London Knights 2022-23 Off-Season Thread (Part 1)

[ArielNederland]

So no Halt!?

It looks likely not unless San jose signs him

 

[nelli27]

Maple Leafs’ Development Camp Became Cowan’s Stage

The Toronto Maple Leafs development camp is over and Easton Cowan showed well throughout the week. In this post, I’ll take a look at what makes the team’s 2023 first-round draft choice such a promising prospect.

www.yardbarker.com

 

[LDN]

Let’s assume that Mailloux is not back, Halttunnen doesn’t come and Ustinkov doesn’t come. The bare bones roster for next year would be:

Humphrey(OA)-Cowan-Barkey
Gazizov(Import)-Julien-McCue (OA)
Crane-Sim-O’Reilly(R)
Levin-Nicholl(R)-Paris

Extra: Arrowsmith (R),Johnston

Dickinson-Bonk
Edward-George
Mackinnon(OA)-Leonard

Extra: Fagen (R)
Trade:Federkow

Bowen
Willmore
Medvedev(R)

I expect big things from our core: Cowan, Barkey, Dickinson, Bonk, George

And rookies in their draft year should have a solid year: Nicholl, OReilly

 

[ArielNederland]

Let’s assume that Mailloux is not back, Halttunnen doesn’t come and Ustinkov doesn’t come. The bare bones roster for next year would be:

Humphrey(OA)-Cowan-Barkey
Gazizov(Import)-Julien-McCue (OA)
Crane-Sim-O’Reilly(R)
Levin-Nicholl(R)-Paris

Extra: Arrowsmith (R),Johnston

Dickinson-Bonk
Edward-George
Mackinnon(OA)-Leonard

Extra: Fagen (R)
Trade:Federkow

Bowen
Willmore
Medvedev(R)

I expect big things from our core: Cowan, Barkey, Dickinson, Bonk, George

And rookies in their draft year should have a solid year: Nicholl, OReilly

I would be tempted to trade paris and/or johnston as well

 

[GoKnightsGo44]

I would say that we will almost certainly will add some talent wether it be through Halttunen/Free Agent/Trade

It seems unless these kids stepped up huge in the summer they will likely need some playing time elsewhere:

Johnstone
Levin
Paris (I think he deserves full time roster spot, don’t think it’s with the Knights)

The roster players that could be swapped for upgrade:

Crane
Sim
MacKinon
Federkow (I would hold Federkow over MacKinon for his hard checking in the PO)
Willmoore

Either way we will add 2 top 6 FWDs, 1D and maybe a BUG

 

[LDN]

I would say that we will almost certainly will add some talent wether it be through Halttunen/Free Agent/Trade

It seems unless these kids stepped up huge in the summer they will likely need some playing time elsewhere:

Johnstone
Levin
Paris (I think he deserves full time roster spot, don’t think it’s with the Knights)

The roster players that could be swapped for upgrade:

Crane
Sim
MacKinon
Federkow (I would hold Federkow over MacKinon for his hard checking in the PO)
Willmoore

Either way we will add 2 top 6 FWDs, 1D and maybe a BUG

one add by internal means (in the system and not signed) 1 by trade? Who would the targets be? Who is rebuilding? Petes, Sting, Rangers, Battalion and 67s?

 

[LDN]

Forward Targets:

Beck
Vilmanis (Imp)
Mesar(Imp)
Wakely
Stonehouse
Rohrer (Imp)
Wright
Maillet (OA)

 

[ArielNederland]

I would say that we will almost certainly will add some talent wether it be through Halttunen/Free Agent/Trade

It seems unless these kids stepped up huge in the summer they will likely need some playing time elsewhere:

Johnstone
Levin
Paris (I think he deserves full time roster spot, don’t think it’s with the Knights)

The roster players that could be swapped for upgrade:

Crane
Sim
MacKinon
Federkow (I would hold Federkow over MacKinon for his hard checking in the PO)
Willmoore

Either way we will add 2 top 6 FWDs, 1D and maybe a BUG

Agree with all this except levin. I liked what I saw in him and I think he can step into our line up

 

[LDN]

Agree with all this except levin. I liked what I saw in him and I think he can step into our line up

Levin can contribute….. is there any OHL team that he could get top 6 mins?

 

[ArielNederland]

Levin can contribute….. is there any OHL team that he could get top 6 mins?

I'd rather keep him tbh, trade paris, and maybe an older guy? But I wouldn't want to trade levin

 

[Petes1987]

Forward Targets:

Beck
Vilmanis (Imp)
Mesar(Imp)
Wakely
Stonehouse
Rohrer (Imp)
Wright
Maillet (OA)

I doubt London has the assets to trade for Owen Beck. The Petes are going to want a 16 or 17 year old player drafted in the 1st round plus multiple draft picks for him. Since the Knights’ 1st round draft pick this year appears to be a no show, last year’s was traded this past season and they will not deal Dickinson they likely don’t have what Peterborough wants.

 

[TheOrangePylon]

Let’s assume that Mailloux is not back, Halttunnen doesn’t come and Ustinkov doesn’t come. The bare bones roster for next year would be:

Humphrey(OA)-Cowan-Barkey
Gazizov(Import)-Julien-McCue (OA)
Crane-Sim-O’Reilly(R)
Levin-Nicholl(R)-Paris

Extra: Arrowsmith (R),Johnston

Dickinson-Bonk
Edward-George
Mackinnon(OA)-Leonard

Extra: Fagen (R)
Trade:Federkow

Bowen
Willmore
Medvedev(R)

I expect big things from our core: Cowan, Barkey, Dickinson, Bonk, George

And rookies in their draft year should have a solid year: Nicholl, OReilly

Here are my thoughts on this lineup, granted we are in July. Still lots of time for things to change.

Offensively - Good, not great. Cowan and Barkey will have to drive the bus here. But I would like to see a strong offensively minded guy to play with the Twins added, much like Winterton. When Winterton was added last year, that was when the twins really took off. I also would like to see a bit more veteran depth, I think its time to move on from Paris and possibly Crane. Bring in a really good veteran leader, who can chip in with some goals.

Defensively - Great, this is what a championship Defense looks like. Only change that could be made is bringing in a big rough and physical veteran leader.

Goaltending - To be seen, everyone knows of Bowens struggles to close out the year and NHL scouts agreed, after getting passed over in the draft. Now he did have flashes of a very good goalie last year, so I think he earned the chance to at least prove himself. Willmore, played great in a very limited relief role in the finals but outside that, a lot to be seen and of course Medvedev is a rookie, so a big wait and see. I am sure Mark will have a pulse on this situation and if he isn't happy early, he may have something in the fire to pull the trigger on. But I think this position, is the biggest question mark going into the season, especially with nothing in the public eye like up front, where they can add via prospects.

 

[LDN]

I doubt London has the assets to trade for Owen Beck. The Petes are going to want a 16 or 17 year old player drafted in the 1st round plus multiple draft picks for him. Since the Knights’ 1st round draft pick this year appears to be a no show, last year’s was traded this past season and they will not deal Dickinson they likely don’t have what Peterborough wants.

I’m sure Mark could structure a deal

Here are my thoughts on this lineup, granted we are in July. Still lots of time for things to change.

Offensively - Good, not great. Cowan and Barkey will have to drive the bus here. But I would like to see a strong offensively minded guy to play with the Twins added, much like Winterton. When Winterton was added last year, that was when the twins really took off. I also would like to see a bit more veteran depth, I think its time to move on from Paris and possibly Crane. Bring in a really good veteran leader, who can chip in with some goals.

Defensively - Great, this is what a championship Defense looks like. Only change that could be made is bringing in a big rough and physical veteran leader.

Goaltending - To be seen, everyone knows of Bowens struggles to close out the year and NHL scouts agreed, after getting passed over in the draft. Now he did have flashes of a very good goalie last year, so I think he earned the chance to at least prove himself. Willmore, played great in a very limited relief role in the finals but outside that, a lot to be seen and of course Medvedev is a rookie, so a big wait and see. I am sure Mark will have a pulse on this situation and if he isn't happy early, he may have something in the fire to pull the trigger on. But I think this position, is the biggest question mark going into the season, especially with nothing in the public eye like up front, where they can add via prospects.

Agreed we need another Winterton/Humphrey type of deal. Who is out there like that?

 

[Petes1987]

I’m sure Mark could structure a deal


Agreed we need another Winterton/Humphrey type of deal. Who is out there like that?

Mark Hunter would likely have to include one of his young 17 year old players, plus another player and multiple draft picks to get Owen Beck because he does not have a player drafted in the 1st round to include in a trade. Mike Oke is not like a previous Petes GM who took less for their star players. He was able two players plus multiple draft picks for Mason McTavish last season (2021-2022).

 

[LDN]

Mark Hunter would likely have to include one of his young 17 year old players, plus another player and multiple draft picks to get Owen Beck because he does not have a player drafted in the 1st round to include in a trade. Mike Oke is not like a previous Petes GM who took less for their star players. He was able two players plus multiple draft picks for Mason McTavish last season (2021-2022).

We shall see what happens. Maybe the Pete’s go for it

 

[ArielNederland]

We shall see what happens. Maybe the Pete’s go for it

They graduated alot of players and spent alot of picks last season. Hard to see them go for it this season

 

[LDN]

They graduated alot of players and spent alot of picks last season. Hard to see them go for it this season

Agreed, but ya never know maybe their rookies are impressive

 

[Purple Phart]

Agreed, but ya never know maybe their rookies are impressive

Give this some serious thought. We have had impressive rookies, but as rookies, were they impressive enough that they influenced Mark or Dale to "go for it"??? Championships in this league are won by teams with 18, 19, and 20 year old players, with a sprinkling of talented 17 year old players, and damn few 16 year old players.
Veteran managers all know this, and having a handful of talented rookies, won't suddenly inspire them to ditch their experience and influence them to start making questionable trades.

I've come to realize that you're an enthusiastic fan and have this inclination to propose trades and acquisitions, but try to remember that our coach and GM really do know what they're doing. They make trades to better the team, in general, or to address a specific need. Even in "down years", the Knights still ice a team that provides entertaining hockey while seldom making any real blockbuster trades.

 

[Petes1987]

Give this some serious thought. We have had impressive rookies, but as rookies, were they impressive enough that they influenced Mark or Dale to "go for it"??? Championships in this league are won by teams with 18, 19, and 20 year old players, with a sprinkling of talented 17 year old players, and damn few 16 year old players.
Veteran managers all know this, and having a handful of talented rookies, won't suddenly inspire them to ditch their experience and influence them to start making questionable trades.

I've come to realize that you're an enthusiastic fan and have this inclination to propose trades and acquisitions, but try to remember that our coach and GM really do know what they're doing. They make trades to better the team, in general, or to address a specific need. Even in "down years", the Knights still ice a team that provides entertaining hockey while seldom making any real blockbuster trades.

You have to ask the question are the trades they make enough to win an OHL Championship? This past season was the first time since 2016 that London even made it to a conference final. In the previous four seasons (2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022) they only won two playoff series and never got past the 2nd round and were eliminated in the first round the other two years. This year they had success but lost the OHL Championship to a more experienced team. To win an OHL Championship you need to make those blockbuster trades and be prepared to part with good young players to get the needed deals done. It is not as easy for London as it was ten years ago because players are now willing to go to more teams in addition to London at the trade deadline. Because they competing with more teams for the leagues top players they need to prepared to offer what the other teams do for these players.

 

[superdee]

I still think they make it to Memorial Cup and make a decent showing if Brouchu plays the finals. Loved the fight he had as a player.

 

[nelli27]

You have to ask the question are the trades they make enough to win an OHL Championship? This past season was the first time since 2016 that London even made it to a conference final. In the previous four seasons (2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022) they only won two playoff series and never got past the 2nd round and were eliminated in the first round the other two years. This year they had success but lost the OHL Championship to a more experienced team. To win an OHL Championship you need to make those blockbuster trades and be prepared to part with good young players to get the needed deals done. It is not as easy for London as it was ten years ago because players are now willing to go to more teams in addition to London at the trade deadline. Because they competing with more teams for the leagues top players they need to prepared to offer what the other teams do for these players.

Quite true... But when measuring London's recent playoff performances, you cannot overlook the covid shortened season. We tend to forget that the 2019 season had all the makings of a championship run, a potential date with Ottawa in the OHL finals. No guarantees that would happen but it shows that the rebuild after the 2016 Memorial Cup was successful (given the circumstances), then 4 years later, we find ourselves in the OHL finals.

 

[Petes1987]

Quite true... But when measuring London's recent playoff performances, you cannot overlook the covid shortened season. We tend to forget that the 2019 season had all the makings of a championship run, a potential date with Ottawa in the OHL finals. No guarantees that would happen but it shows that the rebuild after the 2016 Memorial Cup was successful (given the circumstances), then 4 years later, we find ourselves in the OHL finals.

The Peterborough Petes were also in the same situation that season and there was a good chance that if London made it to the OHL Final they would have played the Petes not Ottawa. Peterborough would likely have won the Eastern Conference Final as Ottawa had difficultly winning games against us that season. The Petes were dominating the league at the end of that season.then Covid forced the cancellation of the season and playoffs.

 

[dmead]

Well we should be thankful the season was cut short, lest we fall in disgrace to the Petes juggernaut of that year, n'est-ce pas?

Since 2000 we have been bested both times we faced the Petes in the League Finals. I for one commend the Petes but also want some small measure of karmic payback.

 

[imarriedawitch]

Quite true... But when measuring London's recent playoff performances, you cannot overlook the covid shortened season. We tend to forget that the 2019 season had all the makings of a championship run, a potential date with Ottawa in the OHL finals. No guarantees that would happen but it shows that the rebuild after the 2016 Memorial Cup was successful (given the circumstances), then 4 years later, we find ourselves in the OHL finals.

London only lost something like 3 games after the trade deadline.

 

[imarriedawitch]

The Peterborough Petes were also in the same situation that season and there was a good chance that if London made it to the OHL Final they would have played the Petes not Ottawa. Peterborough would likely have won the Eastern Conference Final as Ottawa had difficultly winning games against us that season. The Petes were dominating the league at the end of that season.then Covid forced the cancellation of the season and playoffs.

They dominated March going 4-0 but it looks like a 5-4 Feb. and a 3-10 Jan.