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

[tjziel]

Really hoping Sam O’Rielly and William Nichol take that big step this year. If they do, we may have just filled in our depth problem behind the first lineand our top 9 will be set.

 

[Purple Phart]

So, what will be the strategy for this season ? Being an OHL Memorial Cup host year, there will potentially be 2 OHL teams participating. Saginaw, as the host, and the league champions. Given London's performance last season, and given the strength of their returning players, I can't see why this team can't become strong contenders this season. When one assesses which teams were contenders, and how much those teams lost to graduation, I'm liking the Knights' chances.
I've always regarded the portion of the season up to the Christmas break as the key indicator as to how well the team might perform during the 2nd half.

Pre-season, I'm feeling that the goaltending has to be addressed, and a lot of that will depend upon how well Bowen can claim the starter's role.....or not ? The d-corps are solid, but a strong 2nd line has to be established to contribute offensively.

As I see it, the Knights goal should be to finish up as OHL champs, to punch their ticket to a Memorial Cup appearance. A tall order, given that Saginaw will be loading up their roster, as a host is bound to do.

 

[7Wacked]

The road to the m-cup will be a challenge as the Knights will need to overcome the hosts in the conference final then compete in the OHL final. A difficult road that will require strategic upgrades and good luck. I'm looking forward to a fun year.

 

[GoKnightsGo44]

I see the Cowan Halttunen Barkey line as the most dynamic in the league. Hard to see a better one out there.

The top pairing of Bonk and Dickinson will also be the best in league. Those 5 players should get us to the top of the standings by Christmas regardless of who is in net.

After Christmas, goaltending and secondary scoring will need to be addressed if not accomplished internally.

Lots of development time available.

 

[LDN]

I see the Cowan Halttunen Barkey line as the most dynamic in the league. Hard to see a better one out there.

The top pairing of Bonk and Dickinson will also be the best in league. Those 5 players should get us to the top of the standings by Christmas regardless of who is in net.

After Christmas, goaltending and secondary scoring will need to be addressed if not accomplished internationally.

Lots of development time available.

Much agreed

 

[LDN]

Any word on the preseason roster?

 

[UNB Bruins Fan]

Hi folks.

Former Knight forward Sean McGurn is playing for the University of New Brunswick Reds this season (joining former teammates Cody Morgan and Camaryn Baber). Wondering if anyone could provide a scouting report or let us UNB fans know what we might be able to expect? TIA

 

[LDN]

Hi folks.

Former Knight forward Sean McGurn is playing for the University of New Brunswick Reds this season (joining former teammates Cody Morgan and Camaryn Baber). Wondering if anyone could provide a scouting report or let us UNB fans know what we might be able to expect? TIA

I would say he is a skilled playmaker. More of a supporting player than a line driver, but definitely capable of making others around him better.

 

[Fergus31]

delete

 

[horner]

Hope the game will on cable 13

 

[LDN]

Strategy will be wait and see and make opportunistic buy and sell moves if they make sense. Guelph is being overlooked but they should be a problem for London in addition to Saginaw. And that’s just the West. Guelph and Saginaw will be more veteran laden than London come January imo which will be tough for London this year.

Hard to make two consecutive, lengthy playoff runs but London will not punt this year.

The move to acquire Henry Brzustewicz may have been the first step in opening up an additional competitive window 2-3 years down the line while keeping the short-term window open. Wouldn’t surprise me if London gets creative by selling and buying at the same time.

I like the selling and buying idea

 

[Buttsy]

I like the selling and buying idea

LOL, your a bit of an adrenaline junky when it comes to roster movement! Having said that when it comes to our 3 OA positions what are we feeling? Keeping in mind this is a team I would imagine feels that a MC birth is a realistic goal. I like Humprey and I love the playoff McCue had. Both of these guys are Dale Hunter type players as well! But when it comes to Federkow and Mackinnon on our already strong backend, I feel like as a team with the goals we have maybe we want to use the OA cards more wisely? Now with respect to both of them, these guys are OHL caliber players but just not perhaps for the Knights? Who stays and sadly who goes as OAgers?

 

[Knights Watcher]

LOL, your a bit of an adrenaline junky when it comes to roster movement! Having said that when it comes to our 3 OA positions what are we feeling? Keeping in mind this is a team I would imagine feels that a MC birth is a realistic goal. I like Humprey and I love the playoff McCue had. Both of these guys are Dale Hunter type players as well! But when it comes to Federkow and Mackinnon on our already strong backend, I feel like as a team with the goals we have maybe we want to use the OA cards more wisely? Now with respect to both of them, these guys are OHL caliber players but just not perhaps for the Knights? Who stays and sadly who goes as OAgers?

I think Federkow is the odd man out sadly. I really like the kid and he's done everything asked of him but it's a numbers game.
I also see LK parting ways with Max McC. Yes he had a terrific postseason last year but his lack of discipline could cost us in the regulae season, a la Cole Tymkin. I believe we ride with Humphrey and E-Mac and look for a quality Overager via trade.

 

[LDN]

I think Federkow is the odd man out sadly. I reallyoke the kid and he's done everything as kid of him but it's a numbers game.
I also see LK parting ways with Max McC. Yes he had a terrific postseason last year but his lack of discipline could cost us in the regulae season, a la Cole Tymkin. I believe we ride with Humphrey and E-Mac and look for a quality Overager via trade.

I think Q is a lock

 

[Knights Watcher]

I think Q is a lock

We will see how it plays out. Should be an interesting first month of the season.

 

[ArielNederland]

Just saw this

 

[Matt93]

I see the Cowan Halttunen Barkey line as the most dynamic in the league. Hard to see a better one out there.

The top pairing of Bonk and Dickinson will also be the best in league. Those 5 players should get us to the top of the standings by Christmas regardless of who is in net.

After Christmas, goaltending and secondary scoring will need to be addressed if not accomplished internally.

Lots of development time available.

Maybe let Halttunen play a shift in the OHL.....

 

[GoKnightsGo44]

Maybe let Halttunen play a shift in the OHL.....

Saw him at camp this week, the kid is a stud!

 

[imarriedawitch]

Saw him at camp this week, the kid is a stud!

Hope he isn't Jesper Bratt good.

 

[LDN]

Just saw this
View attachment 740963

He will get some mins there

 

[Fergus31]

delete

 

[beastintheeast]

I see the Cowan Halttunen Barkey line as the most dynamic in the league. Hard to see a better one out there.

The top pairing of Bonk and Dickinson will also be the best in league. Those 5 players should get us to the top of the standings by Christmas regardless of who is in net.

After Christmas, goaltending and secondary scoring will need to be addressed if not accomplished internally.

Lots of development time available.

As to domnate lines it is hard to say there is always that player or group that comes out of no where

Mews and Marrelli or Mews Mayich could be one of the best hard to say a lot of it depends ont eh team in front of them

How does henry look is he happy LOL

 

[LDN]

Anything’s possible I guess. Federkow and McCue are the only physical presence I can think of on London at the moment. I guess that skill can be brought in externally if needed.

Thought McCue fit in well on the top lines last playoff for some shifts. Federkow is a numbers thing as you said. Unfortunate. Like his game on wing.

Edward? Humphrey? Leonard? Julien? …. Feel like they all bring it physically

 

[Fergus31]

delete

 

[KnightWatch]

Federkow was already most likely to be moved. He's the kind of player who will go through a brick wall for his team. There's just simply no room for him at this point.

Now, with the addition of Bruzer....MacKinnon could also be in danger of having to be moved. It will all depend on how quickly Fagan and/or Bruzer make him expendable. I haven't seen Bruzer play yet, but Fagan was all over the ice. The Hunters will need time to reign him in.

I would expect Fagan to begin the year with the Stars/Nationals and Bruzer as 7th D. If either progresses well (and everyone else stays healthy) look for MacKinnon being moved, perhaps in favour of an overage forward (or goaltender).

From what I witnessed in camp....Willmore looks to be the front runner at this point. Bowen still looks like he hasn't regained the confidence he lost during last year's playoffs....but, that could change rather quickly. I'm just not sure either has the makings of a championship calibre goaltender. Hopefully, they can prove me wrong!