Guelph Storm 2023-24 Off-Season Thread (Part One)

[MidwestStorm]

McHattie is another 07 at Ayr. I am a little surprised he has not been signed but that would give us 9 signed with Morris our 08.
It's possible to move Allen at the deadline to make room for McHattie in the top 7.

Storm only drafted 2 08 Dman knowing Frossard was a flyer, which to me is an indication of their defense prospects.

 

[StormSound]

McHattie is another 07 at Ayr. I am a little surprised he has not been signed but that would give us 9 signed with Morris our 08.
It's possible to move Allen at the deadline to make room for McHattie in the top 7.

Storm only drafted 2 08 Dman knowing Frossard was a flyer, which to me is an indication of their defense prospects.

Agree that the last draft is a clear indication that there are a number of D in the system which they are happy with. I was actually surprised they drafted a D in the import draft but it does make sense given his size and the fact that Frossard didn’t sign.

 

[thenumbersguy]

I was very surprised that we didn’t make a serious attempt to get Malholtra from Kingston. The payment from Brantford wasn’t that much and they didn’t lose a roster player. Given his dad’s history with us I would think he might report.

 

[MidwestStorm]

I was hoping we would make the trade but unfortunately we couldn't compete with Brantford's draft stock in a draft pick only deal. Brantford is flush with 2nd round picks and we didn't even have a 26 2nd round pick to swap. Even the 3 conditionals would have hurt but a small price to pay for a top 08 prospect if he committed. Imagine 2 top 10 picks with McLean and Malholtra - I am sure we were in the bidding.
For this reason we need some trades this year to build our draft stock to add needed pieces the next 2 years.

 

[MidwestStorm]

Cali trade just announced and similar to the Valentini trade, no 2026 2nd round swap.
Huge move by Brantford to add to the Malholtra deal since it was also very good for Kingston.

 

[StormWatcher]

I agree with those saying they were surprised that Jovonovski didn't stick as opposed to Ellsworth. We'll see how it plays out this season.

I definitely think we see Allen moved at the deadline. That would help the pick cupboard. We also have an OA to trade.

Predicted D pairings pre-deadline:
Budnick/Allen
Singh/Beauschesne
Skvortsov/Topp

NHL camp season will be rough for this team, not because Guelph is leading in attendees, but because without those who will be gone our roster is very green, especially up front. A very good opportunity to see how players fit and who can earn middle 6 minutes.

 

[MidwestStorm]

I agree with those saying they were surprised that Jovonovski didn't stick as opposed to Ellsworth. We'll see how it plays out this season.

I definitely think we see Allen moved at the deadline. That would help the pick cupboard. We also have an OA to trade.

Predicted D pairings pre-deadline:
Budnick/Allen
Singh/Beauschesne
Skvortsov/Topp

NHL camp season will be rough for this team, not because Guelph is leading in attendees, but because without those who will be gone our roster is very green, especially up front. A very good opportunity to see how players fit and who can earn middle 6 minutes.

I agree we will see these D pairings

 

[StormSound]

Anyone care to take a stab at what the forward lines might look like?

 

[MidwestStorm]

Anyone care to take a stab at what the forward lines might look like?

Alriksson Luchanko Paquette
*Namestikov * Karrabela Serlin
McKenzie McLean McFadden
Sutherland Snelgrove Johnston
*McGuire Stevens

* OA

 

[frontsfan67]

Alriksson Luchanko Paquette
*Namestikov * Karrabela Serlin
McKenzie McLean McFadden
Sutherland Snelgrove Johnston
*McGuire Stevens

* OA

3 steady forward lines, 5 or 6 good d, and a great goalie in gillespie.

Think a lot of people are underrating the Storm

 

[MidwestStorm]

That is what I think but we shall see.

From opinions I see on these boards we are definitely an underdog with low expectations.

We have 7 prospects playing in Ayr if needed to cover injuries and suspensions.

 

[StormFan1990]

Do we have any thoughts on the overage situation? Personally I like Karabela, Namestikov, and McGuire. I think the D can handle themselves without Budnick, even more so with Gillespie back there. Hard to say as I think all will start on the roster for the season.

 

[dirty12]

Do we have any thoughts on the overage situation? Personally I like Karabela, Namestikov, and McGuire. I think the D can handle themselves without Budnick, even more so with Gillespie back there. Hard to say as I think all will start on the roster for the season.

The defence needs left shot Budnick for balance and depth imo. I don’t think any of the ‘07 D can reasonably be expected to play 25 of the tougher minutes, at least not prior to the Christmas break.

 

[frontsfan67]

McGuire had 13 points in 59 games and 103 pims

Budnick as a stay at home d man had 10 points in 34 games with you guys. From what I recall in Kingston- he’s a good leader and shot blocker. Would probably make more sense to keep him and maybe upgrade him later on and say bye to McGuire.

 

[MidwestStorm]

I am a big fan of McGuire and what he brings when he stays out of the box. Unfortunately I believe he will be the odd man out.
McKenzie, Paquette and perhaps Johnston will need to provide his grit and energy.

 

[StormSound]

Although unfortunate in a numbers game, I think McGuire will be the odd man out. The others play much needed roles. JK is a hometown boy that can score, TB is a left handed, experienced, stay at home D, and MN is a fan favorite. While McGuire brings toughness, he did spend a lot of time in the box.

 

[StormWatcher]

Alriksson Luchanko Paquette
*Namestikov * Karrabela Serlin
McKenzie McLean McFadden
Sutherland Snelgrove Johnston
*McGuire Stevens

* OA

Move McKenzie down and Snelgrove up and the top 3 lines look good to me. 4th line is up for grabs....

 

[MidwestStorm]

Frossard one of 10 D on Youngstown's 24 - 25 roster announced today. Includes only 1 08, 1 07 and 1 06 - 7 04's and 05's.

 

[Yultron]

Vancouver Canucks fan and Guelph Native here ,

I do wanna say Vilmer Alriksson was by far one of the best players I saw in our rookie camp here and he has definitely blossomed and has come a long way from when he was a raw prospect last year .

His awareness and situational play has improved dramatically , he has great hands and has a really powerful shot with outstanding on ice vision.

I believe he has a solid chance of getting 60-70 points this season and really breakout and be a top player .

He’s a Canucks prospect I cannot wait to see this season and see an Alex Toropchenko like NHL trajectory

 

[StormFan1990]

D pairings to start the season

Budnick - Allen
Skvortsov - Beauchesne
Topp - Singh
Spada - Morris

 

[frontsfan67]

D pairings to start the season

Budnick - Allen
Skvortsov - Beauchesne
Topp - Singh
Spada - Morris

Pretty damn good.
Singh would probably be on our 2nd line. Your d is stacked.

 

[MidwestStorm]

Vancouver Canucks fan and Guelph Native here ,

I do wanna say Vilmer Alriksson was by far one of the best players I saw in our rookie camp here and he has definitely blossomed and has come a long way from when he was a raw prospect last year .

His awareness and situational play has improved dramatically , he has great hands and has a really powerful shot with outstanding on ice vision.

I believe he has a solid chance of getting 60-70 points this season and really breakout and be a top player .

He’s a Canucks prospect I cannot wait to see this season and see an Alex Toropchenko like NHL trajectory

I am expecting Vilmer to put up big numbers playing with Luchanko and probably Paquette. Him and Jett looked good together last year the times Wiseman put them together. I also felt he should have played more in critical situations last year but wasn't given the opportunity.
His size and strength are very hard to defend when he goes to the net.

 

[Yultron]

I am expecting Vilmer to put up big numbers playing with Luchanko and probably Paquette. Him and Jett looked good together last year the times Wiseman put them together. I also felt he should have played more in critical situations last year but wasn't given the opportunity.
His size and strength are very hard to defend when he goes to the net.

That would be so great if he played with Luchanko the entire season ,

 

[StormWatcher]

Vancouver Canucks fan and Guelph Native here ,

I do wanna say Vilmer Alriksson was by far one of the best players I saw in our rookie camp here and he has definitely blossomed and has come a long way from when he was a raw prospect last year .

His awareness and situational play has improved dramatically , he has great hands and has a really powerful shot with outstanding on ice vision.

I believe he has a solid chance of getting 60-70 points this season and really breakout and be a top player .

He’s a Canucks prospect I cannot wait to see this season and see an Alex Toropchenko like NHL trajectory

That is great to hear!

Having Luchanko centre him will definitely help up his point production as well.

 

[MidwestStorm]

That would be so great if he played with Luchanko the entire season ,

A year playing for and learning from Cory Stillman should also help his development and our young forwards.