Good article from Dub Network about the overage situation for each team and how that will impact their roster. I was amazed some teams were carrying so many 19 years olds, some had 7 or 8 or more!
Looking ahead to the 2020-21 WHL season: Overage situations - DUBNetwork
Thanks for this!!
Regarding the Blazers - May be trading partners with Lethbridge or others.
I agree with the assessment that the Blazers have to keep Centazzo and Stuart given their needs up-front. I can't see Carpendale staying with that meaning the loss of three blueliners (Onyebuchi, Strange, and Zabransky). But there are some potential pre-waiver deals out there.
I think Onyebuchi is the one that has the lead on staying.
But, as to trading partners:
* Lethbridge needs an overage blueliner.
* Portland needs a d-man (and I think they'd like the former Silvertip).
* Kelowna would likely welcome an upgrade over Comrie and Steffler (if trading to rivals is permitted)
* Moose Jaw has two openings so they are open
* If Prince George moves Moberg - depending on return - they may want to improve on Sander and Creta
* Red Deer may be open to a blueliner if they aren't staying with Anders in net
* Regina needs experience on the back end;
* Saskatoon has holes with ex-Blazer Kneen and Walford moving on;
* Winnipeg has 2 spots open
Of the list, I think Lethbridge, Moose Jaw, and Winnipeg are most likely the dance partners. I assume Onyebuchi or Strange likely get a 17 or 18 year old that is in/out of roster (like Jerzy Orchard was in Hughes deal) and pics or just a collection of pics.
Is there a potential that Thurston returns to Kamloops - I don't recall there being any controversy just the odd man out? Or would the Blazers be looking to find someone for the right wing?
Interesting that Zabransky may be playing in Europe (pro) next year. I guess we will know better on June 27 if the Blazers take an import pick. (I assume they will want to bring back Baragano).
I struggled coming up with a line-up is tough because of a GLUT of left handed players and help needed on the right side? I admit I did not see enough games to
Centers:
Zary
Stankoven (playing on the right?)
Bankier
Belton
Levis (playing on the right?)
Left Wing:
Centazzo
Stuart
Sopotyk
Kuefler
Appelt
Right Wing:
Import Replacement filling Zabransky's spot
Seminoff
Spencer
One more playing out of position
Extras:
Minten is left handed.
Johnson I don't know about except he is listed as a center.
Defensemen
Schmiemann
Onyebuchi or Strange
Baragano
Brandwood
Lindgren
(D-man replacing Onyebuchi/Strange)
Extra: Weller
Goaltenders
Garand
The backup could be Ernst or Ramsay - Ramsay might get a return and maybe address the right side?
Help me out juniorhockeyguru?