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. For Lalonde I don't know. Like you said the Bulls would get a great return but at this moment London extras and picks are pretty bare.
Also would Parnham return after his stint in the AHL this past spring??
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. For Lalonde I don't know. Like you said the Bulls would get a great return but at this moment London extras and picks are pretty bare.
Also would Parnham return after his stint in the AHL this past spring??
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?
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 don't think Harrington is so much of a mystrery as Anton will be. I've seen Harrington and he is scary good for a 16 year old. He was much his Tier II Kingston D partners better as a 15 year old.
Now that I think about it Lalonde as a Knight my happen but like I said there not much there to deal to get him. Losing a forward like a Varone or McRae would hurt and the uncertainty regarding Kadri is still up in the air. London has signed 2 93's that could plug into the fourth maybe third line. But dealing for Lalonde would mean to me a look at next year. Losing a Varone or McRae would hurt the push against Windsor. I don't think they're going to have much of a problem this year because they are better then last year.
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?
Read my interview with Parnham, Brock.
I think with a good camp in Ottawa, he's likely gone, but there is a chance he'll be back in the OHL.
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.
The last thing Kingston needs to do is trade for another goaltender. They're fine with Parks and Cullen as their one-two punch.
While I don't disagree with you about dealing Moon (in fact, I actually thought they should have dealt him this past trade deadline), a goalie coming back the other way makes zero sense for Kingston.
Kingston's biggest needs (other than an owner who actually gives a damn about icing a competitive club): offense and physical play up front, a physically punishing defenseman.
The last thing Kingston needs to do is trade for another goaltender. They're fine with Parks and Cullen as their one-two punch.
While I don't disagree with you about dealing Moon (in fact, I actually thought they should have dealt him this past trade deadline), a goalie coming back the other way makes zero sense for Kingston.
Kingston's biggest needs (other than an owner who actually gives a damn about icing a competitive club): offense and physical play up front, a physically punishing defenseman.
They've been trying to trade Moon for two seasons now, but there really isn't very many GM's jumping up at the chance to acquire him.
He definitely has the talent, but his mental game is trailing a bit.
He definitely has the talent, but his mental game is trailing a bit.
Moon's always struck me as the type of player that has a lot of actual skill, but doesn't have the brains to match.
However, I think a lot of his issues (laziness, inconsistency, not being in tip-top shape) have a lot to do with the organization he plays for. Not all, but a lot to do with it. If he got dealt to a team that actually stresses discipline and hard work, he might be able to turn his game around.
A lot of bad habits have crept into his game, though. He's been in the league 3 years now, so I'm not sure if 1 season outside of Kingston will be enough to correct them.
However, I'm going slightly off topic here ...
Bottom line, I think that if Moon is dealt, it'll need to be for a similar skilled forward, but younger. Or at the very least, a more physical forward with decent size and grit. That's Kingston's biggest glaring hole right now, and having Moon as a potential trade asset should be used to try and fill that hole.
Moon's always struck me as the type of player that has a lot of actual skill, but doesn't have the brains to match.
However, I think a lot of his issues (laziness, inconsistency, not being in tip-top shape) have a lot to do with the organization he plays for. Not all, but a lot to do with it. If he got dealt to a team that actually stresses discipline and hard work, he might be able to turn his game around.
A lot of bad habits have crept into his game, though. He's been in the league 3 years now, so I'm not sure if 1 season outside of Kingston will be enough to correct them.
However, I'm going slightly off topic here ...
Bottom line, I think that if Moon is dealt, it'll need to be for a similar skilled forward, but younger. Or at the very least, a more physical forward with decent size and grit. That's Kingston's biggest glaring hole right now, and having Moon as a potential trade asset should be used to try and fill that hole.
I would agree. Moon is his own worst enemy right now. Unless he acknowledges this and changes his demeanor, he's going to be in for a rude awakening in the AHL.
Nice list, and I can't wait for Besko to get traded. He's a really good goalie but with Stajcer in the Sound he can get something that could really help the team out.
What are the odds of a Moon for Besko swap? I'm not really familiar with Kingston's goaltending situation, so things would hinge on that, but Moon would look great with Hishon.
The last thing Kingston needs to do is trade for another goaltender. They're fine with Parks and Cullen as their one-two punch.
While I don't disagree with you about dealing Moon (in fact, I actually thought they should have dealt him this past trade deadline), a goalie coming back the other way makes zero sense for Kingston.
Kingston's biggest needs (other than an owner who actually gives a damn about icing a competitive club): offense and physical play up front, a physically punishing defenseman.
Interesting. Truthfully I'd have to disagree completely.
A pairing of Parks and John Cullen in net would give Kingston, IMO, potentially the worst goaltending in the entire OHL. I saw a lot of John Cullen in Niagara, and he has a TON of holes in his game. He had a lot of success early until teams started realizing that he flopped around and went down to early, exposing the top part of the net. His anticipation and read of the play are also suspect. He's very athletic, but he needs a LOT of work. At this point, he's a borderline OHL goaltender IMO. Parks, is an OHL back up at best IMO.
In terms of a physically punishing blueliner, I think you'd have to expect that Taylor Doherty will take steps forward and become more punishing this year. I also think Gudbranson becomes more physically involved this year too. And it's not like Brian Lashoff and Zack Fenwick are undersized sissies.
At forward, The Fronts have already brought in one of the most physical forwards in the league in Kaine Geldart, as well as Zach Harnden, who isn't a softie either. I think along with Colt Kennedy, and a stronger Ethan Werek, the team's size and aggressiveness up front is in decent hands.
If the Frontenacs are serious about contending for a playoff spot again in the East, IMO they definitely need to upgrade in net. Unless Cullen or Parks takes a huge step forward, I don't think there is any question that there current goaltending situation places them among the bottom of the league.
Interesting. Truthfully I'd have to disagree completely.
A pairing of Parks and John Cullen in net would give Kingston, IMO, potentially the worst goaltending in the entire OHL. I saw a lot of John Cullen in Niagara, and he has a TON of holes in his game. He had a lot of success early until teams started realizing that he flopped around and went down to early, exposing the top part of the net. His anticipation and read of the play are also suspect. He's very athletic, but he needs a LOT of work. At this point, he's a borderline OHL goaltender IMO. Parks, is an OHL back up at best IMO.
In terms of a physically punishing blueliner, I think you'd have to expect that Taylor Doherty will take steps forward and become more punishing this year. I also think Gudbranson becomes more physically involved this year too. And it's not like Brian Lashoff and Zack Fenwick are undersized sissies.
At forward, The Fronts have already brought in one of the most physical forwards in the league in Kaine Geldart, as well as Zach Harnden, who isn't a softie either. I think along with Colt Kennedy, and a stronger Ethan Werek, the team's size and aggressiveness up front is in decent hands.
If the Frontenacs are serious about contending for a playoff spot again in the East, IMO they definitely need to upgrade in net. Unless Cullen or Parks takes a huge step forward, I don't think there is any question that there current goaltending situation places them among the bottom of the league.
I'm not sure how many games you saw of Kingston's last year, but if you ask any Kingston fan who watched every game they played (this one included) who the team's MVP was, 95% of them would name Mavric Parks. Werek would be his sole competition for that honor. His stats may not have looked all too impressive, but most nights he was the only reason Kingston was even in games. He struggled a bit for about a three week stretch just before the Christmas break, but that had more to do with the fact we had no capable backup at that point, and he was visibly tired. Once Cullen was acquired at the deadline in January, Parks returned to his October/November performance level.
You're right in that they're not "elite" goalies in the OHL. But I disagree that they're not competent enough to at least do their part as solid OHL starters. Put it this way, IF Kingston's offense and defense play well, Parks and Cullen won't cause Kingston to lose games. So don't mistake me for saying that Kingston's got the best goaltending in the league or anything like that, but I just don't see them as a glaring hole in Kingston's line up.
With regards to physicality up front, many Petes fans were disappointed in Harnden's physical play. He didn't shy away, but he wasn't exactly bruising out there (ie. his former teammate Zack Kassian). He didn't play soft, but he didn't punish the opposition on a nightly basis and make their defense pay. Geldart is a great addition, but he's the exception rather than the rule on Kingston. Kennedy needs to bulk up by about 20 pounds before he's effective physically, so Werek and Geldart (plus they drafted a couple of physical 16 year olds this past draft) are their sole physical forwards.
On defense, a lot will depend on Gudbranson. Last year, he was solid, but not overly physical. That's to be expected from a 16 year old just getting accustomed to the OHL game. If he can turn into a physical force this year, that'll go a long way toward helping Kingston's overall lack of physicality. Doherty's another wild card, but for a different reason. Doherty took a big step back last season, and too often didn't use his considerable size effectively. He was by no means soft, but he just didn't seem to dominate physically like a guy listed at 6'8" (though in person he looked more in the 6'6" range) should. Also, by all accounts, Fenwick has not been invited back for his OA season.
Last edited by Sidney the Kidney: 08-02-2009 at 06:15 PM.
I'm not sure how many games you saw of Kingston's last year, but if you ask any Kingston fan who watched every game they played (this one included) who the team's MVP was, 95% of them would name Mavric Parks. Werek would be his sole competition for that honor. His stats may not have looked all too impressive, but most nights he was the only reason Kingston was even in games. He struggled a bit for about a three week stretch just before the Christmas break, but that had more to do with the fact we had no capable backup at that point, and he was visibly tired. Once Cullen was acquired at the deadline in January, Parks returned to his October/November performance level.
You're right in that they're not "elite" goalies in the OHL. But I disagree that they're not competent enough to at least do their part as solid OHL starters. Put it this way, IF Kingston's offense and defense play well, Parks and Cullen won't cause Kingston to lose games. So don't mistake me for saying that Kingston's got the best goaltending in the league or anything like that, but I just don't see them as a glaring hole in Kingston's line up.
With regards to physicality up front, many Petes fans were disappointed in Harnden's physical play. He didn't shy away, but he wasn't exactly bruising out there (ie. his former teammate Zack Kassian). He didn't play soft, but he didn't punish the opposition on a nightly basis and make their defense pay. Geldart is a great addition, but he's the exception rather than the rule on Kingston. Kennedy needs to bulk up by about 20 pounds before he's effective physically, so Werek and Geldart (plus they drafted a couple of physical 16 year olds this past draft) are their sole physical forwards.
On defense, a lot will depend on Gudbranson. Last year, he was solid, but not overly physical. That's to be expected from a 16 year old just getting accustomed to the OHL game. If he can turn into a physical force this year, that'll go a long way toward helping Kingston's overall lack of physicality. Doherty's another wild card, but for a different reason. Doherty took a big step back last season, and too often didn't use his considerable size effectively. He was by no means soft, but he just didn't seem to dominate physically like a guy listed at 6'8" (though in person he looked more in the 6'6" range) should. Also, by all accounts, Fenwick has not been invited back for his OA season.
Fair enough about Parks. That's why it's great to get input from true fans of their team who see action night in and night out.
In the times I've seen Parks, he's been average to below average and as stated, I'm quite familiar with Cullen.
I am really pulling for Kingston to put things together this season. The fans deserve it.
i would say del zotto is 80% chance of going back to the OHL. he has to make the rangers with really only 1 spot open as gilroy is obviously well liked by the staff and was apparently in top form in camp. we also have a lot of depth in the ahl for the 6th spot.
This is looking into the future a bit and could not even apply but if Alex Pietrangelo returns to the Dogs do you think it is possible that DB trades him? This is all purely speculation because for all intents and purposes he'll be in the NHL next season...
Every time i hear about Lalonde, the more excited i get thinking about potenial Seabrook Kieth 2(Lalonde and Olsen)
I rarely watch OHL games, any chance he ends up in Windsor.
With a likely top 4 of Ryan Ellis, Cam Fowler, Mark Cundari and Jesse Blacker, I'm not sure there would be any point to acquiring a guy like Shawn Lalonde.
If Harry Young doesn't end up returning, I could see the Spits going after a big, strong, physical presence on "D", like a Jacob Muzzin, Michael D'Orazio, etc. But I can't see them going after another slick skating, puck mover.
That being said, if Ryan Ellis ends up making the Predators (slim chance), then I could see them being interested in Lalonde.
Sorry to go off-topic, and I'm aware this is probably a stupid question, but is Robin Lehner the undisputed starter? Platoon with O'Hagan?
I think a lot depends on how they play. Right now I'd say that Lehner is expected to start, but I wouldn't call him the undisputed starter. At first, I'd expect them to trade games until one proves they are better than the other.
I think the notion of Lehner being the undisputed starter comes from the fact that most Hounds fans believe Lehner will play better than O'Hagan and ultimately earn the role.
I mean, there is always the chance they trade O'Hagan too, and keep Cody St. Jacques to back up Lehner. Although I'd say the odds of that are a lot less likely since St. Jacques has requested a trade.
This is looking into the future a bit and could not even apply but if Alex Pietrangelo returns to the Dogs do you think it is possible that DB trades him? This is all purely speculation because for all intents and purposes he'll be in the NHL next season...
I'd say the odds of Petro returning to the Dogs are about slim to none. At this point, I think he's learned all he can at the OHL level, at least in Niagara. Even if the Blues keep him up to rotate as the 7th defenceman, practicing and playing limited minutes in the NHL could be better for his development than going back to Niagara and having free roam to do whatever he wants on the ice.
But that's besides the point and doesn't really answer your question. I think a lot depends on the type of goaltending Niagara gets from Import Simila or youngster Mark Visentin. Niagara has a young and improving offence, and if they get quality goaltending, they could make a push for a top 4 seed in the East, even without Petro. If Petro returns in that situation, I don't see him getting traded because he'd be too valuable to the team's performance. However, if Niagara has trouble defensively and in goal, I could see Petro being moved for some parts that could help Niagara make a run next season when the majority of their younger forwards are playing their last seasons in the OHL.
If by the slim chance Pietrangelo gets returned to Niagara, I can't see them trading him. They didn't trade him last season when they could have really got huge dividends for him, so I'm not sure they'd do so this year, either.
Something about the owner (or was it GM?) stating something to the effect that he wants Pietrangelo to play his entire junior career as an IceDog.
If by the slim chance Pietrangelo gets returned to Niagara, I can't see them trading him. They didn't trade him last season when they could have really got huge dividends for him, so I'm not sure they'd do so this year, either.
Something about the owner (or was it GM?) stating something to the effect that he wants Pietrangelo to play his entire junior career as an IceDog.
Because they're likely in tough against Windsor and Plymouth in their division, and the Midwest appears to be doing its best impression of baseball's AL East, I have trouble envisioning a scenario where Saginaw is a lock for the playoffs. If that's the case, what are the odds we see either TJ Brodie or Eddie Pasquale moved, seeing as both are in their last years of eligibility?
Because they're likely in tough against Windsor and Plymouth in their division, and the Midwest appears to be doing its best impression of baseball's AL East, I have trouble envisioning a scenario where Saginaw is a lock for the playoffs. If that's the case, what are the odds we see either TJ Brodie or Eddie Pasquale moved, seeing as both are in their last years of eligibility?
I'm not sure I envision Saginaw being that bad. While it is true that their division is tough, they should still be a playoff team. On top of having a solid goaltender in Pasquale, they've still got a solid defence without Adam Comrie (Brodie, Crawford, Sol, Underwood). Offensively, they could be slightly challenged, but they have a trio of decent OA's (Tyler Murovich, Joe Pleckaitis, and Jordan Skellet), on top of likely improvements from Jordan Szwarz and Josh Shalla. One of their imports, Ivan Telegin, has also committed to coming over and he apparently has some potential to be an impact player.
I'd still put them ahead of the Greyhounds, and I think they'll be miles ahead of the Sting, meaning they'll be probably the third best team in their division, which puts them in the 4-6 range of the Conference. If anything, I could see Saginaw adding players to bring them closer to Plymouth, rather than subtracting them.
