OHL Power ranking factor the roster strength first along with the W/L record. London is a good example, their roster features 11 (mostly high) NHL drafted players. Niagara has 2 NHL drafted players.
Niagara Icedogs 2024-25 Season, Part I
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Mcnotloilersfan
I'm here, I'm bored
Agreed. And there will be some ugly patches still in this season. Next year is the year to move assets for players. He, Roobroeck, Czata and Wassilyn will be that much better.
knowescape
Made you look
With Kevin He transitioning to OHL elite, I understand why fans might suggest that path. However, the lack of planning by hockey ops is exactly the frustration of the STHs who have bailed on DDD.
If you look at how the IceDogs’ roster is constructed (25-26 and 26-27); number of draft picks in the cupboard; the NHL draft talent required by the contenders; the IceDogs can’t get to the point (without doing something drastic) where they are good enough next year or the year after, as a result of DDD asset mismanagement. The IceDogs are currently playing for the moment not the future. As an example, look at the contending teams that will be challenging for the Eastern Championship (see pg.7 Post #166). Those teams all have or will have around 8 NHL drafted players on their roster by the deadline.
If the IceDogs had not traded away youth and draft picks; shown the ability to recruit players, the IceDogs would be in a much better situation to identify and execute a target year(s).
PRE-TRADES DRAFT CAPITAL
25: 2, 3, 4, 4
26: 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4
27: 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4
28: 2, 3, 4
+ 07 A.Frolov; 05 U.Podrekar; + SIGN IMPORT 06 D - Gabriel Eliasson
This earlier post outlines the challenge (roster talent; age construct; draft capital) facing the IceDogs attempting any type of go for it year…neither roster over the next two years will resemble the roster of an OHL contender like (e.g., London, Brampton, Oshawa, Brantford, Barrie) in terms of high-end NHL talent (or draft picks).
CURRENT AVAILABLE DRAFT CAPITAL
2025: - , 3, 4, 4,
2026: 2, 3, 4,
2027: 2, 3, 4, 4
2028: 2, 3, 4,
NOTE: Frolov deal included a 2025 2nd round pick, which will leave Niagara without a 2nd rd 2009.
2025-2026
FORWARD
OA - 05 Alex Assodorian
OA - 05 David Levin
OA - 05 Mathieu Paris
06 Kevin He (NHL DRAFTED)
06 Mason Wray
06 Sean Doherty
07 Ryan Roobroeck
07 Ethan Czata
07 Ivan Galiyanov
08 Max Crete
08 Braidy Wassilyn
08 Charlie Hotles
DEFENCE
OA - 05 Andrew Wycsik
OA - 05 Blair Scott
06 Matthew Virgilio
06 Jack Brauti
06 Callum Cheynowski
08 Nick Frasca
GOALIE
OA - 05 G Charlie Robertson
08 G Matt Humphries
2009s - ROOKIES: 1st, 3rd, 4th
AVAILABLE DRAFT CAPITAL
2026: 2, 3, 4,
2027: 2, 3, 4, 4
2028: 2, 3, 4,
2029: 2, 3, 4,
2026-2027 (MEM-CUP BID) OA - 06 Kevin He (Playing Pro AHL/NHL)
FORWARD
OA - 06 Mason Wray
07 Ryan Roobroeck (PROJECTING NHL DRAFTED)
07 Ethan Czata
07 Ivan Galiyanov
08 Max Crete
08 Braidy Wassilyn (PROJECTING NHL DRAFTED)
08 Charlie Hotles
DEFENCE
OA - 06 Matthew Virgilio
OA - 06 Jack Brauti
OA - 06 Callum Cheynowski
08 Nick Frasca
GOALIE
08 Matt Humphries
2009s - YEAR 2: 1st, 3rd, 4th
2010s - ROOKIES: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
AVAILABLE DRAFT CAPITAL
2027: 2, 3, 4, 4
2028: 2, 3, 4,
2029: 2, 3, 4
2030: 2, 3, 4,
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Dogs Enthusiast
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Nah, that is about the bottom of attendance numbers for this year. Last year we had a few games worse that that.
Dogs Enthusiast
Registered User
Tough game last night. Still at the top of the Conference but He is now second for points.
Need a big game tomorrow at home against Kingston. It looks like a bigger crowd than Thursday.
Need a big game tomorrow at home against Kingston. It looks like a bigger crowd than Thursday.
Mcnotloilersfan
I'm here, I'm bored
So to start, my expectation from scouts that I have spoken with, is that Czata will be drafted (later round pick unless his offense picks up). The expectation for the 2026 NHL draft is that Roobroeck is a guaranteed top 10, possibly top 5 pick. Wassilyn is a 1st rounder, Crete and Galiyanov likely get drafted. He as a 19 year old will be one of the best players in the CHL.
The forward group next season will be contender worthy. You might just add some tweeks to really beef up that middle 6.
I'd argue to be considered the favourite in the conference, they need to add 4 pieces to the team for 2025-26.
1A Goalie
1st pair dman
2nd pair dman
Middle six forward with size and scoring
Between their import picks, and shopping around the league for discounted over-agers, I hope they can use those avenues to fill two of those holes.
The biggest trade required IMO will be for that high end dman. That deal will have to be done toward the deadline, because it will have to include whoever we select in the first round of the 2025 draft.
Yes, our owner has hindered us with terrible asset management - we could have been a contender this year and a juggernaut next year with proper management.
However, I absolutely see a path to this team having a real shot at winning the league next season.
I'd wait on the D; Brauti, Virgilio, Wycisk, Cheynowski can be a legit top 4 at 19-20 yrs old.
I do love the optimism but realistically a lot of what would have to happen next year is wishful thinking (NHL Draft; Import Signing; bargain OAs), while the other teams are prepared, planned and set up for success. Nothing in his play last year and this year, would indicate he will be drafted but for the sake of argument lets say Czata is a late round NHL pick, that really doesn’t move the needle.
OHL championship teams are built very differently. IceDogs do not have the talent pool in the right age groups or the draft assets to assemble a roster like these teams...and other than Kingston the other 3 teams are working on a two year championship window the IceDogs can’t match.
This is what a potential championship roster looks like in the OHL...
BRAMPTON
ROSTER: 6 NHL DRAFTED PLAYERS
CORE PLAYERS:
04 D - Stevie Leskovar (NHL MIN 24 RD 6); Spencer Sova
05 F - Carson Rehkopf (NHL SEA 23 RD 2); Angus MacDonell (NHL DAL 23 RD 6); Luke Misa (NHL CAL 24 RD 5); Mason Zebeski; Adam Zidlicky; D – Finn Harding (NHL PITT 24 RD 7);
06 – F Porter Martone (NHL 1st Rd Project 2025); Jack Van Volsen; Lucas Karmiris; Martin Vaculik IMPORT; D – Parker Von Richter; Jakub Fibigr IMPORT (NHL SEA RD 7)
07 - G Jack Ivankovic
DRAFT CAPITAL
25: 2, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5
26: 2, 2, 3, 3, 5
27: 3, 4, 5, 5
28: 2, 2, 5
BARRIE
ROSTER: 8 NHL DRAFTED
CORE PLAYERS:
04 F Jelsma, Beau (ATO PITTS ); Dalyn Wakely (NHL EDM 24 RD 6);
05 F Brad Gardiner (NHL DAL 23 RD 3); D Beau Akey (NHL EDM 23 RD 2); Tristen Bertucci (NHL DAL 23 RD 2); Grayson Tiller; G Sam Hillebrandt
06 F Cole Beaudoin (NHL UTAH 24 RD 1); Riley Patterson (NHL VAN 24 RD 4); Emil Hemming SIGNED (NHL DAL 24 RD 1); Bode Stewart; Carter Lowe; D G.Eliasson IMPORT (NHL OTT 24 RD 2); Aitcheson, Kashawn
DRAFT CAPITAL
25: 2, 3, 4, 5, 5
26: 3, 4, 5, 5
27: 2, 4, 4, 5
28: 4, 5
BRANTFORD
ROSTER: 7 NHL DRAFTED
CORE PLAYERS:
OA-04 F PatrickThomas (NHL WSH 23 RD4); Ben Bujold; Zak Lavoie;
05 F Nick Lardis (NHL CHI 23 RD 3); Cole Brown (NHL NJ 23 RD 6); D Noah Roberts
06 F Marek Vanacker (NHL CHI 24 RD 1); Luca Testa; D Owen Protz (NHL MON 24 RD 4); Adam Jiricek IMPORT (NHL STL 23 RD 1); G – Ryerson Leenders (NHL BUFF 24 RD 7);
07 F Jake O’Brien;
DRAFT CAPITAL
25: 3
26: 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5
27: 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 5
28: *3, *4, *5
KINGSTON
OSTER: 7 NHL DRAFTED
CORE PLAYERS:
04 *G Nolan Lalonde (NHL CLB ELC); Cedrick Guindon (NHL MON 22 RD 4)
05 F – Ethan Miedema (NHL BUF 23 RD 4); Luke McNamara; Matthew Soto; Tuomas Uronen IMPORT (NHL VGK 23 RD 6); 05 D Quinton Burn (NHL STL 23 RD 3); Cal Uens; Maleek McGowan; Emil Pieniniemi IMPORT (NHL PITT 23 RD 3); G Mason Vaccari
06 F Jabob Battaglia (NHL CAL 24 RD 2); D Vann Williamson
DRAFT CAPITAL
25: 3, 4, 5
26: 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 5
27: 2, 3, 5, 5
28: 2, 2, 2, 2*, 3, 3, 3, 4
Here is what the IceDogs look like in 2025-2026...believe me I wish it were different but this roster is not winning a championship. They have a 1st round pick to trade along with enough assets to add maybe two elite players....leaving the draft cupboard dangerously barren. Plus, you have 2 or 3 teams (Brantford, Barrie and Brampton) in the East starting with strong rosters, with the ability to become even stronger with their 1st round pick to trade and more draft assets.
FORWARD
OA - 05 Alex Assodorian
OA - 05 David Levin
OA - 05 Mathieu Paris
06 Kevin He (NHL DRAFTED)
06 Mason Wray
06 Sean Doherty
07 Ryan Roobroeck
07 Ethan Czata (NHL DRAFTED ??)
07 Ivan Galiyanov
08 Max Crete
08 Braidy Wassilyn
08 Charlie Hotles
DEFENCE
OA - 05 Andrew Wycsik
OA - 05 Blair Scott
06 Matthew Virgilio
06 Jack Brauti
06 Callum Cheynowski
08 Nick Frasca
GOALIE
OA - 05 G Charlie Robertson
08 G Matt Humphries
2009s - ROOKIES: 1st, 3rd, 4th
AVAILABLE DRAFT CAPITAL
2026: 2, 3, 4,
2027: 2, 3, 4, 4
2028: 2, 3, 4,
2029: 2, 3, 4,
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Just look at some of the IceDogs rosters of the past. They didn’t even win OHL championships, but they had the talent and roster to compete against the best teams in the OHL. These were star-studded teams worth going all in for, with a few moves at the deadline.
2019
Ontario Hockey League
2016
Ontario Hockey League
2011
Ontario Hockey League
Generalsupdates
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Have heard that the Gens are kicking tires on Gavin Bryant if Dylan Roobroeck isn't sent back to the OHL, as Bryant is close to returning and it looks like NIA will go Flores, Loshko, Van Vliet as OAs
Quality player and individual. Gavin would be a great addition to the Gens already strong roster! Not the best idea for the IceDogs but we’re used to that
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I agree moving him wouldn’t be the best idea but I don’t really know who else would be
Mcnotloilersfan
I'm here, I'm bored
Sorry Sam that post is just far too exhausting in pessimism. I've been around with seasons tickets since day 1. They won't be as deep as the 2011-12 team, (really should have won that year) but I think they compare to a lot of other contenders when looking at next season. I think you're failing to look at growth in a lot of our players. My "optimism" is supported by scouts I talk to, especially in regards to the NHL draft.
As far as Bryant goes, this might unfortunately be the path forward now. NVV is too important on the backend, Loshko is dynamic offensively, and the Coach just declared out loud that Flores is their guy in net.
As far as Bryant goes, this might unfortunately be the path forward now. NVV is too important on the backend, Loshko is dynamic offensively, and the Coach just declared out loud that Flores is their guy in net.
Generalsupdates
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Who would you move? You guys know NIA better than I do but to me it almost has to be Bryant. Flores is arguably the teams most important player, and the OA goalie market is 0 so you’d get nothing for him. Loshko is the teams only drafted OA (hopefully you're okay with this mcnotloilersfan?) and also an import so you’d get nothing for him as well. Van Vliet is the teams best Dman and they just paid a good amount to get him not long ago. To me that has Bryant on the outside looking in, even though he’s also good and the captain
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frontsfan67
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- Dec 3, 2022
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I agree. I would say either Bryant or Van Vliet but they just paid for Van vliet and need him more than Bryant (clearly as how things are going so far)
We all know it really doesn’t matter what the coach says if the owner can save more
by moving someone else he willI think the teams most important and best player is He just look at last nights result. as for who to move I think it’ll be Bryant or NVV cause they’ll be able to get something for one of them even though I would’ve moved Flores but based on the fact that the Pete’s couldn’t get anything for Sztuska dogs won’t be able to move Flores and even if they wanted it to be Loshko I don’t think a team would be willing to have the same guy take up an OA and import spot
Mcnotloilersfan
I'm here, I'm bored
Loshko is their 2nd best player*, likely 3rd once Roobroeck gets going.
Generalsupdates
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Thanks for not answering the question at all*
Also for clarifying that if Roobroeck starts playing better than him, then he'll be better than him.
IMO. If the decision was based solely on talent. It’s an easy decision NVV. He’s physical but moves too slow. The problem being…this d core has not been a position of strength for the IceDogs this season.
The logical move is to trade 04 Flores because the IceDogs have 05 Robertson who can assume the role of starter for two seasons.
I think trading Bryant might be best for all the OAs, and the team. But it is a tough call.
Trading Bryant for at least as much as Guindon would give the IceDogs a real pick surplus, and allow the team to shop Robertson later for more picks to use over the following two seasons. And the developing players would not lose TOI.
Keeping Bryant improves the team offensively and defensively now. The first line could be put out against any line, and I think the over all depth would be pretty impressive.
He-Bryant-Loshko
Wassylin-Czata-Paris/Levin
Crete-Assadourian-Roobroek
Galiyanov-Wray-Doherty
Trading Bryant for at least as much as Guindon would give the IceDogs a real pick surplus, and allow the team to shop Robertson later for more picks to use over the following two seasons. And the developing players would not lose TOI.
Keeping Bryant improves the team offensively and defensively now. The first line could be put out against any line, and I think the over all depth would be pretty impressive.
He-Bryant-Loshko
Wassylin-Czata-Paris/Levin
Crete-Assadourian-Roobroek
Galiyanov-Wray-Doherty
Agree with what you’re saying problem is no one is looking for an OA goalie
I’d move Paris/levin down and Roobroeck up but I like the idea
Exactly the problem with Flores. London was the perfect fit so not sure why that trade didn’t materialize. Speculation, but it may have been the US educational package responsibility that couldn’t be agreed upon.
Agree. Roobroeck need to be top 6. Paris and Levin have, at best, bottom 6 upside. Don’t be surprised if one or both are moved and replaced by a significant upgrade before the trade deadline. According to a reliable source, DDD is actively looking to make a couple of trades.
I would not consider that L2 & L3, more of an interchangeable middle six with the better players in each game getting more TOI.
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