Lots of things to Unpack now we’re in the off-season thread.
While I would’ve loved to see an OHL Championship, I’m very impressed with what this team accomplished. Props to Bowler for not spending everything for a failed run and Props to Savard for coaching this club far beyond expectations.
Coaching:
I hope Savard stays. He mentioned that Johnston May move on, but selfishly he wants him to stay in Windsor another year… which indicates Savard plans to stay, but if you get that NHL Offer you don’t turn it down.
Johnston:
This team revolves around him next year IMO. If he returns, we push. If he doesn’t, it becomes a sell year. Johnston gone. All of Maggio, Onuska, Renwick would fetch a great return even as OA’s. And lots of 03’ trade bait with Peer, Zito, Christopolous, Maillet, Jodoin, Sobolev.
Overagers:
Easy: Maggio, Renwick, Onuska.
Maggio’s a hometown kid, likely he’ll finish it out. Renwick “stay at home” abilities on the back end are needed losing two OA D men this year. Onuska earned the starter spot and proved in the playoffs how great he can be. If an OA Goalie doesn’t count, add Ribau to the mix.
Ribau was acquired for Dylan Robinson and a 3rd. Any return on Ribau would be a bonus, as I think we had a big win in that deal. Assuming we move on from Currie as well, and unfortunately I think he holds less value than he did when he came over, given the trade was a 2/3/Currie for Ladd and McDonald.
Goalies:
Medina Goes. He proved his worth in the playoffs and he’s capable of winning. Only reason I think Medina could stay is if it’s determined he holds far less trade value than Onuska. I don’t think they’re all that far apart skill wise, but O is better, has big save capabilities and is solid on breakaways. If it’s a Couple high end pick difference I could see letting Medina ride out his OHL Career in Windsor and split time with Downey. I see Downey/Froggett a good option in 23/24, but Downey will need games to prepare to take over.
Rookies:
I’d love to see Martin here next year. Really liked the small sample we saw. I honestly think Spellacy signs, which would be a huge grab. All the signs I’ve seen point to yes, he’ll be here. Windsors a desirable spot to grow as a player. And as a US kid, I’d imagine it’s a much easier sell than North Bay or The Soo.
Imports:
I was afraid Sobolev was AHL Eligible but if he’s not, I’m thrilled. He’ll be a top tier d man, and physically I think is ready for the AHL.
I’d like to see Baisov return. He’s not bad. He had high energy, played with grit, finished his hits, not afraid to drop the gloves, and has scoring abilities as well. We saw a small sample. Honestly, the team was too deep for him. He would’ve got Bottom 6 minutes consistently on 80% of OHL teams. Watered down Import draft plus he was a healthy scratch the majority of the year, I say give him a chance to prove himself just on principal. You have to remember he got to practice with Johnston and Cuylle all year, I’m sure there’s progress just in observing that. I don’t say Baisov or Bust but I’d need an impact now, sure deal to move on from him as he seemed happy to be here even when he wasn’t playing. You don’t want to push that away for no reason.
Improving Players/Enhanced Workload:
Abraham will be fine. DeAngelis will be fine. Ride will be fine. Meidema I worry about. I liked that his checking improved a bit in the post season, but I’m afraid he’ll be a bit too Kyle McDonald. Big size, doesn’t use it, Puts up some points, but not really that gritty player Windsor loves. I think he’ll be fine long term, but not sure if Windsor will end up being the right fit. Remember though, he is a year younger than DeAngelis and Abraham even though they were all “rookies” this year. I’m still hopeful.
Captains:
Only A that could return is Johnston. He’ll miss time cause of NHL Camp & Juniors. I expect Zito, Maggio, and Renwick to have letters next year. I think the C could elevate Maggio the most. I don’t know the room but based on community stuff, like ability, hometown kid, if the C isn’t on Wyatt I’m guessing Maggio.
I guess technically Cuylle could return too but that would be more shocking than Foudy not returning this year.
