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lordstanley
05-05-2012, 08:31 AM
Forwards
Nicholls (20)
Walker (20)
McColgan (19)
Stransky (19)
Sutter (19)
Astles (19)
Benson (19) could be dealt
Collins (20) no room
Stovin (18)
Zajac (17)
Muller (19) wont be back
McEvoy (18) released or traded
Haas (18) released or traded
Stockl (17) rookie
Revel (16)
Polei (16)
Graham (16) rookie or trade bait
Bodie (17)
Hickmott (16)

Defense
Siemens (19)
Thrower (19)
Deitz (19)
Cox (20) probably dealt now with the pickup of walker
Schmidt (19) no room
Pufahl (18)
Stipancik (18) band aid
Hnidy (16)
Nogier (16) trade bait
Lernout (17)
Pichonsky (17)

Goalies
Makarov (19)
Todd (18) well you know lol
Moodie (17)

My lineup so far just a guess and lots will change and of course i will be wrong but so will most

Nicholls Walker Stransky
McColgan Sutter New guy
Astles Benson Zajac
Stovin Graham Stockl

Siemens Thrower
Deitz 20 year old
new guy Pufahl
Nogier/lernout/Hnidy

Makarov
Moodie/or new backup

Trav
05-05-2012, 11:19 AM
Pufahl is a 93 so he'll be 19 this next season...

Here's who I'd go with...

McColgan - Walker - Stransky
Nicholls - Sutter- ???
Astles - Stovin - Zajac
??? - ??? - ???

I can't see McEvoy or Hass being back, Benson will hopefully be moved for a younger checker to be on the third line with Astles and Zajac, though Stovin might be nobody wiould be able to take liberties with the small dude.

Forth line will be interesting to see whose playing there since some of the young guys probably be moved for a proven scorer (second line ? mark)

They have two listed prospects (Higgins and Sinatyanski?? who will be 18 and 17 if im not mistaken and could be 4th line guys. Both have solid numbers this past season.


Defense

Thrower-Siemens
Dietz- 20 or a 18 yr old vet.
Pufahl -Schmidt or rookie
Lernout
Pichorskiy


Goaltenders - All set there.

Makarov
Moodie

lordstanley
05-05-2012, 11:36 AM
Pufahl is a 93 so he'll be 19 this next season...

Here's who I'd go with...

McColgan - Walker - Stransky
Nicholls - Sutter- ???
Astles - Stovin - Zajac
??? - ??? - ???

I can't see McEvoy or Hass being back, Benson will hopefully be moved for a younger checker to be on the third line with Astles and Zajac, though Stovin might be nobody wiould be able to take liberties with the small dude.

Forth line will be interesting to see whose playing there since some of the young guys probably be moved for a proven scorer (second line ? mark)

They have two listed prospects (Higgins and Sinatyanski?? who will be 18 and 17 if im not mistaken and could be 4th line guys. Both have solid numbers this past season.


Defense

Thrower-Siemens
Dietz- 20 or a 18 yr old vet.
Pufahl -Schmidt or rookie
Lernout
Pichorskiy


Goaltenders - All set there.

Makarov
Moodie

Pufahl 19 that's right all i know is it's slowly taking shape, good start! i was gonna put in those 2 guy's you have listed higgins and synatynski we wlll see how that shakes down, only thing i disagree on is Benson i still like him as a third line checked penalty kill specialist and shut down other teams top lines good in the dressing room too, but we shall see. it is starting to get exciting that'a all i know :groovy:

JMoney1988
05-05-2012, 01:13 PM
Has anyone heard if nicholls is coming at all?

lordstanley
05-05-2012, 03:13 PM
Has anyone heard if nicholls is coming at all?

The Leafs haven't signed him yet he has until june 1st i believe even if they do sign him i feel he will be back anyways

mjw22
05-05-2012, 05:54 PM
Rielly would be a nice trade deadline pick up but I dont think Lorne has enough left to get him lol

curwie
05-05-2012, 06:45 PM
Rielly would be a nice trade deadline pick up but I dont think Lorne has enough left to get him lol

We have plenty left in my opinion. We have many future picks yet to be dealt, and there's no way were done dealing yet. Who else do you want to send our way? hahaha

In my opinion we need another top center and one or 2 wingers along with a top Dman like, Dumba, or Pulock or Murray.

lordstanley
05-05-2012, 08:19 PM
We have plenty left in my opinion. We have many future picks yet to be dealt, and there's no way were done dealing yet. Who else do you want to send our way? hahaha

In my opinion we need another top center and one or 2 wingers along with a top Dman like, Dumba, or Pulock or Murray.

no disrespect to the warriors they don't have the right fit for us this year

curwie
05-06-2012, 12:07 AM
no disrespect to the warriors they don't have the right fit for us this year


I'd gladly take Reilly provided his knee is 100 percent.

Dwight Schrute
05-06-2012, 10:41 AM
What about mark McNeill ?

Western Elite
05-06-2012, 11:41 AM
Prince Albert just acquired a 20 year old goalie in Luke Siemens. I think they have designs on being a playoff team next year. So if McNeill returns, which I think he will, they should be a fairly competitive team. Mike Winther, Bardaro, McVeigh as well as a number of good pieces on the blueline could lead them to a decent season.

There is no doubt that Lorne will use his top prospects in the system, as well as that big 1st round pick in the 2013 bantam draft as key trading pieces. They will likely acquire another key 20 yr old defenseman or forward as well as a couple top end 19 yr old forwards who can score.

As it stands now, Josh Nicholls, Matej Stransky, Brendan Walker and Shane McColgan give the Blades 4 top 6 forwards. They will acquire 2 more most likely. As for names, who knows as this point. I think they would Astles, Sutter on a 3rd line checking unit with Benson (if he isn't dealt).

Siemens, Thower, Dietz and Pufahl are a good top 4 at this point. Connor Cox is a 20 year old who is also eligable to return but could be dealt. A need could be just a big, bruising stay at home dman or someone with an edge. I know some have mentioned Matthew Dumba as a possible player to come and many have mentioned Ryan Murray. Again, it is just a big guess at this point.

In goal, I think adding some veteran experience would be very important. Ideally it would be good for Makarov to play just 50 games or so. Perhaps Cole Holowenko or someone such as him would be a decent backup.

Should be interesting to follow!

curwie
05-06-2012, 12:27 PM
Prince Albert just acquired a 20 year old goalie in Luke Siemens. I think they have designs on being a playoff team next year. So if McNeill returns, which I think he will, they should be a fairly competitive team. Mike Winther, Bardaro, McVeigh as well as a number of good pieces on the blueline could lead them to a decent season.

There is no doubt that Lorne will use his top prospects in the system, as well as that big 1st round pick in the 2013 bantam draft as key trading pieces. They will likely acquire another key 20 yr old defenseman or forward as well as a couple top end 19 yr old forwards who can score.

As it stands now, Josh Nicholls, Matej Stransky, Brendan Walker and Shane McColgan give the Blades 4 top 6 forwards. They will acquire 2 more most likely. As for names, who knows as this point. I think they would Astles, Sutter on a 3rd line checking unit with Benson (if he isn't dealt).

Siemens, Thower, Dietz and Pufahl are a good top 4 at this point. Connor Cox is a 20 year old who is also eligable to return but could be dealt. A need could be just a big, bruising stay at home dman or someone with an edge. I know some have mentioned Matthew Dumba as a possible player to come and many have mentioned Ryan Murray. Again, it is just a big guess at this point.

In goal, I think adding some veteran experience would be very important. Ideally it would be good for Makarov to play just 50 games or so. Perhaps Cole Holowenko or someone such as him would be a decent backup.

Should be interesting to follow!

Nice post Western. Thanks for that. Adam Lowrey would be a nice addition if PA won't deal Mcneil, though there are some that expect decent things out of Swift Current again next year as well. If I remember correctly, they had a very young team last year.

Though I'm high on Moodie, a veteran back up goalie may not be a bad idea. Time will tell I guess.

saskatoonblades123
05-06-2012, 05:02 PM
I could see the Blades starting the season with Walker and McColgan both at center, positions they can both play despite being listed as wingers. With that being said, it's more likely that we see McColgan on the wing.

Stransky-Walker-McColgan
Graham-Sutter-Nicholls
Astles-Benson-Stovin
Zajac-McEvoy-Stockl?

BigCat20
05-06-2012, 05:56 PM
McColgan - Center - Stransky
Nicholls - Walker - L.wing
Astles - Sutter - Lowry
? - Stovin - ?

Siemens - Thrower
Dietz - Dman
Pufahl - Cox
young guy

Makarov
Liston

Center - McNiell, Bardaro(cheaper than McNiell), Weal(if back), Smith(Blazers)
L.wing - Gordon, Ross, Ranford
Dman - Scarlet, Wotherspoon, Hanson, Rielly, Dumba(to expensive I think, like Schenn expensive)

I also like Sutter with Astles......tough, physical and can score a bit!
Problem I see is some trades have to happen before players scholastic contract kicks in. Or they end up being bunch of picks for one player(Schenn). No young roster play will want to move midseason. As much as I like moodie, if I were another team, he'd be one of the first guys I ask about. Might need to move Cox if his spot is needed at forward. Think Stovin will move too, another guy teams will ask for. Lowry would be a grat fit on that 3rd line, player LM really would like!

I like these trade -1) Lowry, Gordon & Scarlet for Stockl, Moodie, Nogier, Zajac & 2 low round picks plus another prospect/roster player to sweeten the pot.
or
2) Smith, Ranford & Hanson for above list. This means Cox gone & need another dman.
or
3) Ross, Leipsic & Wotherspoon for same plus a couple more picks.

Use couple picks and prospects for the 1st line center if trade 1 happens or for Lowry if 2 or 3 happens.

Liston for higher pick and prospect.

Trav
05-06-2012, 07:50 PM
I have a feeling the Blades would only trade Moodie if they got a goaltender back in return and a top notch player.

Liston to me isn't worth a high pick.

BigCat20
05-06-2012, 09:37 PM
Sorry high pick to me is high round pick, maybe I should say late round pick!

curwie
05-06-2012, 09:42 PM
Sorry high pick to me is high round pick, maybe I should say late round pick!

None the less it was a cool post bigcat20! I think Kamloops is supposed to be a real good team next year so I'm not sure there selling.

Trevor
05-06-2012, 11:01 PM
In my opinion we need another top center and one or 2 wingers along with a top Dman like, Dumba, or Pulock or Murray.

Murray would be the most likely guy. He'd be a rental whereas Dumba and Pulock are likely back for 2013-2014. The price for Dumba or Pulock would in the Hamonic and Schenn ballparks, respectively.

curwie
05-06-2012, 11:32 PM
Murray would be the most likely guy. He'd be a rental whereas Dumba and Pulock are likely back for 2013-2014. The price for Dumba or Pulock would in the Hamonic and Schenn ballparks, respectively.

Good point. However if we spend a little more on Pulock or Dumba, you get back some of those picks or prospects the following year by dealing them if the team sucks, which it likely will. I will gladly support a team that sucks for a year or 2 after 2013 as long as we go all in and try to win the cup through the front door in our hometown.

I should also add, (considering Everett is under new management) that i believe you are correct and Murray will be very likely to be dealt somewhere. That team seems to be going no where fast. No offense tips fans.

sbtatter
05-07-2012, 08:20 AM
Murray would be the most likely guy. He'd be a rental whereas Dumba and Pulock are likely back for 2013-2014. The price for Dumba or Pulock would in the Hamonic and Schenn ballparks, respectively.

I think the price for Pulock would be higher because he has 2 seasons left in the dub, Dumba only 1. Schenn was a 1 year rental, whereas Pulock would be a 2 year rental.
Liston might be a great backup goalie, probably come real cheap, he's a great team guy as well.

Trevor
05-07-2012, 09:09 AM
I think the price for Pulock would be higher because he has 2 seasons left in the dub, Dumba only 1. Schenn was a 1 year rental, whereas Pulock would be a 2 year rental.
Liston might be a great backup goalie, probably come real cheap, he's a great team guy as well.

Dumba and Pulock both have 2 years left. They were both born in 1994, but because of Pulock's late b-day he isn't draft eligibe this June.

Raiderfan8
05-07-2012, 12:18 PM
Any chance Saskatoon tries to get Prince Albert's 2nd overall pick in the CHL Import draft to bring in a star player?

lordstanley
05-07-2012, 12:20 PM
Any chance Saskatoon tries to get Prince Albert's 2nd overall pick in the CHL Import draft to bring in a star player?

Not a chance in hell considering we have Stransky who scored 40 goals last year and Makarov well need i say more

wango tango
05-07-2012, 01:00 PM
??? - mccolgan - stransky
??? - walker - nicholls
zajac-sutter-astles
haas - benson - stovin

siemens - ???
dietz - thrower
pufahl - cox
???

makarov
moodie

i'm not going to be surprised to see traded, released, etc. nicholls. dietz. collins. mcevoy. muller. stipancik. graham. stockl. todd. hickmott. nogier. lernout. hnidy. pichonsky. benson. moodie. 2013 and 2014 1st round bantam picks. 2013 1st round import draft pick.

team needs more offense at forward, and a defenseman who can be a powerplay quarterback.

sbtatter
05-07-2012, 02:31 PM
Dumba and Pulock both have 2 years left. They were both born in 1994, but because of Pulock's late b-day he isn't draft eligibe this June.

Yes, but there's a much better chance Dumba makes the show in 13/14 than Pulock, a year after being drafted don't you think?

curwie
05-07-2012, 02:48 PM
Yes, but there's a much better chance Dumba makes the show in 13/14 than Pulock, a year after being drafted don't you think?


So hard to guess on that, but makes an interesting discussion none the less! My feeling is either one would be a long shot to make it as a 19 year old in the show.

curwie
05-07-2012, 02:54 PM
??? - mccolgan - stransky
??? - walker - nicholls
zajac-sutter-astles
haas - benson - stovin

siemens - ???
dietz - thrower
pufahl - cox
???

makarov
moodie

i'm not going to be surprised to see traded, released, etc. nicholls. dietz. collins. mcevoy. muller. stipancik. graham. stockl. todd. hickmott. nogier. lernout. hnidy. pichonsky. benson. moodie. 2013 and 2014 1st round bantam picks. 2013 1st round import draft pick.

team needs more offense at forward, and a defenseman who can be a powerplay quarterback.

I agree with most of your post, but to pencil Haas in, at this point is a long shot, imo.

wango tango
05-07-2012, 03:23 PM
I agree with most of your post, but to pencil Haas in, at this point is a long shot, imo.

fair enough. i'm guessing haas is on the bubble, and could get bumped for a rookie. i do like his willingness to compete and battle.

curwie
05-07-2012, 03:28 PM
fair enough. i'm guessing haas is on the bubble, and could get bumped for a rookie. i do like his willingness to compete and battle.


As do I. But this is a different year than most.

dagley
05-07-2012, 04:33 PM
Dumba and Pulock both have 2 years left. They were both born in 1994, but because of Pulock's late b-day he isn't draft eligibe this June.

You wont be getting Pulock from us, he'll be our captain next season I bet. He isnt even drafted yet.

Trav
05-07-2012, 05:43 PM
With Astles here, I don't see Haas being here, there's no room for him. All he did was try and pick fights, come on the team doesn't need that when their trying to win the Memorial Cup. If Haas is kept over a scoring forward then Molleken is out to lunch.

The team has enough checking type players now with Astles on the team.

lordstanley
05-07-2012, 05:55 PM
With Astles here, I don't see Haas being here, there's no room for him. All he did was try and pick fights, come on the team doesn't need that when their trying to win the Memorial Cup. If Haas is kept over a scoring forward then Molleken is out to lunch.

The team has enough checking type players now with Astles on the team.

I agree here there is no room for Haas Astles is a way better version of Haas i'm not so sure another team would even take a shot with Haas at all

Guy like Haas would be taking a role away from a possible rookie liek stockl or graham that can just not happen

I would love to see astles on a checking line with Benson and either stovin or zajac

Trevor
05-08-2012, 07:58 AM
Yes, but there's a much better chance Dumba makes the show in 13/14 than Pulock, a year after being drafted don't you think?

In theory yes. Dumba would have 2 NHL camps worth of experience, and with how Hockey Canada loves first round picks will more than likely be on the World Junior squad this December. Not that Pulock won't be, Ryan Murray played this past winter and isn't drafted yet. But I'd be willing to bet Nicholosn already has Dumba's name on a sweater.

That experience gives him a better chance, but I don't think either one would have high chances of making the show in 13/14.

saskatoonblades123
05-08-2012, 01:30 PM
Ppl are clueless if we think we are going to get Murray or Pulock.

Murray will be in the NHL next season, Pulock is Brandon's one untouchable. Likely the same for Dumba.

I would agree with other posts that guys like Lowry or Gordon are much safer bets to bring in up front.

I would suspect we add one more very good D.

lordstanley
05-08-2012, 01:47 PM
Ppl are clueless if we think we are going to get Murray or Pulock.

Murray will be in the NHL next season, Pulock is Brandon's one untouchable. Likely the same for Dumba.

I would agree with other posts that guys like Lowry or Gordon are much safer bets to bring in up front.

I would suspect we add one more very good D.

I wouldn't be so sure on landing swifty players they are gonna be a lot better next season they are returning alot of guys up front they can have moser black lowry and gordon returning pretty much there whole defense as well, i think there gonna wanna make a push for the playoffs next season seeing as they have missed quit a bit lately

Sure glad i started this thread alot of good discussion going on

curwie
05-08-2012, 02:21 PM
I wouldn't be so sure on landing swifty players they are gonna be a lot better next season they are returning alot of guys up front they can have moser black lowry and gordon returning pretty much there whole defense as well, i think there gonna wanna make a push for the playoffs next season seeing as they have missed quit a bit lately

Sure glad i started this thread alot of good discussion going on

Ran into someone close with the team last night. He says the trades have got the players attention and some are worried about being dealt. Also says it's tough to trade for any real "big" names at this time, because of the situation with the NHL collective bargaining agreement. If the NHL has a lock out, lots of real good players will be available next year. It will be interesting!

curwie
05-08-2012, 02:31 PM
Ppl are clueless if we think we are going to get Murray or Pulock.

Murray will be in the NHL next season, Pulock is Brandon's one untouchable. Likely the same for Dumba.

I would agree with other posts that guys like Lowry or Gordon are much safer bets to bring in up front.

I would suspect we add one more very good D.

lol. I think I'll bookmark this post.

wango tango
05-08-2012, 09:48 PM
Ppl are clueless if we think we are going to get Murray or Pulock.

Murray will be in the NHL next season, Pulock is Brandon's one untouchable. Likely the same for Dumba.

I would agree with other posts that guys like Lowry or Gordon are much safer bets to bring in up front.

I would suspect we add one more very good D.

there is no such thing as an untouchable.

exhibit a: gretzky, wayne.

i'm not so sure there will be an nhl next season. the two sides haven't even started talking yet.

and if there is no nhl next season that'll have a huge impact on potential 20's and 19's who could be in junior across the chl.

i think molleken is prepared to pay almost any price to get the players he wants.

and yeah if i was a current member of the blades i'd be nervous too. they had a chance over the last two seasons to show they wanted to be in saskatoon playing for a memorial cup, and precious did.

curwie
05-08-2012, 10:46 PM
there is no such thing as an untouchable.

exhibit a: gretzky, wayne.

i'm not so sure there will be an nhl next season. the two sides haven't even started talking yet.

and if there is no nhl next season that'll have a huge impact on potential 20's and 19's who could be in junior across the chl.

i think molleken is prepared to pay almost any price to get the players he wants.

and yeah if i was a current member of the blades i'd be nervous too. they had a chance over the last two seasons to show they wanted to be in saskatoon playing for a memorial cup, and precious did.


Excellent post! Agreed 100 percent!

Crush Kill Destroy
05-09-2012, 06:43 AM
i'm not going to be surprised to see traded, released, etc. nicholls. dietz. collins. mcevoy. muller. stipancik. graham. stockl. todd. hickmott. nogier. lernout. hnidy. pichonsky. benson. moodie. 2013 and 2014 1st round bantam picks. 2013 1st round import draft pick.


The Blades can't trade their 2014 1st round pick. As part of the deal to acquire Brenden Walker from Brandon, the Blades have given the Wheat Kings the option of swapping 1st round picks with them in 2014.

Trav
05-09-2012, 08:47 AM
The Blades can't trade their 2014 1st round pick. As part of the deal to acquire Brenden Walker from Brandon, the Blades have given the Wheat Kings the option of swapping 1st round picks with them in 2014.

I don't see why they still couldn't trade their 2014 1st rounder. The other team would just have whatever pick Brandon don't take (their own or the Blades pick)

saskatoonblades123
05-09-2012, 01:40 PM
The Blades can't trade their 2014 1st round pick. As part of the deal to acquire Brenden Walker from Brandon, the Blades have given the Wheat Kings the option of swapping 1st round picks with them in 2014.

Yes, they still can trade the pick.

saskatoonblades123
05-09-2012, 01:50 PM
lol. I think I'll bookmark this post.

Go ahead and laugh.

Murray won't be in the WHL next season, take that for what it is. He's going to be a top 3-5 NHL draft pick and the only way he's not in the NHL is if he maybe ends up a team like Columbus and even then I would still bet he's NHL ready.

As for Pulock and Dumba...sure there is no such thing as an untouchable, but I would be very shocked to see those guys traded. They are likely going to be their respective captains next season. Both teams aren't likely to be great next year and that might help the Blades cause, but both guys come with extremely huge price tags, price tags that Lorne likely can't afford (even though he does have 1st rounders in '13, '14 and beyond. I think he would rather add a solid top 2-3 D (or two of them) that are 19 year old's that dont come with as high of a price tag as Dumba or Pulock would come with. That goes for Rielly, too.

Up front, it's clear the top 6 still needs to get bigger. Olsen didn't play like a 6'3 player, but atleast he was 6'3. McColgan is very tiny and Walker isn't exactly big. I would still expect us to add a large #1 C, someone not named McNeill (I dont see PA trading him next season, they need to win too badly).

This team is also still weak on the wings, needing to add atleast 2 more good wingers for the top 9. Those guys will also likely have to have good size and scoring ability...that's where a guy like Lowry or Gordon comes in. Perfect fits. And I still dont think Swift is aplayoff team next yr, making it easier for us to likely acquire those players.

In goal, we will definitely start the year with Moodie as our #2, but even if he plays well I could see us looking to add a veteran backup as inusarance in case Makarov gets hurt or for some reason just isn't playing well at times.

saskatoonblades123
05-09-2012, 04:58 PM
Took the time to go through all 21 opposing rosters to try and find guys that we would have interest in. There are obviously varying degrees of quality of players but it doesn't seem like there is a ton of high end talent that will be available, guys like Schenn or Eakin, for example. Sure, there are guys like McNeill or Rattie, but I don't know if those guys are going to be viable options at this point.
Either way, here's the list of guys I came up with. It's not perfect, having not included guys like Reinhart and Shinkaruk etc. But either, way it's worth discussing:

Brandon

Swyripa
Roy
Nikkel
Miller
Anderson

Moose Jaw

Fioretti
Beach
Rielly
Johnson
Eberle
Edmundson
Wyton
Brown
Gwinner

Prince Albert

McNeill
Ruopp
Corbin

Swift Current

Cave
Magnus
Lowry
Dale
Black
Blanke
Derko
Gordon
Reum
Walker
Craig
Scarlett
Nedomlel

Regina

Scheidl
Volek
Stevenson
Rider
Underwood
Jobke

Calgary

Kornelson
Brooks
Brassart
Gayle
Macek
Roach
Humphries
Rissling
Helgesen

Edmonton

Wilson
Legault
Wruck
Foster
Moroz
Lowe
St. Croix

Kootenay

Pearce
Czerwonka
Dirk
Leach

Lethbridge

Tot
Buonassissi
Yakubowski
Hood
Liston

Medicine Hat

Leier
Bredo
Kessy
Busenius
Theriau

Red Deer

Ness
Kambeitz
Dumba

Everett

Walters
Murray
Petryk

Kamloops

Sith
Lipon
Willick
Ranford
Souto
Hanson
Gaudet

Kelowna

Franko
Rigby
Severson
Bell

Portland

Rattie
Ross
Leier
Peters
Rutkowski
Wotherspoon
Pouliot
Morrow

Prince George

Siwak
Bourke
Forsberg
Forsberg
Smith

Seattle

Aschim
Hickman
Troock
Jacobs
Lockhart

Spokane

Gal
Holmberg
Aviani

Tri-City

Holland
Feser
Yuen
Hamonic
Topping

Vancouver

Sward
Franson
Burns
Martinook
Musil
Vanieuwenheizen

Victoria

Walker
Hodges
Magee
Nelson

curwie
05-09-2012, 06:23 PM
Go ahead and laugh.

Murray won't be in the WHL next season, take that for what it is. He's going to be a top 3-5 NHL draft pick and the only way he's not in the NHL is if he maybe ends up a team like Columbus and even then I would still bet he's NHL ready.

As for Pulock and Dumba...sure there is no such thing as an untouchable, but I would be very shocked to see those guys traded. They are likely going to be their respective captains next season. Both teams aren't likely to be great next year and that might help the Blades cause, but both guys come with extremely huge price tags, price tags that Lorne likely can't afford (even though he does have 1st rounders in '13, '14 and beyond. I think he would rather add a solid top 2-3 D (or two of them) that are 19 year old's that dont come with as high of a price tag as Dumba or Pulock would come with. That goes for Rielly, too.

Up front, it's clear the top 6 still needs to get bigger. Olsen didn't play like a 6'3 player, but atleast he was 6'3. McColgan is very tiny and Walker isn't exactly big. I would still expect us to add a large #1 C, someone not named McNeill (I dont see PA trading him next season, they need to win too badly).

This team is also still weak on the wings, needing to add atleast 2 more good wingers for the top 9. Those guys will also likely have to have good size and scoring ability...that's where a guy like Lowry or Gordon comes in. Perfect fits. And I still dont think Swift is aplayoff team next yr, making it easier for us to likely acquire those players.

In goal, we will definitely start the year with Moodie as our #2, but even if he plays well I could see us looking to add a veteran backup as inusarance in case Makarov gets hurt or for some reason just isn't playing well at times.


Much better post than your last one. None need for insults here. You make some very good points and it's clear that your being feed some good information, and I for one appreciate you sharing it.

Joe Hallenback is a Brandon fan, and he seems very well connected. He called the Walker trade over 6 months ago. (The day after Dizzy was traded to Brandon) So if he says we will make a play for Dumba, and Red Deer would be willing to trade him if things don't go well for them, I tend to believe him. Maybe it'll happen maybe it won't. That's the beauty of discussion board!:)

As for Murray, I guess we'll see how high he goes in the draft, and if the NHL and the players work out the details in the collective bargaining agreement.

curwie
05-09-2012, 06:43 PM
Took the time to go through all 21 opposing rosters to try and find guys that we would have interest in. There are obviously varying degrees of quality of players but it doesn't seem like there is a ton of high end talent that will be available, guys like Schenn or Eakin, for example. Sure, there are guys like McNeill or Rattie, but I don't know if those guys are going to be viable options at this point.
Either way, here's the list of guys I came up with. It's not perfect, having not included guys like Reinhart and Shinkaruk etc. But either, way it's worth discussing:

Brandon

Swyripa
Roy
Nikkel
Miller
Anderson

Moose Jaw

Fioretti
Beach
Rielly
Johnson
Eberle
Edmundson
Wyton
Brown
Gwinner

Prince Albert

McNeill
Ruopp
Corbin

Swift Current

Cave
Magnus
Lowry
Dale
Black
Blanke
Derko
Gordon
Reum
Walker
Craig
Scarlett
Nedomlel

Regina

Scheidl
Volek
Stevenson
Rider
Underwood
Jobke

Calgary

Kornelson
Brooks
Brassart
Gayle
Macek
Roach
Humphries
Rissling
Helgesen

Edmonton

Wilson
Legault
Wruck
Foster
Moroz
Lowe
St. Croix

Kootenay

Pearce
Czerwonka
Dirk
Leach

Lethbridge

Tot
Buonassissi
Yakubowski
Hood
Liston

Medicine Hat

Leier
Bredo
Kessy
Busenius
Theriau

Red Deer

Ness
Kambeitz
Dumba

Everett

Walters
Murray
Petryk

Kamloops

Sith
Lipon
Willick
Ranford
Souto
Hanson
Gaudet

Kelowna

Franko
Rigby
Severson
Bell

Portland

Rattie
Ross
Leier
Peters
Rutkowski
Wotherspoon
Pouliot
Morrow

Prince George

Siwak
Bourke
Forsberg
Forsberg
Smith

Seattle

Aschim
Hickman
Troock
Jacobs
Lockhart

Spokane

Gal
Holmberg
Aviani

Tri-City

Holland
Feser
Yuen
Hamonic
Topping

Vancouver

Sward
Franson
Burns
Martinook
Musil
Vanieuwenheizen

Victoria

Walker
Hodges
Magee
Nelson


See the big thing that I believe your overlooking is, the situation with the NHL and the collective bargaining agreement. If there is a lockout, (and lets face it, the players and owners were dumb enough to do it once, there possibly dumb enough to do it again) the players available to the OHL, QMJHL, and WHL will be huge. The OHL and QMJHL will be loaded will NHL caliber players, so we better be to. That's why I believe we won't see any more "big" moves until there is a level of certainty that there will be NHL hockey in 2013.

None the less, that's a long list of players to choose from. When I have some more time I'll list my favorites out of your list. Teams like Edmonton aren't going to be selling unless they get top dollar as they will be contending again next year. If we could get anything off of them I'd be shocked, however stranger things have happened. One Dman I've always liked is Edmundson from Moose Jaw. Tough and skilled. Would love to have him.

saskatoonblades123
05-10-2012, 08:59 AM
Much better post than your last one. None need for insults here. You make some very good points and it's clear that your being feed some good information, and I for one appreciate you sharing it.

Joe Hallenback is a Brandon fan, and he seems very well connected. He called the Walker trade over 6 months ago. (The day after Dizzy was traded to Brandon) So if he says we will make a play for Dumba, and Red Deer would be willing to trade him if things don't go well for them, I tend to believe him. Maybe it'll happen maybe it won't. That's the beauty of discussion board!:)

As for Murray, I guess we'll see how high he goes in the draft, and if the NHL and the players work out the details in the collective bargaining agreement.

I'm not being fed any information, it's all pretty clear. Murray is playing at the World Championships, he's expected to be a top 3 pick. People have called him the most NHL-ready D in the 2012 NHL draft. It's not likely that he's back. That's not exactly inside information. If there is a lockout, obviously that changes things immensely.

As for guys like Dumba, Rielly, Pulock...I just think it would need to work out perfectly for the Blades to even have a chance at acquiring any of those guys.

saskatoonblades123
05-10-2012, 09:11 AM
Here is a rough prediction of future lines using some guys that might be available, based on my list above:


Lowry - Colin Smith - Stransky
McColgan - Walker - Nicholls
Scheidl - Sutter - Stovin
Astles - Benson - Zajac/Graham

Siemens - Thrower
Edmundson - Dietz
Pufahl - Cox

Schmidt


Those are my rough lines. But, I could also see the Blades going after guys like the Forsberg brothers from PG, Jagger Dirk from Koot, Harrison Ruopp from PA, Cody Beach from MJ, Kale Kessy from MH, Tyler Wotherspoon from Portland and others.

twentyone
05-10-2012, 12:00 PM
I am not sure about contractual details but lets say the NHL happens to go on strike, but settle the agreement at the end of November and play out a shortened season. I wouldn’t bank on those types of players.

Here is how I think the Blades are shaping up and my armchair GM strategies. I am a believer that a good championship team needs depth more so that elite top six forwards. If you can have strong enough depth will benefit come playoff time. What hurt the Blades last year was the lack of depth and injuries come playoff time. Blades were gased. Dietz and Thrower played way too many minutes last year and Makarov played way too many games. Benson looked out of shape and can’t handle top 6 minutes. The guy sometimes looks like he is skating in sand. Olsen was the same way. If you noticed Olsen looked great in the first period but faded as the game went on. Burns and Paradis also looked gased as they had to step up when Nicholls was hurt.

Anyway here is my lineup:

Down the middle I like Mccolgan, Walker, Sutter, Benson. I would keep Benson, which provides depth at center (you need depth). And could step in as a top line center for injury relief. As I stated earlier I personally think Benson’s biggest issue is his conditioning. Reduce his minutes and he can be a good contributor. Big faceoff guy, penalty killer etc.

Down the right side shoe in’s are Stransky, Nicholls one two. On the 3rd line I give Stovin and Hickmont to battle in camp for that spot and that spot only. Tell them right now that their roll will be a 3rd line shutdown checking line. If they cant do the job find someone else. Stovin showed some promise last year however on a 3rd line he needs to improve on his -17. Along those same lines I give Muller a chance to fight for his role as a 4th line bruising checker (tell the camp that this spot could be open as well). I think those 2 spots could be filled from within.

Down the left side is where Lorne will have to look elsewhere I believe. He should be looking for a top line left winger to play with McColgan and Stransky. From what I saw last year I liked the play of Ryan Graham. I would give him a chance out of camp to be the 2nd line winger up until xmas anyway. For the 3rd line Lorne should look for a 20 yr old lunch pail grinder along the same mold as a Burns type player to play with Sutter on the shutdown line. Astles fills out the left side on the 4th line.

On Defence I think the pieces are there. I don’t see as much need as most people think. Dietz and Thrower are a solid top pairing and would rival any top pairing in the league. Then I like Siemens on the 2nd pairing along with bringing in a solid big bodied 20 yr old shut down man similar type to Teighan Zahn was as a 20 yr old. Those 2 could play against any teams top lines and shut them down. Can you imagine having to face Siemens and a 20 yr old Zahn all night. Yikes. After that I feel comfortable giving Schmidt a chance and Phufal a chance to round out the top 6 D. with Stipanciak as a 7th Dman. If need be at the trade deadline you upgrade and replace Schmidt who would then become the 7th dman. One Dman that I have fell in love with the type of game he plays is Harrison Ruopp. But I doubt the Raiders would deal him tho as they need to make the playoffs NOW.

In goal Markov is obviously the top choice. Moodie has shown he will be a very good goalie in the WHL and I would start the season with him as the backup and give him a fair share of the duty early on. A) to not overuse Makarov and B) showcase him. He could be a valuable asset come trade deadline. There will be a lot of teams that would love a 17 yr old goalie of his caliber. And then bring in a 19 yr old backup back in a trade that wouldn’t cost much.

Lorne has typically used young kids on the 4th lines to get there feet wet in the grind of the WHL. This obviously isn’t the year to do that. Its time to have a older 4th line that can put the puck in the net on occasion (like Medicine Hat had this year in the playoffs) also bringing some much needed energy when required cycling down low wearing down opposing dmen.

I think there is only 2 spots that will be open to fill from within at camp. 2nd line left winger (which I give the edge to Graham). 3rd line right winger (give the edge to Stovin). I also think Lorne needs to start protecting some undrafted junior A kids that can provide some depth in the form of injury relief as opposed to having a prospect list full of 15 and 16 yr olds. I would really like to see Graham get a legitimate shot at the 2nd line LW. Then if the Blades still lack some scoring come xmas, then upgrade him at the deadline and he becomes a decent depth player you could throw in and out of the lineup when guys need rest.

As for special teams I see PP 1 – as (top LW) McColgan Stransky and Nicholls and Thrower on D. PP-2 as (Graham or whoever steals this spot) Sutter and Walker with Siemens and Dietz on D. PK 1 Benson Nicholls Dietz Siemens. PK 2 – Sutter Walker (20 yr old Dman) Siemens.

All in all that looks like a pretty solid team.

saskatoonblades123
05-10-2012, 04:23 PM
I am not sure about contractual details but lets say the NHL happens to go on strike, but settle the agreement at the end of November and play out a shortened season. I wouldn’t bank on those types of players.

Here is how I think the Blades are shaping up and my armchair GM strategies. I am a believer that a good championship team needs depth more so that elite top six forwards. If you can have strong enough depth will benefit come playoff time. What hurt the Blades last year was the lack of depth and injuries come playoff time. Blades were gased. Dietz and Thrower played way too many minutes last year and Makarov played way too many games. Benson looked out of shape and can’t handle top 6 minutes. The guy sometimes looks like he is skating in sand. Olsen was the same way. If you noticed Olsen looked great in the first period but faded as the game went on. Burns and Paradis also looked gased as they had to step up when Nicholls was hurt.

Anyway here is my lineup:

Down the middle I like Mccolgan, Walker, Sutter, Benson. I would keep Benson, which provides depth at center (you need depth). And could step in as a top line center for injury relief. As I stated earlier I personally think Benson’s biggest issue is his conditioning. Reduce his minutes and he can be a good contributor. Big faceoff guy, penalty killer etc.

Down the right side shoe in’s are Stransky, Nicholls one two. On the 3rd line I give Stovin and Hickmont to battle in camp for that spot and that spot only. Tell them right now that their roll will be a 3rd line shutdown checking line. If they cant do the job find someone else. Stovin showed some promise last year however on a 3rd line he needs to improve on his -17. Along those same lines I give Muller a chance to fight for his role as a 4th line bruising checker (tell the camp that this spot could be open as well). I think those 2 spots could be filled from within.

Down the left side is where Lorne will have to look elsewhere I believe. He should be looking for a top line left winger to play with McColgan and Stransky. From what I saw last year I liked the play of Ryan Graham. I would give him a chance out of camp to be the 2nd line winger up until xmas anyway. For the 3rd line Lorne should look for a 20 yr old lunch pail grinder along the same mold as a Burns type player to play with Sutter on the shutdown line. Astles fills out the left side on the 4th line.

On Defence I think the pieces are there. I don’t see as much need as most people think. Dietz and Thrower are a solid top pairing and would rival any top pairing in the league. Then I like Siemens on the 2nd pairing along with bringing in a solid big bodied 20 yr old shut down man similar type to Teighan Zahn was as a 20 yr old. Those 2 could play against any teams top lines and shut them down. Can you imagine having to face Siemens and a 20 yr old Zahn all night. Yikes. After that I feel comfortable giving Schmidt a chance and Phufal a chance to round out the top 6 D. with Stipanciak as a 7th Dman. If need be at the trade deadline you upgrade and replace Schmidt who would then become the 7th dman. One Dman that I have fell in love with the type of game he plays is Harrison Ruopp. But I doubt the Raiders would deal him tho as they need to make the playoffs NOW.

In goal Markov is obviously the top choice. Moodie has shown he will be a very good goalie in the WHL and I would start the season with him as the backup and give him a fair share of the duty early on. A) to not overuse Makarov and B) showcase him. He could be a valuable asset come trade deadline. There will be a lot of teams that would love a 17 yr old goalie of his caliber. And then bring in a 19 yr old backup back in a trade that wouldn’t cost much.

Lorne has typically used young kids on the 4th lines to get there feet wet in the grind of the WHL. This obviously isn’t the year to do that. Its time to have a older 4th line that can put the puck in the net on occasion (like Medicine Hat had this year in the playoffs) also bringing some much needed energy when required cycling down low wearing down opposing dmen.

I think there is only 2 spots that will be open to fill from within at camp. 2nd line left winger (which I give the edge to Graham). 3rd line right winger (give the edge to Stovin). I also think Lorne needs to start protecting some undrafted junior A kids that can provide some depth in the form of injury relief as opposed to having a prospect list full of 15 and 16 yr olds. I would really like to see Graham get a legitimate shot at the 2nd line LW. Then if the Blades still lack some scoring come xmas, then upgrade him at the deadline and he becomes a decent depth player you could throw in and out of the lineup when guys need rest.

As for special teams I see PP 1 – as (top LW) McColgan Stransky and Nicholls and Thrower on D. PP-2 as (Graham or whoever steals this spot) Sutter and Walker with Siemens and Dietz on D. PK 1 Benson Nicholls Dietz Siemens. PK 2 – Sutter Walker (20 yr old Dman) Siemens.

All in all that looks like a pretty solid team.

- I agree I like Sutter/Benson as 3rd/4th line C's...just not sure McColgan/Walker offer the size/strength to be considered 1-2 in that regard. I still think the Blades need a true #1 C with some size/experience.

- I agree LW is a huge concern, that's why I like us grabbing a guy like Lowry from SC.

- Dietz/Thrower hardly ever ever played together, only when desparate. I don't see why you lump them together as our top pairing...

- I like Ruopp too, and he might actually be a great fit with Siemens as he is a RH shot.

- Using junior A kids as relief? You are joking, right? That's a terrible idea. Sure, they have experience and are older but it would be much smarter to just make sure you have a ton of depth and if need be, have guys like McEvoy and Zajac as 13/14th FW's.

- Noticed how you never mentioned guys like Cox or Zajac...where do they fit in exactly? Especially considering Zajac was the teams best FW in the short playoff run this yr.

- I think the Blades will be acquiring WAY more players than you are giving them credit for.

Trav
05-10-2012, 06:00 PM
People have to remember there's going to be other teams contending to, not just the Blades. Teams like Edmonton, Portland, Kamloops I can't see trading their players to the Blades when they themselves are going to have a good team.

Why would PG trade Forsberg when he's only 17? lol, wishful thinking on the part of the person who mentioned acquiring him.

There's nothing wrong in using Jr. A players especially if their highly touted. Molleken needs to look EVERYWHERE for players, not just the midget leagues where he's been looking the last several years.

JMoney1988
05-10-2012, 10:43 PM
I really couldn't care less who we have on our team this year as long as we make the playoffs, go to at least the second or third round or possibly win it all, then have a good showing at the memorial cup. This is my last year as season ticket holder for now, as I will be going to school next year......., I just hope it's a memorable experience for fans and players alike

twentyone
05-11-2012, 09:35 AM
- I agree I like Sutter/Benson as 3rd/4th line C's...just not sure McColgan/Walker offer the size/strength to be considered 1-2 in that regard. I still think the Blades need a true #1 C with some size/experience.

- I agree LW is a huge concern, that's why I like us grabbing a guy like Lowry from SC.

- Dietz/Thrower hardly ever ever played together, only when desparate. I don't see why you lump them together as our top pairing...

- I like Ruopp too, and he might actually be a great fit with Siemens as he is a RH shot.

- Using junior A kids as relief? You are joking, right? That's a terrible idea. Sure, they have experience and are older but it would be much smarter to just make sure you have a ton of depth and if need be, have guys like McEvoy and Zajac as 13/14th FW's.

- Noticed how you never mentioned guys like Cox or Zajac...where do they fit in exactly? Especially considering Zajac was the teams best FW in the short playoff run this yr.

- I think the Blades will be acquiring WAY more players than you are giving them credit for.

First off Dietz and thrower played very well together while Siemens, Cox, and Phufal were injured. I personally think they make a good first pairing and compliment each other well.

Of course guys like McEvoy and Zajac types of guys are going to be the 13/14th guys but I was looking at a LINEUP. As for the Junior A players I was pointing out that Lorne needs to have 18 and 19 yr old JUnior players protected that we could use as opposed to 15 and 16 yr old midget AAA players. Case in point was last year when the Blades had so many injuries they were forced to put Kyle Haas on defence and continue placing 15 yr old
midget AAA into the lineup until there 5 games were up.

Two years ago Blades had traded for Tanner Sohn at the deadline. He was a 19 yr old playing Junior A in Lloydminster but if need be could of stepped into the Dub and would be a better option than a 15 yr old.

I didnt include Cox or Collins because I feel as overager's they could both be upgraded. I would still feel comfortable with Cox in the lineup. But I dont see a place for Collins. He could play on the wing on the 2nd line but I really want to see Graham get that shot. He showed alot of confidence. As for the 3rd line a 20 yr old big boddied 3rd line winger would be more beneficial than Collins. He is still a very good player and I am sure there are many teams that would be interested in him.

lordstanley
05-11-2012, 10:13 AM
Lorne will not have Deitz and Thrower as a pairing mark my words on this

they both have right handed shots you can not have that as a dman pairing and lorne never does unless he is forced to out of injuries look at last season all 3 pairings were right left right left right left

And your crazy if you think Graham is gonna be a second line LW in his rookie season as a 16 year old in a Memorial cup season heck he may come to us when he is 17 with a year of dominating in midget

saskatoonblades123
05-11-2012, 10:25 AM
Lorne will not have Deitz and Thrower as a pairing mark my words on this

they both have right handed shots you can not have that as a dman pairing and lorne never does unless he is forced to out of injuries look at last season all 3 pairings were right left right left right left

And your crazy if you think Graham is gonna be a second line LW in his rookie season as a 16 year old in a Memorial cup season heck he may come to us when he is 17 with a year of dominating in midget

I could see Graham starting the year with the Blades on the 2nd or 3rd line LW. But, come the back half of the season, he will definitely be upgraded at that position. He likely won't be traded, but he will likely be a 4th liner or healthy scratch. He could stick in the Blades top 9 players up front, but that's only if his transition to the WHL is seamless, which is a pretty big expectation, regardless of how high the organization is on the kid.

lordstanley
05-11-2012, 10:29 AM
I could see Graham starting the year with the Blades on the 2nd or 3rd line LW. But, come the back half of the season, he will definitely be upgraded at that position. He likely won't be traded, but he will likely be a 4th liner or healthy scratch. He could stick in the Blades top 9 players up front, but that's only if his transition to the WHL is seamless, which is a pretty big expectation, regardless of how high the organization is on the kid.

Guy's right now ahead of Graham on the depth chart
Walker
McColgan
Nicholls
Stransky
Sutter
Benson
Stovin
Astles
Zajac
and probably another forward

Thats 10 forwards so at best he is a 4th liner a 4th liner that would maybe get 9 mins a game i would rather him dominate in midget this year then come up to us when were rebuilding as a 17 year old with a lot of playing time

saskatoonblades123
05-11-2012, 11:55 AM
Guy's right now ahead of Graham on the depth chart
Walker
McColgan
Nicholls
Stransky
Sutter
Benson
Stovin
Astles
Zajac
and probably another forward

Thats 10 forwards so at best he is a 4th liner a 4th liner that would maybe get 9 mins a game i would rather him dominate in midget this year then come up to us when were rebuilding as a 17 year old with a lot of playing time

Well, your listing is somewhat flawed because Graham is a LW. It's obvious he's behind all those guys you list, but only two of them are true LWers. (Zajac and Astles).

Can McColgan/Stransky both play the LW, ya...and I'm sure one of them will start the season on the top line LW...but there is definitely room for Graham to start the season on the top 2 lines LW just to see how he fits and see if he's ready. It's no rush. If he shows he's not quite ready, then Lorne wont hesitate to send him back to midget. I just think that everyone knows how much they like him and he will get a shot to succeed right off the bat.

lordstanley
05-11-2012, 12:10 PM
Well, your listing is somewhat flawed because Graham is a LW. It's obvious he's behind all those guys you list, but only two of them are true LWers. (Zajac and Astles).

Can McColgan/Stransky both play the LW, ya...and I'm sure one of them will start the season on the top line LW...but there is definitely room for Graham to start the season on the top 2 lines LW just to see how he fits and see if he's ready. It's no rush. If he shows he's not quite ready, then Lorne wont hesitate to send him back to midget. I just think that everyone knows how much they like him and he will get a shot to succeed right off the bat.

I like him too and he will be a good 1 in this league for years to come but i guess we'll just have to agree to disagree on this one

TheMysteryMan
05-12-2012, 03:50 AM
Lets be fair to ourselves if those guys are ahead of graham they are ahead of him. You can put a RW or a C on LW and its not that much of a difference. I just think the blades are hoping there isnt a lockout because way more teams will think they are better than they are and i still think for a mem cup year stoon has a really long ways to go! Lots of the players from other teams you fans have put up on the lines are unrealistic because you seem to get these players and not give up nothing. sure teams will take draft picks from you but they will also take your younger guys. i wish you well but i think your team in 10/11 is going to be better than youll be able to ice next year.

lordstanley
05-12-2012, 08:00 AM
Lets be fair to ourselves if those guys are ahead of graham they are ahead of him. You can put a RW or a C on LW and its not that much of a difference. I just think the blades are hoping there isnt a lockout because way more teams will think they are better than they are and i still think for a mem cup year stoon has a really long ways to go! Lots of the players from other teams you fans have put up on the lines are unrealistic because you seem to get these players and not give up nothing. sure teams will take draft picks from you but they will also take your younger guys. i wish you well but i think your team in 10/11 is going to be better than youll be able to ice next year.

I really don't think there will be a lock out, the most i hear of this is on whlfans, i never heard it really from tsn or sportsnet or the score so i guess if it's on whlfans is credible it must be true lol

Trav
05-12-2012, 09:01 AM
Lets be fair to ourselves if those guys are ahead of graham they are ahead of him. You can put a RW or a C on LW and its not that much of a difference. I just think the blades are hoping there isnt a lockout because way more teams will think they are better than they are and i still think for a mem cup year stoon has a really long ways to go! Lots of the players from other teams you fans have put up on the lines are unrealistic because you seem to get these players and not give up nothing. sure teams will take draft picks from you but they will also take your younger guys. i wish you well but i think your team in 10/11 is going to be better than youll be able to ice next year.

I would have to agree. The Blades are still a ways away from having a Memorial Cup contending team and it does seem like people on here think the team will get other team's top players for nothing. As much as I'd like the Blades to keep Zajac, Stockl and Graham, I can't see all three of them here past the trade deadline. They (the Blades) will have to give up all three to get the players people have on their roster predictions and thanks to Molleken giving up three good picks for a 20 yr old to McCrimmon which to me should be a no no, the Blades only got a couple good picks to trade unless teams will take 2015 picks lol.

curwie
05-12-2012, 09:30 PM
Lets be fair to ourselves if those guys are ahead of graham they are ahead of him. You can put a RW or a C on LW and its not that much of a difference. I just think the blades are hoping there isnt a lockout because way more teams will think they are better than they are and i still think for a mem cup year stoon has a really long ways to go! Lots of the players from other teams you fans have put up on the lines are unrealistic because you seem to get these players and not give up nothing. sure teams will take draft picks from you but they will also take your younger guys. i wish you well but i think your team in 10/11 is going to be better than youll be able to ice next year.

Regarding the bolded statement. That's fine by me! That should be expected. If we don't sell out and try to win the whole thing through the front door this year, that will really tick me off! Do you wanna get embarrassed in your own barn? I sure the hell don't.

saskatoonblades123
05-14-2012, 11:31 AM
I think a lockout might be a good thing for the Blades.

It would mean that there will be good 20's in the league because NHL teams will have full AHL rosters, meaning their 20 year old prospects might stay in junior one more year instead of being in the ECHL or scratches in the AHL.

It would also mean that a guy like Ryan Murray might end up staying in the WHL all next season and I would put down a huge sum of money that the Blades would try hard to acquire him if he's available come mid-season.

mjw22
05-14-2012, 09:46 PM
It's going to be pretty hard to assemble a roster good enough to win the league. No one is going to help Lorne any player he wants will come at a premium price and he needs a few. I think in thru the back door will be the only way. May be the last shot for awhile to end the longest Memorial Cup drought in CHL history. Good Luck

Western Elite
05-14-2012, 11:09 PM
As it stands right now, the Blades likely have the top team (on paper) in the East Division. However, the problem will be beating the Oil Kings who have hands down the top team in the conference right now (on paper).

It helps that Saskatoon has 5 players who are or should be good for 30+ goals in Sutter, McColgan, Walker, Nicholls and Stransky. They will need to still add another center and perhaps a scoring winger. Defensively they could use another PP type guy to compliment Thrower and to a lesser extent Dietz. Not sure they will use Connor Cox as a 20 year old or not. Duncan Siemens will be a pure force next year, similar to what Pysyk was for Edmonton and Morrow for Portland.

The goaltending should be fine with Makarov who has a full year under his belt as a starter. He has shown he can be one of the better goalies in the league.

The Blades aren't as far off as some of you may think!

curwie
05-15-2012, 12:27 AM
As it stands right now, the Blades likely have the top team (on paper) in the East Division. However, the problem will be beating the Oil Kings who have hands down the top team in the conference right now (on paper).

It helps that Saskatoon has 5 players who are or should be good for 30+ goals in Sutter, McColgan, Walker, Nicholls and Stransky. They will need to still add another center and perhaps a scoring winger. Defensively they could use another PP type guy to compliment Thrower and to a lesser extent Dietz. Not sure they will use Connor Cox as a 20 year old or not. Duncan Siemens will be a pure force next year, similar to what Pysyk was for Edmonton and Morrow for Portland.

The goaltending should be fine with Makarov who has a full year under his belt as a starter. He has shown he can be one of the better goalies in the league.

The Blades aren't as far off as some of you may think!

Thanks for weighing in Western, your a lot more optimistic than I am regarding Siemens.

lordstanley
05-15-2012, 09:33 AM
It's going to be pretty hard to assemble a roster good enough to win the league. No one is going to help Lorne any player he wants will come at a premium price and he needs a few. I think in thru the back door will be the only way. May be the last shot for awhile to end the longest Memorial Cup drought in CHL history. Good Luck

Yes we may have the longest drought in the chl for not winning a memorial cup and the laughing stock of the league but lets also not forget the Warriors have never won a Memorial cup either this was there best chance this year and they blew it :groovy:

saskatoonblades123
05-25-2012, 11:34 AM
Blades hosting spring camp this weekend.

Anyone else interested in maybe going to watch the on ice stuff? Sounds like the first ice session is going to be tomorrow morning at Shroh. Might be cool to check it out for a bit.

lordstanley
05-25-2012, 11:37 AM
Kris Knoblauch has been fired by the Kootenay Ice today that is a guy i would love to see behind the bench with the Blades

Western Elite
05-25-2012, 12:16 PM
won't happen...Knoblauch is going somewhere in the CIS.

Trav
05-25-2012, 02:30 PM
won't happen...Knoblauch is going somewhere in the CIS.


If ur talking the UofA, according to reports he's not one of the top candidates.

curwie
05-25-2012, 11:38 PM
Blades hosting spring camp this weekend.

Anyone else interested in maybe going to watch the on ice stuff? Sounds like the first ice session is going to be tomorrow morning at Shroh. Might be cool to check it out for a bit.


I was hoping to go, but unfortunately I have to work! Any arm chair scouting reports would be greatly appreciated!

lordstanley
05-26-2012, 02:54 PM
If ur talking the UofA, according to reports he's not one of the top candidates.

That's not what my sources told me he is a strong canidate to take over with the UOFA

Trav
05-26-2012, 06:27 PM
That's not what my sources told me he is a strong canidate to take over with the UOFA

Just was saying what some reports have said thats all. I think it's kinda odd he'd go and coach CIS hockey. I guess the money is probably better and closer to family.

wango tango
06-04-2012, 02:39 PM
what shawinigan did to their roster as hosts.

seven deals involving 12 players and 15 picks.

it was felt the cataractes weak link was their defense. gormley, narbonne, and ellis changed half their defense.

at forward needed a little more, added kabanov.

i think the blades defense is reasonably solid (a bit like shawinigans forwards), would expect molleken to try to add a true power play quarterback.

the forwards are the weak link with not enough punch. i'd watch for molleken to make at least two or three more deals to improve the depth and especially the top six.

the shawinigan example suggests the mccolgan/astles trade is just the beginning.

sbtatter
06-04-2012, 03:48 PM
what shawinigan did to their roster as hosts.

seven deals involving 12 players and 15 picks.

it was felt the cataractes weak link was their defense. gormley, narbonne, and ellis changed half their defense.

at forward needed a little more, added kabanov.

i think the blades defense is reasonably solid (a bit like shawinigans forwards), would expect molleken to try to add a true power play quarterback.

the forwards are the weak link with not enough punch. i'd watch for molleken to make at least two or three more deals to improve the depth and especially the top six.

the shawinigan example suggests the mccolgan/astles trade is just the beginning.

This post makes a lot of sense. I wish BWK's would have done a lot more and sacrificed the next couple seasons.....But Windsor would have been tough, no matter what.
BWK did ok, went 0 and 2 with Windsor, 1 and 0 with Moncton and 1 and 1 with Cgy, just not structured and skilled enough to live with Windsor