First off, apologies for the lack of list last Sunday. I ended up going away on vacation.
For today's Top 10, I will get out my crystal ball and attempt to predict the OHL players who could be changing teams in the upcoming year. I expect that some of these players could be dealt before the start of the 2009-10 season, while others may be trade victims closer to the deadline when their teams fall out of contention.
As for the actual ranking (number allotment), the list was organized by the likelihood of players actually getting traded. Also taken into account is the potential impact a player could make on their new team. This impact is the reason I didn't include some lesser players who could have a higher likelihood of being traded.
Your top 10 players who could be traded in 2009-10.
10. Nathan Moon - Kingston Frontenacs
Moon is the definitely the least likely player to get traded on this list, however I would not have included him if I felt like there was no chance he was sent packing. I think a lot depends on the way the Fronts start the 2009-10 season. For maybe the first time in a while, the Fronts have some elevated expectations for next season. Many expect the Fronts to return to the playoffs thanks to solid young talent like Erik Gudbranson, Ethan Werek, and Taylor Doherty, in addition to veterans like Moon and Brian Lashoff. Not to mention the club no has a full season of "Killer" behind the bench. But as many Kingston fans can tell you, expectations only go so far. Moon has long been rumored to be in and out of favor in Kingston, despite his talent level. If the Fronts struggle yet again and are on pace to miss the playoffs, Moon could be the first guy shipped off to a contending team. However, I could also see Moon dealt as part of a package to help the team get better goaltending. For instance, a team like Sault Ste. Marie could use a talented center, while they have Cody St. Jacques and Bryce O'Hagan as bargaining chips in net.
9. Eric O'Dell - Sudbury Wolves
While O'Dell is currently the offensive leader of the Wolves, I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility to see him traded. The Wolves could be more inclined to let John McFarland and Marcus Foligno play center this year, which could make O'Dell a trade piece in order to improve the team's blueline. Sudbury could be a team that falls anywhere from the middle of the East to out of the playoffs. A lot depends on the way their defence and goaltending, as well as John McFarland, perform. Perhaps O'Dell is the guy they use in order get a solid two-way defenceman, maybe a guy like Jacob Muzzin from Sault Ste. Marie, Michael D'Orazio in Owen Sound, or Matt Clark in Brampton.
8. James Livingston - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
I've heard a lot of rumours about Livingston being on the trade block and I don't really understand them. The Hounds should be much improved this season and Livingston is currently their most dangerous offensive player, as well as a veteran presence. I have high expectations for him to take huge steps forward this season, likely his last in the OHL. That being said, you can't ignore rumours, so I've included him on this list. Perhaps the Hounds feel that their year is next year, and could look to flip Livingston for a younger offensive player.
7. Brett Parnham - Oshawa Generals
I have a hard time seeing the Generals being significantly better than they were last season. They could probably slot anywhere from 6-10 in the East, depending on the steps forward some of their "role" players take. Parnham, a 50 goal scorer last season for Oshawa, could be a prime target for trade should the Generals falter. Pretty much anyone in the league would be happy to add this sniper to their team and as such, Parnham could have a dozen likely destinations should he be traded.
6. Cody St. Jacques - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
St. Jacques has apparently expressed his interest to be traded to Hounds management, and with good cause. He's suddenly third on the depth chart after the signing of NHL 2nd round pick and Import selection Robin Lehner. The Hounds starter from last season is definitely a capable OHL starting goaltender and deserves a chance to show what he can do, after previously getting stuck behind Thomas McCollum in Guelph. There is always the chance that Bryce O'Hagan goes instead, with St. Jacques kept as a veteran mentor to Lehner. However, with his trade request, I'd say the likelihood is that St. Jacques is the one on his way out. There are a few teams in the OHL with an insecure goaltending situation that St. Jacques could help, like Kingston, Erie, Windsor, Brampton, and his former team in Guelph.
5. Matt Martin - Sarnia Sting
After such a strong season in Sarnia this past season, Martin's future with the club (and the OHL) is in doubt. Martin would prefer to play in the AHL, since he is an Islanders draft selection, however he's apparently playing hardball with New York for a contract. With a demand for a higher salary (rumours say as high as first round money!), the Islanders have yet to sign Martin. This makes him a candidate to return to the OHL for his overage season. However, he's apparently expressed that he would rather not be in Sarnia, especially with the team going through a slight rebuild. Also complicating the situation is the number of OA's Sarnia could have returning (upwards of 6). If Martin is indeed in the OHL next year, I don't expect it to be with Sarnia. He could have a big impact to whatever team he's traded to. Don't count out his hometown Spitfires making a pitch for him, especially if several of their OA's do not return after being signed/drafted to the NHL (MacDermid, Greenop, Timmins, Young).
4. Bryan Cameron - Belleville Bulls
Cameron failed to earn a contract from the LA Kings (after being a 3rd round pick), and also failed to be re-drafted, meaning he's likely headed back to the OHL this season. There is always the chance he catches on somewhere at a training camp, or on an AHL contract, however those situations appear to be longshots at this point. If he returns to the OHL, I don't expect it to be with Belleville, who's gone into full rebuild mode. Cameron is a 3 time 30 goal scorer in the league and one of the most dangerous offensive wingers in the OHL. If he's put on the trade block, I'd expect him to generate quite the amount of interest. I'm sure a team like London would love to get their hands on him to help their powerplay. They have the room for an overager too.
3. Matt Clark - Brampton Battalion
Clark made quite the splash in his first season in the league, going from unknown Junior A player to a top 3 defenceman on a Conference winning team and a 2nd round NHL draft pick. As a late 1990, Clark is likely playing in his last season in the OHL (as a high draft pick, he's bound to be signed by Anaheim after the season). Brampton is rebuilding in the wake of the reality that Matt Duchene will not be returning. That leaves Clark a probable trade option for the Battalion. I've heard rumours about Barrie possibly being interested. With Barrie loading up on offence, Clark would be an absolutely perfect acquisition for them in order to secure their blueline. If not Barrie, I'm sure their are 18 other teams who'd take Clark off Brampton's hands.
2. Tyler Beskorowany - Owen Sound Attack
With one of the league's top goaltending duo's broken up already (Hutchinson and Di Salvo in Barrie), it's only a matter of time before the one in Owen Sound follows suit. With Scott Stajcer having one more year of eligibility over Beskorowany, I'd expect him to be the one the stays to be a part of the young and improving Attack. That leaves Tyler Beskorowany on the outside looking in. This Dallas Stars 2nd round pick has had trouble performing consistently, but the talent has always been there. He has the potential to be one of the best goaltenders in the OHL and should be an attractive option for many of the teams with suspect goaltending. If Josh Unice falters in Windsor, I'd expect the Spitfires to be the team that goes hard after Beskorowany. I could also see Erie making a big play for the big man.
1. Shawn Lalonde - Belleville Bulls
Without question, Lalonde enters the 2009-10 season as one of the best blueliners in the OHL. He's an elite two-way defender who can instantly make a team's defence better. As previously mentioned, Belleville is rebuilding and thus Lalonde is likely to be traded. He could likely bring back a pretty handsome return to Belleville. I've heard a lot of rumours about Barrie having interest, similar to the Matt Clark situation. However, in the end, I'd expect the London Knights to be the ones who get Lalonde. With the graduation of John Carlson, Kevin Montgomery and possibly Michael Del Zotto, the Knights could be without a proven powerplay QB and number one defenceman. Lalonde would fit in incredibly well with the Hunter's system and could be a mentor to the highly touted Scott Harrington.
Anyone I missed? Anything you disagree with? Any rumours you're hearing? Let me know!
Del Zotto isn't officially gone yet. Most Knights fans think he'll be back I'm on the fence. The Hunters think he'll be back. If he doesn't come back look for Dale to change his mentality and try using his younger players.
Varone or McRae could be dealt if Del Zotto doesn't come back.
Also would Parnham return after his stint in the AHL this past spring??
i just wanted to metion what a great job you do with these top 10.Also i could se either livingston or cameron on barrie because they have so much depth at lw and C and only hutchings on the RW.
Del Zotto isn't officially gone yet. Most Knights fans think he'll be back I'm on the fence. The Hunters think he'll be back. If he doesn't come back look for Dale to change his mentality and try using his younger players.
Varone or McRae could be dealt if Del Zotto doesn't come back.
Also would Parnham return after his stint in the AHL this past spring??
I'll post the same answer I gave in the prospects board.
That's a great point about Del Zotto. Truthfully, I completely forgot he was a 1990. He's one of those guys who has seemed like he's been in the league forever.
Obviously, that makes him a good candidate to return to the Knights, as he's ineligible for the AHL. On the Rangers board, there seems to be some talk that he could stick. I for one don't think he's ready, although I also think he's outgrown the OHL to an extent as well (but that's a whole different can of worms).
Even if MDZ returns, if the Hunters are serious about contending again (which I'm sure they are with the acquisition of Hutchinson), they are going to need another quality defender. Harrington and Klementyev are a mystery, while MDZ has had his troubles as well.
As for Parnham, I'm sure he'll be back. After failing to get drafted, and sign a contract (to this point), I'd expect he'll return to Oshawa. More than likely he could get himself an AHL/ECHL contract, but with an overage year left, why not return and try and earn an NHL contract?
i just wanted to metion what a great job you do with these top 10.Also i could se either livingston or cameron on barrie because they have so much depth at lw and C and only hutchings on the RW.
cant wait to read your next top 10
Thanks for the compliments.
Excellent point about Barrie's lack of depth on the right side. Burmistrov, if I'm not mistaken, is also a left handed shooter, which makes your point even more well documented.
With the lack of depth at center the Greyhounds have, would a Sgarbossa for Livingston trade make sense for both parties?
i just wanted to metion what a great job you do with these top 10.Also i could se either livingston or cameron on barrie because they have so much depth at lw and C and only hutchings on the RW.
cant wait to read your next top 10
I will second this....you do a great job with these!!!
Excellent point about Barrie's lack of depth on the right side. Burmistrov, if I'm not mistaken, is also a left handed shooter, which makes your point even more well documented.
With the lack of depth at center the Greyhounds have, would a Sgarbossa for Livingston trade make sense for both parties?
actually i could see more of a deal like lalonde and cameron to barrie for sgarbossa,payeryl,clouthier and 2nds,3.barrie only has 2 oa with stevens singing a echl deal.what do you think
Yeah Sarnia isn't going to be much of a contender.. judging by the offseason we're looking at a 6th, 7th, 8th finish that we wouldn't have had before the moves that were made by MacQueen. But with that said, Martin by all means SHOULD be available but he made it very clear on multiple occasions he won't accept a trade... even declining a deal on the table to play for his hometown, and Memorial Cup favorite Windsor Spitfires. He along with Jordan Hill are probably our most tradeable assets for a rebuilding team but both i can fully assure you have made it 100% clear they don't intend on playing anywhere except Sarnia. This has been fairly storied in Sarnia the last 18 months or so as multiple trades to multiple teams have been on the table for both Martin and Hill and they've turned them down (atleast 3 by Martin and atleast 2 by Hill) Guys leaving Sarnia will be Michael Neal, Steven Reese, Daniel Lombardi possibly Mark Katic if he returns (not likely returning tho) but that's all i can see as far as contributing players on their way out.
Martin's issues with the Islanders does include money.. but it's more based along the fact that you can only have 50 active contracts (as i know you're already aware of this) and the islanders are either at their limit or critically pushing their limit, both parties agree Martin should be in the AHL they may not have the money for it, but it's also contracts. Martin has nothing left to prove in the OHL. But if he stays it'll be in Sarnia he's a great player, and great to watch, it would be nice to get a return since we're going to be close to the bottom of the standings, but as i said before he's made it extremely clear he doesn't want to play for anyone in the OHL except Sarnia.
Yeah Sarnia isn't going to be much of a contender.. judging by the offseason we're looking at a 6th, 7th, 8th finish that we wouldn't have had before the moves that were made by MacQueen. But with that said, Martin by all means SHOULD be available but he made it very clear on multiple occasions he won't accept a trade... even declining a deal on the table to play for his hometown, and Memorial Cup favorite Windsor Spitfires. He along with Jordan Hill are probably our most tradeable assets for a rebuilding team but both i can fully assure you have made it 100% clear they don't intend on playing anywhere except Sarnia. This has been fairly storied in Sarnia the last 18 months or so as multiple trades to multiple teams have been on the table for both Martin and Hill and they've turned them down (atleast 3 by Martin and atleast 2 by Hill) Guys leaving Sarnia will be Michael Neal, Steven Reese, Daniel Lombardi possibly Mark Katic if he returns (not likely returning tho) but that's all i can see as far as contributing players on their way out.
Martin's issues with the Islanders does include money.. but it's more based along the fact that you can only have 50 active contracts (as i know you're already aware of this) and the islanders are either at their limit or critically pushing their limit, both parties agree Martin should be in the AHL they may not have the money for it, but it's also contracts. Martin has nothing left to prove in the OHL. But if he stays it'll be in Sarnia he's a great player, and great to watch, it would be nice to get a return since we're going to be close to the bottom of the standings, but as i said before he's made it extremely clear he doesn't want to play for anyone in the OHL except Sarnia.
Interesting you say that. A lot of stuff I've read from the Islanders point of view, suggests that he doesn't want to go back to the OHL. Perhaps I read into that incorrectly. It's not that he doesn't want to go back to Sarnia, it's that he doesn't want to be back in the OHL in general.
If he does end up going back, I personally don't expect Sarnia to get out of the 8-10 hole in the West. Perhaps losing on a consistent basis would change his mind about accepting a trade, especially since I'm sure the Islanders would also prefer he be placed in a winning environment.
That being said, I don't expect him to be back anyway. Even if he doesn't sign with the Isles, I could see him signing an AHL deal with Bridgeport (as negotiated by the Islanders). When the Kings were close to the contract cap a few years ago, they did this with David Meckler.
Martin's issues with the Islanders does include money.. but it's more based along the fact that you can only have 50 active contracts (as i know you're already aware of this) and the islanders are either at their limit or critically pushing their limit, both parties agree Martin should be in the AHL they may not have the money for it, but it's also contracts.
I don't follow the Isles closely, but I've been finding capgeek.com to be pretty accurate and informative so far, and they have the Isles nowhere near the 50-contract limit (at 43 with Comeau signed, which by NHL standards is basically "nowhere near"). FWIW.
Interesting you say that. A lot of stuff I've read from the Islanders point of view, suggests that he doesn't want to go back to the OHL. Perhaps I read into that incorrectly. It's not that he doesn't want to go back to Sarnia, it's that he doesn't want to be back in the OHL in general.
If he does end up going back, I personally don't expect Sarnia to get out of the 8-10 hole in the West. Perhaps losing on a consistent basis would change his mind about accepting a trade, especially since I'm sure the Islanders would also prefer he be placed in a winning environment.
That being said, I don't expect him to be back anyway. Even if he doesn't sign with the Isles, I could see him signing an AHL deal with Bridgeport (as negotiated by the Islanders). When the Kings were close to the contract cap a few years ago, they did this with David Meckler.
If I were Matt Martin I would not be wanting to play in the OHL either. His dream and goal is to play pro why if he had a chance to go pro would he want to come back to the OHL.
I don't follow the Isles closely, but I've been finding capgeek.com to be pretty accurate and informative so far, and they have the Isles nowhere near the 50-contract limit (at 43 with Comeau signed, which by NHL standards is basically "nowhere near"). FWIW.
You are 100% correct. This was being thrown around for a while now [50 contract limit] but it's untrue. Martin's agent is shopping him to the Isles for the most money possible. It's being reported that he's looking for 2nd round $$$. The Isles offered their round money but it was nixed.
I think it's Martin's agent more than Martin himself. Look at it this way. If Pat Morris [Martin's agent] get's him first round money, he can pitch that to any future candidate.
"Hey I got Matt Martin first round money for being a 5th rounder." That makes him quite appealing doesn't it?
Again, I think it's Morris trying to play hardball with the Isles more than Martin is.
Interesting you say that. A lot of stuff I've read from the Islanders point of view, suggests that he doesn't want to go back to the OHL. Perhaps I read into that incorrectly. It's not that he doesn't want to go back to Sarnia, it's that he doesn't want to be back in the OHL in general.
If he does end up going back, I personally don't expect Sarnia to get out of the 8-10 hole in the West. Perhaps losing on a consistent basis would change his mind about accepting a trade, especially since I'm sure the Islanders would also prefer he be placed in a winning environment.
That being said, I don't expect him to be back anyway. Even if he doesn't sign with the Isles, I could see him signing an AHL deal with Bridgeport (as negotiated by the Islanders). When the Kings were close to the contract cap a few years ago, they did this with David Meckler.
Yeah that's basically it he doesn't want to be back in the OHL. He wants to go pro, and like i said he has nothing left to prove as a junior player so there's no point in him coming back. In reference to him being traded however is very unlikely because as much as he wants to play pro, if he does return to the OHL he's made it very clear on multiple occasions he won't play for anyone else.
As far as the Islanders contract situations i don't know the details so i'll take everyone's word for it on the numbers, but that has been the word since last season that Martin might be back becasue he can play one more year at junior before being signed and the Islanders may not have the contract space to sign a junior player that can return for another year and they'll still keep his rights. Keep in mind the Islanders may have 6 or 7 available contracts, but if they have the intention of signing a few players or moving one for multiple contracts that window could close pretty quick. More recently it sounds more like money than anything else.
As for the sting i see a 6th place finish IF they play to their absolute potential, get Martin back, Francisco, Ritchie have good rookie seasons, our rookies from last year play to their potential etc. guys like Chiarlitti could start to become impact players, a guy that was a 3rd liner that made the safe play last year, but yet played for team ontario, and was impressive in doing so, as well as going to another camp, i think it was the under 18 camp, this kid could turn into a real key player, we've got a few like him, so Sarnia is alittle unpredictable in the sense that i think they're getting sold up the river again before even being given a chance and could suprise.. but their suprise would be barely landing in the 6th or 7th spot in the west. If they have the problems everyone expects them to have, they're probably going to wind up as you said 8th-10th, there is no division race, or second round playoff matchup expected even if this team does succeed this year, but we have enough talent to make the playoffs i think outside of London, Windsor, Kitchener, Guelph and maybe Owen Sound the last 4 spots for 6 teams is going to be a wide open race.
Well Brock, you can scratch Beskorowany off that list. And much to my surprise, he's headed to Kingston for Mignardi and a draft pick.
I still say this trade makes little sense for Kingston because of the reasons I outlined in another post. The main reasons being a]Kingston already has Parks and Cullen returning in nets, which means a logjam now and, b]Kingston's offense was awful last year, and so what do they do? Trade one of their only legitimate offensive players for a goalie, and most importantly, c]they're not a contender! So why trade for a final year goalie, who will be gone next year (2nd round pick of Dallas, 6'5", he's got AHL written all over him)?
Well Brock, you can scratch Beskorowany off that list. And much to my surprise, he's headed to Kingston for Mignardi and a draft pick.
I still say this trade makes little sense for Kingston because of the reasons I outlined in another post. The main reasons being a]Kingston already has Parks and Cullen returning in nets, which means a logjam now and, b]Kingston's offense was awful last year, and so what do they do? Trade one of their only legitimate offensive players for a goalie, and most importantly, c]they're not a contender! So why trade for a final year goalie, who will be gone next year (2nd round pick of Dallas, 6'5", he's got AHL written all over him)?
And here I was coming here to make you eat some crow!
Truthfully, I do agree somewhat. The acquisition of Beskorowany at the expence of Mignardi may turn out to be a questionable deal for the Fronts. Mignardi is definitely a guy who'll be back next year as an OA and is likely a candidate for 60-70 points in his final seasons in the OHL. Kingston has almost created another hole to patch a previous one. Unless maybe this trade opens the door for Kingston to give more of a guarantee to Brock Higgs in order for him to suit up for the Fronts?
Hey Brock, the East Division doesn't look particularly strong and with there defensive depth, Moon and Werek up front and Beskorowany now manning the pipes, why is everyone so down on Kingston's chances? I don't think the 67s or Petes are measurably better. Last I checked, the winner of the East Division was at least guaranteed the second seed in the Eastern Conference, does no one at least think the Fronts at least have a chance at that? Even if they don't match up well against the Titans in the West or even Mississauga in their own conference?
Agreed Red; The Fronts D is pretty solid and if one of their 2nd round LW shows well, add another solid player from camp or trade (like a LW with size and mean streak) then the team will be more to the liking of Coach Killer is his first full year at the helm. They are culling the stock of borderline worker or questionable heart guys and hopefully filling the gap with more intensity. A better work ethic will generally beat out pure skill most days (and usually more fun to watch = more fans).
i was just wondering why it has been so quiet and who you think will be next
In general, I don't think it's been very quiet. We've had our share of trades in the recent week or so. St. Jacques, Landeskog, Sisca, and now Beskorowany.
As for who's next. Hard to say. If I was placing a bet, I'd probably put it on one of Clark or Lalonde. But I think as we get closer to the season, teams will be more likely to stay quiet in order to get a look at what they actually have in training camp.
A team like Belleville for example. If a lot of their young players have taken strides forward, maybe they hang on to Lalonde and Cameron for now, in hopes that they can finish in the middle part of the Eastern Conference.
Hey Brock, the East Division doesn't look particularly strong and with there defensive depth, Moon and Werek up front and Beskorowany now manning the pipes, why is everyone so down on Kingston's chances? I don't think the 67s or Petes are measurably better. Last I checked, the winner of the East Division was at least guaranteed the second seed in the Eastern Conference, does no one at least think the Fronts at least have a chance at that? Even if they don't match up well against the Titans in the West or even Mississauga in their own conference?
That's a good point actually. The balance of power right now in the Eastern Conference is definitely in the Central Division. The Eastern Division should be fairly wide open. That being said, I would be surprised if the 67's don't take it. I think they have the best depth of any of the teams in the division, IMO. That being said, Kingston and Peterborough could give them a run for their money easily.
Hey Brock, the East Division doesn't look particularly strong and with there defensive depth, Moon and Werek up front and Beskorowany now manning the pipes, why is everyone so down on Kingston's chances? I don't think the 67s or Petes are measurably better. Last I checked, the winner of the East Division was at least guaranteed the second seed in the Eastern Conference, does no one at least think the Fronts at least have a chance at that? Even if they don't match up well against the Titans in the West or even Mississauga in their own conference?
The problem with Kingston is they've always got the "Mavety factor" working against them. People will always underestimate them (and rightly so), because of the track record of their GM.
Over the years, Kingston has had some decent "on paper" talent. But more often than not, the club has underachieved. In fact, I can't recall a single season in which the team did better than what was expected. Every year has either seen the club finish where predicted, or lower than predicted.
Gilmour's the coach there now, but many believe Mavety's influence is still strong, especially when it comes to trades and drafting. And given the fact Mavety's team hasn't won a single playoff round in twelve years (no, that's not a typo), you can understand why people aren't willing to predict a high standing for Kingston.
My personal opinion is they'll finish in the 6th to 9th range in the Conference. I think they're good enough to definitely not finish last in the Conference, but that there's still enough question marks (mainly in upper management) that'll keep them from cracking the top 5.
That's a good point actually. The balance of power right now in the Eastern Conference is definitely in the Central Division. The Eastern Division should be fairly wide open. That being said, I would be surprised if the 67's don't take it. I think they have the best depth of any of the teams in the division, IMO. That being said, Kingston and Peterborough could give them a run for their money easily.
I like Ottawa's forward depth too, but unless Cuma and Gibbons are gonna play 30 minutes a game, I'm not a huge fan of their back end. While they boast some goaltending depth, I'm not sure that they have a legitimate starter, even if Chris Perugini did start to come on a bit near the end of last season.
