow them to reload and focus on the depth in their 2002 and 2003 birthyears.
