Windsor Spitfires 2019 Offseason Thread (Part 4)

[RayzorIsDull]

The thing with Boka is that if used correctly, he's worth more than whatever we would get for him. He's a perfect 3rd/4th liner who is a top notch PK specialist. He'll use his body, cycle the puck down low, and you know he's never afraid to block a shot. Obviously, the problem with him is his lack of an offensive skillset, and he is misused as a top six forward.

Do you remember the 16-17 Spitfires? The top 3 forward lines looked more or less like this:

Addison - Brown - Vilardi
Knott - Nattinen - Bracco
Laishram - Luchuk - Boka


I remember specifically in the London series, Boka's line was a terror down low. Nobody was complaining about Boka at the time because he was being used perfectly in Rocky's system. Under Letowski, he's primarily been in a top 6 role, and it's seemed that he's trying to be more of an offensive player and his game has suffered because of it. Then again, he's been used as a top six forward at times because of the lack of high end talent the last two years. That is starting to change and I really hope he can both accept, and excel at, the role he's looked the most comfortable in. Of course, this all comes down to how Letowski decides to use him this coming year, as I firmly believe Boka is a Spitfire to start the year.

Here's the thing Boka was a fine 3rd liner as a 17 year old. Now going into his possible 5th year he's still a solid 3rd liner. He hasn't really expanded his game much, improved his shot, or his passing, or his skating, to the point where he could pass as a 2nd liner. Boka works hard but the Spits are at a stage where they need to distance themselves from gritty guys who have maxed out their potential during the time they have struggled as a team to reach higher points.

 

[OHLTG]

You'll always need guys like Boka, whether they're 16 or 20. Not every guy on the roster is going to score 25+. Not every guy on the roster has blazing speed. You'll always need that grinder, that guy who blocks shots like his career depends on it, the guy who kills penalties without thinking twice. Boka's not a bad second liner and is a valuable player IF he's used correctly. You can't rely on him to do your scoring - we've seen what happens with that. When he's on his game, he's one of the best defensive forwards in the conference and maybe in the league. Frankly, if they can't get fair value for him, I'd keep him around, as long as he's willing to be that third line grinder who leads by example.

As for D'Amico - I fully believe that he's going to have a big season. He's got almost everything you'd want in a player - speed, kamakazie approach to the game, offensive ability, some leadership, and a responsible 200-foot game. There's no way I'd deal him save from being blown away.

 

[punch1943]

Responding to Rayzor and OHLTG: Boka has been a favorite of mine since he showed. However, for him personally, it’s time to move along. I think all players who play 5 years in this league still have aspirations of catching on with a pro team. Unfortunately playing on the 3/4 lines limit your views by the scouts. Boka is a PK defensive specialist who would do well on a top contender where he wouldn’t look out of place playing in spots he’s not suited for. He shouldn’t be utilized on the 2nd PP as well. He is a grinder who is experienced but not overly creative. My guess is he might end up in one of the US cities.
D’Amico is not a playmaker but more of a finisher. To me he seems destined to be a 2nd liner on the right team. Given a playmaking center he might score well but I don’t envision him as a top PP player. Second unit PP yes. On a loaded team he’d spend much of his time on the 3rd line. On this team I see him as a 20 goal scorer. His offensive abilities far outweigh his defensive responsibilities IMHO. I expect him to stay on the roster this year.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

You'll always need guys like Boka, whether they're 16 or 20. Not every guy on the roster is going to score 25+. Not every guy on the roster has blazing speed. You'll always need that grinder, that guy who blocks shots like his career depends on it, the guy who kills penalties without thinking twice. Boka's not a bad second liner and is a valuable player IF he's used correctly. You can't rely on him to do your scoring - we've seen what happens with that. When he's on his game, he's one of the best defensive forwards in the conference and maybe in the league. Frankly, if they can't get fair value for him, I'd keep him around, as long as he's willing to be that third line grinder who leads by example.

As for D'Amico - I fully believe that he's going to have a big season. He's got almost everything you'd want in a player - speed, kamakazie approach to the game, offensive ability, some leadership, and a responsible 200-foot game. There's no way I'd deal him save from being blown away.

You're probably not going to get a lights out offer for him. A more productive player like Jaden Peca was acquired at the deadline for a 6th round pick and he can still return this year for an OA season. Be happy if you get a 4th for Boka. The rules now with being able to only move picks 5 years down the road. Those 2nd and 3rd round picks are going to be used for the top tier players. If you move Boka the team is only getting him for either one year or less than that. Nobody is going to be giving up 2nd's for him.

 

[Teflon]

I get where u guys are going this really is reaching until you see who reports. Frasca has asked to go to Barrie if possible. They are still high on Staois. I’d like to see a bit more of D’amico, I’m not the only one who thinks he may turn into something. I think Piro has a better year. I’m still down on the D. Don’t think enough has been done there. If I were GM I’d look to move Douglas for a younger solid D man. I think the forwards will be fine but I’d move Boka, Douglas and Frasca. Even Purboo for the right deal. Inzce should get something back as well, there’s a shortage of proven goalies this year.

 

[windsor7]

Id think none of the vets have a guarantee spot on this roater the full year. Hopefully we see some trades during the year trading them to make this team better for a few years to come.

 

[member 71782]

Boka, Playfair and Frasca are three players who play slightly different games but all fill the same type of role, third line players capable of playing a shutdown role. The differences in their games is what separates them.

Boka is a pure defensive specialist who could make players around him better defensively but needed others to make him a better offensive player. Taken out of that role was a huge mistake and hurt his overall development. His offensive game could have developed better from the third line, where he could take advantage of the chances created from that role then it did being moved into a top six role. Now, on a Windsor team still building towards the future he's a fourth line PK/shutdown specialist who will be blocking the development of other kids. Windsor has too many players ahead of him to play in the middle six and young kids that need to be developed from the fourth line going forward for the future. A solid, cheap addition for a better team? Yes but Windsor would be better off moving him. The longer he stays the more his value drops at this point. He's not a high end OA, he has a limited role that would serve a team well in the right situation but Windsor is no longer that team. Would be happy with a fourth since his highest value was probably at the start of last season.

Playfair is kind of right down the middle. He has more offensive upside then Boka while still being able to play a solid defensive game. However he is not someone who is going to impact another player's development, negatively or positively. He needs similar players to play with to be effective. With similar players he could be someone with a better game both offensively and defensively but he struggled last year and while his injury was a part of it he was also a healthy scratch a couple of times before his injury. He too has little value. He has this season and an OA season next year. His value will never be higher than it is now and if Windsor kept him and moved him next year and he doesn't show significant improvement he becomes another Garagan type acquisition for another team. Get some value for him while you can.

Frasca is the typical tweener mentioned. He has solid third line ability but had he been developed right last season he could have at least been a solid second line fill in as needed if not a regular second liner. He still has two seasons plus an OA year and likely will be a solid OA for some team but if he wants out of Windsor then it won't be here. Last season he was never really given much of a chance. He was bounced around the line up and eventually was simply seeing spot duty on whatever line Letowski wanted to give someone a break on. He has higher offensive potential then both Playfair and Boka but won't get the chance here obviously. He has PK ability and with steady time PP ability as well. Wanting out and only to one team will hurt any return but how he's been used will hurt the return the most.

All three players have one significant thing in common, they all expose how poorly the coaching staff have done with how they use players and their abilities within their systems. The development of all three has been hurt and the team has paid the price as well.

Move on and focus on the young kids coming up.

 

[Teflon]

CF here’s the crux of the entire issue!! Do you trust this staff to bring the next group of kids along??? My answer is NO!! So are you hurting this group as well by keeping the staff on? Yes! As much as savage wants to preach he’s fixing things, he’s really not! Any owner with half a brain and true dedication to keeping the team hires a new staff. He must truly believe Spits fans are clueless!!

 

[member 71782]

CF here’s the crux of the entire issue!! Do you trust this staff to bring the next group of kids along??? My answer is NO!! So are you hurting this group as well by keeping the staff on? Yes! As much as savage wants to preach he’s fixing things, he’s really not! Any owner with half a brain and true dedication to keeping the team hires a new staff. He must truly believe Spits fans are clueless!!

100% in agreement on the staff, we've seen what they've done but my thinking is while the staff isn't going to get the job done keeping players they've already mishandled isn't going to help the situation either. Move on from thos who have had their development stalled already, take away the crutch from the current staff and hope the better quality young players can provide a better example.

Letowski and company have got to go even though we know that's not happening so the next thing is take away their crutches.

 

[windsor7]

CF here’s the crux of the entire issue!! Do you trust this staff to bring the next group of kids along??? My answer is NO!! So are you hurting this group as well by keeping the staff on? Yes! As much as savage wants to preach he’s fixing things, he’s really not! Any owner with half a brain and true dedication to keeping the team hires a new staff. He must truly believe Spits fans are clueless!!

Agreed

 

[ohloutsider]

A couple of thoughts - Staios - I actually like what he brought in the second half of last year. I want to see him stick around and develop more, maybe size is an issue but the older you get the stronger you get so he can bring that part of the game along.
Frasca - If he wants to move I'm fine with that but I can see a spot for him here so either way it is a win for both.
Boka - best he gets a chance to move if he wishes. His role here will be diminished but I don't want to see him gone for a song, he has more value than a low round pick. Anything under a 4th and I would not move him.
Playfair - keep hoping for more but maybe it is not there. If Boka is moved you keep Playfair but this should be a one or the other move. I would drather see Playfair stick around and mostly due to him have a longer eligibility.

I'm ok with the coaches sticking around if they can adapt with the flow of the league, team and the games as they unfold. They have yet to show this but I'm hoping they understand the changes they MUST make to turn this team around. The make or break for this year is the coaching - the skill is there so if the team stagnates coaches need to start looking over their shoulder.

This is probably one of the harder years to predict where this team will end up - they could be anywhere from 1st to last in the division and I place most of the responsibility for the end result on the coaches.

 

[spitsfan24]

Here's the thing Boka was a fine 3rd liner as a 17 year old. Now going into his possible 5th year he's still a solid 3rd liner. He hasn't really expanded his game much, improved his shot, or his passing, or his skating, to the point where he could pass as a 2nd liner. Boka works hard but the Spits are at a stage where they need to distance themselves from gritty guys who have maxed out their potential during the time they have struggled as a team to reach higher points.

If the goal is to make the 2nd round this year, if used correctly, Boka will help the team. I agree that he isn't a top six forward but he's still useful in the right situation.

 

[OHLTG]

Unfortunately playing on the 3/4 lines limit your views by the scouts.

If you're into our draft season, I could agree, but Boka's been around long enough that the scouts know what he's about. Winning multiple coaches polls doesn't hurt, either.

You're probably not going to get a lights out offer for him

Then you keep him.

Cfaub - I agree about Boka. IF he wasn't pushed into the scorers role earlier, he'd likely be even better.

All three players have one significant thing in common, they all expose how poorly the coaching staff have done with how they use players and their abilities within their systems. The development of all three has been hurt and the team has paid the price as well.

100%.

 

[Cherrydon]

Bottom line without pointing out individuals. Our so called veterans/leaders as per TL failed miserably last season. Call it lack of talent or effort by some. Time for all to go before the youth is tainted by watching players rewarded with ice time that isn't deserved or earned. I blame TL for that mostly but unfortunately he is still here

 

[windsor7]

Bottom line without pointing out individuals. Our so called veterans/leaders as per TL failed miserably last season. Call it lack of talent or effort by some. Time for all to go before the youth is tainted by watching players rewarded with ice time that isn't deserved or earned. I blame TL for that mostly but unfortunately he is still here

Well said.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

Bottom line without pointing out individuals. Our so called veterans/leaders as per TL failed miserably last season. Call it lack of talent or effort by some. Time for all to go before the youth is tainted by watching players rewarded with ice time that isn't deserved or earned. I blame TL for that mostly but unfortunately he is still here

Agreed and this is the biggest reason I can't get enthusiastic about moves they make. For instance the PP has stunk both years Letowski has been here. Is he going to have an epiphany and finally figure out something for this group to make them thrive on the PP? The idea of having the same coaching staff together, adding new players and believing that the results will be different doesn't make a lot of sense imo.

 

[ohloutsider]

Wyatt Johnson with 1 assist in 1 game played at the U17 development tournament.

 

[Windsor Chief]

The Purpose of an Overage Year is to provide the player with an extra year of development while allowing a team to benefit from the leadership such a player can provide. For some like forward Aaron Luchuk that translates into unprecedented offensive prowess as they can physically match up with the league, some like Slater Doggett come in and provide excellent leadership and offer themselves in whatever capacity help the team, some like Sean Allen provide defensive strength without necessarily offering much offensively. Usually the offensive defenseman is developing internally (unable to find the spitfires trading for one). Championships can be won with the best of the best of overagers, but for a team that is rebuilding, or is still building up the top overagers are an expensive frivolity.

Incze, Stephenson, Garagan, Purboo, Boka.

On a rebuilding team I would argue that the overager is there to support or provide what is otherwise missing from the core of the team.
If Medina and Piiroinen are not ready to carry the starting goalie's load then Incze may be a necessity, otherwise he should be traded to allow him a chance to play somewhere.
Stephenson may be a defensive defenseman suitable as an overager IF he has continued to develop in the offseason. Unless he provides something we need and do not have available in a younger player then he should be moved to allow him a chance to play somewhere.
Garagan a left shot left wing and Boka a right shot right wing or possible center do not provide offense. Their utility to the team resides in their ability to provide a solid defensive game and flexibility by moving up and down the lineup - if that does not suit them (ie. would cause dressing room ego issues) then it would be better to move them to allow them a chance to play elsewhere.
Purboo does seem to have an offensive upside, but his strength also seems to be found on the powerplay in front of the opposition net. Keeping him may necessitate using him on the first powerplay unit and the third or fourth line. As an OA Purboo may become an elite offensive weapon - of extreme value to a team making a run.

Any of the overage candidates could remain or be moved - depending on our teams needs and the needs of other teams in the league.

As to the development of our players, I do not believe that it is always up to the head coach to decide who gets focussed upon. In fact with an owner manager it is likely that the hired coach is told whose development to prioritize.

IF Frasca has requested a trade to be closer to home we should attempt to do it - he is young and full of potential but an unhappy homesick player is a teenager first and an asset second. He was blocked here with other older left handed shots ahead of him on the depth charts - had he been a right hand shot he would likely have seen more ice.

There have been some calls to move Douglas and with them I can agree - move him off the right wing where he struggles - he looked fine at both center and left wing.

I'm not sure if we realize how much injuries hurt last year. Louka Henault and Grayson Ladd (lead the team in +/-) were fine even when matched against top lines from other teams (until Ladd's injury). That allowed Nathan Staios and Connor Corcoran, Sean Allen and Thomas Stephenson to not have to draw that assignment. Sean Allen has graduated, so I'm expecting a Dylan Robinson or James Jodoin to be inserted into the lineup. If the six younger guys all develop as we hope then OA Stephenson may become expendible.

Hopefully Johnston and Zito are able to begin the year on the fourth line and move up the lineup as they develop.

 

[ohloutsider]

Wyatt Johnson with 1 assist in 1 game played at the U17 development tournament.

Wyatt ends up with 1 goal and 2 assists in 3 games. A point per game output playing against top level kids of his age bracket is good production. Looking forward to seeing him play in the fall.

 

[member 71782]

Wyatt ends up with 1 goal and 2 assists in 3 games. A point per game output playing against top level kids of his age bracket is good production. Looking forward to seeing him play in the fall.

While I was disappointed to see Windsor reaching on their first round pick Johnston looks to be a similar player to Foudy, decent playmaking abilities but a bit more goal scoring to his game as well. Would be nice to see him develop in a similar way which would give Windsor a nice one/two down the middle in the coming years if he can have a similar rookie season and Foudy continues to build on what he did last season.

 

[punch1943]

Kerby Rychel signed to play in Sweden for Orebro HK in the top tier of Swedish hockey. Their arena is Behrn arena which seats 5,500.

 

[Sec108]

Looks like Kerby is going to be one of those minor league lifer's.But hey if he can make a living at it why not?? Looks like his NHL aspirations are pretty much over.

He gets to play in the Barn/Behrn Arena .

 

[OHLTG]

I was talking to a buddy the other day about this exact scenario. If I've played a while in the minor pros and had a chance to play in Europe for good money, I'd at least consider it. Why not?

 

[windsor7]

While I was disappointed to see Windsor reaching on their first round pick Johnston looks to be a similar player to Foudy, decent playmaking abilities but a bit more goal scoring to his game as well. Would be nice to see him develop in a similar way which would give Windsor a nice one/two down the middle in the coming years if he can have a similar rookie season and Foudy continues to build on what he did last season.

Hope so.
That would be great for Windsor

 

[GBFP]

I don't think Kerby is giving up on NHL dreams - just trying a different route. Go play in Sweden a year or two and try to show out a bit and maybe break the set in opinions on what he is. I mean there are much worse things than playing professional hockey in Sweden for $200K a season if that is all he ends up doing for the next ten years. But he's only turning 25yrs old in October, so a couple years in SHL and he's the ripe old age of 27yo and could look for another shot at the NHL. I think this route has a better chance of paying off for him then if he toiled away in the AHL, getting a handful of NHL games a year on call-ups.