Erie Otters 2022 Off-season Thread

[NOA]

Isn't 416 The Ice Dog's Area Code ? lol

He’s literally from that area.. Toronto area code. And it’s in the article that he was/is training there. Also, his equipment is clearly new and Otters colors with the navy and gold. No other team in the league has the color scheme so safe to say it’s Erie

 

[three dog night]

He’s literally from that area.. Toronto area code. And it’s in the article that he was/is training there. Also, his equipment is clearly new and Otters colors with the navy and gold. No other team in the league has the color scheme so safe to say it’s Erie

Niagara area code 905 sixty miles from Toronto via highway.

 

[Puckit97]

Isn't 416 The Ice Dog's Area Code ? lol

I don’t believe so. I googled it and it’s the “Toronto area”. Which makes sense with him living outside of the city.

 

[OttersFan]

It’s official. Malcolm Spence is an Erie Otter.

 

[G0Otters]

We lost 3 overage forwards and we pick a goalie with our 2nd overall pick? I don’t get it.

 

[Mata]

It’s official. Malcolm Spence is an Erie Otter.

Saw his interview...what a well put together young man and very impressed with his composure at such a young age.

 

[OttersFan]

We lost 3 overage forwards and we pick a goalie with our 2nd overall pick? I don’t get it.

He’s a big goalie and fills the frame. We need someone more than Nicholls to be the 3rd string.

If they’re sticking with Lalonde and Campbell next year, it gives Jacob Gibbons time to develop for the following year. Hopefully we are able to see him at training camp this year.

 

[Mata]

He’s a big goalie and fills the frame. We need someone more than Nicholls to be the 3rd string.

If they’re sticking with Lalonde and Campbell next year, it gives Jacob Gibbons time to develop for the following year. Hopefully we are able to see him at training camp this year.

Correct...

Unless they change the rules to allow an OA goalie not to count against the team, Campbell is out. There is basically 0 confidence in Nicholls at this point.

Definitely makes sense to take 2 Forwards and a goalie with the first 3 IMO.

 

[NOA]

We lost 3 overage forwards and we pick a goalie with our 2nd overall pick? I don’t get it.

They probably lost 4-5 games this year because their backup goalie, once Campbell got hurt, was not at all OHL quality… aren’t you the same fan that wanted them to make the playoffs? Wellll, a big reason why they didn’t was bad goalie play and a big reason for that was they rode their 17 year old into the ground and didn’t have a backup that could play

So with all due respect.. what are you talking about???

Erie had a tremendous run in 2013-2017 but they probably lost a memorial cup because of lack of high end goalie play. I’ll never downplay the need to invest real resources into that position, a position we always struggle with. Every 2-3 years I would take one this early. Lalonde already is entering his 3rd year. The timing is right for this team to now draft the next guy. Not to mention that with 8 defensemen eligible to return, it’s less likely you go D with a 2nd round pick. Your bigger need is goalie

In terms of the OAs.. they aren’t losing much outside of DAmato. With Edwards (2021) already signed, Spence 2nd overall, plus their other 2nd round pick forward —- they are fine. Not to mention other 2021 prospects and the import draft

 

[NOA]

I like the direction so far with A) getting bigger and B) by taking a goalie early they got their guy and allows them to have the net at least potentially half filled for another 4-5 years

This gives Erie a chance to have a really great tandem in 2023-24, with Lalonde in year 4 and Gibbons in year 2.

Dave Brown couldn’t stop talking about Spence. They really like this kid and for great reason. I think he’s going to be special. The skills are there but the maturity and leadership, mannnn that’s an amazing combo to have. I think he will have a REAL impact in year 1. With Erie’s speed in the forward group, I think it’s a good match for him too. Looking forward to it.

Looking ahead to tomorrow - I would certainly expect a focus on D earlier, some guys to develop for 2023-24, and a continued emphasis on size.

 

[NOA]

He’s a big goalie and fills the frame. We need someone more than Nicholls to be the 3rd string.

If they’re sticking with Lalonde and Campbell next year, it gives Jacob Gibbons time to develop for the following year. Hopefully we are able to see him at training camp this year.

Unless Campbell is going to be better than .900, which he has never ever proven to be at this level, then I don’t think it’s smart to use an OA on a goalie who is a backup at best. If he’s going to compete and be a solid starter to split the net, then I consider it. I guess a lot will depend on Lalondes development too. But either way, I would rather get an import goalie at 12th overall then waste an OA spot on Campbell who has never been consistent or let alone the guy. Unless that changes this offseason and he somehow becomes a real factor in net, I’m good with moving on.

Gibbons is a long term idea but also gives them flexibility. Don’t totally shut out the idea that he’s the backup next year. I don’t think it’s their number one plan and wouldn’t count on it but I also think they want to give themselves much better options than they had this year… they need to upgrade Nicholls aka their backup spot - that’s either Campbell, 2021 prospects, trade, Gibbons, or the import draft. But they also need to upgrade their 3rd goalie spot if/when they have an injury. Gibbons at least is that, or has a chance to be, a better 3rd string option if you need him for 5-10 games

 

[OttersFan]

Unless Campbell is going to be better than .900, which he has never ever proven to be at this level, then I don’t think it’s smart to use an OA on a goalie who is a backup at best. If he’s going to compete and be a solid starter to split the net, then I consider it. I guess a lot will depend on Lalondes development too. But either way, I would rather get an import goalie at 12th overall then waste an OA spot on Campbell who has never been consistent or let alone the guy. Unless that changes this offseason and he somehow becomes a real factor in net, I’m good with moving on.

Gibbons is a long term idea but also gives them flexibility. Don’t totally shut out the idea that he’s the backup next year. I don’t think it’s their number one plan and wouldn’t count on it but I also think they want to give themselves much better options than they had this year… they need to upgrade Nicholls aka their backup spot - that’s either Campbell, 2021 prospects, trade, Gibbons, or the import draft. But they also need to upgrade their 3rd goalie spot if/when they have an injury. Gibbons at least is that, or has a chance to be, a better 3rd string option if you need him for 5-10 games

I agree with all this. Gibbons is a good pick up. A lot of my comment towards next year factors in with the OA decision. I think we will see Gibbons since he seems to be what we were looking for and a good reason for the late pick trade.

I think they brought Campbell back next year to prove he can play, but I’m not sure if that’s enough to use an OA spot. I see Gibbons playing a few games like you said, and if he really brings it to training camp, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was the back up. This team has been consistently bad with goalie picks, hopefully this year is the year we go back up the slope.

What DB has done so far is address the major concerns has been on par. Hopefully today will continue the same trend.

 

[Mata]

I agree with all this. Gibbons is a good pick up. A lot of my comment towards next year factors in with the OA decision. I think we will see Gibbons since he seems to be what we were looking for and a good reason for the late pick trade.

I think they brought Campbell back next year to prove he can play, but I’m not sure if that’s enough to use an OA spot. I see Gibbons playing a few games like you said, and if he really brings it to training camp, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was the back up. This team has been consistently bad with goalie picks, hopefully this year is the year we go back up the slope.

What DB has done so far is address the major concerns has been on par. Hopefully today will continue the same trend.

The only way Campbell comes back next year is if goalies don't count as the 3 OA players and are in their own separate category. To me, the OHL needs to make this move because even am OA goalie doesn't have the potential to play 68 games compared to the skaters.

Unless there is a rule change, Campbell has likely suited up for the last time in an unfortunate injury ridden season. Unless there is a team with an open OA slot that needs a semi-consistent goalie with some experience, his days are likely done in the OHL.

 

[Mata]

I like the direction so far with A) getting bigger and B) by taking a goalie early they got their guy and allows them to have the net at least potentially half filled for another 4-5 years

This gives Erie a chance to have a really great tandem in 2023-24, with Lalonde in year 4 and Gibbons in year 2.

Dave Brown couldn’t stop talking about Spence. They really like this kid and for great reason. I think he’s going to be special. The skills are there but the maturity and leadership, mannnn that’s an amazing combo to have. I think he will have a REAL impact in year 1. With Erie’s speed in the forward group, I think it’s a good match for him too. Looking forward to it.

Looking ahead to tomorrow - I would certainly expect a focus on D earlier, some guys to develop for 2023-24, and a continued emphasis on size.

Stoked for Spence. The kid is so well put together in his interview and if the scouts are right, we have essentially a number 1 pick AND finally someone to build around.

With regards to the goalie at number 2, at first I was disappointed...like taking a center in football when there are other needs, however after roster analysis and reflecting on last season, if Jacob Gibbons can be a solid backup in his first season (at least give us more than a coin flip to win), he is 100% the right choice.

Rounding out day 1, can't be upset at all with another large forward in Logan Sawyer as we've currently got quite a few smaller guys. Terrance, Lowe, and Smith are all larger guys, Spence seems to add to it and like you eluded to @NOA as well as DB and some analysts...Erie has always been fast and now we are adding size to that speed. Fingers crossed the game plan works and there is some chemistry.

The only question mark will be if our coaching is able to develop these kids into future stars. Something that has been lacking for the last several years. If the answer is no, we have a lot of wasted talent. If we can grow these young men, playoffs maybe this year and HOPEFULLY a deeper run the following season.

 

[Mata]

According to the official site we have:

1st round - 2 - Malcom Spence
2nd round - 38 - Jacob Gibbons
2nd round - 41 - Logan Sawyer
5th round - 85 -
6th round - 109
6th round - 114
7th round - 125
9th round - 165
10th round -185
11th round - 205
12th round - 225
13th round - 245
13th round - 247
13th round - 260
14th round - 265
15th round - 280

Let's hope these first 3 hit the mark. Everyone else is a lottery ticket and maybe a year or two to develop.

 

[NOA]

Stoked for Spence. The kid is so well put together in his interview and if the scouts are right, we have essentially a number 1 pick AND finally someone to build around.

With regards to the goalie at number 2, at first I was disappointed...like taking a center in football when there are other needs, however after roster analysis and reflecting on last season, if Jacob Gibbons can be a solid backup in his first season (at least give us more than a coin flip to win), he is 100% the right choice.

Rounding out day 1, can't be upset at all with another large forward in Logan Sawyer as we've currently got quite a few smaller guys. Terrance, Lowe, and Smith are all larger guys, Spence seems to add to it and like you eluded to @NOA as well as DB and some analysts...Erie has always been fast and now we are adding size to that speed. Fingers crossed the game plan works and there is some chemistry.

The only question mark will be if our coaching is able to develop these kids into future stars. Something that has been lacking for the last several years. If the answer is no, we have a lot of wasted talent. If we can grow these young men, playoffs maybe this year and HOPEFULLY a deeper run the following season.

Spence is their best draft prospect since Strome imo. You could say Drysdale but I just think a forward that can score is more valuable. Not to mention his maturity and size is OHL ready. I’m excited for him.

We will find out with the development real quick with this roster. There is ZERO excuse to not be better this coming season. Minus the OAs, which is really just minus DAmato, everyone returns. And if someone like Spence doesn’t develop here that’s a bad look and might just sink this franchise in Erie. He should be a star and if you surround him properly there should be no reason to not be a much better team in the next 2-3 years

 

[NOA]

According to the official site we have:

1st round - 2 - Malcom Spence
2nd round - 38 - Jacob Gibbons
2nd round - 41 - Logan Sawyer
5th round - 85 -
6th round - 109
6th round - 114
7th round - 125
9th round - 165
10th round -185
11th round - 205
12th round - 225
13th round - 245
13th round - 247
13th round - 260
14th round - 265
15th round - 280

Let's hope these first 3 hit the mark. Everyone else is a lottery ticket and maybe a year or two to develop.

Agree. Got to hit on the early picks. They likely go D in 5th round unless a F target is there. Then it’s just about hitting on 1/2 development guys in the later rounds - whether it’s D. Raddysh, Sambrook, Golod, Yetman, etc. You can find them. You just have to identify the skill and the tools that can be developed and then actually be patient with the development.

 

[NOA]

So pumped. I also loved Dave’s interview yesterday .. if you haven’t seen it, check it out on Erie social media. He basically said Spence and his family came up and toured Erie, billet house, Fairview HS, etc. From what I can tell, this kid is excited and wants to be here. That’s big. Probably helps that Eries NHL alumni are real. A call from Dylan Strome or Connor McDavid is huge. And with Strome, he’s a big community supporter. He’s always been vocal about his time here. Those things matter

 

[EON]

Absolutely love the draft so far. I was curious if they were planning to take a goalie with that 2nd. I could see a plan forming where goalies don't count as OAs, they go with a Lalonde/Campbell tandem next season, then sign Gibbons and have him spend a season developing in Jr. A/Jr. B.

Spence looks like a homerun pick, Sawyer has good size and skill and likely makes the team next season. Three dmen in rounds 5/6, good mix of size and skill, then back to the small/skill pick with Jack Good in Round 7. Really happy with the direction thus far. If they nail their import pick I am going to get pretty excited about next season.

 

[Mata]

Draft Picks Landon Watson and Peyton Stowe are US products of the Cleveland Barons and Detroit Belle Tire respectively. Perhaps more American avenues opening up.

 

[NOA]

Draft Picks Landon Watson and Peyton Stowe are US products of the Cleveland Barons and Detroit Belle Tire respectively. Perhaps more American avenues opening up.

Landon previously played with Pens Elite and is from PA. So I will count that as a win and continued trend towards Pittsburgh players

To @EON earlier point on the 3 D in the 5/6 rounds. Love the approach. They didn’t need to take any high because they already have their 7/8 D for next year. But those 5/6 rounders are usually prime candidates for the following season. Now you have 3 prospects there and you hope 1/2 pan out.

 

[NOA]

 

[NOA]

 

[Mata]

They definitely went much bigger...hopefully the skill is on par with what we are accustomed to.

 

[7D442]

Can’t help but think that sometimes those in either the top tier destination -or somewhere struggling forgets Erie is prob a top 5-6 destination spot in the OHL

We hear of non report rumors ( bs) every year then have landed the likes of Strome , McDavid, O Reilly , DeBrincat , Drysdale and on and on who still are engaged w the Otters ..and these guys thrive here socially and in the top notch schools / good areas of NWest PA..I think your going to see Spence and Watson and others thrive once we get this thing going next year