Erie Otters 2022-23 Off-Season Thread (Part 2)

[Mata]

Anyone know what’s going on here? Seems to be at least in part connected to Erie Panthers with that color scheme

Most speculating it's the release of a throwback for next season, similar to them doing the Blades this season.

 

[NOA]

McDavid. O'Reilly. Now Erie Otters will make 3rd No. 1 OHL pick in team history.

The Erie Otters, for the third time in franchise history, will have the No. 1 overall pick in the Ontario Hockey League's priority selection draft.

www.goerie.com

Today is the day

Something so special, a different vibe when picking 1st overall. I hope Erie provides a warm welcome to whoever it is and I hope that player and his family get the best possible treatment through this process. It’s obviously a big honor when anyone gets to go 1st overall but for the player this year, there was a more competitive debate on who to take and yet Erie chose him. There is certainly a lot of pressure that comes with the pick, both on and off the ice. I hope whoever it is finds success in both capacities, like past high picks in Strome, McKegg, Boyes, etc. The list goes on. Love the players that come through here and embrace the community, lead the organization, and of course have success on the ice. Here’s to hoping Erie found their next leader

 

[Mata]

Pretty stoked for this evening...

I guess we'll find out soon enough who our next franchise player is.

In addition to that, any thoughts on a round 2 target? Do we go defense, move back on the offensive side or perhaps look at another goalie?

 

[Mata]

Also...

 

[7D442]

Whelp -who will ERIE take ??

Roobroeck or Schaefer ??

if we don’t take Roobroeck he could be be torching us for years.. and will Spence and company step up if we don’t ??

 

[NOA]

Pretty stoked for this evening...

I guess we'll find out soon enough who our next franchise player is.

In addition to that, any thoughts on a round 2 target? Do we go defense, move back on the offensive side or perhaps look at another goalie?

I would bet good money on a FWD at 23 overall. Who that is, no clue. Impossible to guess but it will be a forward, probably a C, and someone who is at least over 5’10

 

[NOA]

Whelp -who will ERIE take ??

Roobroeck or Schaefer ??

if we don’t take Roobroeck he could be be torching us for years.. and will Spence and company step up if we don’t ??

It’s going to be Schaefer. I don’t blame Erie for taking Schaefer. These things are hard to project when it isn’t a Connor McDavid or Michael Misa type but I would rather they take the player who is ascending, performed better in clutch situations against tougher opponents, and plays a position where he is so clearly the consensus best player in that group it isn’t really worth talking about unless you want to ask who is the 2nd best D. So, I think it makes sense with their approach. You could argue Roobroeck but his style isn’t really the best for Erie imo(which scouts seems to agree). There are other great options at F too so the idea of picking between 2-3 forwards, who you could make a case for each and neither is the consensus best in their group, versus just taking the best D makes it easier. Don’t overthink it.

 

[Mata]

It’s going to be Schaefer. I don’t blame Erie for taking Schaefer. These things are hard to project when it isn’t a Connor McDavid or Michael Misa type but I would rather they take the player who is ascending, performed better in clutch situations against tougher opponents, and plays a position where he is so clearly the consensus best player in that group it isn’t really worth talking about unless you want to ask who is the 2nd best D. So, I think it makes sense with their approach. You could argue Roobroeck but his style isn’t really the best for Erie imo(which scouts seems to agree). There are other great options at F too so the idea of picking between 2-3 forwards, who you could make a case for each and neither is the consensus best in their group, versus just taking the best D makes it easier. Don’t overthink it.

If what is being reported on the ohl draft thread is accurate, then yes we are going with Schaefer as Martin would not have committed to Erie.

This had to likely be the deciding factor IMO between a falling Roobroeck, who you've pointed out as not really fitting Erie's play style, Moore who committed to the US, and Martin not willing to report to Erie.

If we didn't take Schaefer we'd either miss the pick entirely or not take best available. It is almost a process of elimination really. Here are the 4 best, take the one you know will come here with 100% certainty.

 

[Mata]

The same people who said that about Martin said it about RR going to Niagara… I wouldn’t trust all the posters on this site. For what it’s worth, I’ve heard from 2 independent people (off this forum) that Erie had no issues with players at the top willing to report. Moore a different story with US route but between the other 4 guys at the top, they had their pick. There is a reason Erie picked Schaefer, which I outlined, but what it came down to is they think he’s the best player, best talent and based on what I’ve read and seen - that looks like a sound argument

The situation imo is closer to a here’s BY FAR the best D who has just as much if not more star potential than these 3 FWDs who oh by the way, all have some things that give you pause or make you question so then which do you take? How about just take the consensus, clear and away best D available instead of overthinking what forward to take.

As time goes on, situations evolve and more information comes out. It may have been true at one point RR was not going to report to Niagara. Perhaps Martin has had conversations about his desire to stay close to home.

The players and agents can, in some instances, carry a lot of weight in their decision of where they wish to play. If it is true that Martin was never planning to report here then he was never a serious option here regardless of his talent level.
I'm sure Erie still went through all the proper vetting of the top 3 - 5 players and regardless of talent, position, skill and they were going to take the best player available who they knew would report. They are definitely not in a position to swing at Moore, have him not report, and screw up this season. There is no way they could go the Niagara route and pick up a compensation pick next season. Schaefer being the top player is a subjective opinion and at the end of the day, regardless of where he was ranked 1, 2, or 3...he checked all the right boxes including the one to show up.

 

[GermanSpitfire]

As time goes on, situations evolve and more information comes out. It may have been true at one point RR was not going to report to Niagara. Perhaps Martin has had conversations about his desire to stay close to home.

The players and agents can, in some instances, carry a lot of weight in their decision of where they wish to play. If it is true that Martin was never planning to report here then he was never a serious option here regardless of his talent level.
I'm sure Erie still went through all the proper vetting of the top 3 - 5 players and regardless of talent, position, skill and they were going to take the best player available who they knew would report. They are definitely not in a position to swing at Moore, have him not report, and screw up this season. There is no way they could go the Niagara route and pick up a compensation pick next season. Schaefer being the top player is a subjective opinion and at the end of the day, regardless of where he was ranked 1, 2, or 3...he checked all the right boxes including the one to show up.

Excellent post.

 

[NOA]

As time goes on, situations evolve and more information comes out. It may have been true at one point RR was not going to report to Niagara. Perhaps Martin has had conversations about his desire to stay close to home.

The players and agents can, in some instances, carry a lot of weight in their decision of where they wish to play. If it is true that Martin was never planning to report here then he was never a serious option here regardless of his talent level.
I'm sure Erie still went through all the proper vetting of the top 3 - 5 players and regardless of talent, position, skill and they were going to take the best player available who they knew would report. They are definitely not in a position to swing at Moore, have him not report, and screw up this season. There is no way they could go the Niagara route and pick up a compensation pick next season. Schaefer being the top player is a subjective opinion and at the end of the day, regardless of where he was ranked 1, 2, or 3...he checked all the right boxes including the one to show up.

Yeah it’s hard to know with these things and I’ll stop speculating or talking because everything I hear is hearsay, it’s not directly from the source. So who can say. Bottom line is I think Erie viewed Moore as best FWD and once he was off the board, their approach changed. That’s all I will say. All these picks are subjective when there isn’t a Connor McDavid… that’s obvious.

 

[Mata]

Yeah it’s hard to know with these things and I’ll stop speculating or talking because everything I hear is hearsay, it’s not directly from the source. So who can say. Bottom line is I think Erie viewed Moore as best FWD and once he was off the board, their approach changed. That’s all I will say. All these picks are subjective when there isn’t a Connor McDavid… that’s obvious.

I think you're right in the Erie Otters had the best players ranked...in multiple ways.

Forwards, maybe Moore was 1, Roobroeck 2, and Martin 3rd.

The moment Moore commits to USDP it changes the rankings.

In addition to forward rankings you'll have team needs. I agree defense is probably a little bigger question mark and there is really one concensus top D man.

Then the team needs to figure out if a kid who fits all of their demands will even show up, which as this point given our down years is a big question mark.

I'm sure Niagara doesn't really want to pick Czata at 5 because there is more talent available, but if he's the only one to report and you've no compensation rewards because you used them this year, what do you do?

Let's hope Schaefer is a solid pick up for years to come!

 

[NOA]

I think you're right in the Erie Otters had the best players ranked...in multiple ways.

Forwards, maybe Moore was 1, Roobroeck 2, and Martin 3rd.

The moment Moore commits to USDP it changes the rankings.

In addition to forward rankings you'll have team needs. I agree defense is probably a little bigger question mark and there is really one concensus top D man.

Then the team needs to figure out if a kid who fits all of their demands will even show up, which as this point given our down years is a big question mark.

I'm sure Niagara doesn't really want to pick Czata at 5 because there is more talent available, but if he's the only one to report and you've no compensation rewards because you used them this year, what do you do?

Let's hope Schaefer is a solid pick up for years to come!

At least Erie doesn’t have to reach that far, like Niagara at 5…At least they get a legit prospect in a far spot. Let’s just hope things start to gel. Winning is the ultimate coverup for everything else. Win a little and guys start to feel good, play better

 

[OttersFan]

I think it’ll be Schaefer. He fills a huge hole on the backend. He might not be a huge impact the first few months here which as expected as a rookie, but by December he should come up big.

Roobroeck was my official first choice, but Schaefer makes the most sense in the long run. Plus Roobroeck is from London. Would he really want to play here if he could play for his hometown?

 

[Mata]

Yes Schaefer...

And only in Erie does the broadcast cut out during one of only 3 times we selected first overall. Wow...

 

[OttersFan]

Yes Schaefer...

And only in Erie does the broadcast cut out during one of only 3 times we selected first overall. Wow...

It was very fitting. It was CHL TV that had it cut out. I know people who are there and they’ve said nothing but good things about Schaefer. They said he’s very polite with friendly parents. He’s obviously nervous, but a solid selection. He won’t be in Erie very long since he has to be back in Toronto for press.

 

[OttersFan]

Saw this coming a million miles away!

 

[Mata]

View attachment 692698
Saw this coming a million miles away!

Man...Vince is a class act. I wish him all the best.

 

[NOA]

Yes Schaefer...

And only in Erie does the broadcast cut out during one of only 3 times we selected first overall. Wow...

Meh who cares about it cutting out. The people that matter most were in the building. I’m not gonna blame them on connectivity issues that the whole world is accustomed to dealing with in an unpredictable fashion

Overall I thought it was a nice intro. He seems humble and excited. Of course he was nervous, it’s the best day of his life and he’s 15. He had solid composure though. Seems like a good kid. Was nice seeing Spence, Sova and others there too

 

[rve24]

Congrats.

 

[StingUpdates]

Some clips/videos. What a terrific skater he is. Definitely gonna be a blast to watch for u guys. Wait till he adds muscle.. beast.

 

[NOA]

Some clips/videos. What a terrific skater he is. Definitely gonna be a blast to watch for u guys. Wait till he adds muscle.. beast.

For sure. Drysdale was special but 5’10 when drafted. This kid is already 6’1. If he gets to 6’2 and 180-190.. with that speed and skill Sheesh

 

[Wolf on a Wire]

Congratulations to the Erie Otters, Matthew Schaefer and the Schaefer Family on being selected number one overall. Forever etched in OHL History, enjoy the ride young man! Take care. Wolves Fan

 

[NOA]

Really just need the kids to work and grow together. Also rooting for Terrance to go out and grab that C. When was the last time Erie had a non OA wearing the C? That’s never really a good sign when it’s always your 20 year olds that become captains and never someone who has then returned to be captain the following year during this entire rebuild… that needs to change imo

 

[Guy In Burlington]

Really just need the kids to work and grow together. Also rooting for Terrance to go out and grab that C. When was the last time Erie had a non OA wearing the C? That’s never really a good sign when it’s always your 20 year olds that become captains and never someone who has then returned to be captain the following year during this entire rebuild… that needs to change imo

Thinking back to his Brampton days, it was rare for Butler to name an OA as captain. In 15 years I think an OA was captain in only four of them. He generally had 19s as captains. I think Cody Hodgson was the captain at 18, but he may have been the only one.

Can’t see it being a 19 year old this year though.