In general they seem to be moving away from the youth so to speak.
In the last few years they would often give some playing time to many different players from their DNL roster, but since there aren't exactly any more Seiders and Stützles around, Mannheim might be looking more and more to the vets and keep more of their prospects strictly to the DNL and maybe DEL2.
It is fascinating that Bicker, Brandl, and now Niehus are jumping ship so early. I'm not sure if Heilbronn had already been relegated when Bicker signed elsewhere, much less Brandl.
I think Mannheim is basically damned to ALWAYS be in "win now" modus year for year. Why they make some of the personnel decisions they make, beginning with some things off the ice (cough, cough, coaching, cough) is a discussion for itself, but it's nothing new that they will - on paper - be going for it all, year for year.
Not that it's huge, but Moritz Elias has jumped ship for Augsburg as well.
The signing of Kühnhackl might also be a sign that they are going all in to win next season, which could mean even less ice time for U23 players and probably next to none for U18 players
Plus the 06s don't really have many interesting options anyway. Sure Schams could get a look or maybe Herzog, but nobody else seems to have even the slightest chance.
They still have a few guys and unfortunately, I cannot understate how "active" player agents already are at this stage. They're even bargaining and bringing demands to the national teams. Any time I see players this age moving along from arguably the most successful junior program in the country, I'm thinking the agents are playing a big role in that.
As for Tommy K, I like him a lot and he should be a big piece of the team next year. But I would advise any and everyone to refrain from assuming that he'd going to be more than a 25-30 point player in the regular season. That has nothing to do with this discussion, but I wanted to throw that out there.
All in all, I don't see any kids in the junior program who should or could expect to be worked into the big team. I would HOPE that Schams and Herzog are as good as advertised and force themselves into the discussion.
I am wondering if the Griva twins would maybe have a chance to get some DEL minutes next season if they played for another team. I mean Nürnberg played Merkl this season. But maybe it's better for them to dominate the DNL this season.
The Grivas turn 16 in June. Something tells me they won't be showing up in the DEL next season. Yep, might have a bit to do with Mannheim, but the Covid times are over, so aside from the Ice Tigers introducing Merkl this early, I don't think that's going to be a trend.
I suspect Berlin is very serious about getting back into contention. This was a surprising season, but it's understandable to think it was just a bit of a lull in light of all the hockey those guys had played during 2 championships and with plenty of players then logging minutes internationally as well.
Still, I see Berlin being ready and willing to give a few more of the youngins some ice time next season. Panocha comes to mind. Young Hördler should get a longer look. Heim and Handschuh are a bit older, but still U21 players. Names like Marlon Braun, Tom Fitschen, Clemens Sager, and Milan Klein (who is 6'3"), to name a few, strike me as players who may get a look here or there next season. A couple of 16-year-olds in that program could already be DNL contributors next year, which may put them in the conversation for some U18 appearances.
It will also be interesting to see if any higher profile prospects change teams for next season to join bigger programs. I am thinking about Bleicher, Späth, Schneider or even Lewandowski.
I think Bleicher is fix in Füssen for next year.
Don't think Lewandowski is doing anything the Grivas aren't doing anytime soon. Those three are each other's meal tickets.
Späth is very interesting. Can see him looking for greener pastures at this stage. May even be a candidate for a Swedish junior program.
