Erie Otters 2022-23 Season Thread

[Mata]

Not convinced London is still that team. Looks like they are building around their '05 & '06 group. This year will likely be a big down year. They might be into a regular cycle now like every other team.

I remember boards saying last year was going to be a big down year for them as well and they finished first in the conference.

Until it proves the cycle is broken, the stigma will remain for quite some time.

 

[ohloutsider]

I remember boards saying last year was going to be a big down year for them as well and they finished first in the conference.

Until it proves the cycle is broken, the stigma will remain for quite some time.

2nd in the conference and 3rd by points. Flint had more points but play in the same division as Windsor.

 

[NOA]

Not convinced London is still that team. Looks like they are building around their '05 & '06 group. This year will likely be a big down year. They might be into a regular cycle now like every other team.

Ha let’s hope so. They did burn a lot of assets on just one single player. And a defender at that. As good as Drysdale was, he didn’t have the same type of impact as Strome did. Offense is where it’s at in this league. That said, LDN continues to add assets every single year, even when they are buyers. They sell their spare parts for 2nd/3rd rounds. That’s the biggest reason they can make these types of trades. That won’t stop unless other GMs refuse to give into the hype they give their spare players.

2nd in the conference and 3rd by points. Flint had more points but play in the same division as Windsor.

They had just 39 wins. Hardly impressive by their standards. Last year was funky all around

 

[Savard18]

Ha let’s hope so. They did burn a lot of assets on just one single player. And a defender at that. As good as Drysdale was, he didn’t have the same type of impact as Strome did. Offense is where it’s at in this league. That said, LDN continues to add assets every single year, even when they are buyers. They sell their spare parts for 2nd/3rd rounds. That’s the biggest reason they can make these types of trades. That won’t stop unless other GMs refuse to give into the hype they give their spare players.


They had just 39 wins. Hardly impressive by their standards. Last year was funky all around

Plus they got bounced in the first round by a 7 seed. As far as spare parts go...from a Flint perspective Panwar was a pretty good deal for a 4th and Sherwood ripped it up after his trade out of London. Kolyachonok the best D to ever play in Flint and would have had a monster year as a 19yo. Lucas Rowe? Blah. I think he was a bit of an “add on” to the Koly deal though. London is currently coming back to earth as many teams in the league have up their game. I still see them as the upper echelon of the league but not what they were. They haven’t had a straight up dominant roster since Marner-Tkachuk-Dvorak.

 

[Antiillafire]

This all but confirms Molnar won’t be joining Erie to start the season. He wants to help Nitra get back to the championship series. I think the best otters fans can hope for is if he can’t crack the top 6, doesn’t make the WJC team because of that and pulls a Martin Chromiak move in January.

 

[NOA]

Between the Molnar news becoming more official, Lockhart’s development/asking for a trade, and the Sawyer news …. It potentially just keeps getting worse. Check out Brock’s thoughts on Terrance. We really need someone like him to take the next step but how it reads it looks like Lockhart 2.0 the way Brock sounds here



Better hope Brock is just off base here and these hockey guys below just know more. I will say Brock seems to always underrate Erie in a lot of areas. So I’ll take his analysis with a little grain of salt. Either way, it’s not good to hear







If Terrance isn’t at or around at least a PPG, it’s going to be a bad sign

 

[Mata]

Between the Molnar news becoming more official, Lockhart’s development/asking for a trade, and the Sawyer news …. It potentially just keeps getting worse. Check out Brock’s thoughts on Terrance. We really need someone like him to take the next step but how it reads it looks like Lockhart 2.0 the way Brock sounds here



Better hope Brock is just off base here and these hockey guys below just know more. I will say Brock seems to always underrate Erie in a lot of areas. So I’ll take his analysis with a little grain of salt. Either way, it’s not good to hear







If Terrance isn’t at or around at least a PPG, it’s going to be a bad sign

Bad sign how? He did pretty darn well on the international stage. If he comes here and lays an egg this season does that mean he is bad or is the system he is in here in Erie really just that awful?

I guess in addition to that...

Molnar not reporting, Sawyer not even giving us a sniff...Lockhart sputtering and then traded...Sproule not living up to the hype and traded and exploding.

I think it points to the system as a whole versus individuals not living up to their projections.

 

[NOA]

Bad sign how? He did pretty darn well on the international stage. If he comes here and lays an egg this season does that mean he is bad or is the system he is in here in Erie really just that awful?

I think it’s a bad sign for the organzation. In three potential ways - 1) it’s potentially another draft and season without a young impact forward developing. 2) it speaks to the coaching, system, talent here to allow him to develop. 3) are we even drafting the right guys?

We will have to see how it plays out but Brock’s write up is exactly what we can’t have - another passenger. Maybe that’s just the role USA wanted him to play but Erie needs some guys start carrying the play a bit. Too many passengers

 

[Mata]

I think it’s a bad sign for the organzation. In three potential ways - 1) it’s potentially another draft and season without a young impact forward developing. 2) it speaks to the coaching, system, talent here to allow him to develop. 3) are we even drafting the right guys?

We will have to see how it plays out but Brock’s write up is exactly what we can’t have - another passenger. Maybe that’s just the role USA wanted him to play but Erie needs some guys start carrying the play a bit. Too many passengers

I agree, 100%

It can't be a coincidence year after year our best players sputter in Erie but flourish elsewhere. I think it hints to our issues far from being solved unless there are changes from top to bottom.

 

[NOA]

I agree, 100%

It can't be a coincidence year after year our best players sputter in Erie but flourish elsewhere. I think it hints to our issues far from being solved unless there are changes from top to bottom.

It’s a big year to get a read on these types of things. Some general questions or things to consider - How does Lockhart perform in PBO? How does that compare to Alfano? How does Terrance develop? Does Spence improve throughout the year? What about the other 2004-2005s? I think it’s a huge prove it year for this franchise. The patience is long gone and the excuse of Hartsburg isn’t there anymore. Not to mention we are two years removed from COVID. Less excuses. If Brown wanted to blame Hartsburg on the direction of this team or lack of development - okay fine. But he also chose to stick internally with BJ. So the performance and development will be much more glaring this year if there issues.

I’m really curious how this team navigates the season. They have a large chunk of their backend back plus Lalonde a year older in net with the chance for improvement in the backup spot. I might do some research on where the Otters have been historically in terms of this amount of production returning on the backend. Not just in GP but also offensive production. Kyrou/Sova in particular but Johnston/Morton also gave you something last year while other young D guys are also still developing some offensive skills. Combine that with Lalonde in net. I have my doubts but he still has more hype as a returning goalie than we have had since, hmm idk maybe Devin Williams in his early career?? You add in a defensive minded coach who likely gets more buy in than Hartsburg got the past year or two he coached. The only potential optimism or path for optimism with this team has to start with defense / goalie combo. They could be surprisingly good back there. And they better be if they want to make any improvements on last year.

 

[Mata]

It’s a big year to get a read on these types of things. Some general questions or things to consider - How does Lockhart perform in PBO? How does that compare to Alfano? How does Terrance develop? Does Spence improve throughout the year? What about the other 2004-2005s? I think it’s a huge prove it year for this franchise. The patience is long gone and the excuse of Hartsburg isn’t there anymore. Not to mention we are two years removed from COVID. Less excuses. If Brown wanted to blame Hartsburg on the direction of this team or lack of development - okay fine. But he also chose to stick internally with BJ. So the performance and development will be much more glaring this year if there issues.

I’m really curious how this team navigates the season. They have a large chunk of their backend back plus Lalonde a year older in net with the chance for improvement in the backup spot. I might do some research on where the Otters have been historically in terms of this amount of production returning on the backend. Not just in GP but also offensive production. Kyrou/Sova in particular but Johnston/Morton also gave you something last year while other young D guys are also still developing some offensive skills. Combine that with Lalonde in net. I have my doubts but he still has more hype as a returning goalie than we have had since, hmm idk maybe Devin Williams in his early career?? You add in a defensive minded coach who likely gets more buy in than Hartsburg got the past year or two he coached. The only potential optimism or path for optimism with this team has to start with defense / goalie combo. They could be surprisingly good back there. And they better be if they want to make any improvements on last year.

One thought that has crossed my mind...

I actually believe there is a chance we have 2 defenders at or near the top of our production offensively in Kyrou and if Sova matures and makes the jump he is capable of.

Kyrou put up 60 points and Sova had 28 in his "rookie" campaign.

 

[OttersFan]

I honestly have been out of the loop in terms of watching stats and look forward to seeing what we look like on ice.

It’s entirely disappointing that we can’t land an import to save our life. We had the best position possible and missed completely. If I kept making these mistakes at my job, I’d lose my license and job. I’ve had trust that DB would make a switch and change the culture. It’s hard to trust the process when we have continuously been terrible. At some point we have to stop feeling sorry for ourselves and make a change.

Lalonde having a potential back up should ease the stress of being the #1 97% of the time and our defense looks good with the vets. Up front we are lacking size and I hope we have better transitions this season. We struggled there and that’s where we got in trouble.

I have no predictions yet.

 

[Mata]

Preseason roster is posted...

14 forwards, 9 defenders and 3 goalies.

Offensively we added:

McDonald and Messier.

Defensively we added:

Holomego and Henry

Goalie we added:

Gibbons.

 

[GermanSpitfire]

I think Erie took a swing in Molnar witg more the expectation he could report next season after he is selected by an NHL team - similar to what they did last year with Slafkovsky but Slafkovsky had himself a hell of a year - unlucky really for Erie fans.

It was always a long shot he’d report this year. Let’s hope he reports next year.


The positive for Erie is that they have 2 good defenders in Kyrou and Sova - Kyrou is likely to be traded and should get a haul at the deadline if they season goes How many expect. Hopefully he can return an ‘06 with some draft capitol to boot.

Malcom Spence is the future but I hope they don’t thrust him into first line minutes - have him start on the second pair with some PP time until he is familiar with the pace of the OHL where he can contribute consistently - As a late birthday, it may take him a little bit to get adjusted, and that’s okay, he is very talented and he’ll get there.

I don’t know what Erie can expect in a Connor Lockhart deal - he has the ability to be a 90+ point player in the OHL, but has been wildly inconsistent. He could go for multiple seconds or a second and a 4th - one thing he has going for him is the label he is an NHL drafted OHLer, that always increases a players value.


Hopefully one of the ‘05’s other than Terrence show some significant improvement - it Would be a breath of fresh air for this franchise for sure, the Opportunity is there one of them just have to take a hold of It.

Looks to be another rough year - hopefully I’m wrong Otters fans!

 

[NOA]

Preseason roster is posted...

14 forwards, 9 defenders and 3 goalies.

Offensively we added:

McDonald and Messier.

Defensively we added:

Holomego and Henry

Goalie we added:

Gibbons.

Yup, all the signed guys. There could be a trade after preseason / right before reg season. Or we just see this roster to start with Holomego and/or Henry sent down.

If they trade a forward, I have to think it’s one of the smaller guys and probably someone in 2003-2004 classes. If they trade a defensemen to start the year it’s probably someone like Johnston. Imo I would just let it play out. Injuries happen and at some point Kyrou will be a strong trade candidate. No need to move the defensive guys. If you want to move a small forward in an attempt to get bigger, I would understand. Saganiuk or Signoretti (Ross changed last name) would be the most likely in that scenario. Lowe/Smith from a talent standpoint but both bring the size.

 

[NOA]

I think Erie took a swing in Molnar witg more the expectation he could report next season after he is selected by an NHL team - similar to what they did last year with Slafkovsky but Slafkovsky had himself a hell of a year - unlucky really for Erie fans.

It was always a long shot he’d report this year. Let’s hope he reports next year.


The positive for Erie is that they have 2 good defenders in Kyrou and Sova - Kyrou is likely to be traded and should get a haul at the deadline if they season goes How many expect. Hopefully he can return an ‘06 with some draft capitol to boot.

Malcom Spence is the future but I hope they don’t thrust him into first line minutes - have him start on the second pair with some PP time until he is familiar with the pace of the OHL where he can contribute consistently - As a late birthday, it may take him a little bit to get adjusted, and that’s okay, he is very talented and he’ll get there.

I don’t know what Erie can expect in a Connor Lockhart deal - he has the ability to be a 90+ point player in the OHL, but has been wildly inconsistent. He could go for multiple seconds or a second and a 4th - one thing he has going for him is the label he is an NHL drafted OHLer, that always increases a players value.


Hopefully one of the ‘05’s other than Terrence show some significant improvement - it Would be a breath of fresh air for this franchise for sure, the Opportunity is there one of them just have to take a hold of It.

Looks to be another rough year - hopefully I’m wrong Otters fans!

Appreciate your thoughts!

The defense is the only potential bright spot. They have 368 combined games played last year returning on the backend. There is offensive talent as well (36g 98a from a year ago on defense). As much as I don’t think defensive teams get far in this league - it’s still the best route for this team, this season. Defensive minded head coach, a solid d core returning, your starting goalie has plenty of experience, and a good amount of vet forwards return. If they buy in and play team defense plus Lalonde improves, they can win low scoring games. Would I bet on it? No. I still have plenty of question marks. But it’s their only route to being a 6/7 seed team. Otherwise, they are in the basement.

Quick note on Lockhart —- he was already traded to PBO a few weeks ago for a 2nd, 3rd and Sam Alfano. Kyrou should be traded at some point. Ideally you get a 2006 but I would doubt that. Either way, 3 high picks and a solid 2005 would still be valuable. This team should be focusing their attention on building around Spence, Gibbons, and Terrance. Any 2023-2025 draft picks and 2005-2006 born players help.

Lastly on Spence - I doubt Erie rushes him into it. They will likely give him some top 6 looks here and there but I just doubt they push him. As much as Erie could be a 8/9 seed again, it’s not like they are a 15-19 win level bad. They should still be able to carve out their now standard 25-27 wins. I do think BJ is more open minded than Hartsburg so Spence will maybe get more chances but it’s only going to be if he’s ready and eased into it. He’s likely 3rd line. If he’s getting more chances than that then he’s just too special to keep off the ice.

 

[OttersFan]

Let me preface this by saying Preseason games mean absolutely nothing. Literally just a reason to play, warm up legs, and scrimmage against other teams. Officials getting back in the swing of things.

However, I will say, I hope there’s no false hope that we will actually look good especially after last year when we beat Flint 10-2. I thought that was a good sign and our transitions looked good during last years preseason. I was very, very wrong as we watched the season pan out.

 

[dirty12]

The trade is absolutely asinine...

As others have said, most London picks are bottom of the round so it's like getting 3rd and 4th round picks.

Odd that really only 1 team in the entire OHL can do this with any consistency.

Windsor may have acquired more defects than London or any other team since the defect rule was put in place.
Picks 21 to ~27 are most valuable obviously since they are the earliest that can be traded and can be first round talent and/or the top two goalies. Still, picks 34-40 are earlier than 3rd round picks and valuable enough pre-priority draft to acquire future 2nd & 3rd round picks.
Many of those picks acquired by Niagara will fund a run at an OHL title.

 

[dirty12]

Not convinced London is still that team. Looks like they are building around their '05 & '06 group. This year will likely be a big down year. They might be into a regular cycle now like every other team.

Should the Knights acquire player(s) and 2023 picks in a sell this season, they will have another 3-4 years near the top soon enough. A 1-2 year re-tooling period between extended runs at the top of the league is not quite like the regular cycle imo.

 

[HockeyPops]

Hard to gauge that it will be 3-4 years at the top, at this point. Their group of 2005&2006 born look pretty good. We will see how long they go before another rebuild.

 

[NOA]

Picks 21 to ~27 are most valuable obviously since they are the earliest that can be traded and can be first round talent and/or the top two goalies. Still, picks 34-40 are earlier than 3rd round picks and valuable enough pre-priority draft to acquire future 2nd & 3rd round picks.
Many of those picks acquired by Niagara will fund a run at an OHL title.

Exactly. Those assets are enough to get you 2/3 roster players and use the remaining ones in a big fish trade acquisition. Smart move by Niagara and they have to feel good about it. It means nothing if you don’t use the picks properly but they are set up and have plenty of options now

 

[EON]

My expectations for this team and the direction of this franchise right now couldn't be much lower, though I hope they prove me wrong. With the huge whiff on Molnar, trading Lockhart, and Sawyer choosing the NCAA, there is a major lack of talent up front imo. The defense will be good but the goaltending is still a huge question mark. I'm expecting them to hover around the 6-8 range, sell Kyrou at the deadline, then try to cling to the 8 seed only to either get blown out in round 1 or have a top 4 pick again.

 

[dirty12]

Hard to gauge that it will be 3-4 years at the top, at this point. Their group of 2005&2006 born look pretty good. We will see how long they go before another rebuild.

Though it’s hard to go wrong with multiple 1-3 picks for 3 straight years, timing helps; re-tooling with several early picks born 2005-07 is quite likely to be more successful than trying to re-tool or re-build around the 1999-2001 was. London should be in great shape in two seasons with any sort of sell this year.

 

[Mata]

My expectations for this team and the direction of this franchise right now couldn't be much lower, though I hope they prove me wrong. With the huge whiff on Molnar, trading Lockhart, and Sawyer choosing the NCAA, there is a major lack of talent up front imo. The defense will be good but the goaltending is still a huge question mark. I'm expecting them to hover around the 6-8 range, sell Kyrou at the deadline, then try to cling to the 8 seed only to either get blown out in round 1 or have a top 4 pick again.

If we were to go that route and land another top 4 pick...our chances greatly improve IMO to build around Spence assuming a trade and a really good return for Kyrou. We could load up on draft capital and focus on deeper runs sooner rather than the unknown, however it still is all contingent on this coaching staff actually developing players.

If BJ and company can't develop players this year, no amount of talented draft picks is going to help this team from the perpetual mediocrity we currently have and we've hit another cycle of frustration before getting over the Hartsburg era/debacle.

 

[HockeyPops]

If BJ and company can't develop players this year, no amount of talented draft picks is going to help this team from the perpetual mediocrity we currently have and we've hit another cycle of frustration before getting over the Hartsburg era/debacle.

At that point it might be known as the Brown era/debacle