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

[Mata]

Either Gilmartin or Saganiuk.

The only way I see them getting rid of Bressette is if they believe they don't lose much and can get a ton of capital. Given his injury history, not sure he moves and Stan spoke very highly of him last season.

Additionally, it appeared Stan drew a hard line with Gilmartin at the end of last season. Unless that young man's attitude changes and he buys into Stan's system, he has to be top of the list. If he did change his tune and Stan finds it sincere, I'd have to believe Saganiuk would be the odd man out as Johnston flies under the radar and just plays a consistent game.

 

[NOA]

I think Bressette is for sure a lock. I don’t think his trade value would be enough to warrant a move for the value he brings when healthy. He’s a PPG forward who finished 4th on the team in points last year, 3rd among forwards, despite missing half the season on a really bad team. As of now, he’s their 3rd best forward. You hope that changes with the addition of Misiak, and Molnar/Fimis growth but it’s hard to see Bressette outside the top 5/6 forwards on the team.

Bottom line: The team needs to win games this year and Bressette is their best OA. Maybe he’s a guy they move at the deadline.

Given the youth or inexperience on the backend, mixed with the unknown, in Schaefer, Henry, Holomego, Sauder, Alboim - it becomes hard to see them moving Johnston who will have like no trade value.

Saganiuk and Gilmartin probably come down to what @Mata shared. Imo Saganiuk is a better 3rd line fit and far more disciplined so give me that player as an OA. If you wanted to make a trade, Gilmartin has more value, though still limited overall

 

[Mata]

Watching the Bednard interview and then the Stan Butler clip it appears to me Stan's mind is open to how this team will best operate, but it starts with defense.

That being said, Stan makes mention there are only 4 guys who left, BUT there are some really young and talented people in camp who may unseat people who have been here.

While I don't foresee our OAs losing a roster spot (I think we fill a minimum of 2/3 spots), I think it points to people like McDonald, Messier, Edwards, and few others as being on the bubble.
Misiak was noted as potentially being the best player on this team. Then there is the obvious Schaefer being added. Hammond was mentioned a few times. Without seeing them play yesterday or today it is hard go really go into any further insights as to who may be performing very well out of our young group and who may possibly be left out this upcoming season.

 

[NOA]

Watching the Bednard interview and then the Stan Butler clip it appears to me Stan's mind is open to how this team will best operate, but it starts with defense.

That being said, Stan makes mention there are only 4 guys who left, BUT there are some really young and talented people in camp who may unseat people who have been here.

While I don't foresee our OAs losing a roster spot (I think we fill a minimum of 2/3 spots), I think it points to people like McDonald, Messier, Edwards, and few others as being on the bubble.
Misiak was noted as potentially being the best player on this team. Then there is the obvious Schaefer being added. Hammond was mentioned a few times. Without seeing them play yesterday or today it is hard go really go into any further insights as to who may be performing very well out of our young group and who may possibly be left out this upcoming season.

Yup, such is always the case like Lowe last year, Ross, and Gritz way before that, etc. It happens. I think Artichuk, Messier, Edwards are most notably on block. All need improvement to justify their age, size, and/or performance

 

[Monster66]

Age is definitely a deciding factor. Artichuk, Messier, Edwards and McDonald are all bottom six type players and more likely bottom 3 players. Stan likes guys in the bottom of his lineup to play hard, be physical and play simple. Stan has a track record of trying to find a projects from the draft like he did in North Bay with Justin Brazeau who was a 14th round pick. I predict you will see at least one surprise come out of camp. Messier is the biggest of those group of bubble kids but he is also the least talented. He's not making the opening day roster.

 

[Monster66]

Terrance, Spence, Bressette, Alfano, Molnar, Miasak, Fimis, and Saginauk make up the top 8 and Gilmartin likely rounds out the the top 9. I would imagine that Welsey Royston will make the squad as an early second round pick? He's 6.2 and stan will like that...anyone have thoughts on Royston?

 

[Monster66]

I am not that familiar with the Otters backend - can someone tell me if this backend is good enough to compete with the top teams in the West?? Sova is legit the first rounder is obviously going to be a stud but he's pretty young as a first year player what else does Erie have back there to be excited about?? and any concerns in nets?

 

[NOA]

Age is definitely a deciding factor. Artichuk, Messier, Edwards and McDonald are all bottom six type players and more likely bottom 3 players. Stan likes guys in the bottom of his lineup to play hard, be physical and play simple. Stan has a track record of trying to find a projects from the draft like he did in North Bay with Justin Brazeau who was a 14th round pick. I predict you will see at least one surprise come out of camp. Messier is the biggest of those group of bubble kids but he is also the least talented. He's not making the opening day roster.

Usually every year there is a random player to sign or surprise. That’s not unsual or specific to SB. Erie has a long history of it too, most recently with Yetman and Golod.

I agree, Messier unlikely to make it but I’m not at camp or watching the players. Who knows what if any growth they made. Messier and Edwards seem the most likely, followed by McDonald and Artichuk. At least 1 but probably 2 of those 4 will be cut by early season

Terrance, Spence, Bressette, Alfano, Molnar, Miasak, Fimis, and Saginauk make up the top 8 and Gilmartin likely rounds out the the top 9. I would imagine that Welsey Royston will make the squad as an early second round pick? He's 6.2 and stan will like that...anyone have thoughts on Royston?

Gilmartin AND Saganiuk will not be on the roster. Seems highly unlikely because Johnston fills a bigger need and carrying 3 OA forwards is a bold move.

Given that Royston was a 2nd rounder, you would hope he can at least be a 4th line, 13th forward.

 

[NOA]

I am not that familiar with the Otters backend - can someone tell me if this backend is good enough to compete with the top teams in the West?? Sova is legit the first rounder is obviously going to be a stud but he's pretty young as a first year player what else does Erie have back there to be excited about?? and any concerns in nets?

On the surface, I think they’ll be average at best. Again, can’t speak to development of the players but their coaching should be better, they have a defensive coaching staff, and they at least have some talent, speed. The problem is they are young and inexperienced. Depth could be a major issue. And unless Sova really takes the next step, they won’t have a true 1/2. So, imo the best they can hope for is middle of pack - like best case is they have more structure, you see the talent and skill but it’s just inconsistent. This is why Johnston is a near lock as OA, he at least provides some stability on the backend

 

[Mata]

Terrance, Spence, Bressette, Alfano, Molnar, Miasak, Fimis, and Saginauk make up the top 8 and Gilmartin likely rounds out the the top 9. I would imagine that Welsey Royston will make the squad as an early second round pick? He's 6.2 and stan will like that...anyone have thoughts on Royston?

The rookie camp earlier in the summer Roysten is huge compared to a lot of kids. He may need a other year to develop, but Stan and company could find him ready to go. I believe they were also really high on Hammond out of the u18 draft so you'd almost think he is another who may jump in and see where it ends up.

Also to note I believe Curd and Coe were also really big bodies and Ty Henry also has decent size.

With regards to forwards, no one stood out well above the rest at rookie camp IMO. There were some smaller flashy kids, but no one that would outperform a Saganiuk, Bressette, or maybe even Edwards and offensively Schaefer and Henry looked to provide the most offense. I'd look for Stan to take some chances to upgrade size, if that's his preferred style of play.

 

[Monster66]

Usually every year there is a random player to sign or surprise. That’s not unsual or specific to SB. Erie has a long history of it too, most recently with Yetman and Golod.

I agree, Messier unlikely to make it but I’m not at camp or watching the players. Who knows what if any growth they made. Messier and Edwards seem the most likely, followed by McDonald and Artichuk. At least 1 but probably 2 of those 4 will be cut by early season


Gilmartin AND Saganiuk will not be on the roster. Seems highly unlikely because Johnston fills a bigger need and carrying 3 OA forwards is a bold move.

Given that Royston was a 2nd rounder, you would hope he can at least be a 4th line, 13th forward.

I can't see both of those players being moved or released. Unless there are guys coming in who are unexpectedly impressing Stan and company. I guess we will know soon enough. Yetman was a real nice player for a 10th rounder.

 

[ZinErie]

Anyone have info on Owen King? Checked our recent drafts, wasn't listed anywhere. Elite prospects lists an 06 from Cambridge, ON and an 05 from Rochester, NY. Both are right shot forwards. The American kid is listed as committed to Providence so I assume this is the Canadian kid. Was there a trade I'm missing or is he a free agent?

 

[NOA]

Anyone have info on Owen King? Checked our recent drafts, wasn't listed anywhere. Elite prospects lists an 06 from Cambridge, ON and an 05 from Rochester, NY. Both are right shot forwards. The American kid is listed as committed to Providence so I assume this is the Canadian kid. Was there a trade I'm missing or is he a free agent?

Free agent… every team every single year brings them in to fill the roster for camp and allow for scrimmages. Just the NFL does it with preseason by signing a bunch of undrafted or unsigned FAs

 

[ZinErie]

Free agent… every team every single year brings them in to fill the roster for camp and allow for scrimmages. Just the NFL does it with preseason by signing a bunch of undrafted or unsigned FAs

Yea, I knew all that. Just wondering if anyone knew for sure which kid this is. Was hoping for a Debrincat part 2 when I saw one of the kids was a Providence commit, lol.

 

[Mata]

 

[NOA]

Very unlikely he was signed as a 2022 to not make the team so, guys like Messier, Artichuk, Edwards, McDonald, have to be fighting for 1/2 spots on the roster.

 

[Mata]

Very unlikely he was signed as a 2022 to not make the team so, guys like Messier, Artichuk, Edwards, McDonald, have to be fighting for 1/2 spots on the roster.

Other names on the preseason roster include:

Roysten, Hammond, Henry, Holomego and of course Schaefer.

I guess that means no other real surprises until we get to the OA decision and/or possible trades?

 

[ZinErie]

Other names on the preseason roster include:

Roysten, Hammond, Henry, Holomego and of course Schaefer.

I guess that means no other real surprises until we get to the OA decision and/or possible trades?

Holomego was cut. So was the 06 forward they picked in the 4th round, Vital Dinis.

 

[ZinErie]

Holomego was cut. So was the 06 forward they picked in the 4th round, Vital Dinis.

Holomego is listed on the roster in social media posts, but not on the Otters website.

 

[Mata]

Holomego was cut. So was the 06 forward they picked in the 4th round, Vital Dinis.

3 projects would seem like a lot for a team working on playoff aspirations.

As far as Holomego, 7 defenders seems low, I would think 8 for the season in case of injury and what not, but 2 years down for Holomego or Henry you'd start to question the upside and if it'd be worth investing any further IMO.

 

[NOA]

Holomego was cut. So was the 06 forward they picked in the 4th round, Vital Dinis.

So why pick a 2006 in the fourth round? It was an odd pick at the time and looking worse now. The scouting dept has been so mediocre…

 

[Mata]

Holomego is out there, but imo the worst of the lot on the back line.

 

[OttersFan]

Molnar-Misiak-Bressette line will be good.

Holomego’s last name is pronounced “Hall-oh-me-go” I had no idea.

I didn’t think he was great during rookie camp in the spring and didn’t see him do anything flashy during training camp.

 

[Mata]

Molnar-Misiak-Bressette line will be good.

Holomego’s last name is pronounced “Hall-oh-me-go” I had no idea.

I didn’t think he was great during rookie camp in the spring and didn’t see him do anything flashy during training camp.

Misiak is gonna be a stud if he keeps that energy. He will easily be a top 3 player on this team.

Given the small sample size, Holomego, Hammond and Royston looked slower than everyone.

Gibbons played a hell of a game. Molnar was insane tonight creating plays. Schaefer did get a goal, didn't look super human, but was the most comfortable out of our rookie back line.

One thing that was very noticeable was the demeanor of the team. They were mature and disciplined tonight. I realize it was a big win and we haven't seen them against adversity but they were missing Sova, Spence, Gilmartin. Bressette, Fimis, Johnston, and Terrance.

This team will have some pretty decent depth. The back line looked much more composed. Curious to see if the same group are out there Sunday or if they mix in some regulars.

Also to note: McDonald fight was pretty awful...not only did he lose but he hurt his hand and might have picked up a concussion when he went face first into the ice.

 

[ZinErie]

Schaefer got credit for the goal, but it was actually tipped in by Hammond. Misiak is really good. I thought Royston skated well, especially for his size.