Soo Greyhounds 2018 Offseason Thread

[Generalsupdates]

I believe, starting this season, overage goaltenders will no longer count against a teams three overage roster spots. So in theory, a team could carry four overage players as long as one of them is a goaltender.

We have some big question marks going into this season. Will Hayton, Frost, Hollowell turn pro? Sandin seems antsy to return to Sweden, but remember Gustav Bourraman a few years ago, I say we have a good chance of bringing him back.

As for the Pilons, I'm not sure they would fit into the top 6 next year, especially with the emergence of Joe Carroll and the solid play in limited action by Cole McKay.



As for Cole Caufield, and Johnny Beecher, I would be shocked to see either of them ever wear the red and white of the Soo Greyhounds. Both are exceptionally talented, but have strong ties to the NCAA route. Would be great to see one of the two show up, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

No, that was a rumour started online but did not get put into the CHL. Unless they're waiting until training camps to announce that, but that would be pretty bizarre

 

[Petes]

No, that was a rumour started online but did not get put into the CHL. Unless they're waiting until training camps to announce that, but that would be pretty bizarre

Apparently it’s still under consideration.

 

[soo hound girl]

Pucek is a pretty good bet for you guys. He was invited to Leafs camp just came from the Czech U18 league. Typically a European junior league + not an elite prospect + showing up to a NA camp bodes pretty well for an import pick reporting. He looked good enough to fill a top 9 winger role for you guys next year.

The problem you will have is getting any of the others to report. Kupari is going back to Finland, Sandin could very well go back to Sweden, and Pytlik is likely staying in Czechnia where he could be getting every day minutes in their top pro league. If Sandin does not come back, you will have a pretty big hole in the top 4 alongside Hollowell (who should be back), DeMeo and LeGuerrier. If he does come back, you should have a pretty good defense set for next year between Sandin, Hollowell, DeMeo, LeGuerrier, Wale, Calisti, Caron and O'Rourke.

This guy knows his stuff wow very impressive keep up the good work love reading your posts very informative

 

[OHL4Life]

Apparently it’s still under consideration.

it’s not for this year, probaly for future years. it needed to be approved already and it has not been

 

[SeaOfBlue]

With Kyle Dubas in charge of the Leafs now, it seems extremely likely that Sandin will be back with the Greyhounds. He knows firsthand that the Soo is one of the best places in the world for a young player to develop.

I would agree, unless Dubas feels like he needs better competition than the OHL. I do not think he is too worried about Sandin not developing in the Soo, even if they are not super competitive this year, but rather that he is in the right place for his development.

The good news is that I do not think you have to worry about Hollowell not being back. The Marlies already have 4RD, and that does not include two prospects in Durzi and Lindgren who are well ahead of him. So at least you have one top pairing guy you can build around for next year.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

I believe, starting this season, overage goaltenders will no longer count against a teams three overage roster spots. So in theory, a team could carry four overage players as long as one of them is a goaltender.

We have some big question marks going into this season. Will Hayton, Frost, Hollowell turn pro? Sandin seems antsy to return to Sweden, but remember Gustav Bourraman a few years ago, I say we have a good chance of bringing him back.

As for the Pilons, I'm not sure they would fit into the top 6 next year, especially with the emergence of Joe Carroll and the solid play in limited action by Cole McKay.



As for Cole Caufield, and Johnny Beecher, I would be shocked to see either of them ever wear the red and white of the Soo Greyhounds. Both are exceptionally talented, but have strong ties to the NCAA route. Would be great to see one of the two show up, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

Even if Johnson did not count, I think it makes more sense for the Hounds to get some assets back for him. Villalta is going to get a lot of games regardless, so as long as you feel like one of the many young goalie prospects could come in for maybe 15-20 games and get you a handful of wins, I think he would be dealt anyways. There are a few teams that may give you a 2nd to replace some of the ones you lost + some later picks.

As for the Pilon twins, since you will not have many high end wingers, it's good to have a deep wing pool at the very least. If Carroll and MacKay outperform them over the course of the year, you are in a good spot because the Pilon twins would probably be well above average 3rd line wingers in their OA season. If they don't, then Carroll and MacKay will probably still be solid 3rd liners next year and you have the Pilon's who should be able to perform well with Hayton.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

Just a heads up, Saginaw fans said that Maxim Grondin, along with Brady Gilmour and DJ Busdeker at forward, plus Brock Hill on defense could be available. I am not sure Brock Hill makes sense, but at the right price those forwards could be useful in filling a few holes.

 

[hockeynorth]

Any word on whether Beecher or Caufield will commit next year? It seems to me like the Hounds could use a couple of top 6 wingers, a top 9 center, and a backup goalie next year (since I anticipate Johnson will be dealt). Beecher and Caufield could at least fill the need for a top 6 winger and a top 9 center. Getting another top 6 winger, especially since SSM would have an open OA spot after trading Johnson, would not be extremely difficult.

Otherwise, these are some predictions that you can take with a grain of salt:
- Sign Pucek and hope Sandin comes back in this scenario.
- Trade Johnson to a team like OS. Could also be Ottawa, Flint or Windsor (assuming they trade DiPietro), but trading him would be very beneficial to recouping some assets and opening up an OA spot which is important for the next trade. SSM can replace him internally after a competition in training camp (I am going to say Ryan McNair only because I have no idea who is the best option and he's the oldest), or could easily acquire someone for cheap later on in the year.
- Trading Howdeshell + Jacklin + picks to Sudbury for the Pilon twins + Levin. A pretty sizable move with Jacklin and the twins head to their hometown teams and SSM giving a very talented young player a fresh start. Sudbury has a few young LW's they'd like to give a shot, so I would think they are willing to give up either MacAuley Carson or David Levin for the right price. Levin brings the speed SSM wants, so he would be a better fit. SSM may have to give up a couple of 2nd's in this trade, all things considered they are able to get a lot done without giving up significant assets.
- Sign Kalvyn Watson or Dominic Mufarreh. Either can effectively replace Jacklin next year. Otherwise, they could look to the trade market. There are some decent players who could make themselves available this year who can fill a 3rd or 4th line role.
- Acquire Maxim Grondin from Saginaw. He's a big bodied center with some speed who is only an 00'. He could play up and down the lineup which should allow Kerins to develop at his own pace, and he is someone who could stick around for 2 or 3 years. Saginaw has a lot of talented young centers they are going to try and fit into the lineup, so for a good pick package, they'd probably be willing to sell him.

After all of that, this would be the lineup you ice next year:

Forwards
LW David Levin - C Morgan Frost - RW Ryan Roth
LW Darian Pilon - C Barrett Hayton - RW Drake Pilon
LW Joseph Carroll - C Maxim Grondin - RW Cole MacKay
LW Roman Pucek - C Rory Kerins - RW Dominic Mufarreh
LW Zackary Trott - C Tye Kartye - RW Kalvyn Watson

Defensemen
LD Rasmus Sandin - RD Mac Hollowell
LD Anthony DeMeo - RD Jacob LeGuerrier
LD Ryan O'Rourke - RD Robert Calisti
LD Holden Wale - RD Phil Caron

Goalies
G Matt Villalta - G Ryan McNair

Additions: LW Darian Pilon (from Sudbury), RW Drake Pilon (from Sudbury), LW David Levin (from Sudbury), C Maxim Grondin (from Saginaw), LW Roman Pucek (CHL Import Draft Signing), RW Kalvyn Watson (OHL Draft Signing), RW Dominic Mufarreh (OHL Draft Signing), G Ryan McNair (OHL U18 Draft Signing), Picks (from OS)
Subtractions: LW Keeghan Howdeshell (to Sudbury), RW Brett Jacklin (to Sudbury), G Tyler Johnson (to OS), Picks (to Sudbury + Saginaw).

If you guys need a backup we are most likely moving McGrath who is the type of player you had mentioned previously that still could breakout as a starter. I would do a huge Pilons + Levin + McGrath for LeGuerrier + MacKay + Jacklin + picks deal.

LeGuerrier would have to be the starter on Levin deal, probably LeGuerrier + 2nd + a 3rd or two then maybe just Jacklin for McGrath and then Pilons for MacKay + a 3rd + mid round conditional pick. Lets us get our top 4 RD + a good young skilled winger in MacKay + picks (Jacklin doesn't really fill a role, we have tons of guys like him in the system which is why we are looking at moving wingers but I see the sentimental value to offset Pilons). Problem is we'd be losing 3 of what is our op 4 wingers which would create quite the hole.

 

[hockeynorth]

Even if Johnson did not count, I think it makes more sense for the Hounds to get some assets back for him. Villalta is going to get a lot of games regardless, so as long as you feel like one of the many young goalie prospects could come in for maybe 15-20 games and get you a handful of wins, I think he would be dealt anyways. There are a few teams that may give you a 2nd to replace some of the ones you lost + some later picks.

As for the Pilon twins, since you will not have many high end wingers, it's good to have a deep wing pool at the very least. If Carroll and MacKay outperform them over the course of the year, you are in a good spot because the Pilon twins would probably be well above average 3rd line wingers in their OA season. If they don't, then Carroll and MacKay will probably still be solid 3rd liners next year and you have the Pilon's who should be able to perform well with Hayton.

MacKay and or Carroll would have to come if you are taking 3 of our 4 best wingers, Jacklin can't offset it.

 

[Fischhaber]

I can assure you guys that the Greyhounds will not be trading any second and third round picks for any veterans this season. If anything, the team will be looking to add picks and trade veterans.

Raftis' goal is to remain competitive while augmenting our group of talented young players. He's made that pretty clear.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

I can assure you guys that the Greyhounds will not be trading any second and third round picks for any veterans this season. If anything, the team will be looking to add picks and trade veterans.

Raftis' goal is to remain competitive while augmenting our group of talented young players. He's made that pretty clear.

You do not really have much to trade, and I would think Raftis is still trying to keep a semi-competitive team. I would assume anyone who is born in the 2000's is not considered a veteran and would not be traded unless they are not super high end, which would pretty much just leave you with Johnson, Frost, Howdeshell, Sambrook, Villalta, Jacklin, Trott, DeMeo and Hollowell. Unless SSM is out of it by the TDL, I think Johnson is the only one on that list really available right now. You only have 6 guys not born in the 2000's right now.

They are not going to go for it, but it is common for some teams to sacrifice one or two picks to get some good veteran or an expendable young player help even if they are rebuilding, because they do not want to ruin their young players' development either. It also looks like Sambrook could be coming back according to eliteprospects.com, which I did not know. That gives SSM three good OA's so getting the Pilon twins does not make sense anymore anyways.

 

[Generalsupdates]

You do not really have much to trade, and I would think Raftis is still trying to keep a semi-competitive team. I would assume anyone who is born in the 2000's is not considered a veteran and would not be traded unless they are not super high end, which would pretty much just leave you with Johnson, Frost, Howdeshell, Sambrook, Villalta, Jacklin, Trott, DeMeo and Hollowell. Unless SSM is out of it by the TDL, I think Johnson is the only one on that list really available right now. You only have 6 guys not born in the 2000's right now.

They are not going to go for it, but it is common for some teams to sacrifice one or two picks to get some good veteran or an expendable young player help even if they are rebuilding, because they do not want to ruin their young players' development either. It also looks like Sambrook could be coming back according to eliteprospects.com, which I did not know. That gives SSM three good OA's so getting the Pilon twins does not make sense anymore anyways.

Yeah Detroit didn't sign him so he doesn't have a pro contract, so unless someone signs him out of a training camp, he doesn't have many options

 

[Fischhaber]

You do not really have much to trade, and I would think Raftis is still trying to keep a semi-competitive team. I would assume anyone who is born in the 2000's is not considered a veteran and would not be traded unless they are not super high end, which would pretty much just leave you with Johnson, Frost, Howdeshell, Sambrook, Villalta, Jacklin, Trott, DeMeo and Hollowell. Unless SSM is out of it by the TDL, I think Johnson is the only one on that list really available right now. You only have 6 guys not born in the 2000's right now.

They are not going to go for it, but it is common for some teams to sacrifice one or two picks to get some good veteran or an expendable young player help even if they are rebuilding, because they do not want to ruin their young players' development either. It also looks like Sambrook could be coming back according to eliteprospects.com, which I did not know. That gives SSM three good OA's so getting the Pilon twins does not make sense anymore anyways.

I understand what you're saying, but I really don't think the Greyhounds are at any risk of hurting their young players with a bad season. If anything, I think the current team might be the favourites in the West Division.

I don't know how familiar you are the team's pick situation, but the aquisitions that we have made in the past few years make selling off some veterans an absolute necessity. It's going to happen no matter where the team is in the standings.

If Sambrook comes back, the team should look to make a move on defense before the season. Legurrier needs top 4 ice time and O'Rourke needs regular playing time. Neither one would get that right now. Oshawa is a supposed contender with a highly suspect blueline, so the Hounds could get a young forward and some picks there.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

I understand what you're saying, but I really don't think the Greyhounds are at any risk of hurting their young players with a bad season. If anything, I think the current team might be the favourites in the West Division.

I don't know how familiar you are the team's pick situation, but the aquisitions that we have made in the past few years make selling off some veterans an absolute necessity. It's going to happen no matter where the team is in the standings.

If Sambrook comes back, the team should look to make a move on defense before the season. Legurrier needs top 4 ice time and O'Rourke needs regular playing time. Neither one would get that right now. Oshawa is a supposed contender with a highly suspect blueline, so the Hounds could get a young forward and some picks there.

Yeah I have taken a look at the pick database. It's not pretty. At the same time, you do not have man guys who can play in the OHL as soon as next year either.

LW ??? – C Morgan Frost – RW ???
LW Keeghan Howdeshell – C Barrett Hayton – RW Ryan Roth
LW Joseph Carroll – C Rory Kerins – RW Cole MacKay
LW Roman Pucek– C Tye Kartye - RW Brett Jacklin
LW Zackery Trott

LD Rasmus Sandin – RD Mac Hollowell
LD Anthony DeMeo – RD Jordan Sambrook
LD Ryan O’Rourke – RD Jacob LeGuerrier
LD Holden Wale/RD Phil Caron/RD Robert Calisti

G Matt Villalta
G Tyler Johnson

Outside of line combos and assuming all of these players are on your roster, this is what you have to work with. With Sambrook around, you may be able to afford to move LeGuerrier. You would need to get some guys from your pool to come in and help out in future years though. Now you said Oshawa would be really interested in LeGuerrier. Sudbury could as well (at least according to hockeynorth) and they have a lot more pieces that could make sense. Oshawa's forwards are either older (98's/99's), really high end (Noel, McShane, Wong and Antropov) or unproven and not much better than what SSM has themselves. Sudbury could be willing to give up one of Tabak or Hutcheson (assuming you do not want 99's and likely the latter) and a pick for LeGuerrier. It wouldn't be the best thing ever but Howdeshell, Carroll, Pucek, Hutcheson/Tabak, Trott could be passable with the right center talent. If you trade Johnson, you might be lucky enough to get a 3rd round pick. OA goalies were not really going for all that much in recent years, but it's better than nothing and you need the OA spot for Sambrook. Johnson can be replaced by someone internally (i.e. McNair or Taylor). If you are absolutely against using picks even to get young players, you may be able to put together a passable lineup of young unproven players for next year, but you'd need to heavily rely upon Frost and Hayton, and hope those guys can really take a step in their development.

LW Keeghan Howdeshell – C Morgan Frost – RW Ryan Roth
LW Joseph Carroll – C Barrett Hayton – RW Cole MacKay
LW Nolan Hutcheson* – C Rory Kerins – RW Brett Jacklin
LW Roman Pucek* – C Tye Kartye - RW Kalvyn Watson*
LW Zackery Trott

LD Rasmus Sandin – RD Mac Hollowell
LD Anthony DeMeo – RD Jordan Sambrook
LD Ryan O’Rourke – RD Robert Calisti
LD Holden Wale/RD Phil Caron

G Matt Villalta
G Kyle McNair*

*Would still need to be signed or acquired.

Additionally, there are still some opportunities to pick up some free agents at training camp. No FA from rookie camp made it (outside of Caron), but Roth came in for main camp and impressed right away. Getting another person like him is always a possibility I guess. Then maybe instead of keeping Jacklin and going for Hutcheson, you can get more picks and just look at some free agents to come in.

 

[PuckLife]

it’s too hard to forecast this year. Big question marks based on who’s back. We will either be good (with Frost Hayton and Sandin, who in turn make it attractive for one of the Euros to come) or we will be average, and will sell off at Christmas.

Can’t wait till September.

 

[Generalsupdates]

Outside of line combos and assuming all of these players are on your roster, this is what you have to work with. With Sambrook around, you may be able to afford to move LeGuerrier. You would need to get some guys from your pool to come in and help out in future years though. Now you said Oshawa would be really interested in LeGuerrier. Sudbury could as well (at least according to hockeynorth) and they have a lot more pieces that could make sense. Oshawa's forwards are either older (98's/99's), really high end (Noel, McShane, Wong and Antropov) or unproven and not much better than what SSM has themselves. Sudbury could be willing to give up one of Tabak or Hutcheson (assuming you do not want 99's and likely the latter) and a pick for LeGuerrier. It wouldn't be the best thing ever but Howdeshell, Carroll, Pucek, Hutcheson/Tabak, Trott could be passable with the right center talent. If you trade Johnson, you might be lucky enough to get a 3rd round pick. OA goalies were not really going for all that much in recent years, but it's better than nothing and you need the OA spot for Sambrook. Johnson can be replaced by someone internally (i.e. McNair or Taylor). If you are absolutely against using picks even to get young players, you may be able to put together a passable lineup of young unproven players for next year, but you'd need to heavily rely upon Frost and Hayton, and hope those guys can really take a step in their development.

He meant that the Gens might be interested in Sambrook, not LeGurrier. But the Gens already have 2 OA D-men (and Commisso who will be a point per game guy) and Sambrook would't be an upgrade on Brassard, so unless the Gens are going to move Allen and upgrade to Sambrook. But SSM wouldn't get a ton for Sambrook because of the OA tag