Erie Otters 2024 25 Season Thread Part I

[LDN]

I gotta think if Schaefer wants to cement being the #1 pick is leading his team in the playoffs. But is there more risk for him to fall if he plays?

 

[Mata]

With the priority draft tomorrow at 7 pm, what do you think our biggest need is for next season? Who do you want to see them target with the 12th pick?

The OA players heading into next season are:

Terrance, Edwards, Messier, Sauder, Daviault, and Erliden.

Given the roster and the obvious, I feel as though we need to try to go high end offense with our first pick.

2025 OHL Priority Selection Mock Draft & Preview

The 2025 OHL Priority Selection is set to go this weekend, with rounds 1-3 occurring Friday night. The Peterborough Petes will select first ...

ohlprospects.blogspot.com

 

[NOA]

I gotta think if Schaefer wants to cement being the #1 pick is leading his team in the playoffs. But is there more risk for him to fall if he plays?

Many are already saying he’s the consensus #1 pick so I’m not sure he does have to play in order to lock that top spot in. He’s been out since December and honestly, his spot at the top has locked in even more than it was when he was last playing.. Partly a product of the rest of the field but still, I don’t think he needs to put anything else on film.

 

[Puckit97]

Many are already saying he’s the consensus #1 pick so I’m not sure he does have to play in order to lock that top spot in. He’s been out since December and honestly, his spot at the top has locked in even more than it was when he was last playing.. Partly a product of the rest of the field but still, I don’t think he needs to put anything else on film.

I don’t have any inside information but I would like to think he isn’t healthy enough to play. I understand how important going first is but sitting out the playoffs when healthy is also a selfish and bad look. I don’t see that being the case and it seems the injury unfortunately is taking longer to heal.
It sucks because I’d like to see Erie with their full lineup against London. They’re an underdog with a full lineup. I can’t see the series going past five without two of their top players let alone their best player.

 

[NOA]

I don’t have any inside information but I would like to think he isn’t healthy enough to play. I understand how important going first is but sitting out the playoffs when healthy is also a selfish and bad look. I don’t see that being the case and it seems the injury unfortunately is taking longer to heal.
It sucks because I’d like to see Erie with their full lineup against London. They’re an underdog with a full lineup. I can’t see the series going past five without two of their top players let alone their best player.

I agree. I don’t think he’s gotten cleared but my point was he doesn’t have to play to cement his spot and it’s easy to use this injury as an excuse to sit out. It’s not like he broke his pinky and still isn’t back yet. He has a really good ‘excuse’ if that’s the case and the route he wants to take to ‘protect’ his draft stock but to your point, I think the most likely situation is that he’s not cleared yet.

It would be stunning if Erie got this to 6 games. Stealing 1 game would be nice but without their best player and their captain, it’s hard to expect them to realistically compete against the top team in the league. Hell, if the situations were reversed in terms of team health, Erie would have a really good chance. But Erie has had to overcome this all season. I mean, Schaefer hasn’t even played LDN all year.. it’s just unfortunate Erie is in this spot because with a full lineup, it makes things interesting. Oh well.

 

[Mata]

Not going to even come close to beating London if we can't stay out of the box.

I understand trying to physically establish ourselves, but this will ensure we don't win a game.

 

[Dhockey16]

I said this a week or two back .. If anyone is stopping him from playing (other than doctors ofc), it’s his agent and/or family telling him it’s not worth the risk given the position he currently finds himself in going to the draft. Tbh, I’m a bit surprised he’s being considered the closer than the rest of the field ‘consensus’ #1 considering all the time he’s missed but I guess the draft class overall is a bit down outside of a few top prospects and Schaefer does have a crazy high ceiling. If Schaefer was in like a projected 2-3 draft spot because of the injury and a chance to raise it if he plays, then it’s more likely we would see him return

As for next year, its possible he’s back after missing basically a full season. He still has room to go physically and I could see a scenario where whoever takes him wants to be patient. I don’t see where the NCAA fits into this and why people keep throwing it as an either or path with the NHL… I guess with the changing college landscape, everyone wants to be the first to predict something like this eventually happening but I think the situation needs to be a bit more unique than Schaefer finds himself in. In what world would he leave a league he both knows and a league that got him picked top 2 overall in the NHL draft?? And I don’t see a scenario where a team drafting him as high as they would then forces him to make that type of change … It just makes like no sense imo. If Schaefer is not happy with Erie (whether it be the team or even the location), then he can just demand a trade and go to whatever team he wants. But moving to the college game would be a wild, unprecedented move.

NCAA is better hockey. Much older players. Just look at the top defensemen in the league - they are almost all NCAA or European guys. That's to say nothing of NIL money. If Michigan offers him 100 grand, a killer apartment and a new Tesla there's no chance Erie can meet that. Certainly hope I'm wrong.

 

[Kingpin794]

NCAA is better hockey. Much older players. Just look at the top defensemen in the league - they are almost all NCAA or European guys. That's to say nothing of NIL money. If Michigan offers him 100 grand, a killer apartment and a new Tesla there's no chance Erie can meet that. Certainly hope I'm wrong.

These are separate ideas. Older does not mean better. Per capita OHL/WHL teams have more NHL talent than an average NCAA team. The NCAA teams are more developed. But if you take a good CHL team and just age them up to 20-23 years old, they likely handle just about every NCAA team. Conversely if you age down a good NCAA team to 16-19, they are probably a mid pack CHL team. They are separate systems. One is not "better" hockey compared to the other. If Schaefer or anyone else decides to leave for the NCAA, it will just be for personal preference. Not because one system is superior to the other.

As far as money goes, pretty sure you could make more money signing your ELC. Get your signing bonus, endorsement deals, paychecks for after season call ups/games etc etc. They are like maybe 4 or 5 schools that are going to be handing out these big NIL deals in hockey. At most places its going to be pennies on the dollar compared to that. We'll see i guess. I'm sure there will be a few guys that make the jump here. I don't think Schaefer is going to be one of them.

 

[LDN]

Thoughts on the game last night? Your team looks inspired and I still think should be a hell of a series. Any more word you guys are hearing on Schaefer?

 

[ZinErie]

That re

Thoughts on the game last night? Your team looks inspired and I still think should be a hell of a series. Any more word you guys are hearing on Schaefer?

That revolving door to the penalty box in the 3rd wiped out any chance they had to pull an upset in game one. They need to clean that up. Don't think Terrance or Schaefer will play in these playoffs. But what do I know?

 

[NOA]

Thoughts on the game last night? Your team looks inspired and I still think should be a hell of a series. Any more word you guys are hearing on Schaefer?

About how I expected them to play. They can keep it close, interesting but especially with the guys they are missing, it’s a tough ask to expect them to actually win these games. With a full lineup, yeah I could see them stealing 2 games or even making it more interesting than that but it’s not looking likely at this point that they will get to see a full lineup again

Schaefer has recently practiced but in non-contact jersey. Terrance seems to be ahead of him or closer to returning but who knows

 

[Mata]

Thoughts on the game last night? Your team looks inspired and I still think should be a hell of a series. Any more word you guys are hearing on Schaefer?

I think they tried to assert some physical dominance like they did against Saginaw and it backfired.

London is too disciplined to fall into the trap, but will gladly oblige while keeping their heads.

I see this ending in 5 games because Erie might steal a game, regardless of Terrance or Schaefer. Erie needs to play disciplined and sharp hockey. London will punish you for stupid mistakes.

Not to say Erie can't skate with them at times, but overall I think London is just a caliber above.

 

[Mata]

Picks for the draft

 

[DubCee21]

These are separate ideas. Older does not mean better. Per capita OHL/WHL teams have more NHL talent than an average NCAA team. The NCAA teams are more developed. But if you take a good CHL team and just age them up to 20-23 years old, they likely handle just about every NCAA team. Conversely if you age down a good NCAA team to 16-19, they are probably a mid pack CHL team. They are separate systems. One is not "better" hockey compared to the other. If Schaefer or anyone else decides to leave for the NCAA, it will just be for personal preference. Not because one system is superior to the other.

As far as money goes, pretty sure you could make more money signing your ELC. Get your signing bonus, endorsement deals, paychecks for after season call ups/games etc etc. They are like maybe 4 or 5 schools that are going to be handing out these big NIL deals in hockey. At most places its going to be pennies on the dollar compared to that. We'll see i guess. I'm sure there will be a few guys that make the jump here. I don't think Schaefer is going to be one of them.

There's also the fact that Canadians can not earn NIL money with the way current student VISA's are structured unless all of the NIL money is earned while physically being in Canada. An international student cannot earn NIL money in the US.

 

[Mata]

There's also the fact that Canadians can not earn NIL money with the way current student VISA's are structured unless all of the NIL money is earned while physically being in Canada. An international student cannot earn NIL money in the US.

I'm sure there are ways. Just like athletes and families got perks prior to NIL. Yes, they got in trouble in some instances when caught, but its been documented and happening as far back as the early 80s. If they want someone enough they will land them with perks.

 

[CHL2024]

There's also the fact that Canadians can not earn NIL money with the way current student VISA's are structured unless all of the NIL money is earned while physically being in Canada. An international student cannot earn NIL money in the US.

While your information is correct, there are plenty of ways to circumvent the existing laws on Canadians receiving NIL money. Those " tricks" of schools paying off students under the table have been going on forever. In the end, a top prospect like Schaeffer will play where he's told to play by the team that drafts him.

 

[NOA]

I'm sure there are ways. Just like athletes and families got perks prior to NIL. Yes, they got in trouble in some instances when caught, but its been documented and happening as far back as the early 80s. If they want someone enough they will land them with perks.

While your information is correct, there are plenty of ways to circumvent the existing laws on Canadians receiving NIL money. Those " tricks" of schools paying off students under the table have been going on forever. In the end, a top prospect like Schaeffer will play where he's told to play by the team that drafts him.

Yes, under the table stuff is always possible but it’s a risky situation for college programs to want to engage in and additionally, as I’ve stated many times on the boards- college hockey is not CFB, it’s not even CBB in America. NIL programs (or under the table payments) for hockey overall are just not going to ever be as aggressive as football/basketball programs. As for an NHL team telling Schaefer to go to college.. Why would they do that? At most, they would try to facilitate a trade, but within the OHL. I don’t see why any NHL organization would ask him to go somewhere else at this stage of his career..

 

[Mata]

Yes, under the table stuff is always possible but it’s a risky situation for college programs to want to engage in and additionally, as I’ve stated many times on the boards- college hockey is not CFB, it’s not even CBB in America. NIL programs (or under the table payments) for hockey overall are just not going to ever be as aggressive as football/basketball programs. As for an NHL team telling Schaefer to go to college.. Why would they do that? At most, they would try to facilitate a trade, but within the OHL. I don’t see why any NHL organization would ask him to go somewhere else at this stage of his career..

For Schaefer, no, but for someone like Fimis or Terrance it would make sense. However, someone like Fimis or Terrance aren't going to generate as much money as an incentive compared to Schaefer.

I do recall seeing some stuff earlier this year that BC was willing to go after Misa for somewhere around 1 million dollars. That'd at least make it worth entertaining compared to the entry level contracts which are around 750k a year I think.

 

[Guy In Burlington]

For Schaefer, no, but for someone like Fimis or Terrance it would make sense. However, someone like Fimis or Terrance aren't going to generate as much money as an incentive compared to Schaefer.

I do recall seeing some stuff earlier this year that BC was willing to go after Misa for somewhere around 1 million dollars. That'd at least make it worth entertaining compared to the entry level contracts which are around 750k a year I think.

You’re probably using Terrance just as an example, but NCAA isn’t an option for him as he’s signed his ELC.

You saw rumours of Misa getting $1MM? That seems nuts to me.

 

[DubCee21]

While your information is correct, there are plenty of ways to circumvent the existing laws on Canadians receiving NIL money. Those " tricks" of schools paying off students under the table have been going on forever. In the end, a top prospect like Schaeffer will play where he's told to play by the team that drafts him.

In today's political climate here regarding immigration, breaking any kind of rules will get you deported. In today's paper, here in Erie, 5 international students at Gannon University were deported for....get this... minor traffic offenses. And this exact thing is happening at universities all over the US. If you're an international student athlete, are you willing to break the rules and risk being deported?

 

[Mata]

You’re probably using Terrance just as an example, but NCAA isn’t an option for him as he’s signed his ELC.

You saw rumours of Misa getting $1MM? That seems nuts to me.

OHL Player Offered North of $1 Million To Play For Boston College

Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit is reportingly offered $1.4 Million to play for Boston College next season.

www.canucksdaily.com

There were several other publications running with this story. Could it be false, possibly but it likely wouldn't have happened IMO regardless. If you're a top 5 pick, unless they are offering a few million per year, 100% not worth it but it opens up an interesting avenue and could be some food for thought during the next contract negotiations.

And yes, Terrance was used for simplicity sake. A potential top 3 draft pick would fetch a much higher tender than a 2nd to 7th rounder, but should be relatable.

 

[Mata]

In today's political climate here regarding immigration, breaking any kind of rules will get you deported. In today's paper, here in Erie, 5 international students at Gannon University were deported for....get this... minor traffic offenses. And this exact thing is happening at universities all over the US. If you're an international student athlete, are you willing to break the rules and risk being deported?

Had this happen to several when I went there in the early 2000s. Seemed dumb then too, but they broke the rules of their student visas. A couple were allowed back after some due process in the court systems, but it wasn't immediately and a few opted to not come back.

We also had an entire graduate class expelled for cheating and sent back (not atheletes).

So...I guess what I'm getting at is, this isn't new...just wasn't really talked about.

Edit: both articles I read don't explicitly state why they were having their visas withheld.

Visas for 5 foreign students in Erie revoked. Why the State Department took action

The students are from Spain and India and are studying business or engineering at Gannon University.

www.goerie.com

 

[Guy In Burlington]

OHL Player Offered North of $1 Million To Play For Boston College

Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit is reportingly offered $1.4 Million to play for Boston College next season.

www.canucksdaily.com

There were several other publications running with this story. Could it be false, possibly but it likely wouldn't have happened IMO regardless. If you're a top 5 pick, unless they are offering a few million per year, 100% not worth it but it opens up an interesting avenue and could be some food for thought during the next contract negotiations.

And yes, Terrance was used for simplicity sake. A potential top 3 draft pick would fetch a much higher tender than a 2nd to 7th rounder, but should be relatable.

Man, I’d have never guessed Misa (or any hockey player) would be worth $1 million to a school.

 

[Mata]

Man, I’d have never guessed Misa (or any hockey player) would be worth $1 million to a school.

Considering hockey isn't in our big 3 in the US, I wouldn't either but we have had some gymnasts, swimmers, and a few others ink some huge NIL deals.

I guess if marketing can find a magic number to make money off of you they are willing to roll the dice no matter what sport. It is insane to me to think some college football players make more than NFL players and I'm sure it's the same with basketball. Baseball is a little more complex with the minor leagues, but I'm sure there are a few.

There will likely be major repercussions at the professional ranks of all sports when CBA's come up, but right now it's wild times for sure.

 

[Mata]