Hamilton Bulldogs 2022-23 Season Thread

[Hamilton Bulldogs]

They still can't beat the top teams.

I expect them to sell. They're still pretty much a one line team. That line is great though.

Patrick Thomas has taken a big step this year imo. He reminds me a lot of Morrison, except he doesn't have Morrisons goal scoring ability. His vision and all around game are great though.

They lost 4-3 to the best team in the league just a few weeks ago and that was without Winterton. Steelheads were ranked in the CHL rankings early in the year and they were greatly outplayed tonight. They also beat the 2nd place team in the East , 4-1.

With Winterton and Humpery you have two solid lines and have a solid shutdown pair in Van Viliet and Moore. Donovon and White are two of the best offensive d-man in the league. Drobac and Malboeuf have both played well.

No reason to believe they can't be a force in the East.

 

[Hamilton Bulldogs]

Yeah, I have to agree here. We're sitting in 6th place currently with 3/5 of our top goal scorers being our overagers and a mere 8 players with a positive +/- and 14 in the negative.

This is not a team that that can make a splash in the playoffs yet, and it is a team that has very little in the draft cupboard currently. Rounder8 here is completely right, this is a team with one of the best offensive top lines in the league, anchored by two of the OHL's top goal scorer's and assist makers.

I would be shocked if the team doesn't sell, because frankly I do feel that Morrison and Hayes are both King makers at this point. They both fill the same niche that Entwistle did when he went to Guelph. They both have championship experience, are mature and are able to put up points.

The teams +/- is going to be bad considering they got destroyed twice. Take out the Spirt and Steelheads game and you have a much better looking stat.

I feel like the Bulldogs are very good at picking up players, so draft capital isn't totally a concern.

Humphrey was an 8th round pick and ended up being a 62 point player last year.

Diaco was a 6th round pick and was one of our best forwards last year. Same with Hayes.

Durate was a 14th round pick and was a great depth player.

Costaninti was a 15th round pick and was probably the best goalie in the league.

I think if you believe this team can go to the East final, you take your chance at running it back and trust your scouting to find gems.

 

[Rounder8]

The teams +/- is going to be bad considering they got destroyed twice. Take out the Spirt and Steelheads game and you have a much better looking stat.

I feel like the Bulldogs are very good at picking up players, so draft capital isn't totally a concern.

Humphrey was an 8th round pick and ended up being a 62 point player last year.

Diaco was a 6th round pick and was one of our best forwards last year. Same with Hayes.

Durate was a 14th round pick and was a great depth player.

Costaninti was a 15th round pick and was probably the best goalie in the league.

I think if you believe this team can go to the East final, you take your chance at running it back and trust your scouting to find gems.

This team only has 5 decent D men. Gill-Shane and Roberts are not viable on a contending team. Most nights we are playing with 5 dmen. What happens if any of the remaining 5 get hurt?

We don't have the draft picks to add at the deadline while other contenders are beefing up. The Petes were already good and added Brendan Othman.

I just don't see us being a serious contender. If this team is going to be gone, then I would love to see them go for it.

I would also love to see Hayes and especially Morrison finish their OHL careers out in Hamilton, but I really don't think that it is in the best interest of the team.

 

[dirty12]

The teams +/- is going to be bad considering they got destroyed twice. Take out the Spirt and Steelheads game and you have a much better looking stat.

I feel like the Bulldogs are very good at picking up players, so draft capital isn't totally a concern.

Humphrey was an 8th round pick and ended up being a 62 point player last year.

Diaco was a 6th round pick and was one of our best forwards last year. Same with Hayes.

Durate was a 14th round pick and was a great depth player.

Costaninti was a 15th round pick and was probably the best goalie in the league.

I think if you believe this team can go to the East final, you take your chance at running it back and trust your scouting to find gems.

East final is a stretch, the bulldogs will be in tough round 1.
Yeah, Winterton returning will be huge; but so will OA additions + for the ‘67s & Petes. The ‘67s will get Beck back from injury. A return from injuries to MacDonald, Winslow, Mathurin makes the battalion much, much better. Clarke sent back to the colts …

 

[Rounder8]

East final is a stretch, the bulldogs will be in tough round 1.
Yeah, Winterton returning will be huge; but so will OA additions + for the ‘67s & Petes. The ‘67s will get Beck back from injury. A return from injuries to MacDonald, Winslow, Mathurin makes the battalion much, much better. Clarke sent back to the colts …

Yes, that is the problem. Those teams that are already better will be adding and the Bulldogs can't afford to.

 

[Hamilton Bulldogs]

This team only has 5 decent D men. Gill-Shane and Roberts are not viable on a contending team. Most nights we are playing with 5 dmen. What happens if any of the remaining 5 get hurt?

We don't have the draft picks to add at the deadline while other contenders are beefing up. The Petes were already good and added Brendan Othman.

I just don't see us being a serious contender. If this team is going to be gone, then I would love to see them go for it.

I would also love to see Hayes and especially Morrison finish their OHL careers out in Hamilton, but I really don't think that it is in the best interest of the team.

Gill-Shane and Roberts are fine on their own, its when they are a pair things get rough. They also have Cheynowski who will improve as the year goes on and he gets older.

The Bulldogs can also move one of their goalies for a d-man if they think they need more depth.

I think it would be best to wait and see. They play all the big contenders in the upcoming weeks, if they can hang I say keep it going, if they're getting pelted than maybe you move on.

 

[Rounder8]

Gill-Shane and Roberts are fine on their own, its when they are a pair things get rough. They also have Cheynowski who will improve as the year goes on and he gets older.

The Bulldogs can also move one of their goalies for a d-man if they think they need more depth.

I think it would be best to wait and see. They play all the big contenders in the upcoming weeks, if they can hang I say keep it going, if they're getting pelted than maybe you move on.

I don't like to trash teenage hockey players on a message board, so I will just say that our opinions on Roberts and Gil-Shane are miles apart.

Cheynowski will be a non factor this year.

I would love to see another run in the playoffs. I just don't think that anything past the first round is probable and the team would be in deep trouble in the coming years.

 

[Hamilton Bulldogs]

The ice was horrendous today.

Hopefully they don't have many LAX games the night before.

 

[Hammer9001]

The teams +/- is going to be bad considering they got destroyed twice. Take out the Spirt and Steelheads game and you have a much better looking stat.

I feel like the Bulldogs are very good at picking up players, so draft capital isn't totally a concern.

Humphrey was an 8th round pick and ended up being a 62 point player last year.

Diaco was a 6th round pick and was one of our best forwards last year. Same with Hayes.

Durate was a 14th round pick and was a great depth player.

Costaninti was a 15th round pick and was probably the best goalie in the league.

I think if you believe this team can go to the East final, you take your chance at running it back and trust your scouting to find gems.

1. They did get destroyed though, and if they are getting destroyed and not keeping in close, its a sign that teams with depth are capitalizing on the weakness of other lines.

2. Draft capital is ALWAYS a concern when making a playoff run. I'll give you the Bulldogs tend to draft well, but that's a moot point here. Our 2020-2022 draftees aren't lighting it up, nor are they expected to. Draft capital is what you use to buy your Robert Thomas's and Mason McTavish's to add those final big pieces to a team to make a playoff run. Even if you draft exceptionally well, not restocking the cupboard and trying to go on a run with just the guys you have tends to not end well, because you end up facing teams that have loaded up.

2. This brings us to the next point, and why we need picks now, next year I am pretty sure Winterton, Humphrey, Sherk, Grushinikov, Drobac and Gil-Shane become overagers. While defensively we'd probably be fine (as Donovan, Moore and VanVilet are showing promise) we only have a single forward who has scored more then 5 goals who isn't an over ager. Something needs to happen there, and having picks on hand to make trades is part of the game here.

3. Pointing out players we no longer have, because they were sold off and are aging out doesn't really bolster your case. In fact, it does the opposite. We're 23 games in, and no one except our overagers have double digit goal totals. The team is FAR younger then it was last year because those guys are no longer present/eligible to play for the Dogs.

4. I think you are crazy to think this team is going to go to the East final this year, even if you kept your overagers, I think you'd be lucky to make it past the 2nd round, especially given how good Ottawa, North Bay and Peterborough look right now, and they haven't yet loaded up. The goal should be the same as 2019, squeeze into one of the bottom playoff spots, off of early season success to get your younger players playoff experience, sell your top guys to recoup picks and make a run it another 2-3 years. That Niagara remains a tire fire, and that currently the Generals and Wolves aren't looking so hot, and 8th place finish seems completely achievable, if we can get guys outside Hayes and Morrison to score.

 

[Hamilton Bulldogs]

1. They did get destroyed though, and if they are getting destroyed and not keeping in close, its a sign that teams with depth are capitalizing on the weakness of other lines.

2. Draft capital is ALWAYS a concern when making a playoff run. I'll give you the Bulldogs tend to draft well, but that's a moot point here. Our 2020-2022 draftees aren't lighting it up, nor are they expected to. Draft capital is what you use to buy your Robert Thomas's and Mason McTavish's to add those final big pieces to a team to make a playoff run. Even if you draft exceptionally well, not restocking the cupboard and trying to go on a run with just the guys you have tends to not end well, because you end up facing teams that have loaded up.

2. This brings us to the next point, and why we need picks now, next year I am pretty sure Winterton, Humphrey, Sherk, Grushinikov, Drobac and Gil-Shane become overagers. While defensively we'd probably be fine (as Donovan, Moore and VanVilet are showing promise) we only have a single forward who has scored more then 5 goals who isn't an over ager. Something needs to happen there, and having picks on hand to make trades is part of the game here.

3. Pointing out players we no longer have, because they were sold off and are aging out doesn't really bolster your case. In fact, it does the opposite. We're 23 games in, and no one except our overagers have double digit goal totals. The team is FAR younger then it was last year because those guys are no longer present/eligible to play for the Dogs.

4. I think you are crazy to think this team is going to go to the East final this year, even if you kept your overagers, I think you'd be lucky to make it past the 2nd round, especially given how good Ottawa, North Bay and Peterborough look right now, and they haven't yet loaded up. The goal should be the same as 2019, squeeze into one of the bottom playoff spots, off of early season success to get your younger players playoff experience, sell your top guys to recoup picks and make a run it another 2-3 years. That Niagara remains a tire fire, and that currently the Generals and Wolves aren't looking so hot, and 8th place finish seems completely achievable, if we can get guys outside Hayes and Morrison to score.

1. Was it a sign that teams with depth are capitalizing on the weakness of other lines when the Dogs lost to the Soo 9-1 the year they won the title? Just because the team isn't as good as last years does not mean they can't be a force in the east.

2. People said the same about the team when the Bulldogs kept Kaliyev and Jenik. Team ended up fine and I'd personally say that team had a lot less of a chance at doing anything than this current team based on coaching alone.

3. Bulldogs were one of the most dominant teams in recent years. They had an embarrassment of riches and so they had a large number of overagers this year and had to get rid of them to follow the rules, it's not an indictment of the current roster or even an indication that the bulldogs are rebuilding as they couldn't legally play with them on the team. Goals will come a lot more frequently for the team when Winteron, Brown and Humphrey are in the lineup every game. worrying about whos going to score next season is unnecessary. The next two years is the years the Bulldogs should rebuild to get their team ready for the year they come back to Hamilton. Two rebuilding years where they end up with two elite draft picks is better than tearing everything down during a season you're going to be in the playoffs and will get a middle of the pack pick.

4. NB is amazing but lost to us 4-1 with our young backup goalie in and were greatly outshot? They can load up all they want but ill take Winterton over anyone they could pick up. The goal of getting into the 8th seed is the strangest of goals. 2 players from the 2019 playoff team were on the team what won last year. Trading off dudes with the idea of wanting to get destroyed in the first round didn't do a whole lot in terms of playoff experience for the team.

 

[Hammer9001]

1. Was it a sign that teams with depth are capitalizing on the weakness of other lines when the Dogs lost to the Soo 9-1 the year they won the title? Just because the team isn't as good as last years does not mean they can't be a force in the east.

2. People said the same about the team when the Bulldogs kept Kaliyev and Jenik. Team ended up fine and I'd personally say that team had a lot less of a chance at doing anything than this current team based on coaching alone.

3. Bulldogs were one of the most dominant teams in recent years. They had an embarrassment of riches and so they had a large number of overagers this year and had to get rid of them to follow the rules, it's not an indictment of the current roster or even an indication that the bulldogs are rebuilding as they couldn't legally play with them on the team. Goals will come a lot more frequently for the team when Winteron, Brown and Humphrey are in the lineup every game. worrying about whos going to score next season is unnecessary. The next two years is the years the Bulldogs should rebuild to get their team ready for the year they come back to Hamilton. Two rebuilding years where they end up with two elite draft picks is better than tearing everything down during a season you're going to be in the playoffs and will get a middle of the pack pick.

4. NB is amazing but lost to us 4-1 with our young backup goalie in and were greatly outshot? They can load up all they want but ill take Winterton over anyone they could pick up. The goal of getting into the 8th seed is the strangest of goals. 2 players from the 2019 playoff team were on the team what won last year. Trading off dudes with the idea of wanting to get destroyed in the first round didn't do a whole lot in terms of playoff experience for the team.

1. One bad game in February doesn't suddenly erase a +/- over multiple games, particularly against a great team who would be the future cup finalist. Two bad games, one against a potential cup finalist and another against, good but beatable team is a much different story, say nothing of the Nov 4th loss to NB or the 3-1 loss to Sarnia. It's not just a matter of a team not being as good as they were last year. It's a matter that other teams are now peaking and have picks to load up, while we are declining, don't have picks to load up. Peterborough is not he same team we played last year, and Ottawa certainly isn't either.

2. No one said that about either of them, Kaliyev was in his rookie year when the won the cup in 2018. He had a 48 point rookie season. Trade talk till he was an overage would have been silly. Janik started with us the season afterwards and only played two years because of Covid. Coincidentally, the season after we won we sold Mackenzie Entwhistle to Guelph (who loaded up and won the cup) and Brandon Saigeon to Oshawa (who also loaded up and made it to the east final).

3. So you start by saying "This is no sign the Bulldogs are/should be rebuilding" and then follow that with "You will need two years of rebuilding" after this season. That's the whole point as to WHY you sell your overages now. You need picks to make trades and to find talent in your rebuild. If the Bulldogs don't, they won't be able to rebuild in two years, maybe not even four, nevermind make a run, where YES you need to trade picks to acquire a few key players. Peterborough got Othmann from the picks we traded them because they are making a run. Without those picks, Peterborough wouldn't be nearly as fearsome a team.

4. Again, one bad loss doesn't suddenly erase a team's performance. They are currently 13 points ahead of the Bulldogs and have a mere 6 players in negative +/- and 20 in the positive side. They have more depth. They also have four double digit goal scorers, two centers and two left wings, indicating they are scoring well on across at least two lines, as well as being 2nd in the conference in goals for and against, behind only Ottawa who seem to be the likely top seed.

Look I love the team as much as the next guy, but you should seriously curb your expectations. If you don't sell picks this year, don't expect to make a playoff splash until at least, 2026.

 

[OMG67]

1. Was it a sign that teams with depth are capitalizing on the weakness of other lines when the Dogs lost to the Soo 9-1 the year they won the title? Just because the team isn't as good as last years does not mean they can't be a force in the east.

2. People said the same about the team when the Bulldogs kept Kaliyev and Jenik. Team ended up fine and I'd personally say that team had a lot less of a chance at doing anything than this current team based on coaching alone.

3. Bulldogs were one of the most dominant teams in recent years. They had an embarrassment of riches and so they had a large number of overagers this year and had to get rid of them to follow the rules, it's not an indictment of the current roster or even an indication that the bulldogs are rebuilding as they couldn't legally play with them on the team. Goals will come a lot more frequently for the team when Winteron, Brown and Humphrey are in the lineup every game. worrying about whos going to score next season is unnecessary. The next two years is the years the Bulldogs should rebuild to get their team ready for the year they come back to Hamilton. Two rebuilding years where they end up with two elite draft picks is better than tearing everything down during a season you're going to be in the playoffs and will get a middle of the pack pick.

4. NB is amazing but lost to us 4-1 with our young backup goalie in and were greatly outshot? They can load up all they want but ill take Winterton over anyone they could pick up. The goal of getting into the 8th seed is the strangest of goals. 2 players from the 2019 playoff team were on the team what won last year. Trading off dudes with the idea of wanting to get destroyed in the first round didn't do a whole lot in terms of playoff experience for the team.

Let’s talk real. I will give it to you straight because that’s the way I roll.

Ottawa and North Bay are likely going to finish 1-2. The Petes may stick their nose in there if they manage to make an impact trade. So, the top 3 are likely sewn up. The best Hamilton can finish is 4th. That is the very best.

For that to happen, Barrie would have to not return Clarke and Mississauga will have to have thrown in the towel and remain status quo. But let’s say that happens. Hamilton has a chance to win a round.

BUT…

There is a big difference between beating a defeated Mississauga team or deflated Barrie team that decided to either sell of stay status quo in round one vs going up against one of two teams in North Bay or Ottawa that are currently a combined 27 games above .500 with a combined goal differential of +86. And, I am softening those numbers by using North Bay’s stats. Ottawa has a goal differential of +52. And they don’t have a player inside the top 10 in scoring.

Ottawa has an OA spot open, an Import spot open and have seven 2nds and ten 3rds available for trade. They haven’t added a player “yet” this year BUT they have traded away five players for a 2nd, three 3rds, 4th, 5th and 8th. We are talking about “expendable” players to make room for the ones they have that got them to am .840 record. They played Hamilton with the flu running through their dressing room and still beat them on the road a couple weeks ago. Hamilton wasn’t able to beat the 67’s at home with a depleted 67’s lineup that couldn’t skate worth shit.

Hamilton has a depleted draft cupboard acquiring players for their great run last season. They don’t have what it takes to add to their team this season. Best case scenario is the teams sitting with them now decide to back off and let Peterborough, North Bay and Ottawa duke it out. That would “potentially” allow Hamilton to not have to face one of those three teams in round one. Stars would need to align perfectly for that to happen.

I promised to give it to you straight. Hamilton doesn’t currently have a roster deep enough to tackle one of the top three teams in the East especially after those three teams decide to load up through the deadline. It isn’t happening.

So, the choice is pretty clear. Roll the dice on a couple extra playoff games and the $$$ that comes with it or restock the picks cupboard a bit and trade your three super OA’s. Hamilton is not making it to round three. They will be VERY hard pressed to get to round two.

 

[Hamilton Bulldogs]

1. One bad game in February doesn't suddenly erase a +/- over multiple games, particularly against a great team who would be the future cup finalist. Two bad games, one against a potential cup finalist and another against, good but beatable team is a much different story, say nothing of the Nov 4th loss to NB or the 3-1 loss to Sarnia. It's not just a matter of a team not being as good as they were last year. It's a matter that other teams are now peaking and have picks to load up, while we are declining, don't have picks to load up. Peterborough is not he same team we played last year, and Ottawa certainly isn't either.

2. No one said that about either of them, Kaliyev was in his rookie year when the won the cup in 2018. He had a 48 point rookie season. Trade talk till he was an overage would have been silly. Janik started with us the season afterwards and only played two years because of Covid. Coincidentally, the season after we won we sold Mackenzie Entwhistle to Guelph (who loaded up and won the cup) and Brandon Saigeon to Oshawa (who also loaded up and made it to the east final).

3. So you start by saying "This is no sign the Bulldogs are/should be rebuilding" and then follow that with "You will need two years of rebuilding" after this season. That's the whole point as to WHY you sell your overages now. You need picks to make trades and to find talent in your rebuild. If the Bulldogs don't, they won't be able to rebuild in two years, maybe not even four, nevermind make a run, where YES you need to trade picks to acquire a few key players. Peterborough got Othmann from the picks we traded them because they are making a run. Without those picks, Peterborough wouldn't be nearly as fearsome a team.

4. Again, one bad loss doesn't suddenly erase a team's performance. They are currently 13 points ahead of the Bulldogs and have a mere 6 players in negative +/- and 20 in the positive side. They have more depth. They also have four double digit goal scorers, two centers and two left wings, indicating they are scoring well on across at least two lines, as well as being 2nd in the conference in goals for and against, behind only Ottawa who seem to be the likely top seed.

Look I love the team as much as the next guy, but you should seriously curb your expectations. If you don't sell picks this year, don't expect to make a playoff splash until at least, 2026.

1. The 2017 team lost plenty of games like you mentioned and if they were under the same standard you have for todays team, theyd be sellers at the deadline. 2017 team lost 6-0, 5-1 and 10-0 throughout that season. Lets see how the Bulldogs match up against these loaded up teams when Winterton is back before we are selling everyone.

2. Many people said during the shortened season (the one that had no winner) that we should be sellers. The coach was awful, the team was very far from being contenders and people swore up and down that they need make a deal. Bulldogs traded nobody and the team ended up fine.

3. Trading overagers when the league requires you to trade them / waive them is hardly an indication of anything. The Bulldogs will need to rebuild next year because they have no choice. That comes with being an elite team and having guys age out of the league. When they do this, they will eventually get two elite draft picks, which can be marketed highly when the bulldogs return to hamilton.

4. The Bulldogs started the season with roster moves that needed to be made and the players knew this. You had guys in the lineup that knew their friends days were numbered and you had guys that knew theyd be going to a new team soon. After the teams roster was ready to go, they took some time to build chemistry and are just now looking like a decent team.

 

[Hamilton Bulldogs]

Let’s talk real. I will give it to you straight because that’s the way I roll.

Ottawa and North Bay are likely going to finish 1-2. The Petes may stick their nose in there if they manage to make an impact trade. So, the top 3 are likely sewn up. The best Hamilton can finish is 4th. That is the very best.

For that to happen, Barrie would have to not return Clarke and Mississauga will have to have thrown in the towel and remain status quo. But let’s say that happens. Hamilton has a chance to win a round.

BUT…

There is a big difference between beating a defeated Mississauga team or deflated Barrie team that decided to either sell of stay status quo in round one vs going up against one of two teams in North Bay or Ottawa that are currently a combined 27 games above .500 with a combined goal differential of +86. And, I am softening those numbers by using North Bay’s stats. Ottawa has a goal differential of +52. And they don’t have a player inside the top 10 in scoring.

Ottawa has an OA spot open, an Import spot open and have seven 2nds and ten 3rds available for trade. They haven’t added a player “yet” this year BUT they have traded away five players for a 2nd, three 3rds, 4th, 5th and 8th. We are talking about “expendable” players to make room for the ones they have that got them to am .840 record. They played Hamilton with the flu running through their dressing room and still beat them on the road a couple weeks ago. Hamilton wasn’t able to beat the 67’s at home with a depleted 67’s lineup that couldn’t skate worth shit.

Hamilton has a depleted draft cupboard acquiring players for their great run last season. They don’t have what it takes to add to their team this season. Best case scenario is the teams sitting with them now decide to back off and let Peterborough, North Bay and Ottawa duke it out. That would “potentially” allow Hamilton to not have to face one of those three teams in round one. Stars would need to align perfectly for that to happen.

I promised to give it to you straight. Hamilton doesn’t currently have a roster deep enough to tackle one of the top three teams in the East especially after those three teams decide to load up through the deadline. It isn’t happening.

So, the choice is pretty clear. Roll the dice on a couple extra playoff games and the $$$ that comes with it or restock the picks cupboard a bit and trade your three super OA’s. Hamilton is not making it to round three. They will be VERY hard pressed to get to round two.

I agree that Hamilton is looking at 4th place but I don't agree with you that they won't make it to round three with the current roster. All it takes is one upset and then Bulldogs avoid Ottawa till ECF.

NB will add some players but Hamilton will be adding Winterton, which they haven't had all year to a roster that has three of the best players in the league. If we're being real, every team outside of Ottawa should sell off and give them the title but thats why they play the games. People said the same about the Soo in 2017 and we all seen how that worked out. People said the same about the Bulldogs last year and I didn't see Shane Wright being thrown into trades.

Bulldogs got some draft picks trading Diaco and Marco and can make some moves in the off season for future draft picks but I don't see the point of intentionally tanking this cores season for a few draft picks when we will always have our firsts and im sure there will be teams calling next season for veteran help

 

[OMG67]

I agree that Hamilton is looking at 4th place but I don't agree with you that they won't make it to round three with the current roster. All it takes is one upset and then Bulldogs avoid Ottawa till ECF.

NB will add some players but Hamilton will be adding Winterton, which they haven't had all year to a roster that has three of the best players in the league. If we're being real, every team outside of Ottawa should sell off and give them the title but thats why they play the games. People said the same about the Soo in 2017 and we all seen how that worked out. People said the same about the Bulldogs last year and I didn't see Shane Wright being thrown into trades.

Bulldogs got some draft picks trading Diaco and Marco and can make some moves in the off season for future draft picks but I don't see the point of intentionally tanking this cores season for a few draft picks when we will always have our firsts and im sure there will be teams calling next season for veteran help

The bulldogs added the best D-Man and best centre at the deadline last year to get to where they ended up. Thinking it is realistic that the Bulldogs can take out either of Peterborough or North Bay is silly. This Bulldogs team is a shadow of what they were last year. Not close to being in the same ballpark. Last years team would beat this years team in four straight with not one game close.

 

[Hamilton Bulldogs]

The bulldogs added the best D-Man and best centre at the deadline last year to get to where they ended up. Thinking it is realistic that the Bulldogs can take out either of Peterborough or North Bay is silly. This Bulldogs team is a shadow of what they were last year. Not close to being in the same ballpark. Last years team would beat this years team in four straight with not one game close.

Last years team would beat 99 percent of the league 4 straight. That doesn't mean everyone but Ottawa should give up.

Bulldogs were historically amazing. They are not an example of a regular championship team but an example of a powerhouse.

 

[OMG67]

Last years team would beat 99 percent of the league 4 straight. That doesn't mean everyone but Ottawa should give up.

Bulldogs were historically amazing. They are not an example of a regular championship team but an example of a powerhouse.

One of the main responsibilities every General Manager has is asset management. We are seeing what happens to teams like Niagara when they choose to manage assets poorly. Hamilton has an opportunity to recoup a lot of what the spent last year AND arguably only cost them 2-3 playoff games. If you look at likely outcomes, if the Bulldogs sell their OA’s at the deadline, they finish in the playoffs and get 2 playoff games. If they stay status quo, they still likely lose in round one but maybe they get 3 playoff games. Best case realistic scenario is they make it to round 2 and probably play 5 home games total.

So, the difference between trading the OA’s and keeping them at best is 2 home dates vs 5 home dates in the playoffs. I think trading 1-3 home playoff dates to restock the draft cupboard (and then some) is worth while.

Mathematically speaking, it is unrealistic to make the risks you are talking about And keep your job as a GM. Poor management of assets is a franchise killer. It is easy for you to suggest rolling the dice on a 1% chance sitting at home with nothing to lose but the GM is not sitting there with nothing to lose.

 

[Hammer9001]

1. The 2017 team lost plenty of games like you mentioned and if they were under the same standard you have for todays team, theyd be sellers at the deadline. 2017 team lost 6-0, 5-1 and 10-0 throughout that season. Lets see how the Bulldogs match up against these loaded up teams when Winterton is back before we are selling everyone.

2. Many people said during the shortened season (the one that had no winner) that we should be sellers. The coach was awful, the team was very far from being contenders and people swore up and down that they need make a deal. Bulldogs traded nobody and the team ended up fine.

3. Trading overagers when the league requires you to trade them / waive them is hardly an indication of anything. The Bulldogs will need to rebuild next year because they have no choice. That comes with being an elite team and having guys age out of the league. When they do this, they will eventually get two elite draft picks, which can be marketed highly when the bulldogs return to hamilton.

4. The Bulldogs started the season with roster moves that needed to be made and the players knew this. You had guys in the lineup that knew their friends days were numbered and you had guys that knew theyd be going to a new team soon. After the teams roster was ready to go, they took some time to build chemistry and are just now looking like a decent team.

1. Not remotely the case, as do you know why? Because we had just made the playoffs after our first (and expected) disaster of a season and understood we were not yet ready to compete and make a run. We understood we were on the upswing, as we traded for Camano and Bitten. It would have be stupid to have sold after making those trades.

2. No one was saying they should be sellers that season, because we didn't need to sell and we didn't have a lot to sell. As stated, we sold Entwistle and Saigeon the season before. It was abundantly clear what the team was going to be in 2020 on the outside looking in, and with Nurse being our only over ager of note, there wasn't a lot to sell. We had a huge core of 17 year olds who would become 19 in 2022 which was a huge age advantage compounded by the fact we had a year off from COVID, and we had a stocked cupboard from earlier sells which netted us McTavish. Low and behold, we won the cup.

3. It absolutely is. Over age players are near always the best players on a team and the most experienced, not only because they are older and have had time to develop, but also because you can only keep three. Coaches have to keep the best of their over age batch. Trading them is a sign that you are looking to recoup picks because you don't think you have a shot at making a run this year, that you are upgrading them to make said run or there's some personal reason at play.

4. This doesn't even make any sense. Yes, we lost players (predominantly older ones), and declined as a result, as expected. This is no way addresses the fact that two other teams, statistically are drastically out performing the Bulldogs. The chemistry you speak of, takes more then a season to build, and our guys simply aren't ready yet to make a run. If they were, you'd be seeing a more even +/- and scoring outside the Hayes/Morrison line. However, we aren't seeing that. Of our top 5 goalscorers, 3 of them are OAs; of which two of them share the same line. Of the other two, one is an offensively minded D-Man in Donovan and the last is Xhekaj who is the only non-AO forward with more then 5 goals (with 7). It's absurd to think a team with those stats has the depth to go deep into the playoffs, Nevermind the likes of Ottawa with three double digit goals scored centers or Peterborough who has nearly the same. The team should be selling their OAs.

 

[Hammer9001]

If you look at likely outcomes, if the Bulldogs sell their OA’s at the deadline, they finish in the playoffs and get 2 playoff games. If they stay status quo, they still likely lose in round one but maybe they get 3 playoff games. Best case realistic scenario is they make it to round 2 and probably play 5 home games total.

So, the difference between trading the OA’s and keeping them at best is 2 home dates vs 5 home dates in the playoffs. I think trading 1-3 home playoff dates to restock the draft cupboard (and then some) is worth while.

Mathematically speaking, it is unrealistic to make the risks you are talking about And keep your job as a GM. Poor management of assets is a franchise killer. It is easy for you to suggest rolling the dice on a 1% chance sitting at home with nothing to lose but the GM is not sitting there with nothing to lose.

This, very much this. Look at Erie, when they tried to hold on and bled their cupboard dry during the McDavid and Strome years. They didn't make the playoffs for two years after 2017, and barely held onto the 8th spot during the cancelled 2020 season. They were also out of the playoffs last year as well. They are only just now starting the right the ship, and even then, they aren't going to be making a big splash. Not with London, Owen Sound and Saginaw this year.

 

[OMG67]

1. Not remotely the case, as do you know why? Because we had just made the playoffs after our first (and expected) disaster of a season and understood we were not yet ready to compete and make a run. We understood we were on the upswing, as we traded for Camano and Bitten. It would have be stupid to have sold after making those trades.

2. No one was saying they should be sellers that season, because we didn't need to sell and we didn't have a lot to sell. As stated, we sold Entwistle and Saigeon the season before. It was abundantly clear what the team was going to be in 2020 on the outside looking in, and with Nurse being our only over ager of note, there wasn't a lot to sell. We had a huge core of 17 year olds who would become 19 in 2022, and age advantage compounded by the fact we had a year off from COVID, and we had a stocked cupboard from earlier sells which netted us McTavish. Low and behold, we won the cup.

3. It absolutely is. Over age players are near always the best players on a team and the most experienced, not only because they are older and have had time to develop, but also because you can only keep three. Coaches have to keep the best of their over age batch. Trading them is a sign that you are looking to recoup picks because you don't think you have a shot at making a run this year, that you are upgrading them to make said run or there's some personal reason at play.

4. This doesn't even make any sense. Yes, we lost players (predominantly older ones), and declined as a result, as expected. This is no way addresses the fact that two other teams, statistically are drastically out performing the Bulldogs. The chemistry you speak of, takes more then a season to build, and our guys simply aren't ready yet to make a run. If they were, you'd be seeing a more even +/- and scoring outside the Hayes/Morrison line. However, we aren't seeing that. Of our top 5 goalscorers, 3 of them are OAs; of which two of them share the same line. Of the other two, one is an offensively minded D-Man in Donovan and the last is Xhekaj who is the only non-AO forward with more then 5 goals (with 7). It's absurd to think a team with those stats has the depth to go deep into the playoffs, Nevermind the likes of Ottawa with three double digit goals scored centers or Peterborough who has nearly the same. The team should be selling their OAs

If Hamilton stays status quo, the reality is they likely finish 6th in the conference and play the #3 seed.

Barrie is underachieving and still ahead of Hamilton. Mississauga is underachieving and still ahead of Hamilton.

Barrie can add players with their huge draft cupboard if it is a buyers market. Plus, there is still a chance they get Clarke back. Mississauga is a bit of a wildcard but theya re still a strong team overall. Even if they do nothing, they are still a pretty decent team.

Realistically, Hamilton will need to add a couple players to finish higher than 6th. The discussion is absurd.

Anything can happen but if a GM runs his team like “anything can happen” then he won’t have a job very long.

I like optimism but not blind optimism. What I am reading from Hamilton Bulldogs is blind optimism.

 

[Hamilton Bulldogs]

One of the main responsibilities every General Manager has is asset management. We are seeing what happens to teams like Niagara when they choose to manage assets poorly. Hamilton has an opportunity to recoup a lot of what the spent last year AND arguably only cost them 2-3 playoff games. If you look at likely outcomes, if the Bulldogs sell their OA’s at the deadline, they finish in the playoffs and get 2 playoff games. If they stay status quo, they still likely lose in round one but maybe they get 3 playoff games. Best case realistic scenario is they make it to round 2 and probably play 5 home games total.

So, the difference between trading the OA’s and keeping them at best is 2 home dates vs 5 home dates in the playoffs. I think trading 1-3 home playoff dates to restock the draft cupboard (and then some) is worth while.

Mathematically speaking, it is unrealistic to make the risks you are talking about And keep your job as a GM. Poor management of assets is a franchise killer. It is easy for you to suggest rolling the dice on a 1% chance sitting at home with nothing to lose but the GM is not sitting there with nothing to lose.

Bulldogs will never be the Ice Dogs. From the top down they are simply better in every area. Comparing the class of the league to the Ice Dogs is insulting. They will have that chance to recoup a lot of those picks this off season and next off season.

Is Kingstons GM in danger of being fired for not selling Wright when it was obvious that the Bulldogs owned them in everyway last year? Is North Bay's gm in danger of losing his job because he kept Brandon Coe? What you are suggesting is the entire league bows down to two / three teams and throw in the towel. If the Bulldogs get blown out frequently till the TDL, I'd agree with you but giving up 23 games into the season when they team has never had its full lineup, is silly.

 

[Hammer9001]

If Hamilton stays status quo, the reality is they likely finish 6th in the conference and play the #3 seed.

Barrie is underachieving and still ahead of Hamilton. Mississauga is underachieving and still ahead of Hamilton.

Barrie can add players with their huge draft cupboard if it is a buyers market. Plus, there is still a chance they get Clarke back. Mississauga is a bit of a wildcard but theya re still a strong team overall. Even if they do nothing, they are still a pretty decent team.

Realistically, Hamilton will need to add a couple players to finish higher than 6th. The discussion is absurd.

Anything can happen but if a GM runs his team like “anything can happen” then he won’t have a job very long.

I like optimism but not blind optimism. What I am reading from Hamilton Bulldogs is blind optimism.

I completely agree with you here. The Dogs currently sit 7th in the conference, and while yes they have a lot of games in hand, they are 19 points back on Ottawa, and 13 back on North Bay, with no signs of generating much offense outside the top line, and a very limited ability to trade to improve it, given the empty draft cupboard.

There's no point in keeping two king-maker OAs to make it to the second round and get stomped, and likely be consigned to a 4 year rebuild when you can likely get a kings ransom for them and have a potential championship team in 2-3 years. To be frank, Hamilton is lucky that Niagara is still as bad as they are and Oshawa and the Wolves both lost a step. I really though they'd be doing better then they are.

 

[Hamilton Bulldogs]

1. Not remotely the case, as do you know why? Because we had just made the playoffs after our first (and expected) disaster of a season and understood we were not yet ready to compete and make a run. We understood we were on the upswing, as we traded for Camano and Bitten. It would have be stupid to have sold after making those trades.

2. No one was saying they should be sellers that season, because we didn't need to sell and we didn't have a lot to sell. As stated, we sold Entwistle and Saigeon the season before. It was abundantly clear what the team was going to be in 2020 on the outside looking in, and with Nurse being our only over ager of note, there wasn't a lot to sell. We had a huge core of 17 year olds who would become 19 in 2022 which was a huge age advantage compounded by the fact we had a year off from COVID, and we had a stocked cupboard from earlier sells which netted us McTavish. Low and behold, we won the cup.

3. It absolutely is. Over age players are near always the best players on a team and the most experienced, not only because they are older and have had time to develop, but also because you can only keep three. Coaches have to keep the best of their over age batch. Trading them is a sign that you are looking to recoup picks because you don't think you have a shot at making a run this year, that you are upgrading them to make said run or there's some personal reason at play.

4. This doesn't even make any sense. Yes, we lost players (predominantly older ones), and declined as a result, as expected. This is no way addresses the fact that two other teams, statistically are drastically out performing the Bulldogs. The chemistry you speak of, takes more then a season to build, and our guys simply aren't ready yet to make a run. If they were, you'd be seeing a more even +/- and scoring outside the Hayes/Morrison line. However, we aren't seeing that. Of our top 5 goalscorers, 3 of them are OAs; of which two of them share the same line. Of the other two, one is an offensively minded D-Man in Donovan and the last is Xhekaj who is the only non-AO forward with more then 5 goals (with 7). It's absurd to think a team with those stats has the depth to go deep into the playoffs, Nevermind the likes of Ottawa with three double digit goals scored centers or Peterborough who has nearly the same. The team should be selling their OAs.

1. But the point still remains. Your argument is that this seasons team is unable to compete because they lost two blowouts, when the team that won the first championship got HANDLED multiple times that season. Yes they added pieces but the Bulldogs will be adding Winterton. Do I expect a title? not really but if you sell every time you don't have an all star team you'll just keep getting into a cycle of rebuilding and I'd be fine with giving the core that never lost in the Eastern Conference playoffs and outlasted the other league champions another shot at it.

2. I've read many people saying they should be sellers that season. For the same reasons you're saying now. No chance at winning, wanted more draft picks, ect. Didn't have a lot to sell? Kaliyev and Jenik were dominate and would've been huge to anyone and many people expected at least one to be gone the year after.

3. Trading the remaining ones would be a sign of them rebuilding, yes. But trading Diaco, Marco and waiving Durate showed nothing because they can only have a certain number of overagers.

4. One of the two teams that are drastically outperforming the Bulldogs got beat by the Bulldogs 4-1 and they didn't even have Winterton. You may think that North Bay is this world beater but if they aren't throwing in the towel, I see no reason why the Bulldogs should. Our forwards are also missing Humprey, Brown and Winterson and had White on the IR to start the season. White opens up the game to a very different level and the team has looked great since hes been there.

 

[Hamilton Bulldogs]

If Hamilton stays status quo, the reality is they likely finish 6th in the conference and play the #3 seed.

Barrie is underachieving and still ahead of Hamilton. Mississauga is underachieving and still ahead of Hamilton.

Barrie can add players with their huge draft cupboard if it is a buyers market. Plus, there is still a chance they get Clarke back. Mississauga is a bit of a wildcard but theya re still a strong team overall. Even if they do nothing, they are still a pretty decent team.

Realistically, Hamilton will need to add a couple players to finish higher than 6th. The discussion is absurd.

Anything can happen but if a GM runs his team like “anything can happen” then he won’t have a job very long.

I like optimism but not blind optimism. What I am reading from Hamilton Bulldogs is blind optimism.

6th in the conference? lol. If they don't trade anyone, they're easily 4th, maybe 5th at worst.

Barries adding, Ottawas adding, NB is adding. Is there an unlimited buyers market? Maybe thats why you're hoping Hamilton sells? need Morrison and Hayes for your squad? The Steelheads are a strong team overall but couldn't score a 5 on 5 goal vs the Bulldogs.

People think the Bulldogs are a step back from the championship team and they are but lets be honest. There is no team outside of Ottawa in the east that would even win a game vs the Bulldogs of last year. If everyone viewed their team like people on here view the Bulldogs, they'd all be selling and handing the title over to the 67s.

 

[OMG67]

Bulldogs will never be the Ice Dogs. From the top down they are simply better in every area. Comparing the class of the league to the Ice Dogs is insulting. They will have that chance to recoup a lot of those picks this off season and next off season.

Is Kingstons GM in danger of being fired for not selling Wright when it was obvious that the Bulldogs owned them in everyway last year? Is North Bay's gm in danger of losing his job because he kept Brandon Coe? What you are suggesting is the entire league bows down to two / three teams and throw in the towel. If the Bulldogs get blown out frequently till the TDL, I'd agree with you but giving up 23 games into the season when they team has never had its full lineup, is silly.

You are comparing yourselves this year to North Bay or Kingston last year? For real? No. I mean seriously. For real? For real?

There is an upper tier of “contenders” that make an investment in winning pretty much every season. Kingston and North Bay joined Hamilton last year in that tier. Similarly, those teams this season would be Peterborough, North bay and Ottawa with Barrie a possibility if Clarke is returned.

Hamilton can remain status quo and that is fine BUT they surrendered a considerable number of assets last year to make their run. It is reasonable to follow that up with a reset to reacquire those assets the following year when they are not in that top tier. It is the responsible way to operate a franchise.

You have an opportunity to either trade one OA and get back to a full set of draft picks or trade multiple OA’s and set yourselves up for another strong cupboard of picks to augment a future team.

By comparison, using your logic, you would suggest that since Kingston is right there with Hamilton in the standings that if Wright were returned, Kingston should make another run as well? I mean, why not?

How much logic are you rejecting? Seriously. You are comparing the Bulldogs team this year to North Bay and Kingston last year? WOWZERS.