The Rebuild Begins...

[EastDivFan]

Well, I think the time has come where the Blades organization can no longer deny they’re in full rebuild mode. Hopefully after the break they start sitting some of their lazy vets and giving the young players more ice. I thought I’d have a little look see how their prospects are doing since the organization likes to beat their chest telling everyone how great they did in the last bantam draft. So, without further ado, let’s see how much further the ship may sink before it starts to right itself…


GOALTENDING

’97 Brock Hamm – Plays in the SJHL for the Humboldt Broncos (10th of 12 Teams)
20 GP 9W 9L 2.76 GAA .917 SV%

’99 Dorrin Luding – Plays in BC Midget AAA League for the Cariboo Cougars (1st of 11 Teams)
12 GP 10W 1L 1T 1.83 GAA

’99 Joel Gryzbowski - Plays in SK Midget AAA League for the Saskatoon Blazers (10th of 12 Teams)
18 GP 6W 10L 2.87 GAA .921 SV%


DEFENSE

’97 Mackenzie Dwyer – Plays in MJHL for Portage Terriers (1st of 11 Teams; #1 Junior A Team in Canada)
34 GP 4G 10A 14PTS 36 PIM

’98 Dean Stewart – Plays in MJHL for Portage Terriers (1st of 11 Teams; #1 Junior A Team in Canada)
29 GP 1G 5A 6PTS 2PIM

’99 Alec Capstick – Plays in CSSHL for Yale Academy (2nd of 12 Teams)
13 GP 4G 6A 10PTS 16PIM

’99 Jake Kustra – Plays in SK Midget AAA League for Notre Dame Argos (12th of 12 Teams)
19 GP 2G 5A 7PTS 40PIM

’99 Xavier Labelle – Plays in SK Midget AAA League for Saskatoon Contacts (5th of 12 Teams)
24 GP 0G 1A 1PTS 4PIM


FORWARDS

’96 Christian Hausinger – Plays in NAHL for Odessa (24th of 24 Teams)
29 GP 2G 13A 15PTS 4PIM

’97 Tyler Jeanson – Plays in MJHL for Portage Terriers (1st of 11 Teams; #1 Junior A Team in Canada)
37 GP 15G 22A 37 PTS 47 PIM

’98 Parker Smyth – Plays in AB Midget AAA League for Red Deer (15th of 18 Teams)
21 GP 5G 6A 11PTS 20PIM

’98 Peter Tomaras – Plays in AB Midget AAA League for SSAC (6th of 18 Teams)
8G 6A 14PTS 16 PIM

’99 Kris Bzdel – Plays in SK Midget AAA League for Tisdale (1st of 12 Teams)
12 GP 4G 9A 13PTS 6PIM

’99 Logan Christensen – Plays in MB Midget AAA League for Pembina (7th of 12 Teams)
24 GP 9G 10A 19PTS 8PIM

’99 Cam Hausinger – Plays in USPHL for Skipjack U16’s (10th of 16 Teams)
14 GP 14G 17A 31PTS 36PIM

’99 Cole Kirkup – Plays in SK Midget AAA League for Notre Dame Hounds (3rd of 12 Teams)
22 GP 6G 4A 10PTS 49PIM

’99 Lucus McKenzie – Plays in CSSHL for Edge U16 (3rd of 7 Teams)
21 GP 4G 11A 15PTS 54PIM

’99 Josh Paterson – Plays in AB Midget AAA League for SSAC (6th of 18 Teams)
- No current stats available as he is not in the top 30 in the league in any scoring stats
- Listed by the Blades at 14 GP 6G 2A 8PTS earlier in season

’99 Jordan Robinson – Plays in CSSHL for OHA White (6th of 12 Teams)
10 GP 6G 4 A 10PTS 6PIM

’99 Connor Tuffs – Plays in SK Midget AAA League for Tisdale (1st of 12 Teams)
24GP 4G 8A 12 PTS 38 PIMS

Well I think that's it. Feel free to discuss/vent. This forum is dead compared to the other Eastern Division Teams...probably out of frustration and apathy at having the worst team in the league. I think events in Saskatoon will be interesting over the next 12-24 months regardless of the standings. Maybe they can set a new record for trades in the first week of the season, or useless marketing promotions, or some other dubious distinction.

[RWAH]

I am a Pat fan and season ticket holder but offer this, which I read on "Stanks Sermon" blog by Darren Steinke At the trade deadline (January 10, 2013) the Blades did not have a first round pick for 2014, 15, and 16 and that the PPL and Roster on that date did not include any Blade first or second round picks from 2010, 11 or 12. The Blades got a double whammy when then went for it and the Schenn (sp) and other deals and then to host the M Cup two years latter. Since the M Cup host year (2013) the Blades have recouped and gained a lot of draft picks, specifically 2015 (2-1st) (1-2nd) and (3-3rd) in 2016 (1-1st) (2-2nd) and (1-3rd) and all the Blades 2017 early draft picks. With the prospects you listed and the coming drafts IMO the Blades will reach the bottom of the cycle next season and then begin a rapid climb to the elite teams.
Unlike the Pats and the past owners, who continued to be buyers when they should have been sellers, your time at the bottom of the cycle will not last ten plus years.

[Trav]

The Blades have two 1st round picks in 2016, their own and Red Deer's

[RWAH]

you are correct Trav, my mistake. I guess the point is the Blades were buyers twice and are now on a road to recover. The management started under Mulligan (sp) and continues under Woods to do it right. Unlike the Pats past owners the process for the Blades will only be 3 or 4 seasons back to the top (you are 2 in and 2 to go)). The Pats have been 11 or 12 and are still not there. IMO the Pats are still missing some draft picks in 2015 and 2016. If the Pats are sellers this season they may recoup the necessary picks and we will meet you as elite organizations in the 2016/17 season and beyond. IMO the Blades have turned it around and are on the upswing but it is junior hockey and it takes more than one season.

[EastDivFan]

The draft picks are great...if they pan out. My concern looking at the prospect list and their achievements on paper, and cross-referencing that to what the club is putting on the ice now, is what we have to look forward to for the next couple of years. I'm not sure if next year or the year after will be the bottom of the cycle, but there is no doubt in my mind the Blades will be considerably worse next season than they are now. And I'm not sure Woods can go through that and keep his hand off his cell phone trying to make another Henry/Ottenbreit-type deal.

I remember in the pre-game show in SC last week, Lazaruk mentioned the Blades are looking to use some of these draft picks to acquire a '97 D and I think it was a '96 forward. I'm not sure about the forward, but I'm pretty sure they're drooling over Saskatoon-native Connor Hobbs, who still hasn't reconciled with the Tigers. Could be Reagan from the Pats as well, as he looks to have fallen out of favor with Paddock. Personally, I think the Blades are already plenty young on forward and in net. Defense is the only area lacking, with no '96s or '97s after the departure or Nogier.

[patsdude114]

Me being a Pats fan I'm not too keen on Reagan myself, he lost ALOT of development under Cameron as he hardly played. I think a fresh start would be good for him I just wish he played more physical for his size. He has made progress this year though so who knows the book isn't out on him yet and come his 18yr old season maybe it's his break out year to finally prove that he can take on a bigger role.

I don't think the Blades should waste their picks in a 96 born forward as it is the league is weak in that age group and to waste the picks on a very possible stronger draft doesn't make sense. This year I don't think I have ever seen so many 17yr olds in the league before a lot of them rookies maybe it was the year of late bloomers.

[EastDivFan]

First I should apologize as I forgot to recognize Thomson in my last post, saying we have no '96 or '97 Dmen after Nogier's departure. After Thomson we only have Higson and Reid (sure missing Ottenbreit now that the rebuild is on, as neither Higson nor Reid appear to be purely shutdown D types). Looking at the list above, I don't think the team has much interest in Dwyer or Stewart as they moved Stovin to defense rather than calling either of these two up earlier. I thought Capstick was the best of the 99's in camp last fall, with Kustra coming on at the end. But Capstick plays on an academy team with other D men already committed to go NCAA, and has already toured Wisconsin and perhaps other schools. Kustra has signed with the Blades. Capstick has not to my knowledge. I don't think we have enough D in our system at the moment to fill our roster next season, without taking back some of our current underperforming 19 year olds.


Me being a Pats fan I'm not too keen on Reagan myself, he lost ALOT of development under Cameron as he hardly played. I think a fresh start would be good for him I just wish he played more physical for his size.

This brings me to my pet peeve with this team...our two '98 Dmen. They hardly get any playing time. Higson made the team out of camp and has been stapled to the third line or the stands whenever there are 7+ Dmen available. Reid's not much better. He seemed to start off well after getting called up, getting lots of special teams time and even starting a few games with Krupic. But he has since fallen to the bottom of the pile with Higson and gets only slightly more ice time than him since Reid plays second line PK (163lb Reid covers the slot on our PK while 206lb Higson sits on the bench...). Against Regina the Blades dressed seven D and the 98's were getting maybe 2-3 shifts a period. I don't get how a team that openly trades goaltenders and forwards to make room for younger players at those positions can ignore the position the coach played his entire career. God forbid Capstick's family makes a phone call to Higson's (who passed on NCAA offers himself) before deciding to sign with us.

Reagan was scratched when Regina was here last weekend. He hasn't yet put up the numbers one would expect (I don't think he was expected to be like Josh Anderson in PG). But if he could just fill the shutdown roll Ottenbreit looked poised to assume, I think he'd be a good fit. He can't be any worse than Schacher, who I'm sure you're familiar with and who we might need to fill the role next season as things sit now.

[Trav]

I'm hoping that once the deadline has passed there will be a few older d-men gone that will allow Reid and Higson to play more. There's no way Shacher or Krupic will be back next year so no point keeping them.

Getting Hobbs would be big for the team. He'd instantly become the top d-man on the team.

[patsdude114]

Under CHL rules Krupic can not be traded as he is a 1st year euro right from the draft he either has to be released or kept on the team. I also don't see anyone wanting Schacher so unless the Blades reassign him he's there for the year as well. Unfortunately having a very young D core is not the way to go about development it's setting players up for failure which can hurt development a lot.

Growing pains are tough in saskatoon from the memorial cup run and the buying of schenn...... Guess all those years of being dominate in the regular season has finally caught up to the blades.... Looks like Brodsky got out when the time was right.

[EastDivFan]

There's no way Shacher or Krupic will be back next year so no point keeping them.

Getting Hobbs would be big for the team. He'd instantly become the top d-man on the team.

Of our 19 year olds, only Krupic has any real skill. I know he's not a fan favorite because he plays so soft and is always whining to the refs after the whistle. But at least he brings something to the table. They seem to really like pairing him with Reid as well, and I hope/expect to see more of that combination after Christmas. Schacher is gone for sure as his play is steadily declining. Coughlan is putting himself in a tough spot to return, trying to do too much and openly saying he won't fight because of his bum shoulder. I'm not sure what a big defenseman with limited skill that plays small has to offer as a 20 year old.

I agree Hobbs would be a huge improvement, and would have the added benefit of being around for awhile. Whether from the euro draft or trades within the league, we need some help on D at least for the next couple of seasons.


Unfortunately having a very young D core is not the way to go about development it's setting players up for failure which can hurt development a lot.

I agree, and I'm sure that's a large part of Wood's thinking. But never playing them hinders their development as well, as you indicated with Reagan. I'd love to see some good role models for our rookies (at all positions) and develop them like other clubs. But we're not going to have that luxury.

[EastDivFan]

How about some of the other positions?

I think after the early season concerns about goaltending, that's probably the position we show the most promise in currently. It's a little difficult to assess Martin and Amundrud because of what's in front of them, but they appear to be solid prospects moving forward. Both have the added benefit of being younger players and fitting in well with the timeline for a rebuild. They have completely different styles, and I look forward to watching them push each other. Luding looks like a promising '99 prospect out in PG as well, and practiced with the team during their BC trip.

We actually have a lot of young players on forward currently. Graham, Uhrich, and Welykholowa are 96's, and we have six 97's in Hebig, Soshnin. Sloboshan, Braid, Armour, and now McCarty. While we are good in the sense that we have lots of young prospects on forward, we will need to address the fact that we are one of the lowest scoring teams in the league. I think some of these forwards will be replaced moving forward to increase our skill level at the position. But I think they remain serviceable as a whole to finish out this season, as long as they show up to play every night.

[Madmax]

Will be interesting to see what transpires between now and the trade deadline. The Blades are a mess right now and will be for a few years for sure. They need to stockpile the draft picks for the long term, but need players that can play now. When a team takes a forward that hasn't played defence since peewee and moves him back you know the pickings are pretty slim down on the farm. Woods and Jr. are going to have to walk a tightrope with what they trade now. Merry Xmas everyone, and best wishes for the New Year. May all your hockey games be great.

[EastDivFan]

Well, we'll see later today who shows up to play after the Christmas break. I'm tired of realizing in the third period that there is a Blades player out on the ice that I haven't even noticed to that point. Here's hoping the dead weight gets cast off in the next two weeks.

[curwie]

Well, we'll see later today who shows up to play after the Christmas break. I'm tired of realizing in the third period that there is a Blades player out on the ice that I haven't even noticed to that point. Here's hoping the dead weight gets cast off in the next two weeks.


I'm guessing we see 2 or 3 moves the next few weeks at least. Time to let the guys show there stuff.

[EastDivFan]

Sigh...

Listening to the post game interviews with coaches and players, the team is still talking about making the playoffs. LET IT GO ALREADY!!! You're not making the playoffs. Everyone seems to understand this but the organization. It's like listening to the Oilers brass.

It was a good win for the team to finally break the losing streak. But the 6-3 score does not really indicate how the game went. After coming out hard to start and dominating early, PA slowly turned the tables, outshooting the Blades badly in the third. If not for Soshnin's goal, the game could have easily went the other way in the last 10 minutes. I still think this team lacks conditioning as they always fade in the third.

Regarding the rebuild, Gingras and Armour were left sitting in the stands. It was nice to see Higson and Reid play a regular shift, with Krupic sitting out likely due to a little jetlag (didn't seem to affect Soshnin). Krupic should replace Schacher today, as Krupic/Reid and Thomson/Higson are favored pairs, and Schacher did not have a good game. But that's not likely how it will play out. McCarty looks like a solid addition to the team, heading into his 18th birthday in a few weeks.

[Trav]

Well a 5-0 win today was good to see. There's no way they'll make the playoffs unless they overachieve in the second half of the season. I think they just wanna get as many wins as possible so they don't have to worry about winning the draft lottery again lol. We need to see the Ice and Tips go down in the standings. Rite now the two first round picks look to be in the mid teens.

I'd expect there's going to be trades coming in the next week or so. Who the players will be that will be moved I think will be anyone's guess though they need to be careful how many 19's they trade away. Keeping Forsberg and Zajac for next season would be ideal IMO. The rest can go. Then in the off season, get a 20 yr old d-man.

I've been impressed with Soshnin lately, 2 goals today giving him 7 goals in the past 15 games, not bad. Woods is pretty high on him so hopefully Nikita will have a good 2nd half.

[EastDivFan]

I would imagine right now Zajac and Forsberg are pencilled in as you mention. Zajac seems to provide leadership and comes to play every night. Although Forsberg takes a lot of nights off, he has the talent the organization desperately needs if they can ever motivate the kid.

On defense, they are giving Coghlan every chance to prove himself while playing on the top line with Henry. Unfortunately, Krupic is the only one with the talent to return as a 20 y.o. on D. And they won't burn an import spot on him since they seem to have found a reliable pipeline for talent from the Moscow area. I don't care what the changes are in management. You don't go from being told you aren't good enough for the team and being traded one year. And then the following year you are back playing on the top line. It just doesn't make sense. One party obviously doesn't have a clue what they are doing.

Soshnin has been steadily improving. He's a bit small, but he plays big for his size. Watching him and Millette the last couple of games head to head, I think Woods got that one right.

[curwie]

Guys.... Would you rather have a coach quite on his team half way through the season, or would you rather have a coach lead his team until they are mathematically eliminated? Its not different than any other coach. Woods knows their in a rebuild. Heck he's even mentioned it in interviews serveral times. He's still gotta lead the team.

The team is playing with confidence right now and hopefully they can win a little more than they lose the second half of the season and go into next year ready to compete for a playoff position. They won't make the playoffs this year even if they over achieve. With 35 games remaining they would have to go approx. 25-10 in the second half of the season. Lol

Agreed on Soshnin. He's been awesome.

Getting Amundrud in the Scherbak deal is gonna be huge down the road. The kid has it.

Even if Everett and Kootney do well, those first round picks in our pocket are huge. Who knows, We may end up dealing them for some quality 16 year olds and 17 year olds. I expect Kootney to have a great second half of the season and climb quite a bit in the standings.

Curious to see who Brandon's trading partner is at the deadline. They have a few kids that teams want to get their hands on.

Connor Hobbs seems like he would be a good fit in stoon. Wonder what Medicine Hat is asking for him?

Brandon fans are hearing Brent Stovins name mentioned in trade rumors. Maybe he gets dealt?

Nice to get a couple wins!

[Uknownothing]

Not sure how you guys can think Zajac is penciled in for next year . Are you guys basing your view on him because he knows how to skate alright North and south.He is on a path for less points , worse plus minus then he did last year.In the last two games the Blades have scored 11 goals ,Zajac 0 points and three dumb penalties .He isn't going to be a go to guy next year.I can tell you right now that there will be a hell of a lot better 20 yr olds then him next year.Now would be the time to try to get something for him , so you don't just have to release him next year to make room for a better 20 yr.Now and till Jan 10th the Blades have a chance to get rid of dead weight(topic for another time) for the remainder of this year and next year. In that being said good couple of wins.

[EastDivFan]

Not sure how you guys can think Zajac is penciled in for next year . Are you guys basing your view on him because he knows how to skate alright North and south.He is on a path for less points , worse plus minus then he did last year.In the last two games the Blades have scored 11 goals ,Zajac 0 points and three dumb penalties .He isn't going to be a go to guy next year.I can tell you right now that there will be a hell of a lot better 20 yr olds then him next year.Now would be the time to try to get something for him , so you don't just have to release him next year to make room for a better 20 yr.Now and till Jan 10th the Blades have a chance to get rid of dead weight(topic for another time) for the remainder of this year and next year. In that being said good couple of wins.

That's why I read these sites. Sometimes someone provides a point of view that makes you open your eyes. You're 100% right about Zajac. I was basing my opinion on the fact that he can skate, appears to provide some leadership, and shows up to play consistently (a real problem with this team). But his current performance certainly shouldn't make him a lock as a 20 year old. There will be better 20 year old forwards available next Fall. The question is whether the Blades will want to use their coveted draft picks to obtain them, especially given they will need a 20 year old D (yes I would keep Zajac over Coghlan in a heartbeat) more. I don't consider Zajac dead weight on this team. But, like Stovin (who I expect to see moved), now is the time to move him unless they do have significant interest in bringing him back next season.

[EastDivFan]

Guys.... Would you rather have a coach quite on his team half way through the season, or would you rather have a coach lead his team until they are mathematically eliminated? Its not different than any other coach. Woods knows their in a rebuild. Heck he's even mentioned it in interviews serveral times. He's still gotta lead the team.

I don't think dressing rosters with a view to making yourself better a month or a year down the road rather than hoping to win on a given night is quitting, especially considering where the short-term approach has gotten the Blades so far. I think the Blades have been doing the fans and the organization a disservice rolling players who 1) won't be here next year; 2) oftentimes don't show up to play; 3) consistently take stupid penalties and then go out for the ensuing faceoff after we get scored on; etc. Rolling the same ineffective players game in and game out with the same losing result would be my definition of mailing it in as a coach...but that's just me. Let's not get ahead of ourselves after two convincing wins against an apathetic Raiders squad. Remember the eleven games before those...

Having said that, a little action at the trade deadline is just what we need. I worry that a few of the players who had strong games against PA will revert back to their old selves once the trade deadline passes.

[curwie]

I don't think dressing rosters with a view to making yourself better a month or a year down the road rather than hoping to win on a given night is quitting, especially considering where the short-term approach has gotten the Blades so far. I think the Blades have been doing the fans and the organization a disservice rolling players who 1) won't be here next year; 2) oftentimes don't show up to play; 3) consistently take stupid penalties and then go out for the ensuing faceoff after we get scored on; etc. Rolling the same ineffective players game in and game out with the same losing result would be my definition of mailing it in as a coach...but that's just me. Let's not get ahead of ourselves after two convincing wins against an apathetic Raiders squad. Remember the eleven games before those...

Having said that, a little action at the trade deadline is just what we need. I worry that a few of the players who had strong games against PA will revert back to their old selves once the trade deadline passes.

Imo they are show casing those with potential trade value.

[Uknownothing]

Guys.... Would you rather have a coach quite on his team half way through the season, or would you rather have a coach lead his team until they are mathematically eliminated? Its not different than any other coach. Woods knows their in a rebuild. Heck he's even mentioned it in interviews serveral times. He's still gotta lead the team.

The team is playing with confidence right now and hopefully they can win a little more than they lose the second half of the season and go into next year ready to compete for a playoff position. They won't make the playoffs this year even if they over achieve. With 35 games remaining they would have to go approx. 25-10 in the second half of the season. Lol

Agreed on Soshnin. He's been awesome.

Getting Amundrud in the Scherbak deal is gonna be huge down the road. The kid has it.

Even if Everett and Kootney do well, those first round picks in our pocket are huge. Who knows, We may end up dealing them for some quality 16 year olds and 17 year olds. I expect Kootney to have a great second half of the season and climb quite a bit in the standings.

Curious to see who Brandon's trading partner is at the deadline. They have a few kids that teams want to get their hands on.

Connor Hobbs seems like he would be a good fit in stoon. Wonder what Medicine Hat is asking for him?

Brandon fans are hearing Brent Stovins name mentioned in trade rumors. Maybe he gets dealt?

Nice to get a couple wins!
If Brandon fans hear talk of Stovins name then its just talk.Brandon already has three high end 20yr olds.Im all for Connor Hobbs lets get this deal done .:D

[EastDivFan]

If Brandon fans hear talk of Stovins name then its just talk.Brandon already has three high end 20yr olds.

Quenneville, Roy, and ???

[Uknownothing]

Sorry I forgot they traded nejezchleb

[curwie]

Sorry I forgot they traded nejezchleb

That's okay. Your sporting the pacman avatar so we'll cut you a break!:p

[wango tango]

if the blades are going to be sellers, and they should be, this is the year to do it! there are few sellers and a lot of teams still in the hunt for a playoff spot. the blades don't have a lot left to sell, what they do have may get a bit higher price than it normally would.

who's left to trade?

i'd think about any of forsberg, stovin, henry, graham, and zajac for the right price. a deal with any of these guys may need to be paired up with a pick to get the player the blades want.

who are they looking to get?

according to woods they're looking for an 97 born defenceman and a 98 born forward. probably hobbs as the 97 born defenceman. the 98 born forward, any ideas anybody?

[EastDivFan]

i'd think about any of forsberg, stovin, henry, graham, and zajac for the right price. a deal with any of these guys may need to be paired up with a pick to get the player the blades want.

The only name I'm not sure about there is Graham, and only because he's a '96, plays physical (which the team will need from someone if they start going young), and brings some cachet having been to pro camp. On the flip side, he's *horribly* inconsistent and has be all but invisible the past number of games. If they base it purely on performance, he should be on the block for sure. Heck, they all should be. The guys you listed are the ones most likely to get some sort of return, albeit limited.


according to woods they're looking for an 97 born defenceman and a 98 born forward. probably hobbs as the 97 born defenceman. the 98 born forward, any ideas anybody?

I'm sure they're working hard to get Hobbs. Unfortunately we apparently don't have anything to offer MH other than draft picks. Good on MH for letting Hobbs stew at home after walking out on the Tigers. The last thing the Blades need is some kid's agent dictating how things get done within the organization. I heard Hobbs really was at the bottom of the depth chart in MH. Doesn't mean he wouldn't be first line with the Blades though.

Regarding the '98s, that could be a tough task. Most of them playing in the league are very highly regarded by their organizations and won't be let go easily, especially if they are showing any early promise. There may be better deals to be found on other team's PPLs rather than on their current rosters. Unfortunately, as a team whose only '98 to make the team out of camp was a listed player (Higson), I don't know if the organization knows this age group too well.

[curwie]

if the blades are going to be sellers, and they should be, this is the year to do it! there are few sellers and a lot of teams still in the hunt for a playoff spot. the blades don't have a lot left to sell, what they do have may get a bit higher price than it normally would.

who's left to trade?

i'd think about any of forsberg, stovin, henry, graham, and zajac for the right price. a deal with any of these guys may need to be paired up with a pick to get the player the blades want.

who are they looking to get?

according to woods they're looking for an 97 born defenceman and a 98 born forward. probably hobbs as the 97 born defenceman. the 98 born forward, any ideas anybody?


I'm guessing Sam Mckechnie will be offered. He's played fairly well but if you can get a decent return then you have to take a look at it at this point. I'd like to see Forsberg dealt ahead of Graham. The kid has talent and looks good on the stats sheet most nights, but is just far to lazy in his own end for my liking.

[EastDivFan]

Well, we can't let the Pats have all the action in their forum. So it's time to post something in here again...

Hobbs remains on the block so far today, after an initial scare he was going to be part of the Klimchuk deal. There's still talk of him going to Regina for Burroughs, which would make the Pats a real handful for the Blades the next few seasons. I really like the direction the Pats are moving this season. They seem to be going in a direction the Blades need to follow IMO.

Rather than talk about who the Blades should trade, I thought I would put up a list of who they shouldn't trade (because it's shorter), and my thoughts why. I'm not factoring things like who we have to replace traded players now, or any other logistical issues. Some guys left off the list couldn't really be moved/dropped until the end of the season, because we simply don't have replacements. My list below is simply the players currently on roster that I would like to see form part of the core moving forward.

Goalies

Nik Amundrud - He's looking more and more like the future of the organization in net. The Blades appear to favor him over Martin. While I prefer Martin's style of play, Amundrud is growing on me quickly.

Trevor Martin - I think Dorrin Luding, the Blade's '99 prospect who just led his team to the Mac's Midget championship, may supplant Martin as the backup next season. But I like Martin and have him only a tick behind Amundrud at the moment. Age may work against him if he's close with Luding in camp next season though.

Defense

Jordan Thomson - The most offensive of the three, but still has one of the better +/- ratings (for what that's worth on this team). He is also more experienced than the other two put together. I'd like to see more of the speed that allowed him to catch Steel on a breakaway the other night.

Schael Higson - Broke his wrist in preseason. He still looked promising before Christmas, and even better since the break. He is the most physical of the Blades defensemen while managing to stay out of the box at the same time. Good progress so far this season.

Nolan Reid - Gets it done with one of the best +/- ratings on D (again, FWIW). Also got an award at yesterday's game for the hardest working defenseman for December. Will need to add some size to play top 4 minutes full time, but has the skill and apparently the work ethic. I like work ethic...

Forwards

Nikita Soshnin - I think it was a smart coaching move by Woods to create more ice time for Soshnin. He plays much bigger than his size, skates hard, and provides skill we are lacking. One of the three 97's critical to the team's success in the next couple of years.

Cameron Hebig - Probably not having the draft year he had hoped (partly because his line mate Graham isn't pulling his weight). Still, another hard-working forward with plenty of talent and the ability to head north in a hurry.

Wyatt Sloboshan - It's going to be hard to jump back into full action mid-season and produce the way he was at the start. He will nonetheless be a welcome addition to take ice time from less talented and less motivated forwards. He shows up to play every game.

Luke Gingras - The only '98 forward on the roster. Definitely has the size to chew up minutes in the league. Once he learns to better balance the physical and skilled play (he needs to remember that little black thing on the ice sometimes), he could be a real gem.

[Trav]

Good post, I'd agree with most of what u said with the exception of Thomson. Haven't been a big fan of him going back to last season and still not now. For a high former 1st round pick he should be among the top d-men in the division and I don't think he is but that's my opinion. If a team wanted him and was willing to give up a pick and a prospect, I'd take it.

[curwie]

Well, we can't let the Pats have all the action in their forum. So it's time to post something in here again...

Hobbs remains on the block so far today, after an initial scare he was going to be part of the Klimchuk deal. There's still talk of him going to Regina for Burroughs, which would make the Pats a real handful for the Blades the next few seasons. I really like the direction the Pats are moving this season. They seem to be going in a direction the Blades need to follow IMO.

Rather than talk about who the Blades should trade, I thought I would put up a list of who they shouldn't trade (because it's shorter), and my thoughts why. I'm not factoring things like who we have to replace traded players now, or any other logistical issues. Some guys left off the list couldn't really be moved/dropped until the end of the season, because we simply don't have replacements. My list below is simply the players currently on roster that I would like to see form part of the core moving forward.

Goalies



Nik Amundrud - He's looking more and more like the future of the organization in net. The Blades appear to favor him over Martin. While I prefer Martin's style of play, Amundrud is growing on me quickly.

Trevor Martin - I think Dorrin Luding, the Blade's '99 prospect who just led his team to the Mac's Midget championship, may supplant Martin as the backup next season. But I like Martin and have him only a tick behind Amundrud at the moment. Age may work against him if he's close with Luding in camp next season though.

Defense

Jordan Thomson - The most offensive of the three, but still has one of the better +/- ratings (for what that's worth on this team). He is also more experienced than the other two put together. I'd like to see more of the speed that allowed him to catch Steel on a breakaway the other night.

Schael Higson - Broke his wrist in preseason. He still looked promising before Christmas, and even better since the break. He is the most physical of the Blades defensemen while managing to stay out of the box at the same time. Good progress so far this season.

Nolan Reid - Gets it done with one of the best +/- ratings on D (again, FWIW). Also got an award at yesterday's game for the hardest working defenseman for December. Will need to add some size to play top 4 minutes full time, but has the skill and apparently the work ethic. I like work ethic...

Forwards

Nikita Soshnin - I think it was a smart coaching move by Woods to create more ice time for Soshnin. He plays much bigger than his size, skates hard, and provides skill we are lacking. One of the three 97's critical to the team's success in the next couple of years.

Cameron Hebig - Probably not having the draft year he had hoped (partly because his line mate Graham isn't pulling his weight). Still, another hard-working forward with plenty of talent and the ability to head north in a hurry.

Wyatt Sloboshan - It's going to be hard to jump back into full action mid-season and produce the way he was at the start. He will nonetheless be a welcome addition to take ice time from less talented and less motivated forwards. He shows up to play every game.

Luke Gingras - The only '98 forward on the roster. Definitely has the size to chew up minutes in the league. Once he learns to better balance the physical and skilled play (he needs to remember that little black thing on the ice sometimes), he could be a real gem.


I don't have time today to go through your post cause I have to go shovel 25 driveways. Lol

I will say this. I sure appreciate your well thought out posts. I agree with most of what you say. That play Thomson made on Steel the other night was incredible. Easy my favourite play of the game.

[EastDivFan]

Good post, I'd agree with most of what u said with the exception of Thomson. Haven't been a big fan of him going back to last season and still not now. For a high former 1st round pick he should be among the top d-men in the division and I don't think he is but that's my opinion. If a team wanted him and was willing to give up a pick and a prospect, I'd take it.

You may get your wish Trav. There's something weird with Thomson IMO. He sat out way to long with that concussion injury from a seemingly minor hit. And then he went back home and a lot of people thought he wouldn't be coming back to the team. Now he's returned and getting piles of ice. Maybe the Blades are shopping him around. Can't get much closer to home than Saskatoon, and I think homesickness is a big part of why things didn't work out in Kamloops for him. We'll know for sure in the next few days I guess. He has talent, is relatively young, and appears to have decent effort, which is why I included him. I'd still entertain a trade for some combination of a '96 or younger D and/or picks though.

[Uknownothing]

Personally I think we are not going to see any changes ,why because we don't have anything to offer or don't wont to give up what we have(Higson,Ried,Hebig,Gingras,Slobshan,Soshin,Amu ndrud,and yes Graham).There are guys that I would like to see gone but what are you replacing them with? probably the same thing.Keep the picks and use them .Stay the course of drafting and develop . The rebuild might be quicker then panicking like we did with letting Ottenbreit go. :bounce:

[Madmax]

Personally I think we are not going to see any changes ,why because we don't have anything to offer or don't wont to give up what we have(Higson,Ried,Hebig,Gingras,Slobshan,Soshin,Amu ndrud,and yes Graham).There are guys that I would like to see gone but what are you replacing them with? probably the same thing.Keep the picks and use them .Stay the course of drafting and develop . The rebuild might be quicker then panicking like we did with letting Ottenbreit go. :bounce:

I agree. The teams that feel they have a chance are basically done collecting what they feel are the final pieces of the puzzle. Might see someone like Stovin move, but it would be minor. Nobody is going to step up and throw first round picks and prospects at the Blades for what they have left. Amundrud might be the only exception, but don't see it happening.

[Trav]

I think we'll see a couple. Until Hobbs is traded, the Blades are interested in him. Wait and see.

[curwie]

I think we'll see a couple. Until Hobbs is traded, the Blades are interested in him. Wait and see.

Agreed. Also heard there is a lot of interest in Henry from a couple different people.

[BigCat20]

I will be very surprised if Henry isn't moved! Mckechnie could be moved, esp the way he's played the last couple wks.

[EastDivFan]

A couple of thought's after watching tonight's lackluster performance...


I think Thomson's hockey ability resides in his hair. He was missing his flow during the national anthem. And that's far and away the worst game he's played this year.

Our fourth line needs to learn to take a pass. I don't know how many times they've pooched tape to tape passes...it seems like every shift. I'm still not convinced a couple of them have the skill to play in the league long term.

Our forwards need to learn to play as part of a system in the offensive zone, instead of three one man shows. For example, Zajac likes to wheel the puck behind the net, and then carry it all the way up near the blue line before dumping it off to a D man six feet away, leaving him no time or space to do anything. Hebig does the same behind the net move, comes out on the other side, looks off two wide open defensemen and at least one other forward with a better shot before putting his head down and charging into the slot to rifle it into the goalies crest.

I want half my money back for each game for the rest of the season...representing the thirty minutes per night I have to watch Henry...he makes me want to kick kittens. He hooks a guy off the second period faceoff with Zajac. Stupid in itself. But he wasn't going to get called for it, until he threw his arms up in the air (as usual...nothing's ever his fault) and helped the ref change his mind. Now we're down 5 on 3 in tie game. A minute later it's 3-1 for Everett. Henry's out of the box and in the doghouse right? Nope. He's out on the ice for the faceoff. ARRRGH!!!

Higson made me look smart tonight, pitching him and Reid for more ice time. He made a few hits early that were considerably better than Forsberg's bump into towering Ben Betker that got Hit of the Game. Then he absolutely destroyed 19-next-week former Blade Graham Millar in the middle of the second in a fight. Millar had been beaking all his former teammates, especially after scoring the second goal with Henry in the box. Higson definitely broke his nose, and looks to have broken his jaw as well. I hate to see a kid get hurt like that, but Millar won't be yapping the next time he's in town I'm sure.


http://whl.uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/chl_whl_saskatoon/2015/01/03/20150103_blood2.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJCPLLJ2XLE7 JEPXA&Expires=1420352093&Signature=fyaSrluX9scMSNeZnajOqmhzXKo%3D

[curwie]

Higsons really starting to grow on me. He just keeps getting better. That scrap was a thing of beauty.

[JrAScout]

There is a lot of promise on the Blades roster. I know it's hard to be patient with the process, but the Blades are rebuilding, so results like last night are expected. Amundrud, Higson, Reid, Hebig, Sloboshan, and Soshnin are all great pieces to build around. I know Nik wasn't great last night, but he's stolen a few games and it just wasn't his night. Martin was great coming in relief and it was nice to see some scrapiness from the Blades. A decent crowd despite the weather. Ukrainian night, regardless of it's success, was something different as well and may have drawn in some.

For the Silvertips who are known to be great defensively, they sure have an awful penalty kill, but boy do they move the puck well on the PP. Staying on the Tips' side of things, Leslie will be a gem for them. Nice poise for the call-up.

Just stay patient Blades fans. The process will be long, but it will be worth the ups and downs.

[EastDivFan]

Regarding the Forsberg and Henry trades today, I like them both...a lot. I think Woods was able to get more than anyone expected for both players. I think credit needs to be given where due. Although I think the direction they go with their trades is sometimes wrong (I'm thinking about Ottenbreit and Martin here), the trade itself is always quite favorable for the Blades. I don't think anyone can say with any of Woods trades that the Blades got the short end of the stick in terms of the actual traded assets from his deals.

I especially like the Forsberg deal. To me it signals that they understand next year is going to be a long season as well. I don't mind that, as long as the team is moving towards improvement. With what Brodsky and Molleken left the new management to work with, it may be a case of one step back to take two steps forward. I give them credit in the same way the Pats fans approve of their team's recent moves (sort of...lol), even though it was a much easier decision for the Blades in light of their record.

And I look forward to seeing Sloboshan chew into Forsberg's ice time, in much the same way Soshnin benefited from Millete's departure. I've also got my fingers crossed for Higson and Reid to get some special teams experience now that Henry is out of the picture. Woods needs to stop bemoaning the Blades PK (watch the Martin trade video) and put Higson and Dixon out and watch the sparks fly. After all, if Dixon can't do what Schacher was expected to on the PK, he won't be around long.

[EastDivFan]

I just watched all Dixon's fights from the past two seasons while having my nightly hot toddy. While he's 110% game, dear lord is he terrible. He lost every one, including a couple where he was wailing on the guy for the first ten seconds or so. He lost to Uhrich and Graham this season as well. Well, I'll give him a couple of points for effort I guess. Between those videos and what I've seen from his actual game play, he's going to be in tough to play here next year.

I feel like such a negative person being a Blades fan...

[curwie]

Regarding the Forsberg and Henry trades today, I like them both...a lot. I think Woods was able to get more than anyone expected for both players. I think credit needs to be given where due. Although I think the direction they go with their trades is sometimes wrong (I'm thinking about Ottenbreit and Martin here), the trade itself is always quite favorable for the Blades. I don't think anyone can say with any of Woods trades that the Blades got the short end of the stick in terms of the actual traded assets from his deals.

I especially like the Forsberg deal. To me it signals that they understand next year is going to be a long season as well. I don't mind that, as long as the team is moving towards improvement. With what Brodsky and Molleken left the new management to work with, it may be a case of one step back to take two steps forward. I give them credit in the same way the Pats fans approve of their team's recent moves (sort of...lol), even though it was a much easier decision for the Blades in light of their record.

And I look forward to seeing Sloboshan chew into Forsberg's ice time, in much the same way Soshnin benefited from Millete's departure. I've also got my fingers crossed for Higson and Reid to get some special teams experience now that Henry is out of the picture. Woods needs to stop bemoaning the Blades PK (watch the Martin trade video) and put Higson and Dixon out and watch the sparks fly. After all, if Dixon can't do what Schacher was expected to on the PK, he won't be around long.

Was Dixon a pk guy in Red Deer? I know his fights don't look like much but at least he seems to have heart, guts, and a little mean streak. A lot of speculation for a player I don't remember watching play! Like you, I just watched a couple youtube scraps.

[EastDivFan]

Well a lot has happened since the last post on this thread. When I saw the post on the other forum last Thursday that Coghlan and Welykolowa quit and Uhrich's brother was called up, I thought it was a lame attempt at goading Blades fans...wrong. It's getting hard to tell whether there is incompetence in management, or these are the necessary evils of a tough rebuild. My father-in-law thirty years ago informed me in no uncertain terms that you don't get to quit on your home team when the going gets tough. So I'll give them the benefit of the doubt for now. Especially since I figured this year and next were write offs long before the Blades tried to set the record for trades in a season this year. Nonetheless, here are my thoughts on the most recent deals.

1) '96 Brycen Martin & 2017 5th rounder (conditional) for '96 Jordan Thomson and 2016 1st rounder. Before I give my 2 cents, it's worth pointing out that there was speculation that something was up with Thomson. I'm not sure Martin should be worth a first rounder alone, never mind with Thomson thrown in. But the Blades are in dire straights next season, especially with the departure of Coghlan (who would have been my pick out of himself, Schacher, and Dixon for next season as a 20). On the bright side in this deal, it does plug a gaping hole in the roster and the organization has already acknowledged that they will use Martin to recoup the pick at the trade deadline next season if (I say "when") they aren't doing well. For Martin, it provides an opportunity to prove that he can play in his own end. This was the concern that caused him to drop to the third round of the NHL draft. He'll play first line everything to a fault in the next year with the Blades. So it's sink or swim time for his NHL future.

2) '96 Mitch Skapski & 2015 5th rounder for 2016 5th rounder. Just the fact that they are bumping a draft pick up a season makes this deal a winner. The Blades need to get talent back into this organization as soon as they can. While I'd rather have seen his brother Marshall coming our way, if Mitch's effort stays consistent with what was seen on the weekend he could be the icing on the cake in this deal.

3) '97 Brayden Uhrich listed. I don't know what to say about this. That the Blades can add a midget house player to their forward ranks and not have him stick out like a sore thumb pretty much says enough. I would have been disappointed had the coaches gone the other way with their game time decision between Brayden and Gingras in Kootenay.

4) Departure of '95 Coghlan and '96 Welykholowa. It's odd to hear that Coghlan would ask to be traded when he was playing on the top line with Henry, especially given his tenuous position as a major junior player to begin with. Maybe they were playing him more to try to get him to stay. At any rate, they can both be replaced without terrible difficulty. I'm more concerned personally with what it may say about the organization. The Blades could be turning into the next Lethbridge, which would make a timely rebuild very difficult. There's little point having all these first and second round draft picks if none of them will come here. We're already struggling to get our 99's (Paterson and Capstick) to sign.

Well, that's about it. I hate being negative, so I think I may just sit back and see what the team can do the rest of the season now that the roster is finalized.