Brantford Bulldogs 2023-24 Off-Season Thread (Part One)

[Canadian Game]

Today was a bit of a surprise with both trades. I reserved judgement about the Sobolev trade because I thought it was a strange move for an OA while trading Cheynowski and Wray. The Van Vielt trade provided some clarity.

Overall I’m satisfied with the trades today. I can’t say I’m excited about the Sobolev trade, but I’m content with it. It sucks to lose Van Vliet, but that return is incredible, and Protz seems like a good addition going forward with the team’s plans. With the combination of both trades, I’m satisfied.

Although we could see more movement, this is how I currently picture our defence:

Sobolev - Hamara
Okitundu - Moore
Protz - Roberts
Chen

From looking at Sudbury’s lines, Protz has consistently being 2nd line LD, so I kept him on the left.

 

[Hamilton Bulldogs]

I wonder if Carson Lloyd will get any games now that some spots have opened up. I thought he played well last year in the few games here.

 

[Rattler]

Although we could see more movement, this is how I currently picture our defence:

Sobolev - Hamara
Okitundu - Moore
Protz - Roberts
Chen

I would keep Moore with Hamara on first, Sobolev - Okitundu on second...
Time will tell, but don't see this D much worse then before, while it's hard to argue against number of picks picked.
Hope they could possibly pick C today, maybe Jelsma, even if that cost them some picks (oh no).

 

[sirius67fan]

Impressed by the savy moves. Limited sell off and a few buys to stay competitive. And your war chest is bursting for the next two years! Good job.

 

[Canadian Game]

Bulldogs acquired Zachary Lavoie from Niagara for 2x 3rd round picks and an 8th.

He’s a 19 year old right wing, so he’s OA eligible next year.

https://x.com/bulldogsohl/status/1745154849816154515?s=46

 

[Rattler]

Ok, I'm back on Bulldogs bandwagon with this latest trade. It's been hectic few days, but I'd peg it succesfull trade deadline. Racked ton of picks, while potentially got better. Latter to be proven. Congrats to management, imagine it might have been stressful couple of days for them.

 

[WorkHardEveryShift]

Lavoie is a good pickup

 

[ktownfan]

Lavoie is a good pickup

I agree, good move

 

[Dog Fan]

You will like both Sobolev and Lavoie...Sobolev played well for us...Lavoie will be better on a team where he doesn't have to be a top 3 player

 

[WorkHardEveryShift]

You will like both Sobolev and Lavoie...Sobolev played well for us...Lavoie will be better on a team where he doesn't have to be a top 3 player

He had a great 17 year old season (after covid). Then went to the ice dogs. He could put up Lardis numbers with the Bulldogs

 

[Rounder8]

He had a great 17 year old season (after covid). Then went to the ice dogs. He could put up Lardis numbers with the Bulldogs

He'll also be a VERY good OA next year.

That leaves them with potentially Lavoie, Thomas, Xhekaj and Bujold as OA next year. That's a solid group if you're trying to make a run.

They should still be a solid squad in the second half (although life in our own end will be tough).

Next year they should be set at forward. Any additions would need to come on the back end or in net.

 

[Jawk]

Just going through the prospect list from the 23 Draft and according to Joshua Avery's EP page he has been moved from Hamilton (GOJHL) to Lindsey (OJHL). I wonder if their plans/opinion for him have changed or if it was just a move to get a young kid much closer to home.

 

[dirty12]

He had a great 17 year old season (after covid). Then went to the ice dogs. He could put up Lardis numbers with the Bulldogs

Wasn’t Lavoie 7th at best in pts/g for the IceDogs?

 

[Rounder8]

I would have looked a lot smarter if I was home and able to post this sooner, but Lavoie might be the help they need for their PP because they now have a shooter on both sides, so the penalty kill can't focus on Lardis as much.

It didn't take long to make a difference.

 

[Hamilton Bulldogs]

Lavoie looks really solid out there.

 

[Canadian Game]

Just going through the prospect list from the 23 Draft and according to Joshua Avery's EP page he has been moved from Hamilton (GOJHL) to Lindsey (OJHL). I wonder if their plans/opinion for him have changed or if it was just a move to get a young kid much closer to home.

Interesting. He was at the Bulldogs game last Sunday versus Mississauga.

 

[Canadian Game]

Solid game today despite the loss. Chemistry will take time but the all of the new guys looked good.

One noticeable difference today was the number of one-timers from the Bulldogs, which we really haven’t seen a lot of this season. Glad to see the power play not as predictable, and Lavoie looks like he’s not afraid to shoot. Even Protz was putting pucks on net, and Sobolev had the game tying goal.

We still got a point. In theory, they should have a good game against Barrie tomorrow.

 

[Rounder8]

Nice that he scored, but I really like the physical game the Protz brings for a 17 yr old.

 

[Jawk]

I would have looked a lot smarter if I was home and able to post this sooner, but Lavoie might be the help they need for their PP because they now have a shooter on both sides, so the penalty kill can't focus on Lardis as much.

It didn't take long to make a difference.

It made a difference almost immediately. I didn't even consider it at the time of the deal, but the PP should see a nice bump.

Interesting. He was at the Bulldogs game last Sunday versus Mississauga.

Sounds like it was just a move to get him closer to home.

 

[Rounder8]

It made a difference almost immediately. I didn't even consider it at the time of the deal, but the PP should see a nice bump.


Sounds like it was just a move to get him closer to home.

As much as I like O'Brien and Thomas, having them on the same PP unit isn't ideal. They are both elite puck distributors, but you need trigger men or the other team just loads up on the shooter.

 

[Rattler]

AKA "Avery Hayes"

 

[Rounder8]

AKA "Avery Hayes"

Yes, for sure.

The big difference is that Logan Morrison also had a very good wrist shot, so opponents had to respect it.

 

[HUSH10]

lots of unusual scratches tonight for Brantford

 

[barriers]

lots of unusual scratches tonight for Brantford

I saw a rumour Lardis has a shoulder injury and could miss some time but nothing confirmed

 

[Canadian Game]

Not sure what’s going on with Thomas, but Lardis and now Brown are out. Tonight’s forward lines have definitely taken a hit.

https://x.com/bulldogsohl/status/1747746607305511334?s=46