Erie Otters 2022 Off-season Thread

[HockeyPops]

I believe that because Slafkovsky is projected to go in the first round, they can both protect him and still use the pick.

 

[NOA]

I believe that because Slafkovsky is projected to go in the first round, they can both protect him and still use the pick.

Makes sense and I thought that would be the case. I know you can protect drafted 1st rounders but with the import draft before the NHL draft that makes it a bit more tricky. Erie shouldn’t be expecting him to show, but if you can protect him then I think you still should

 

[OttersFan]

With the COVID year I kept calling him(Thompson) “Ryan Martin” same first name and same number, so for Thompson to be traded it’ll atleast keep their identities straight for me. They were similar players in my opinion.

 

[Erie Otters Zone]

Erie Otters select forward Ondrej Molnar 5th overall and pass on their 2nd round pick.

 

[GetOutDaKitchin]

Really like our Import pick Ondrej Molnar at #5 overall. He's a 6'0, 176 lbs. '05 forward from Slovakia who's projected to be a 1st round pick in 2023. Extremely talented from what I've seen and read. HAVE to get him to report.

Check out some of these highlights:

 

[GermanSpitfire]

Really like our Import pick Ondrej Molnar at #5 overall. He's a 6'0, 176 lbs. '05 forward from Slovakia who's projected to be a 1st round pick in 2023. Extremely talented from what I've seen and read. HAVE to get him to report.

Check out some of these highlights:

If he reports it’s a big get.
Is a potential 1st round pick for next years draft.

 

[NOA]

100% need him to report. I love that they went after a 2005. In theory, if he reports, you can have him for 2-3 years. I wonder how connected he is with Slafkovksy

 

[EON]

Nice pick. Really hope he reports, would slot right onto the top line, probably with Cohen or Lockhart, not sure what they are thinking for the line combinations. Passing on the 2nd pick likely means they expect Kulakov back as well. Morton/Kyrou/Sova/Johnston/Kulakov/Sauder/Alboim should make for a solid d-core. Sign Molnar, address the backup goalie situation, and I will be feeling very optimistic about the team heading into next season.

 

[NOA]

There are never guarantees and stuff changes but “Ondrej is the player that we targeted from the beginning of the process. He’s dynamic, skilled, and loves having the puck on his stick. We are thrilled to add a player of Ondrej’s caliber to our organization, and we look forward to seeing him in an Otters uniform in September.” - Scott Grieve

Usually when they talk like that, it means they are pretty confident. With guys like Slafkovksy it’s mostly “we hope to see him here” or “we look forward to the chance to get him in an Otters uniform.”

Obviously picking 5th overall means you kind of should know who you are taking ahead of time and get your guy. And they aren’t in the business of taking a risk especially when picking 5th overall. Unless things change, which again can always happen, then expect Molnar to report

 

[Antiillafire]

Ondrej is one of the top 3 prospects from Slovakia for the 2023 draft (along with Dalibor Dvorsky and Alex Ciernik). Elite skater with great hands, and great playmaker, should excel in the OHL. The only thing holding him back can sometimes be his frustration, if things aren’t going great in a game. But I thought by the end of the year he was much more mature on the ice. He will be playing on Slovakias top line at the Hlinka tournament in august, and could even earn a spot at the WJC later that month.

As for going to OHL, the way Otters GM talked it’s like they are pretty confident he will report. Only challenge is if Nitra’s offer is truly unbeatable (top line Pp minutes, 16-18 top 6 minutes a game). I think if Otters said we will give you first line ice time, powerplay time and even penalty kill role if you want than he would report.

 

[Mata]

Ondrej is one of the top 3 prospects from Slovakia for the 2023 draft (along with Dalibor Dvorsky and Alex Ciernik). Elite skater with great hands, and great playmaker, should excel in the OHL. The only thing holding him back can sometimes be his frustration, if things aren’t going great in a game. But I thought by the end of the year he was much more mature on the ice. He will be playing on Slovakias top line at the Hlinka tournament in august, and could even earn a spot at the WJC later that month.

As for going to OHL, the way Otters GM talked it’s like they are pretty confident he will report. Only challenge is if Nitra’s offer is truly unbeatable (top line Pp minutes, 16-18 top 6 minutes a game). I think if Otters said we will give you first line ice time, powerplay time and even penalty kill role if you want than he would report.

That would be my only fear, Nitra possibly chasing a championship this season and him being a huge part of it.

 

[Mata]

So obviously right now Erie is at a crossroads to speak.

Slafkovsky would probably be the bigger fish to land with the least likelihood to report.

3 -'02 - I think Campbell is cut/traded.
6- '03 - this is gonna be a logjam
5- '04 - some kinds might not cut it
5- '05 - some kids might not cut it.
1 - '06 - Malcom Spence should be a stud.

02's...

Cohen, Sedore, Morton, Campbell (traded/released). This group will be the last, hopefully, to get the shaft from the way too long recovery post 2017. Cohen and Sedore are poised to be leaders and have monster seasons and Morton will be Morton in the back.

03's...

Saganiuk, Lockhart, Bressette, Johnston, Kyrou, Kulakov, and Nicholls. This group is going to be playing to stay for NEXT season. There is some trade value possibly in Kyrou, Lockhart, and/or Bressette.

04's...

Smith, Ross, Lowe, Sova, Lalonde...

Unfortunately for this group Covid killed their true rookie campaigns. Fortunately for them, they all saw tons of ice: 58, 58, 47, 64, and 54 gamed played respectively out of them. This brings up the question, who makes the largest leaps? I think they ALL will be safe with the one on the fence being Ross.

05's...

Artichuk, Terrance, Edwards, Sauder, Alboim

This was their true rookie season and again, respectively they hit some good gametime...

59, 62, 7, 48, and 16 games played respectively.

Ondrej Molnar I could see a top 6 immediately and potentially 1st line at some point. Players to beat him out on 1st line would be Sedore, Cohen, Lockhart, Saganiuk, and possibly Bressette. Terrance will likely move up to a 3rd line with Spence I would think. Erie would be in a great spot if he reports and we could be looking at a very solid top 3 lines for offense all with a huge amount of experience given our team last season.

It will be interesting to see who's invited to camp and I wouldn't be surprised if we lose a player or two from last year's roster.

Defensively - Morton, Kyrou, Sova, Johnston, and Kulakov (pending return) are locks for me which leaves 1 open spot.

Offensively - Terrance, Cohen, Saganiuk, Lockhart, Sedore, Bressette, and Spence are locks for me which leaves 5 spots up for grabs.

My way too early thoughts for next season.

 

[NOA]

That would be my only fear, Nitra possibly chasing a championship this season and him being a huge part of it.

Yes but it’s not like they didn’t talk to this guy in the last few weeks. Again things can always change but as of now it seems likely he reports

 

[Mata]

Yes but it’s not like they didn’t talk to this guy in the last few weeks. Again things can always change but as of now it seems likely he reports

Given their history on imports lately, I am erring on the side of caution.

 

[NOA]

Given their history on imports lately, I am erring on the side of caution.

Honestly you are probably right. But this is high stakes for Dave. If they don’t get this kid and have another crap year, he’s done

 

[EON]

It should be an interesting battle with the forwards, especially in the bottom 6, with Molnar (hopefully) slotting on the top line, Spence on the 2nd or 3rd, and Edwards coming in on the 4th line. Tough to say how it will shake it until we see players in camp but this would be my rough guess at the lineup right now:

Molnar - Bressette - Cohen (OA)
Sedore (OA) - Saganiuk - Lockhart
Spence - Terrance - Artichuk
Ross/Edwards - Lowe - Smith
2021 pick as the 13th/14th forward

Morton (OA) - Kyrou
Sova - Johnston
Kulakov - Sauder
Alboim

Lalonde
Visan? Gibbons? Trade?

 

[NOA]

I would think Terrance gets a strong look at top 6, no? Not saying he will or won’t but they invested a 10th overall pick on him so in theory they need him to. In the recent past, their 2nd year 1st round forwards are playing top 6 minutes unless they are a bust. Lockhart, Lodnia (until going all in), Raddysh, Strome, Harper, McKegg, etc. If Terrance isn’t top 6 then that’s a bit concerning especially on a team that at best will be middle pack and isn’t a title contender.

Regardless, this team needs to get bigger. Last year they had 7 forwards 5’9 and under. This year they project to have 7 again with Sellan gone but Edwards likely in. Imo you need to get that number to at least 5 this year. And by 2023-24 they need to get it to 3-4 players max. I would move Sedore, replace with another forward with a bit more size. Move one of Ross/Saganiuk. Then potentially move Lockhart at the deadline depending on the circumstances of his development, the team’s record, and whether he signs with VAN. Artichuk/Edwards still have some room to grow and likely don’t have much value so they stay.

Going into the year, this is more of what I want to see from the forward group - so it’s not at all a projection:

Bressette(OA) / Lockhart / Cohen (OA)
Molnar / Terrance / Saganiuk
Trade / Spence / Artichuk
Lowe / Smith / Edwards
Sawyer

 

[Mata]

I would think Terrance gets a strong look at top 6, no? Not saying he will or won’t but they invested a 10th overall pick on him so in theory they need him to. In the recent past, their 2nd year 1st round forwards are playing top 6 minutes unless they are a bust. Lockhart, Lodnia (until going all in), Raddysh, Strome, Harper, McKegg, etc. If Terrance isn’t top 6 then that’s a bit concerning especially on a team that at best will be middle pack and isn’t a title contender.

Regardless, this team needs to get bigger. Last year they had 7 forwards 5’9 and under. This year they project to have 7 again with Sellan gone but Edwards likely in. Imo you need to get that number to at least 5 this year. And by 2023-24 they need to get it to 3-4 players max. I would move Sedore, replace with another forward with a bit more size. Move one of Ross/Saganiuk. Then potentially move Lockhart at the deadline depending on the circumstances of his development, the team’s record, and whether he signs with VAN. Artichuk/Edwards still have some room to grow and likely don’t have much value so they stay.

Going into the year, this is more of what I want to see from the forward group - so it’s not at all a projection:

Bressette(OA) / Lockhart / Cohen (OA)
Molnar / Terrance / Saganiuk
Trade / Spence / Artichuk
Lowe / Smith / Edwards
Sawyer

If Molnar reports and is guaranteed top spot...or Slafovsky reports for that matter...

Import/Cohen/Lockhart
Saganiuk/Terrance/Bressette or Sedore
Bressette or Sedore/Spence/?

Lowe/Smith/Artichuck/Edwards/Ross battling with Sawyer for the 3rd and 4th line and whomever else at camp might impress.

The only way forward for all the bottom 6 in my mind would be a trade of Cohen, Lockhart, Bressette, Sedore, or someone of lesser value to open up more than 4 roster spots for Lowe, Smith, Artichuck, Ross, Edwards, and/or Sawyer.

Right now if I'm ranking the people battling for roster spots heading into camp based off last season with 4 spots available and 1 sent to juniors and called up when needed...

Smith, Artichuck, Lowe, Ross, Edwards, Sawyer.

Also as a twist: Last year's camp wasn't exclusively chosen by BJ and Vince...There could have been players higher on their radar that were left out so another wildcard is BJ, Wes, and Vince will now be unimpeded in their roster selection which might differ from Hartsburg completely for those bottom 6 spots just a year ago.

 

[NOA]

Noticed that with almost every other first round prospect picked, Brock talks like they are reporting or will report to the OHL team that took them. With Molnar it’s “should he report” it “would be” an exciting add. Ha. I really shouldn’t be surprised at what seems like a small unintentional diss at Erie as if they have the lowest odds to land their guy.

I did some digging on Molnar and learned that he’s previously talked about wanting to play in the CHL, his game is projected as a better NA for and especially the OHL, and he is coming off a disappointing year so is likely wanting to take off in his upcoming draft year. Not to mention Erie is desperate and can’t afford to just swing for a non report that then need to convince after the draft to land him. Molnar, who had already been following the team and management on social media before the draft, clearly has a relationship with the team. I can’t imagine that relationship is “no I won’t report” and then Erie still is willing to take the risk with these circumstances they are in. Like o said, things can always change but it’s obvious that they have a verbal agreement and understanding that he will report and wants to be here. Not to mention Grieve’s comments on the pick. But hey, “should he report” like the current long shot that he is - then Erie is in great shape!

 

[ReLyT]

Did Erie hold onto Jiri Tichacek rights this past draft?

 

[OHL4Life]

Did Erie hold onto Jiri Tichacek rights this past draft?

no, he was released

 

[Mata]

Noticed that with almost every other first round prospect picked, Brock talks like they are reporting or will report to the OHL team that took them. With Molnar it’s “should he report” it “would be” an exciting add. Ha. I really shouldn’t be surprised at what seems like a small unintentional diss at Erie as if they have the lowest odds to land their guy.

I did some digging on Molnar and learned that he’s previously talked about wanting to play in the CHL, his game is projected as a better NA for and especially the OHL, and he is coming off a disappointing year so is likely wanting to take off in his upcoming draft year. Not to mention Erie is desperate and can’t afford to just swing for a non report that then need to convince after the draft to land him. Molnar, who had already been following the team and management on social media before the draft, clearly has a relationship with the team. I can’t imagine that relationship is “no I won’t report” and then Erie still is willing to take the risk with these circumstances they are in. Like o said, things can always change but it’s obvious that they have a verbal agreement and understanding that he will report and wants to be here. Not to mention Grieve’s comments on the pick. But hey, “should he report” like the current long shot that he is - then Erie is in great shape!

Given our history with imports since 2017 I think it should go without saying, until they actually commit we should be skeptical.

I'm a bit confused with the reporting however..

Brock seems to see Molnar as possibly the best offensive talent in Erie should he report.

The scouting report he chose from Matej shows the kid hasn't been an impact player for nearly 2 years in the top Slovak league overseas.

So, I guess the positive for us is the change of pace could be what he needs, but the report chosen...is he still passionate and will he be the impact player Brock believes he could be or was he another desperation pick by Dave Brown because we had NO OTHER OPTIONS of players who would have considered coming to Erie.

I for one hope we are turning the page on our playoff drought but so far we've kept essentially the same coaching staff we've had for 5+ years and no major moves because we lack the tools necessary to secure immediate impact players.

I always try to remain optimistic. Spence will hopefully help give us some much needed momentum for the positive column and that gains traction and we can build from.

 

[NOA]

Given our history with imports since 2017 I think it should go without saying, until they actually commit we should be skeptical.

I'm a bit confused with the reporting however..

Brock seems to see Molnar as possibly the best offensive talent in Erie should he report.

The scouting report he chose from Matej shows the kid hasn't been an impact player for nearly 2 years in the top Slovak league overseas.

So, I guess the positive for us is the change of pace could be what he needs, but the report chosen...is he still passionate and will he be the impact player Brock believes he could be or was he another desperation pick by Dave Brown because we had NO OTHER OPTIONS of players who would have considered coming to Erie.

I for one hope we are turning the page on our playoff drought but so far we've kept essentially the same coaching staff we've had for 5+ years and no major moves because we lack the tools necessary to secure immediate impact players.

I always try to remain optimistic. Spence will hopefully help give us some much needed momentum for the positive column and that gains traction and we can build from.

Once again, if he doesn’t commit it’s not because he was never on board with it. It will be because something changed his mind. Right now he’s going to be here.

As for the history, I don’t disagree but it’s not horrendous either. They didn’t get Khusnutdinov but that was a known risk. COVID impacted their shot to get him after being NHL drafted and rumors had him considering Erie but the season was canceled. Then it was Kolosov who legit signed here but the entire OHL year was canceled so he never had a chance. Last year was bad because they used 2 picks and got nobody but again Slafkovksy was a known risk

So I don’t disagree they need to be better but there is some context with COVID and again they are in a different spot now versus 3-4 years ago. They weren’t going to take a risk with 5th overall given these circumstances so they easily had a verbal agreement in place or they simply would draft someone else. It’s really just that simple

Molnar is playing in an older league with limited ice time. That’s going to impact the stats and consistency with him. But many scouts have said his game is a better fit for NA and OHL in particular so let’s see. Have to think his agents know that too..

Again Brown can’t afford to miss on this. Brown might be on a short leash but he’s not a dumbass. He would rather add another Kulakov than miss on this. For what it’s worth it’s not like this is Slafkovksy. Molnar is a solid prospect but he’s not this top tier guy. There were probably 10-15 options that are another Molnar they could have drafted. They picked the guy who said he would come here. Whether that changes or not? We will see. But I’m not going to worry about it right now. Feel very confident he will be here

 

[GermanSpitfire]

If Molnar reports - I have little doubt he will be the most talented forward the Otters have

 

[NOA]

If Molnar reports - I have little doubt he will be the most talented forward the Otters have

Spence might challenge but given his youth, yes Molnar will probably edge him.