No surprises there with the decisions on Austin and Ziemins. I Iiked Ziemins but you have to be really good to warrant an import and OA spot. Austin was given every possible opportunity and couldn't stop more than 88% of shots.
I'm a bit surprised Spearing is back as captain. He's a solid OHL player and provides a very good defensive zone presence and is an excellent penalty killer, it just felt like such a lost season on and off the ice, felt like maybe it was time for a fresh start. At the same time because of all he went through last year, it would probably be more difficult for the Petes to just move on, if he wants to be back.
Sounds like they'll wait on filling the other two overage spots. Makes sense, they probably need to see if Simpson looks like a true #1. I'd expect a veteran goalie to come in at some point either way but one who could step in and spell Simpson from time to time would be a lot less costly than an elite #1. If they could not use an OA spot there, it would give more options up front as well.
I do think that Spearing offers many intangibles as Oke mentions in the article. As a team it seemed to me that the Petes were great shot-blockers. Spearing, when he was in the lineup, was one of their best shot blockers and a good role model for the younger players when it came to effort, playing with grit and being a team guy.
The play of Simpson and Spearing in the first couple of months will affect the moves that Oke makes.
If Spearing is not 100% and effective as a shut-down #1 PK defender then an OA upgrade on defense may be the result. The issue for Spearing might be the quality, depth and youth of the other Petes Dmen......he could find himself at the bottom of the depth chart which just can't happen for an OA on a championship team.
If Simpson has injury issues or struggles with his play, a premium OA goalie may have to be traded for.
I have no problem starting the year with Spearing as the only OA. I would imagine an OA forward will be acquired sooner rather than later but Oke may want to wait and see who Hamilton gets back - Morrison or Hayes seem like the most likely targets for the Petes