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Maxwell 19
Ramsay 20
McKechnie 19
Yakubowski 19
Wong 17
Duke 17
Watson 18
Leverton 18
Derko 20
Harper 19
Axel Bomqvist 18
Laurencelle 18
Sofillas 20
Out
Hood 21
In ?
Estephan 16
Olynek 17
Conrad 16
Topping 18
Pilon 17
Erkamps 18
Hackman 18
Henry 19
Simpson 19
Albin Blomqvist 20
Out
Johnston 21
In?
Lenchyshyn 16
Sayers 17
Tai 18
Out
Rimmer 21
In?
Houge
Thoughts? Deletions or Additions? Darkhorses? Ommisions?
My first thought is that Albin will not be back.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bocephus
Second thought is the 3 20 year old forward didn't put up very impressive numbers this year. That has to be a concern.
Thirdly, the 5 'ins' seem to be close to locks which really causes a numbers issue.
On the topic of 20 Year Olds
Blomqvist is out, but we are one of those stupid teams that would give up "2" roster spots to the same player, so who knows
Ramsay I would say is in, he can put up some numbers in his 20 year old year I think, a coaching change may help his scenario (as it would most of the team frankly)
Sofillas is out, and as much as I like the guy, he just never turned into the point making
player at this level of hockey (see the coaching comment from before)
Derko I think is in, he is one of those guys that you hate to love, but he does bring that sort of Mike Wuchterl prowess to the team, and he definatley has some decent offensive upside to go with it
As for other possible deletions
Axel Blomqvist - had some ups and downs, but will be come back without his brother, I think this might be a both or none situation. Sort of a question mark in my mind.
Craig Leverton - another Mike Sofillas type player, only younger, not sure if he has everything all together to make the squad next year, another question mark
Harrison Harper - should not have been with the team this year in my mind, so I dont think he will be back next year, if they keep Derko, they don't need another weak skating goon on the team that has little upside offensively or defensively
Locks I would think
Maxwell
Ramsay
McKechnie
Yakubowski
Wong
Duke
Watson
Derko
Laurencelle
I would say that Estephan plays with the team next year, and Olynek probably as well. So really in my mind that leaves you 1 spot up front, maybe 2 depending on what the coaching staff decides to do.
Topping
Pilon
Erkamps
Hackman
Henry
Simpson
I would think all 6 of these guys are back on the Blue Line, really in my mind one of the positions we seem to have some decent strength at (again with proper coaching). Topping and Plion proved to be relatively reliable in their 1st full years in the league, Erkamps has ups and downs but is generally very solid. Hackman proved he can play with anyone at this level, really probably one of the most consistent guys on the team this year, you knew what to expect night in and night out. Simpson and Henry will probably be relied upon to eat 22-25 minutes a game next year..
I dont really see any holes on Defense next year unless we start trading..
In Goal I would think you get Hogue and Tai, Tai proved he can play, and I think given the chance to play 50-55 games he probably could turn into a reliable keeper. Then again we as a club seem to have a huge love of 20 Year Old Keepers (Rimmer/Ketlo).
Just my 0.02...
I think Derko is the only sure bet as a 20yr old to come back with Ramsay likely to be back.Quote:
Originally Posted by lethbridgefan83
I think Simpson will be upgraded with a 20 yr old d-man we trade for.
We are going to have a high Euro pick again. Draft an 18yr old Euro to play goal for 2 seasons alongside Tai.
Way ahead of myself but how about a guy like Darren Dietz (will be a 20 year old next year) from Saskatoon. Sask will have a lot of players to clear out, he's played in Lethbridge as a middget player, and I'm not sure if he's signed with the Montreal Canadiens. He's had a great year so may be in Hamilton next season. Just a thought.Quote:
Originally Posted by here for the long run
Dietz will be in Hamilton without question. The baby Habs haven't been very good. They're young and Dietz will get a ton of playing time as Tinordi will probably make the jump to the big club next year.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bocephus
Figured that would be the case. Sask will still have a boatload of 20's to unload I would think. They can't all be heading to the pros. Perhaps that would be an avenue to improve our 20's.Quote:
Originally Posted by loudi94
There always seems to be somewhat of quality 20 year olds out there, especially when you send 2 teams to the Mem Cup from the same league. I feel our problems are going to go a lot deeper then which 3 20's we end up having though. Just for kicks Id like to be in some sort of alternate reality where Sutter or Hay coaches this squad, just to see what happens, and too see if we are all completely nuts LOL
All the fans are nuts and Preston and the BOD plan is bearing fruit. That's an awesome thought. HahaQuote:
Originally Posted by lethbridgefan83
It’s hard not to be excited about Wong, Duke, Kolten, Colt and Giorgio. Clearly goal scorers and playmakers. Multiple draft picks on our team. Not trying to minimise our lack of playoffs this season but finally have a future. Now who is the coach? Fine with the GM.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bocephus