Thanks Cub, all signs seem to point towards him coming next season do they not? If so, can we get an asset for McGrath?
Trade window opens Wednesday, any news on our front?
Out of curiosity, could we be in on Wilde?
Edit: we're rumoured to be in on Grondin out of Saginaw, if a deal isn't done already.
This is my thinking, though our C depth would be lethal with Murray, Byfield, Grondin, Bulitka as our 4, or Murray, Byfield, Levin, Bulitka. My guess is there is either another move corresponding to it (moving the likes of Gilhula, Bulitka, Baker etc), Levin has been dealt and we wanted a young forward brought in, or, and this is the most likely to me, it is part of a bigger deal, perhaps around one of their D. The same poster said Wilde is going to be in Saginaw so they would need to move a D, so I could see the deal being something like Levin + for Grondin and Webb/Davis/Everett. I don't know how credible the poster is however his other rumours were reasonable so I thought I'd share it as it's the only thing I'd heard anywhere at all. Grondin does seem like the type of player we've seen Papineau make moves for in the past (young with upside but maybe on the outs or in need of a fresh start (Niz/Stratis/Culina)). If nothing else it's something to keep an eye on.Not sure how that trade would make any sense. Would have to know more.
Thanks Cub, I"m really conflicted as to whether I want Levin gone for the haul and the restart in the culture, or keep him for the chance of a breakout. Grondin has been an ideal target of mine but I want a D more.I like idea acquiring Grodin, we are deep down the middle. With regards to Levin, I can see him having a big season this year, I have heard rumours have trading him as-well, should get a decent return if moved.
Canucks prospect Hughes opts for NCAA; decision looming for Luukkonen
Some comments from Ukko Pekka in this article.
The euro draft is another way to help your hockey team win games but this waiting game is something I'm not a fan of.
They should have a clear list who is willing to come over and play instead of again, this waiting game.
any word on a starting date on the new arena?
I would bet the house that buffalo wants him to play in the OHL as they would want to monitor his development and adjustment to North America.
I do not know whether they will be this petty, but that may depend upon how good of a team they feel Sudbury will be next year. They will probably want to send him to a team that will benefit his development, and if they feel like Sudbury is not going to benefit his development (in other words, they are not a good enough team), they may decide to keep him in Europe next year.
If you get him though, you can build from the net out. You'd have Byfield, Murray and hopefully guys like Levin and Nizhinikov providing up front. Maybe another addition or two there as well. It's defense that would need to be the primary focus.
Hi cub; after reading through this thread recently I agree with you for sure.
But if what you say at the end, "it might come to $$$$$$ for him to come" is true, isn't that "cheating" the system? I get that it happens but is it not ridiculous that some of these players/families/agents might just demand the almighty $$ to actually make them commit to come to North America to play hockey? It's also apparent that when we see "top end" European talent selected and report to certain teams year after year, these teams are the ones that are most willing to pay the big $$ to get them here. We can say it isn't "cheating" all we want but you know what, it really is!!! When $$ is dished out to "convince" a kid to report, I'm sorry that just STINKS in my books...
You would think he would benefit coming to the Wolves, play alot and will definitely be challenged for him playing on smaller ice. Getting used to the culture, best junior league in the world in the OHL in helping him getting ready for the NHL.
I don't have a good feeling on this from what I have been reading and hearing. It might come to $$$$$$ for him to come, will see there is some time and work to do.
You would think he would benefit coming to the Wolves, play alot and will definitely be challenged for him playing on smaller ice. Getting used to the culture, best junior league in the world in the OHL in helping him getting ready for the NHL.
I don't have a good feeling on this from what I have been reading and hearing. It might come to $$$$$$ for him to come, will see there is some time and work to do.