Kingston Frontenacs 2023-24 Off-Season Thread (Part 4)

[frontsfan67]

Now, if Kingston wants to do a soft buy and add at a lower cost this year, Swick has looked good in the pre-season. Just sayin'.

I would love swick in a Kingston uniform and in the off season I was pushing for that to happen- mentioned his name a few times on here. Only problem is it sounds like they’re trying to get an upgrade at the 1C whether that’s Ludwinski or trading for a guy like Allard/Wakely. If they don’t do that I assume they go for an OA D man to help the top 4.

A winger I can’t see right now but if they can’t get a top tier centre or d man I think that’s the first guy they’ll look at.

 

[leafs4life94]

This rumoured OA rule change would really help out the Fronts because it'd open up an OA spot on D while still being able to upgrade on Heyes. I'd love Swick and Konnor Smith to give them a massive size boost since they don't have a ton of size/grit.

 

[OHL4Life]

This rumoured OA rule change would really help out the Fronts because it'd open up an OA spot on D while still being able to upgrade on Heyes. I'd love Swick and Konnor Smith to give them a massive size boost since they don't have a ton of size/grit.

it would have happened by now to be part of this year? who posted it and have they been right about things in the past?

 

[leafs4life94]

it would have happened by now to be part of this year? who posted it and have they been right about things in the past?

That was my thought too - it was from a Kitchener Instagram account posted on the Kitchener thread - I hadn't seen the account before but I'm also not on Kitchener Instagram pages at all.

 

[Krangers08]

That was my thought too - it was from a Kitchener Instagram account posted on the Kitchener thread - I hadn't seen the account before but I'm also not on Kitchener Instagram pages at all.

Was mentioned at the Rangers Season ticket holder board meeting hosted by the GM and COO.

 

[OHL4Life]

Was mentioned at the Rangers Season ticket holder board meeting hosted by the GM and COO.

not for this year? it would have had to be passed as a new rule by the owners in the summer

 

[Krangers08]

not for this year? it would have had to be passed as a new rule by the owners in the summer

Yea. They did not put a date on it. Just that there has been conversations throughout the CHL on the idea of Goalies not counting as an OA spot.

 

[OHL4Life]

Yea. They did not put a date on it. Just that there has been conversations throughout the CHL on the idea of Goalies not counting as an OA spot.

its been ongoing for 5 years now

 

[dirty12]

There was nothing official seen about a change allowing first year imports to be traded before the Christmas break that I am aware of, but Eliasson to the colts is supposedly done.
I would not be surprised by a so far unannounced change regarding OA goalies.

 

[leafs4life94]

Looks like Kingston is 8/8 (including Ludwinski since why not) in players advancing to main camps - they're going to need to find bodies for the pre-season games this weekend, being down 4 forwards and their top 2 D it'll be interesting who they pick up.

It'll be interesting to see who they bring in or if they just play short.

 

[frontsfan67]

Looks like Kingston is 8/8 (including Ludwinski since why not) in players advancing to main camps - they're going to need to find bodies for the pre-season games this weekend, being down 4 forwards and their top 2 D it'll be interesting who they pick up.

It'll be interesting to see who they bring in or if they just play short.

I got told by a reliable source that they have brought in Gabe Runco as one of the D. Decent size d man- played with Niagara in 2022/23 and OJHL last season.

Regardless just pre season shouldn’t matter too much. Just means more minutes for guys like velliaris/williamson/hopkins and maybe Betts sees another game or half of one.

 

[beastintheeast]

Personally, I do not think you are going to see any big/important trades by the Fronts until at least the end of October unless someone offers that dealyou cannot refuse.

2 reasons
1 Mann wants to get players playing and see what he has before he asks Cooper for anything
2. I think you are going to see Ludwinsksi at least get a chance to show what he has at the AHL level. Then the Hawks are going to have to make a decision stay in the A go to Indy for a few games or send him back.

Once those questions get answered then they will know the holes that are the most important to fill.

 

[leafs4life94]

I've seen a bunch of people here say that the Fronts are waiting to see if Ludwinski is back this year before making any decisions - I don't see a world that it makes sense for him to come back. Just because he had no points in his 5 game AHL stint at the end of last year doesn't mean he can't hang and will return.

If I'm the GM I'm expecting that he's not back, and if he is - then you have an extra OA that you can move for assets.

For the Fronts' sake I hope he is back but I just can't see it - if I'm wrong I'm wrong and I'll own it but to me it doesn't make sense

 

[ScoutLife4]

I've seen a bunch of people here say that the Fronts are waiting to see if Ludwinski is back this year before making any decisions - I don't see a world that it makes sense for him to come back. Just because he had no points in his 5 game AHL stint at the end of last year doesn't mean he can't hang and will return.

If I'm the GM I'm expecting that he's not back, and if he is - then you have an extra OA that you can move for assets.

For the Fronts' sake I hope he is back but I just can't see it - if I'm wrong I'm wrong and I'll own it but to me it doesn't make sense

They are not waiting on Ludwinski for any moves. -They don't expect him back and were told he is not returning.
It would be a pleasant unexpected surprise if he does return.

They are waiting on to see if Wakely makes Bakersfield. -If he doesn't expect him to be wearing a Fronts jersey in the next couple months.

 

[beastintheeast]

They are not waiting on Ludwinski for any moves. -They don't expect him back and were told he is not returning.
It would be a pleasant unexpected surprise if he does return.

They are waiting on to see if Wakely makes Bakersfield. -If he doesn't expect him to be wearing a Fronts jersey in the next couple months.

I agree that the chances of Ludwinski coming back are slim. What I was saying, though, is that they are not going to make any huge moves because they are going to see what comes out for the first month.

We can say they need an OA D and a number 1 center, but which is more needed and which is going to have the most impact?

The other thing that has not been mentioned is what will happen with Pienimi. Is he going to get AHL time to see if he can stick there?

I am not saying he will but if he plays like he might show enough for them to keep him around for a few games before he comes back.

 

[PuckLucker]

Why is there any speculation on Ludwinski returning?

Because he didn't put up points last year in those 5 games with Rockford? He is not an offense first player by any means and took 4 shots on net in the AHL.

Last season for the Fronts he played a boatload of minutes but he's not the type of player that should be expected to produce points - that's not his skillset, his game is about his motor and skating speed.

Read the comment, which describes his game perfectly. He doesn't have silky mitts or a scorers touch, I'm not sure I've watched him deke a goalie before - he always shoots.

Recapping the Blackhawks’ games at the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase

 

[ScoutLife4]

I agree that the chances of Ludwinski coming back are slim. What I was saying, though, is that they are not going to make any huge moves because they are going to see what comes out for the first month.

We can say they need an OA D and a number 1 center, but which is more needed and which is going to have the most impact?

The other thing that has not been mentioned is what will happen with Pienimi. Is he going to get AHL time to see if he can stick there?

I am not saying he will but if he plays like he might show enough for them to keep him around for a few games before he comes back.

The wont be adding a OA D unless Wakely falls through.
Guindon is perfectly capable of being a 1C either way.
Emil has already been committed to Kingston by Dubas for this season.
He's not psychically strong enough for AHL right now. Needs to put on some muscle.

 

[OMG67]

Personally, I do not think you are going to see any big/important trades by the Fronts until at least the end of October unless someone offers that dealyou cannot refuse.

2 reasons
1 Mann wants to get players playing and see what he has before he asks Cooper for anything
2. I think you are going to see Ludwinsksi at least get a chance to show what he has at the AHL level. Then the Hawks are going to have to make a decision stay in the A go to Indy for a few games or send him back.

Once those questions get answered then they will know the holes that are the most important to fill.

I think the focus will be on adding an OA. IT will depend mostly on whether one that services the Fronts needs becomes available or not.

 

[beastintheeast]

I think the focus will be on adding an OA. IT will depend mostly on whether one that services the Fronts needs becomes available or not.

Agreed, but first and foremost, the need must be determined. I have read that they need a 1C, and I have heard they need an OA D.

While yes, there are 17 D in the Pens camp, and he has a contract to report to Kingston if he does not make the AHL team. That is still a big if. I would think that unless he is really bad they will at least give him a couple of games at the AHL. The outcome could be that they lose him to the A in which case there will be 2 holes to fill LD and a Euro spot.

I just have a feeling that they will stand pat to start the season see how the team goes and what they need. Do they need scoring do they need a faceoff spec or do they need a D to help Burns and Pie.

 

[ScoutLife4]

Agreed, but first and foremost, the need must be determined. I have read that they need a 1C, and I have heard they need an OA D.

While yes, there are 17 D in the Pens camp, and he has a contract to report to Kingston if he does not make the AHL team. That is still a big if. I would think that unless he is really bad they will at least give him a couple of games at the AHL. The outcome could be that they lose him to the A in which case there will be 2 holes to fill LD and a Euro spot.

I just have a feeling that they will stand pat to start the season see how the team goes and what they need. Do they need scoring do they need a faceoff spec or do they need a D to help Burns and Pie.

They need a whole 2nd D pairing right now. -I have been saying this since June.
Uens and McGowan cannot be the 2nd D pairing if you want to contend with the Barrie, Brantford, Brampton, Oshawa.
If they do successfully acquire wakely you now have a pretty nasty group of middle forwards with Wakely, Guindon, Hopkins, Mcnamara.

 

[OMG67]

They need a whole 2nd D pairing right now. -I have been saying this since June.
Uens and McGowan cannot be the 2nd D pairing if you want to contend with the Barrie, Brantford, Brampton, Oshawa.
If they do successfully acquire wakely you now have a pretty nasty group of middle forwards with Wakely, Guindon, Hopkins, Mcnamara.

This is exactly my issue. I don't think their back end is nearly strong enough to properly contend "this year." I think they may have been able to get away with adding one D-Man if the landscape in the Eastern Conference were the same this year as last but the landscape is vastly different.

I am also not sold on the goaltending. I think the combo of Vaccari and Lalonde has to be considered no greater than replacement value which means the goaltending is not likely to bail out a team on an off night. This puts even more emphasis on the quality of the defense in front to cut down on scoring opportunities.

I don't like Kingston's chances of sliding into that true contender group because I don't believe they have enough expendable assets to acquire the missing pieces. The combination of not trading Ludwinski last year and drafting a defection player are really restricting the assets needed to polish the roster and get it where it needs to be in this Conference.

All this is not to say the Fronts will be bad. On the contrary. But, I think there is a discernable gap that will be very challenging to bridge.

That said, I do like McGowan and I think he can be a solid 2nd pair guy but they would still need a D-Partner for him and then add another strong veteran presence on the 3rd pair.

 

[beastintheeast]

They need a whole 2nd D pairing right now. -I have been saying this since June.
Uens and McGowan cannot be the 2nd D pairing if you want to contend with the Barrie, Brantford, Brampton, Oshawa.
If they do successfully acquire wakely you now have a pretty nasty group of middle forwards with Wakely, Guindon, Hopkins, Mcnamara.

I still do not understand why you are taking the top 2 LD on your team and pencilling them in as 1 pairing at this stage of the season.

It's crucial to have the knowledge and ability of experienced players like them, especially in the early part of the season. They play a vital role in guiding and mentoring the young kids on the ice.

I can see it down the stretch to the playoffs when they can do more minutes but i really do not see 5 on 5 where it makes sense in October

 

[ScoutLife4]

I still do not understand why you are taking the top 2 LD on your team and pencilling them in as 1 pairing at this stage of the season.

It's crucial to have the knowledge and ability of experienced players like them, especially in the early part of the season. They play a vital role in guiding and mentoring the young kids on the ice.

I can see it down the stretch to the playoffs when they can do more minutes but i really do not see 5 on 5 where it makes sense in October

What is there to understand? The coach flat out said they are going to be a D pairing and they played the whole first pre season game as a pairing against you guys.
I'm just going by what Troy said and he seems to be wanting to roll with that plan seeing as they played the full game together.

 

[ScoutLife4]

This is exactly my issue. I don't think their back end is nearly strong enough to properly contend "this year." I think they may have been able to get away with adding one D-Man if the landscape in the Eastern Conference were the same this year as last but the landscape is vastly different.

I am also not sold on the goaltending. I think the combo of Vaccari and Lalonde has to be considered no greater than replacement value which means the goaltending is not likely to bail out a team on an off night. This puts even more emphasis on the quality of the defense in front to cut down on scoring opportunities.

I don't like Kingston's chances of sliding into that true contender group because I don't believe they have enough expendable assets to acquire the missing pieces. The combination of not trading Ludwinski last year and drafting a defection player are really restricting the assets needed to polish the roster and get it where it needs to be in this Conference.

All this is not to say the Fronts will be bad. On the contrary. But, I think there is a discernable gap that will be very challenging to bridge.

That said, I do like McGowan and I think he can be a solid 2nd pair guy but they would still need a D-Partner for him and then add another strong veteran presence on the 3rd pair.

If Lalonde does not play well they are in trouble there is no doubt there.
Vaccari from what i seen has not really grown any and is still very small and that's an issue.
Kingston has the picks available to make themselves a contender still.
Adding Wakely and a 2nd pairing D would solidify this imo.

 

[OMG67]

If Lalonde does not play well they are in trouble there is no doubt there.
Vaccari from what i seen has not really grown any and is still very small and that's an issue.
Kingston has the picks available to make themselves a contender still.
Adding Wakely and a 2nd pairing D would solidify this imo.

Agreed. And they have the picks to do that.

The challenge is that only fills the gaps to make a viable contending roster. It doesn’t address the “over the top” type additions other teams may make on top of having the viable roster. Also, as mentioned, they likely can’t have average goaltending contending with teams that have top tier goaltending.

Goaltending is a funny issue. Goalies can crawl out of the woodwork or fall off on a yearly basis. So, I wouldn’t say any particular goalie is 100% a dud. However, I do think we can apply a percentage chance on whether a goalie is poised to make a jump forward. I’m not sure either of Vaccari or Lalonde will make that jump forward. Neither are bad. Just average.

Kingston has the luxury of having two replacement level goalies so if one gets injured, they can lean on the other. That is very advantageous compared to some of the competitors but you cannot rely on competitor injuries to contend.

I am curious to see what Kingston will be capable of doing on the trade front and whether one of the two goalies can get on a heater early.