Kingston Frontenacs 2023-24 Season Thread (Part 2)

[frontsfan67]

Vann Williamson 5 assists over 2 games last week.

Like I’ve said before- kid has lots of potential. Even when schmidt and Holmes come back I’d like Mann to play him as a regular atleast- no more of this 7th d man crap. I’d expect him to be one of the big risers from the team coming into the season next year.

 

[Logosarejusttargets]

Vann Williamson 5 assists over 2 games last week.

Like I’ve said before- kid has lots of potential. Even when schmidt and Holmes come back I’d like Mann to play him as a regular atleast- no more of this 7th d man crap. I’d expect him to be one of the big risers from the team coming into the season next year.

When Holmes and Schmidt are back, Williamson will be scratched(unless someone else is hurt/sick/suspended) or 7th D (if they go 11/7)

 

[leafs4life94]

Vann Williamson 5 assists over 2 games last week.

Like I’ve said before- kid has lots of potential. Even when schmidt and Holmes come back I’d like Mann to play him as a regular atleast- no more of this 7th d man crap. I’d expect him to be one of the big risers from the team coming into the season next year.

I've liked Williamson a lot but I really just don't know where he slots in next year - I'm not sure he's a top 4 D on team with deep run aspirations.

I don't know what the D is going to look like next year but there's a lot of bodies and Williamson feels like a guy that could get moved out - they're going (at least they'd bettter) bring in minimum one OA, possibly 2 on D next year. Add in Burns, McGowan, Chromiak and Uens - that's 6 D right there, not including Velliaris who'll be knocking on the door, and a pipedream in Pieniniemi (if they get him it'll probably just be 1 OA.)

I could see Uens and/or Williamson moved, and they go into next year like this:

OA - Burns
OA/Pieniniemi - Chromiak
McGowan - Uens/Williamson
Velliaris

Depending on who the OAs are, I could see 2RD being upgraded at the deadline, Uens/Williamson shipped out and Chromiak bumped down to 3rd pair.

 

[ktownfan]

good for the kid, he has improved this year. Nice to see him make the most of an opportunity afforded to him. Amazing what good things can happen when a kid was given an opportunity

 

[HockeyPops]

Why would Chromiak come back for his D+1 to play 3rd pairing? Doesn't seem like it's in the best interests of either Chromiak or the Fronts?

 

[frontsfan67]

When Holmes and Schmidt are back, Williamson will be scratched(unless someone else is hurt/sick/suspended) or 7th D (if they go 11/7)

I know he will be. My thing is I don’t want the guy to be as he clearly has way more potential than guys like uens and McGowan.

I’m not saying I don’t like McGowan but he hasn’t shown any offensive potential. Uens who they originally picked up because he was an offensive d man his rookie year in Owen sound hasn’t shown any potential either- and is a year older.

I know Mann seems to be in love with uens but next year if uens doesn’t progress in his development at all and Williamson does. He better not be playing uens above Williamson

 

[frontsfan67]

Why would Chromiak come back for his D+1 to play 3rd pairing? Doesn't seem like it's in the best interests of either Chromiak or the Fronts?

He won’t be third pairing lol

When Schmidt, Holmes leave after this year Chromiak might be first pairing with burns or leading the second pairing. In the off season I suspect he will work on his defensive game a lot which I believe is why Mann doesn’t play him much and I get it, imo uens and Chromiak are the 2 worst defending players.

Chromiak has a lot of offensive potential though and is better offensively then uens right now.

 

[I Loveallsports]

He won’t be third pairing lol

When Schmidt, Holmes leave after this year Chromiak might be first pairing with burns or leading the second pairing. In the off season I suspect he will work on his defensive game a lot which I believe is why Mann doesn’t play him much and I get it, imo uens and Chromiak are the 2 worst defending players.

Chromiak has a lot of offensive potential though and is better offensively then uens right now.

How has Chromiak been for you guys? Need improvement? Pleased?

 

[Logosarejusttargets]

Funny you mention that about Assadourian...the camera was on him in the penalty box when he made the slashing gesture.

OHLHockey (@Ontario Hockey League) posted: #OHL Disciplinary Action: Niagara's Alex Assadourian has been suspended for five games as a result of actions on Jan. 26th at Kingston. He is eligible to return on Feb. 9th at Sudbury.

https://x.com/ohlhockey/status/1752404586172682327?s=51&t=qwgDlU0GnDTbIXU8VviD7w

 

[leafs4life94]

He won’t be third pairing lol

When Schmidt, Holmes leave after this year Chromiak might be first pairing with burns or leading the second pairing. In the off season I suspect he will work on his defensive game a lot which I believe is why Mann doesn’t play him much and I get it, imo uens and Chromiak are the 2 worst defending players.

Chromiak has a lot of offensive potential though and is better offensively then uens right now.

If Chromiak is a top pair D next year I would say they are in deep trouble. A lot can happen over a summer but I haven't seen anything that really indicates top pair - especially defensively, and with his size/playstyle he needs to be more productive offensively to offset his holes defensively.

For a guy that at some points was mocked as a borderline first a year and a half ago, I think it's a better chance he goes undrafted than in the top 3 rounds (realistically someone will take a flyer on him in the 6th/7th).

 

[OMG67]

OHLHockey (@Ontario Hockey League) posted: #OHL Disciplinary Action: Niagara's Alex Assadourian has been suspended for five games as a result of actions on Jan. 26th at Kingston. He is eligible to return on Feb. 9th at Sudbury.

https://x.com/ohlhockey/status/1752404586172682327?s=51&t=qwgDlU0GnDTbIXU8VviD7w

That is going to significantly impact their ability to win games….

 

[frontsfan67]

How has Chromiak been for you guys? Need improvement? Pleased?

He’s been good but needs to work on defensive side of the game lots. I expect that will be something he and whatever nhl team drafts him will be emphasizing.

Hasn’t been given much of a shot here with the other d men we have- they play a more well rounded game. If he works on that this summer I see him as the top pairing with burns. Would compliment their play styled a bit. Burns more of a physical/defensive minded d man(that can still make a few good passes here and there) and Chromiak a mainly offensive d man (that can hopefully hold his own next year)

If Chromiak is a top pair D next year I would say they are in deep trouble. A lot can happen over a summer but I haven't seen anything that really indicates top pair - especially defensively, and with his size/playstyle he needs to be more productive offensively to offset his holes defensively.

For a guy that at some points was mocked as a borderline first a year and a half ago, I think it's a better chance he goes undrafted than in the top 3 rounds (realistically someone will take a flyer on him in the 6th/7th).

He won’t be a top 3 round pick anymore he doesn’t get the chance to show himself here in kingston. If he improved all around game over summer I think he would be a good pairing with burns as the defensive d man(burns) and an offensive d man/hopefully two way with Chromiak.

Also might just be like that at the start of the year as I’m sure they will atleast grab 1 if not more OA d next year to go with an import

 

[beastintheeast]

I've liked Williamson a lot but I really just don't know where he slots in next year - I'm not sure he's a top 4 D on team with deep run aspirations.

I don't know what the D is going to look like next year but there's a lot of bodies and Williamson feels like a guy that could get moved out - they're going (at least they'd bettter) bring in minimum one OA, possibly 2 on D next year. Add in Burns, McGowan, Chromiak and Uens - that's 6 D right there, not including Velliaris who'll be knocking on the door, and a pipedream in Pieniniemi (if they get him it'll probably just be 1 OA.)

I could see Uens and/or Williamson moved, and they go into next year like this:

OA - Burns
OA/Pieniniemi - Chromiak
McGowan - Uens/Williamson
Velliaris

Depending on who the OAs are, I could see 2RD being upgraded at the deadline, Uens/Williamson shipped out and Chromiak bumped down to 3rd pair.

Also, consider that even with a lack of ice time, Willmson is leading the defence in plus-minus. Not that big a deal, except that it says he is not a liability on the ice.

First question What is the fixation with Pieniniemi?

It is probably a given that if he has any skill he will be playing AHL or if not that he will stay in Europe and make money. Also letting him go will provide the Fronts with a Pick that they can make either another forward or a defenceman that wants to be here. Also, I am pretty sure that in order to get Chromiak, they would have had to release Pieniniemi as you can have only 2 Euro.

You have

Poole
Heyes
Ludwinski (maybe)
Hemstrom (euro)

So unless you are getting rid of Either Poole or Heyes and giving up on Ludwinski if he comes back there is no way you can have 2 OA defence.

Nor would you start the season trading for 2 OA defence.

It is smarter to look at what you have and start with the players coming out of camp.

Burns Williams
McGowan Chromiak
Vellarias Uens

Would make more sense to start the season.

I assume Williams will work his asset off this summer, and putting him with senior players will help him cover mistakes

McGowan Chromiak gives you a steady pair

Uen we know, is not at this point ready for Primetime, but starting as a 3rd line allows him to move up. He also could be flipped with Williams.

This allows the Fronts to keep all 3 of their OA as wrll as Ludwinski to start the season. It also provides the ability to look at your team and determine what position you desperately need an OA.

There will be questions starting the season about goaltending as you will be starting the season the same way you did this year.

 

[leafs4life94]

Also, consider that even with a lack of ice time, Willmson is leading the defence in plus-minus. Not that big a deal, except that it says he is not a liability on the ice.

First question What is the fixation with Pieniniemi?

It is probably a given that if he has any skill he will be playing AHL or if not that he will stay in Europe and make money. Also letting him go will provide the Fronts with a Pick that they can make either another forward or a defenceman that wants to be here. Also, I am pretty sure that in order to get Chromiak, they would have had to release Pieniniemi as you can have only 2 Euro.

You have

Poole
Heyes
Ludwinski (maybe)
Hemstrom (euro)

So unless you are getting rid of Either Poole or Heyes and giving up on Ludwinski if he comes back there is no way you can have 2 OA defence.

Nor would you start the season trading for 2 OA defence.

It is smarter to look at what you have and start with the players coming out of camp.

Burns Williams
McGowan Chromiak
Vellarias Uens

Would make more sense to start the season.

I assume Williams will work his asset off this summer, and putting him with senior players will help him cover mistakes

McGowan Chromiak gives you a steady pair

Uen we know, is not at this point ready for Primetime, but starting as a 3rd line allows him to move up. He also could be flipped with Williams.

This allows the Fronts to keep all 3 of their OA as wrll as Ludwinski to start the season. It also provides the ability to look at your team and determine what position you desperately need an OA.

There will be questions starting the season about goaltending as you will be starting the season the same way you did this year.

I don't see any way Ludwinski is sent back, he's a signed 2nd rounder - he'll be in Rockford.

I also don't see Hemstrom back as an import OA - that's a waste of asset management.

Poole is not an OA quality player, he very well could start the year but I'd probably be a little disappointed if he's on the roster post-deadline.

I would hope for at least one OA D before the season - that D would be worse than the current D core and there's a lot of room for improvement right now.

 

[beastintheeast]

I don't see any way Ludwinski is sent back, he's a signed 2nd rounder - he'll be in Rockford.

I also don't see Hemstrom back as an import OA - that's a waste of asset management.

Poole is not an OA quality player, he very well could start the year but I'd probably be a little disappointed if he's on the roster post-deadline.

I would hope for at least one OA D before the season - that D would be worse than the current D core and there's a lot of room for improvement right now.

I am not saying you are wrong in the need for another D you may be right.

I am also not saying that Lewinsky will be back. I agree it is doubtful.

However, you used 2 OA and a player that has definitely decided to stay in Europe in your plan to start the season.

Personally, that is a non-starter. Also if I was Cooper I would want to see who is playing and who gets sent back by NHL teams after camp to see what is there.

Trading for an OA in the off-season is a crap shoot. The player could decide not to play Jr and could make an AHL.ECHL team.

Also, the returning defence could surprise you.

I think it is better to go with what you have to start. Don't forget that they will probably draft a defenceman in the first couple of rounds.

Also, as I said, Williamson and Vellarias have not been that bad, considering the games, they have played. They may, as second-year players, surprise you.

Then again, you have to look at goaltending. Will the Vaccari Salajko tandem be any better next year than it was this year?

You may need that spot for an OA Goalie or to fill a spot on the forward lines.

It is all a matter of need and priority. That is why it is best to leave the position open and see what happens.

 

[frontsfan67]

Also, consider that even with a lack of ice time, Willmson is leading the defence in plus-minus. Not that big a deal, except that it says he is not a liability on the ice.

First question What is the fixation with Pieniniemi?

It is probably a given that if he has any skill he will be playing AHL or if not that he will stay in Europe and make money. Also letting him go will provide the Fronts with a Pick that they can make either another forward or a defenceman that wants to be here. Also, I am pretty sure that in order to get Chromiak, they would have had to release Pieniniemi as you can have only 2 Euro.

You have

Poole
Heyes
Ludwinski (maybe)
Hemstrom (euro)

So unless you are getting rid of Either Poole or Heyes and giving up on Ludwinski if he comes back there is no way you can have 2 OA defence.

Nor would you start the season trading for 2 OA defence.

It is smarter to look at what you have and start with the players coming out of camp.

Burns Williams
McGowan Chromiak
Vellarias Uens

Would make more sense to start the season.

I assume Williams will work his asset off this summer, and putting him with senior players will help him cover mistakes

McGowan Chromiak gives you a steady pair

Uen we know, is not at this point ready for Primetime, but starting as a 3rd line allows him to move up. He also could be flipped with Williams.

This allows the Fronts to keep all 3 of their OA as wrll as Ludwinski to start the season. It also provides the ability to look at your team and determine what position you desperately need an OA.

There will be questions starting the season about goaltending as you will be starting the season the same way you did this year.

Beast you can hold onto 3 or 4 import players rights at a time. You just can’t have 3 on the roster. Only 2.

Also obviously they’re not gonna be trading for 2 OA d right away lol. But I’d be surprised if they didn’t have 2 by the trade deadline. They could try and swing one this summer and then pick another up at the deadline.

Also yes I think fronts will keep Ludwinskis rights especially after seeing what happened with bloom to north bay- and ludwinski although he is better then bloom, is a similar player to bloom. Good on pk, fast, leader, good defence etc similar qualities.

I think they get rid of Poole for sure. Maybe keep Heyes until around deadline because he is an amazing penalty killer.

 

[frontsfan67]

I am not saying you are wrong in the need for another D you may be right.

I am also not saying that Lewinsky will be back. I agree it is doubtful.

However, you used 2 OA and a player that has definitely decided to stay in Europe in your plan to start the season.

Personally, that is a non-starter. Also if I was Cooper I would want to see who is playing and who gets sent back by NHL teams after camp to see what is there.

Trading for an OA in the off-season is a crap shoot. The player could decide not to play Jr and could make an AHL.ECHL team.

Also, the returning defence could surprise you.

I think it is better to go with what you have to start. Don't forget that they will probably draft a defenceman in the first couple of rounds.

Also, as I said, Williamson and Vellarias have not been that bad, considering the games, they have played. They may, as second-year players, surprise you.

Then again, you have to look at goaltending. Will the Vaccari Salajko tandem be any better next year than it was this year?

You may need that spot for an OA Goalie or to fill a spot on the forward lines.

It is all a matter of need and priority. That is why it is best to leave the position open and see what happens.

I think they’ll scrap salajko next year potentially and draft an import goalie to have a goalie tandem similar to how Guelph has theirs

Absolutely wait until people are back

And yes I would bet a lot of money they pick a first round d man this year. Also would bet a lot of money that d man is flipped at the deadline unless it’s like Cameron reid on Kitchener, Quinn beauchene on Guelph or Carson cameron on the Pete’s for example.

If it’s a first round d man that’s not having years like those guys or from the previous year mews, cristoforo, parekh they’re gone for sure and they’ll use them as a big trade chip for the deadline.

 

[beastintheeast]

Beast you can hold onto 3 or 4 import players rights at a time. You just can’t have 3 on the roster. Only 2.

Also obviously they’re not gonna be trading for 2 OA d right away lol. But I’d be surprised if they didn’t have 2 by the trade deadline. They could try and swing one this summer and then pick another up at the deadline.

Also yes I think fronts will keep Ludwinskis rights especially after seeing what happened with bloom to north bay- and ludwinski although he is better then bloom, is a similar player to bloom. Good on pk, fast, leader, good defence etc similar qualities.

I think they get rid of Poole for sure. Maybe keep Heyes until around deadline because he is an amazing penalty killer.

I am not sure that your facts about the Euro is correct would need to actually see that in writing. My understanding is that you can not have more than 2 on your team. The only caveat is that if you are a team that has a player who could be in the NHL, you may still hold that, but if he comes back, you have to drop someone.

I also do not agree that they might have 2 OA defence, but all I was saying is that you should not be signing them early. At the trade deadline, it is possible depending on the rest of the team.

The goaltending is going to be a question.
Could they need a forward it is possible.
Also, we don't know who or what they draft in the OHL and Euro draft.

Poole and Heyes will be around until the deadline and again it will depend on what happens with the rest of the line up.

 

[beastintheeast]

And yes I would bet a lot of money they pick a first round d man this year. Also would bet a lot of money that d man is flipped at the deadline unless it’s like Cameron reid on Kitchener, Quinn beauchene on Guelph or Carson cameron on the Pete’s for example.

If it’s a first round d man that’s not having years like those guys or from the previous year mews, cristoforo, parekh they’re gone for sure and they’ll use them as a big trade chip for the deadline.

That is the problem with Kingston. They do not develop players. They are too willing to trade first-round picks. Then the next year they have no one in the system other than 15th round to work with.

 

[dirty12]

That is the problem with Kingston. They do not develop players. They are too willing to trade first-round picks. Then the next year they have no one in the system other than 15th round to work with.

The most recent 16 yr old 1st pick traded by Kingston was six years ago. There are 2, 3, 4 teams trading their 1st pick every year. The only OHL final that I can recall without a 16 yr old 1st traded was Guelph-Ottawa; Guelph traded their 17 yr old 1, 2, 3, 3, 3 picks that season.

 

[Logosarejusttargets]

Beast you can hold onto 3 or 4 import players rights at a time. You just can’t have 3 on the roster. Only 2.

Also obviously they’re not gonna be trading for 2 OA d right away lol. But I’d be surprised if they didn’t have 2 by the trade deadline. They could try and swing one this summer and then pick another up at the deadline.

Also yes I think fronts will keep Ludwinskis rights especially after seeing what happened with bloom to north bay- and ludwinski although he is better then bloom, is a similar player to bloom. Good on pk, fast, leader, good defence etc similar qualities.

I think they get rid of Poole for sure. Maybe keep Heyes until around deadline because he is an amazing penalty killer.

Actually you cannot have more than 2 per season:

CHL clubs are permitted to carry only two import players on their team or protected list every year

I am not sure that your facts about the Euro is correct would need to actually see that in writing. My understanding is that you can not have more than 2 on your team. The only caveat is that if you are a team that has a player who could be in the NHL, you may still hold that, but if he comes back, you have to drop someone.

I also do not agree that they might have 2 OA defence, but all I was saying is that you should not be signing them early. At the trade deadline, it is possible depending on the rest of the team.

The goaltending is going to be a question.
Could they need a forward it is possible.
Also, we don't know who or what they draft in the OHL and Euro draft.

Poole and Heyes will be around until the deadline and again it will depend on what happens with the rest of the line up.

I'm not so sure Poole will be around next year. His icetime has dropped dramatically under Mann. While he still takes quite a few dzone faceoffs (less now that they have Dubois) he really only kills penalties and he and Heyes have both been used far less.

 

[leafs4life94]

Actually you cannot have more than 2 per season:

CHL clubs are permitted to carry only two import players on their team or protected list every year

I thought there was a provision around NHL drafted players but it might just be first rounders (Sudbury would've had Dvorsky protected).

I also do not agree that they might have 2 OA defence, but all I was saying is that you should not be signing them early. At the trade deadline, it is possible depending on the rest of the team.

The goaltending is going to be a question.
Could they need a forward it is possible.
Also, we don't know who or what they draft in the OHL and Euro draft.

Poole and Heyes will be around until the deadline and again it will depend on what happens with the rest of the line up.

They may not go for two D before the season - that's totally fair, but I would be pretty surprised if they don't trade for at least one. They made the Holmes move last summer, as well as the Savard OA deal before the season.

There are some teams with a TON of would be OAs (Sudbury alone has 4 quality '04 D, not including 4F and 1G) - if they can identify someone early in the process I don't think there's any downside to making the move earlier.

Worst case Ontario - they start the season with Heyes and a cheap OA on the back-end, then upgrade all three spots at the deadline, but my preference would be to get a least one of the OAs set in stone at the beginning of the season.

 

[dirty12]

A team can protect imports that were NHL first round selections, signed by NHL teams, and those over age without affecting the team’s ability to make two import draft selections.

 

[leafs4life94]

A team can protect imports that were NHL first round selections, signed by NHL teams, and those over age without affecting the team’s ability to make two import draft selections.

So that makes me think Pieniniemi is protected because he's signed his ELC - although it was after the import draft so I'm not sure how that works.

If it only affects the draft - Chromiak being traded might make this all a moot point?

 

[dirty12]

So that makes me think Pieniniemi is protected because he's signed his ELC - although it was after the import draft so I'm not sure how that works.

If it only affects the draft - Chromiak being traded might make this all a moot point?

Chromiak, Hemstrom, and Pieniniemi can all be protected prior to the import draft; and, Kingston can make an import selection in round one.