The season that never was.
We don't need to eulogize the season. We've been doing that since October 20th, 2022 lol.
Lets start with whose gone.
Franky Pinelli- He may get a shot at the NHL. Went from very good to elite this year.
Reid Valade - Covid robbed him of his potential. Will be missed
Marco Constantini- Steady goalie. USports seams likely with his twin.
Leyton Moore- He was alright, USPORTS likely path
Franky Arcuri- He'll be in Texas.
Danny Zhilkin- He didn't produce like an NHL prospect but he's very effective. Hell be in the AHL
Roman Schmidt- Good Riddance. Didn't develop. Wont be back despite some people thinking he will. He signed his ELC after the draft so he'll be making his minimum next year regardless and no way would a team pay that for him to play in CHL. Don't know what he had on the Rangers management for him to be the only player the last two seasons to be the only full time Asst Captain. (Both home and away) or what he did to deserve 1st pairing minutes but at least we don't have to watch him anymore. One of the most frustrating players I have watched in the 20+ years of cheering for this team.
Filip Mesar- Despite some saying he could be back, I can't imagine Montreal is happy with how he progressed here. Dominated at every level. Dominated at World Juniors. Was a PPG when MM took the bench back but the team didn't use him properly. CD's systems didn't work with finesse players. I could see him in the AHL. He wont need top 6 minutes in laval. He can play on the bottom lines and get additional minutes on PP1 or PP2. But I don't see Montreal sending him back here unless a trade is requested. A potential 3rd coach in the span of a year isn't a good look.
Thomas Hamara- Same with Mesar. Ottawa likely not super happy with development. Could see ice in the AHL. Considering most of ottawas prospects on D are going to be in the NHL next season the spot will be there.
Likely gone
Mitchell Martin- I can't really get into many specifics but he did request a trade this season. I see him gone in the off season. Honestly, thats the best case for the team. Allows you to lock in your OA's during camp. No rush to sell one and Martin will be in demand.
Hunter Bruzzz- At this point, it seams like the worst kept secret is that he is going to Saginaw. All the stars align that way. Allows for a quick refill of the cupboard.
Antonino Pugliese- In his games this year he didn't take any step forward after a semi impressive rookie season. He's 19 and doesn't offer much outside of a 4th line role. Had as many points as our back up goalie lol. He had 1 point at 5VS5 in 38 games. And his other point was a secondary point on the PP on a 7th goal of the game late in the 3rd.
Returns and dealt at deadline
Rehkopf- He'll go at the deadline but considering next year is clearly a tank season, I don't want him around all year. Could be the difference between 1st overall and 5th overall. He'll go to a team entering a 2 year window. (Missy, Oshawa)
Motew- <My other choice for captain. Probably our best defencemen. He'll be in demand at the deadline. He also deserves a shot at a championship. He'll be missed but he'd bring in a nice return for an OA.
Enter,
1st round pick
1st round pick
2nd round pick
1 import pick
2 import pick
Any players brought in from trades. Maybe a few free agents that impress. And some unsigned prospects.
Onto coaching.
It's going to be risky if MM isn't back on the bench but this would of been the proper time for him to step down and bring in Chris Dennis. He would have had a longer leash.
I was in Barrie yesterday and ran into Kevin Hendersons aunt and uncle and he's coaching Junior out west. Wouldn't hate to see a former ranger who lead by example. One of the hardest workers at least get an interview.
He has to hit this out of the park. Our development is counting on it.
It seams like things are lining up for Kitchener to get the 2027 mem cup, which would likely be a swan song to the aud in terms of big events, thats something to look forward to and we can be there if this goes right.
Thanks for the chats this season everyone. Hope everyone enjoys the draft tonight. A new era starts now.
Returns full time
Matty Sop, likely the captain if I had to pick. Hardest worker
Mercer- Showed promise in playoffs
Missle- really improved as season went on
Swick- Has shown top 6 promise. Yantsis potential?
Andonovski- Hope someone takes him in the later rounds. Very simple defencemen who uses frame well
Hollett- Would love to see him back. Veteran leadership will be key next year
Bottineau- Will be part of the group we build around. He'll take a nice step with increased ice time
Morey- Not sure where he'll end up. He doesn't offer much but the roster spot is there for the taking
Scott- I didn't mind his game. Again very simple. He's one of my 6 D in camp. Nothing more than a 5/6 but nothing wrong with that.
Vandenburg. Parson. DeFelice- Battle it out. May the best 2 men win.
