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

[HockeyPops]

HB is not Dickinson

 

[EvenSteven]

Obviously, not every GM thinks the way I do (and that's why these deals get done), but I believe the Hunters do.

Giving up a Van Volson for Owen Beck is probably not something the Hunters would do, there's always a better deal available somewhere else (lately, Niagara)! If they did give up a 1st rounder, it's usually because they don't see that player ever reaching superstar status (eg. Testa).

I tend to think they'll hang on to Brzustewicz, unless he doesn't appear to be living up to their expectations.

Since he's one year more established now, let's look at Dickinson as an example....do you think 2 years of Rehkopf would be more valuable than 4 years of Dickinson?

Dickinson would never be moved. Just like a 16 year old Marner would never be moved. But teams trade 1st rounders here and there. Maybe not high end 1sts except on rare occasions, but I don’t think that’s what we’re talking about in the HR/Rehkopf case.

Dickinson was one of, if not the best player available in the draft after Misa. Going into the draft, HB was nowhere close to that. if he was, Ottawa likely gets to the same return that Niagara got for Dickinson.

 

[KnightWatch]

Dickinson would never be moved. Just like a 16 year old Marner would never be moved. But teams trade 1st rounders here and there. Maybe not high end 1sts except on rare occasions, but I don’t think that’s what we’re talking about in the HR/Rehkopf case.

Dickinson was one of, if not the best player available in the draft after Misa. Going into the draft, HB was nowhere close to that. if he was, Ottawa likely gets to the same return that Niagara got for Dickinson.

I wasn't trying to imply that HB is as good as Dickinson, although from what I've seen so far, he may not be as far off as some people think. I was simply trying to reinforce my point that 4 years of a highly-talented 1st rounder is more valuable to me than 2 years of a rental, particularly one that has yet to reach the point-a-game status.

 

[dirty12]

I wasn't trying to imply that HB is as good as Dickinson, although from what I've seen so far, he may not be as far off as some people think. I was simply trying to reinforce my point that 4 years of a highly-talented 1st rounder is more valuable to me than 2 years of a rental, particularly one that has yet to reach the point-a-game status.

If trying to win, the 16 yr old (not considered the top D prospect since Ekblad) is no where near as valuable as Repkopf, Beck, or the 19 yr old Canada WJC calibre player. The Knights & Petes do not meet in the final without sacrificing their 16 yr old 1st pick.

 

[EvenSteven]

If trying to win, the 16 yr old (not considered the top D prospect since Ekblad) is no where near as valuable as Repkopf, Beck, or the 19 yr old Canada WJC calibre player. The Knights & Petes do not meet in the final without sacrificing their 16 yr old 1st pick.

It’s safe to assume that there’s no coincidence that the two of the three teams who traded their first round picks at the deadline last year made it to the final. The other to the third round.

When you want to win, you push all your chips in. That’s why this year, there’s a good chance teams like Saginaw, Sudbury, and maybe Guelph, will be open to offers for their first round picks as well.

 

[Petes1987]

It’s safe to assume that there’s no coincidence that the two of the three teams who traded their first round picks at the deadline last year made it to the final. The other to the third round.

When you want to win, you push all your chips in. That’s why this year, there’s a good chance teams like Saginaw, Sudbury, and maybe Guelph, will be open to offers for their first round picks as well.

London in recent years have not made the big trades at the deadline they use to make and instead have made smaller trades to add depth players. In the past five seasons they have not had the same playoff success they had previously. Since 2016 they have only won five playoff rounds and have only made to the conference and league finals once with no OHL Championships.

 

[Fastpace]

London in recent years have not made the big trades at the deadline they use to make and instead have made smaller trades to add depth players. In the past five seasons they have not had the same playoff success they had previously. Since 2016 they have only won five playoff rounds and have only made to the conference and league finals once with no OHL Championships.

London won 2016 M Cup by acquiring Jacob Graves and Chad Heffernan at the deadline, by no mean big name players but were big gets for the Knights success. Small can mean big at times.

 

[sbpointer]

London won 2016 M Cup by acquiring Jacob Graves and Chad Heffernan at the deadline, by no mean big name players but were big gets for the Knights success. Small can mean big at times.

There was a game against Sarnia shortly after the deadline that year where for lack of better terms all hell broke loose and I felt like the having guys like Heffernan helped the skilled guys play without fear. That could all be anticdotal but it was always how I viewed it and the team had a different swagger from that point on..

This is the game Im talking about for those who like a refresher

 

[I Loveallsports]

My isles signed George. Congrats to him. Hope to see him in long island one day soon.

 

[KnightWatch]

London in recent years have not made the big trades at the deadline they use to make and instead have made smaller trades to add depth players. In the past five seasons they have not had the same playoff success they had previously. Since 2016 they have only won five playoff rounds and have only made to the conference and league finals once with no OHL Championships.

They may have only won 5 playoff rounds, but Covid and injuries also had a lot to do with that, and how many teams have won more? During the cancelled season, they were definitely one of the favourites in the Western Conference and could've easily added to that total.

My point is, that they are almost always near the top of their conference, putting themselves in a position to challenge for the league title, and they don't do it by trading away their future, like Peterborough and Sarnia and Windsor did last season. Sure, you can go all in, but then you have to be prepared for a follow-up rebuild in the year, or years, following, (where those 3 teams now find themselves). The Knights, however, by not mortgaging the future, not only made the league finals last season, but have put themselves in a position to potentially go even further this year!

There is no right or wrong strategy, but as a hockey fan and armchair GM, I'd much prefer to have a shot at it every year, which the Knights seem to do, and probably why they are so hated league-wide.

 

[Fergus31]

delete

 

[OHL4Life]

lmao. This post is a perfect example of why good posters give up and/or leave.

theres way worse then that around, they leave when they get attacked, trolled or are condescended too.

 

[imarriedawitch]

Pyette: Dick Hunter, patriarch of legendary hockey family, dies at 87

Dick Hunter, who had three sons who played in the NHL and two who went on to operate the London Knights, died Tuesday at the age of 87

lfpress.com

Richard Hunter, a father of six and dad to three NHLers – including four OHLers – and a longtime area hockey coach, died Tuesday at the age of 87.

 

[tnfrs]

Missing:
George - NYI
Halttunen - San Jose
Edward - Boston

They just announced the list.

9 players going to camps though, that is a large portion of the team!

also Barkey is going to Flyers rookie camp

 

[rve24]

You are not a true Knights fan then. Fans on this board want Mark to trade for every high end player and if not, at least make trades just for the sake of it. Nothing excites this fan base more than new faces even if the current faces are just fine.

Whatever

 

[rve24]

London won 2016 M Cup by acquiring Jacob Graves and Chad Heffernan at the deadline, by no mean big name players but were big gets for the Knights success. Small can mean big at times.

Not if ya ask HL Graves was terrible when acquired lol.
And they also won an ohl championship with only adding a 6/7 D in Sefton ( Neillis fav and a BUG )

Plain n simple their ability to move extra pieces on for picks has helped keep the ball rolling.

 

[EvenSteven]

Pyette: Dick Hunter, patriarch of legendary hockey family, dies at 87

Dick Hunter, who had three sons who played in the NHL and two who went on to operate the London Knights, died Tuesday at the age of 87

lfpress.com

Richard Hunter, a father of six and dad to three NHLers – including four OHLers – and a longtime area hockey coach, died Tuesday at the age of 87.

Jesus! Great guy! Talked to him often when he came to the Aud with the Knights. Mad respect for him. Heart felt condolences.

 

[LDN]

Condolences to the Hunter/Knights family on Dick’s passing.

Congratulations to all of the players on attending rookie camp.

Major congratulations to Isaiah George! A well deserved signing. He now will have an extra pep in his step. Great kid, great role model and great player! Should be a big part of this season and the leadership group.

 

[bobber]

Pyette: Dick Hunter, patriarch of legendary hockey family, dies at 87

Dick Hunter, who had three sons who played in the NHL and two who went on to operate the London Knights, died Tuesday at the age of 87

lfpress.com

Richard Hunter, a father of six and dad to three NHLers – including four OHLers – and a longtime area hockey coach, died Tuesday at the age of 87.

This is a great article that all Canadian hockey fans should read.

 

[LDN]

Who else has been listening to the Knight Shift podcast? I think it’s been great!

 

[BiffTannen]

I heard from some good sources that Cowan looked great in Leafs vs Columbus rookie game today. He has grown a bit, quicker and was creating lots of turnovers and scoring oppotunities

 

[LDN]

I heard from some good sources that Cowan looked great in Leafs vs Columbus rookie game today. He has grown a bit, quicker and was creating lots of turnovers and scoring oppotunities

I expect a big year from him. What a confidence boost to get picked by the Leafs. This kid is living every London hockey kids dream!

 

[Fastpace]

How valuable is Ethan McKinnon?

How big Ethan McKinnon was in the series for London Knights last spring. If he is still on London roaster instead of Federkow must be because Knights management are seeing good things out of him. He is no top 4 D but he should be a very valuable experience piece on the third pairing. We can certainly compare him to former Knights Jacob Graves. Like Graves was, McKinnon does not play for himself as he showed last spring, he was all in for his team. IMHO

 

[OHL4Life]

How valuable is Ethan McKinnon?

How big Ethan McKinnon was in the series for London Knights last spring. If he is still on London roaster instead of Federkow must be because Knights management are seeing good things out of him. He is no top 4 D but he should be a very valuable experience piece on the third pairing. We can certainly compare him to former Knights Jacob Graves. Like Graves was, McKinnon does not play for himself as he showed last spring, he was all in for his team. IMHO

if they decide to go he wont be around in january

 

[Knights Watcher]

How valuable is Ethan McKinnon?

How big Ethan McKinnon was in the series for London Knights last spring. If he is still on London roaster instead of Federkow must be because Knights management are seeing good things out of him. He is no top 4 D but he should be a very valuable experience piece on the third pairing. We can certainly compare him to former Knights Jacob Graves. Like Graves was, McKinnon does not play for himself as he showed last spring, he was all in for his team. IMHO

London's Next 'C'...book it!