Niagara Icedogs 2024-25 Season, Part I

[dirty12]

Niagara basically gave Barrie two huge pieces in Bertucci and Eliasson for Brauti, Scott a 2nd 3rd 3rd and 4th.

Think about a team at a deadline attempting to make that kind of splash. Have to give it to the Barrie GM.

Then they add Wakely, Gardiner and Hemming to the returning group and instant top team in the East and it wasn't even November. That's how you build a contender.

Niagara may regret doing such a favour to Barrie when playoffs come around. Will come back to bite them in the backside.

WJ

Separate trades, though both well done by Williamson. Niagara was not getting Elliasson.. That deal was essentially made between Williamson and the Sens. Any team could have offered Niagara a 3 & 5, right?
Flint messed up inviting a second central division team to facilitate the Bertucci trade obviously having absolutely no views of Brauti. Flint got the worse part of that deal by a lot.

 

[Sam14]

Niagara fans can discuss and debate that trade all they want, it's their perogative, their opinion, however, I'm posting this because IceDogs fans NEED TO KNOW that the fair price for Brauti to Niagara should/could have been just the 2nd, 3rd, 3rd. From an IceDogs hockey ops perspective, the decision to acquire Brauti or keep Frolov DID NOT to need to be mutually exclusive. The IceDogs’ roster should have both (07) Frolov and (06) Brauti, which would have been a couple of nice D building blocks for 25-26 and 26-27.

One of the most respected and knowledgeable members on hf boards ohl4life had some definitive thoughts regarding the trade and price Niagara paid for Brauti when this was leaked and announced.

Barrie had their own 2nd round 07 Jaiden Newton to facilitate the trade (who Flint wanted was not the IceDogs problem, John Walters dragged them into the problem). “If you only knew the half of it” was a direct quote from “quite the source”. I’m going to leave it at that.

 

[three dog night]

I'm curious if the NCAA announcement changes Niagara's approach into making a run at it this season?

Roobroeck and He could both go that route if they so chose next season. Things just got a whole lot riskier.

I think long term, the OHL will need to change into a 15-19 year old league

Doubt it

 

[dirty12]

Niagara fans can discuss and debate that trade all they want, it's their perogative, their opinion, however, I'm posting this because IceDogs fans NEED TO KNOW that the fair price for Brauti to Niagara should/could have been just the 2nd, 3rd, 3rd. From an IceDogs hockey ops perspective, the decision to acquire Brauti or keep Frolov DID NOT to need to be mutually exclusive. The IceDogs’ roster should have both (07) Frolov and (06) Brauti, which would have been a couple of nice D building blocks for 25-26 and 26-27.

One of the most respected and knowledgeable members on hf boards ohl4life had some definitive thoughts regarding the trade and price Niagara paid for Brauti when this was leaked and announced.

Barrie had their own 2nd round 07 Jaiden Newton to facilitate the trade (who Flint wanted was not the IceDogs problem, John Walters dragged them into the problem). “If you only knew the half of it” was a direct quote from “quite the source”. I’m going to leave it at that.

OHL4life can be quoted as stating the IceDogs believe that they are making a hockey trade, but getting the worst of it. He is just one more person among most that had no real idea of Brauti’s upside.

 

[frontsfan67]

I'm curious if the NCAA announcement changes Niagara's approach into making a run at it this season?

Roobroeck and He could both go that route if they so chose next season. Things just got a whole lot riskier.

I’ve seen roobroeck like a couple posts on Instagram since I follow the guy regarding the NCAA. Could mean something, could mean nothing. But losing him next year would be detrimental to the team.

I think they still have to take a chance on next year though. 0 chance in hell they will do anything this year. We’re only in the start of November and other teams have by far better teams on paper. I say the same thing with the fronts who are leading the east division. That won’t hold up past the deadline that’s for sure- same with the ice dogs.

I think long term, the OHL will need to change into a 15-19 year old league

I don’t think that’s a wise idea- if anything we just have more gage Heyes or Noah van vliets in the league as OA’s rather than the Dalyn Wakely’s and Logan Morrisons

 

[dogs777]

So you are telling me Niagara was giving up before the year started. Dealing Eliasson was premature. Maybe not making the Van Vliet deal and keeping Bryant would have been a smart move. Just saying they have one of the top OA imports in the league. I guess he is getting dealt too from what you are saying.

WJ

Yes that’s exactly what I’m saying even with Eliasson and Bryant this team wouldn’t be good enough to go for it this year even with the great start. As far who’s getting traded what I’d do and what’s going to happen are totally different things

 

[Sam14]

Maybe not making the Van Vliet deal and keeping Bryant would have been a smart move.

You're a 100% right! Keeping Bryant was the correct move.

And even if they were that hyper-focused on bring in a physical D, this was the better asset management move. IceDogs fans and even TV PxP voice Steve Clark were using social media to encourage the IceDogs to bring in St.Catharines native OA D - 6.03 Derek Smyth from the Ottawa 67s (at NO COST at all). Smyth would have brought a physical presence, quicker feet and additional fans to home games. Smyth is currently playing great hockey with a local Jr. B team Fort Erie Meteors (11gp; 3G; 9A; 12pts) .

 

[dirty12]

You're a 100% right! Keeping Bryant was the correct move.

And even if they were that hyper-focused on bring in a physical D, this was the better asset management move. IceDogs fans and even TV PxP voice Steve Clark were using social media to encourage the IceDogs to bring in St.Catharines native OA D - 6.03 Derek Smyth from the Ottawa 67s (at NO COST at all). Smyth would have brought a physical presence, quicker feet and additional fans to home games. Smyth is currently playing great hockey with a local Jr. B team Fort Erie Meteors (11gp; 3G; 9A; 12pts) .

Smyth is not an OHL calibre OA.

 

[IceDogs452]

Niagara fans can discuss and debate that trade all they want, it's their perogative, their opinion, however, I'm posting this because IceDogs fans NEED TO KNOW that the fair price for Brauti to Niagara should/could have been just the 2nd, 3rd, 3rd. From an IceDogs hockey ops perspective, the decision to acquire Brauti or keep Frolov DID NOT to need to be mutually exclusive. The IceDogs’ roster should have both (07) Frolov and (06) Brauti, which would have been a couple of nice D building blocks for 25-26 and 26-27.

One of the most respected and knowledgeable members on hf boards ohl4life had some definitive thoughts regarding the trade and price Niagara paid for Brauti when this was leaked and announced.

Barrie had their own 2nd round 07 Jaiden Newton to facilitate the trade (who Flint wanted was not the IceDogs problem, John Walters dragged them into the problem). “If you only knew the half of it” was a direct quote from “quite the source”. I’m going to leave it at that.

Scott is also a solid piece who takes too many penalties but still is a physical leader and along with Van Vliet one of the best +/- players on the team.

Also, I am genuinely curious what you like so much about Frolov. Yes he was a 2nd round pick who they invested a lot of playing time in last year so I get that part of it but like his upside is what? In 2 years being a low end 2nd D pair tops? More realistically an average third pair player? Getting healthy scratched by Flint cause he’s just not offering that much. He would be what battling Cheynowski for the 6th D position? In an alternate reality where we kept Frolov and didn’t get Scott, the D you said is already weak would be even weaker. The fact that he’s an 07 isn’t everything if he’s just not that good. If anything the mistake was drafting him in the second round in the first place which is 100% valid.

 

[Sam14]

Smyth is not an OHL calibre OA.

What would the IceDogs have got back in terms of draft picks, if they decided to keep Bryant and trade NVV?

 

[IceDogs452]

As requested of me by several fans on and off this site, the complete list of DD's trades

2022-2023 SEASON
TOTAL TRADES: 22
June 30, 2022…a nice try, he just wasn’t very good here and didn’t want to be here.
To Niagara: Pasquale Zito (03)
To Windsor: 2nd, 2nd, 4th, 4th, 5th, 6th

June 30, 2022…his play, so disappointing...over-rated and over-paid for this OA.
To Niagara: Nathan Ribau (OA)
To Windsor: 3rd, 4th

June 30, 2022…the best of all three OA D. Oshawa felt Niagara overpaid, but he was worth the 3rd
To Niagara: David Jesus (OA)
To Oshawa: 3rd, 5th

June 30, 2022…the trade, the return, just horrible!
To Niagara: Matthew Papais (OA)
To Guelph: 3rd, 4th
(6 games later Oct.11, 2023) IceDogs trade with Owen Sound. Papais for their 5th in 2025.

June 30, 2022 …never did show up and the pick was not conditional.
To Niagara: Russian import F Vsevolod Gaidamak (03)
To OTTAWA: 4th

August 2, 2022…fair price coming off a 29 goal season; expected 40 was on pace for 12 goals.
To Niagara: Nolan Dann (03)
To Sarnia: 2nd, 2nd, 5th

August 4, 2022…Enright IceDogs 1st rd 2020 pick.
To Niagara: 3rd, 3rd, 12, 15
To Missy: Isaac Enright (03) Ryan Struthers (04)

August 31, 2022…the max return was great! The Problem: In 14 months DD gave all the picks (plus more) back to London.
To Niagara: 3x2rds, 3x3rds and a 5th
To London: Sam Dickinson (07)

September 8, 2022…didn’t look like a good deal at the time, but it has proven to be one of DDs better trades.
To Niagara: Owen Flores (04)
To London: 2nd, 5th

Sept 12, 2022…as bad as a trade can possibly be. WTF!
To Niagara: 8th
To Oshawa: Dylan Roobroeck (04)

Sept 12, 2022
To Niagara: William Stewart (05)
To Flint: 12th

Sept 21, 2022
To Niagara: Gabe Runco (05)
To Petes: 15th

Sept 27, 2022 …first goalie drafted the 2021 OHL Priority Draft. WTF!
To Niagara: 4th, 12th
To Windsor: Joey Costanzo (05)

Sept 29, 2022…fair trade just a horrible flip of draft capital the following year.
To Niagara: Andrew LeBlanc (04) and Jacob LeBlanc (04)
To Kitchener: 2nd, 3rd, 3rd, 5th
(June 6, 2022) Jacob Leblanc and Andrew Leblanc (04) to Sarnia for 5th, 6th, 14th, 15th

Oct 11, 2022…an OA overpay. Keane was just not very good.
To Niagara: Gerard Keane (OA), 12th
To London: Alec Leonard (04), 2nd, 3rd
…that trade forced this trade: Papais for a 5th.

Dec. 12, 2022…first really good trade (and a win) by DDD.
To Niagara: Michael Podolioukh (04), 2nd, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd, 5th,
To North Bay: Pasquale Zito

Dec. 12, 2022…heavy price tag.
To Niagara: Zakary Lavoie (04)
To Mississauga: 2nd, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd, 4th,

Dec. 15, 2022…a 3rd for a soft perimeter player was fair.
To Niagara: 3rd, 8th
To SSM: Brenden Sirizzotti (03)

Jan. 1, 2023…return was decent for a kid who desperately wanted out of the mess.
To Niagara: 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 3rd
To Erie: Pano Fimis (04)

Jan. 6, 2023 …ok, but still undersold on Dionicio because of O'Flaherty educational package
To Niagara: Chris O’Flaherty (05), Bronson Ride (05), 2nd, 6th
To Windsor: Aidan Castle (04) and Rodwin Dionicio (04)

Jan 10, 2023…a little pricey.
To Niagara: Alex Assadourian (05)
To Sudbury: 2nd, 3rd,

Jan 10, 2023…crazy good return for an underachieving player!
To Niagara: 2nd, 3rd, 3rd, 4th, 4th,
To Flint: Nolan Dann


2023-2024 SEASON
TOTAL TRADES: 14
June 6, 2023…what they paid for them, in combination with, what they got back was an embarrassment.
To Niagara: 5th, 6th, 14th, 15th
To Sarnia: Jacob Leblanc and Andrew Leblanc (04)

June 6, 2023…for Kitchener’s backup goalie (23gp), a 2nd and 5th was a steep price.
To Niagara: Marcus Vandenberg (04)
To Kitchener: Gabe Runco, 2nd, 5th

August 2, 2023…a good trade despite being an Import/OA. One of the best pure hitters Niagara has ever had.
To Niagara: Daniil Sobolev (Import/OA)
To Windsor: 4th, 8th, 15th

August 24, 2023…only that 3rd received make that trade seem ok now
To Niagara: Gavin Bryant (04), 3rd
To Owen Sound: Declan Waddick (05)

September 5, 2023…the price for London’s OA 8th D/ 4th line F was high, but he turned out to be a pleasant surprise.
To Niagara: Connor Federkow (OA), Mike Levin (05)
To London: 3rd, 5th

September 11, 2023…overpay, educational package implication trade
To Niagara: Ryan Humphrey (OA), Mathieu Paris (05)
To London: Juan Copeland, 2nd, 3rdh
(Sept 30th, 2023)…11 games later, Humphrey left Niagara to play in the USHL

November 9, 2023…overpay, educational package implication trade
To Niagara: Brody Crane (04)
To London: Chris O’Flaherty, 3rd, 3rd, 4th
(January 4, 2024)…Crane traded to Owen Sound for a 6th.

December 8, 2023…gave up a 2nd and 5th to get him a few months ago got back two 3rds
To Niagara: 3rd, 3rd
To Sudbury: Marcus Vandenberg (04)

January 4, 2024…Good Trade.
To Niagara: Charlie Robertson (05), 3rd, 3rd, 4th, 4th, 9th
To North Bay: Bronson Ride (05)

January 4, 2024…Horrible Trade, when you factor in what Niagara paid to acquire him!
To Niagara: 6th
To Owen Sound: Brody Crane

January 9, 2024…Two younger players (who are still struggling) for an expiring OA/Import is still a Good Trade.
To Niagara: Callum Cheynowski (06), Mason Wray (06)
To Brantford: Daniil Sobolev (Import/OA)

January 9, 2024
To Niagara: Anson Thornton (OA)
To Barrie: 15th

January 9, 2024
To Niagara: 10th
To Erie: Charlie Burns (06)

January 10, 2024…Bad trade, under-sold due Education Package implications
To Niagara: 3rd, 3rd, 8th
To Brantford: Zak Lavoie

2024-2025 SEASON
TOTAL TRADES: 08
June 6, 2024 …overpaid.
To Niagara: Matthew Virgilio (06)
To SSM: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 10th

August 19, 2024…Part I Overpaid
To Niagara: Tristan Bertucci(05), 8th, 14th ,*3rd (currently seeking clarification on condition)
To Flint: Artem Frolov, Urban Podrekar, Hayden Reid, 2nd, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd,

August 19, 2024…Part II Under-sold
To Niagara: Jack Brauti (06), Blair Scott (05), 2025 2nd, 3rd, 4th
To Barrie: Tristan Bertucci (05)
…in the words of an OHL GM, “Barrie recieved Bertucci and got Niagara to play for it.”

August 23, 2024… While his physicality has his supporters; his foot speed has his detractors, regardless of what fans like or dislike about his play, it still an OA overpay.
To Niagara: Noah Van Vliet (OA)
To Sudbury: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 15th
FYI. St Catharines native with a similar physicality to his game but better foot speed 6.03 OA Derek Smyth was available from the Ottawa 67s at no cost at all.

September 16, 2024
To Niagara: 9th
To Kitchener: Andrew Vermeulen (06) 2022 4th round selection

September 16, 2024…a 2022 3rd rd selection for a 2025 5th rd draft pick.
To Niagara: Sean Doherty (06) 2022 3rd round selection
To Owen Sound: 5th

September 25, 2024…a horrible return for a 6.06 2nd round NHL Drafted D.
To Niagara: 3rd
To Barrie: Import Gabriel Eliasson (06)

October 22, 2024…return is fine, the team’s reputation not so much.
To Niagara: 3rd, 9th
To Petes: Gavin Bryant (OA)

Agree with most of these not all but most are fair. I think the 24-25 trades have been good minus Eliasson and the Virgilio overpay. Not sure what would have been fair value for Lavoie. Looks like a below average OA this year who Brantford may look to upgrade on.

 

[three dog night]

What would the IceDogs have got back in terms of draft picks, if they decided to keep Bryant and trade NVV?

Not much

 

[Sam14]

Scott is also a solid piece who takes too many penalties but still is a physical leader and along with Van Vliet one of the best +/- players on the team.

Also, I am genuinely curious what you like so much about Frolov. Yes he was a 2nd round pick who they invested a lot of playing time in last year so I get that part of it but like his upside is what? In 2 years being a low end 2nd D pair tops? More realistically an average third pair player? Getting healthy scratched by Flint cause he’s just not offering that much. He would be what battling Cheynowski for the 6th D position? In an alternate reality where we kept Frolov and didn’t get Scott, the D you said is already weak would be even weaker. The fact that he’s an 07 isn’t everything if he’s just not that good. If anything the mistake was drafting him in the second round in the first place which is 100% valid.

Are you aware that Flint fan base like Frolov a lot and very happy with trade that landed them a young 07 D, with 3-4 years upside and 05 Podekar, who is playing well also. Check their fan site and ask them. Just like we know our players best they know theirs.

 

[dirty12]

What would the IceDogs have got back in terms of draft picks, if they decided to keep Bryant and trade NVV?

It was a choice between Bryant and Loshko. Moving either one would hurt the team less than Flores or NVV.
If Assadourian could have been moved for a suitable big D or starting goalie, then the team could have kept Bryant:

 

[dirty12]

Agree with most of these not all but most are fair. I think the 24-25 trades have been good minus Eliasson and the Virgilio overpay. Not sure what would have been fair value for Lavoie. Looks like a below average OA this year who Brantford may look to upgrade on.

I did not like it at the time, but 2(3), 8 for Lavoie looks pretty good now. I would give 2,3,4 for Virgilio again right now. By ‘27 it will appear cheaper imo than the 2,5 given up for Flores a couple of years ago.

 

[Sam14]

It was a choice between Bryant and Loshko. Moving either one would hurt the team less than Flores or NVV.
If Assadourian could have been moved for a suitable big D or starting goalie, then the team could have kept Bryant:

That didn't answer the question?

 

[Sam14]

Also, I am genuinely curious what you like so much about Frolov.

Fair question and more than willing to answer it

Artem Frolov was a Top 40 ranked player heading into the 2023 OHL Draft. He elevated his draft stock significantly with his outstanding play during the Vaughan Kings surprise run all the way to the 2023 OHL Cup finals, in large part to the outstanding play of Frolov on the backend.

The only 2007 D ranked ahead of Frolov on Draft Day were: M.Scheafer (side note - he is FKN good lol); Quinn Beauchesne; Carson Cameron; Cameron Reid; US Henry Brzustewicz (who indicated he was interested in the OHL prior to the draft); Nolan Jackson; Luke Dragusica (on most but not all lists)

Frolov was the IceDogs 2023 2nd round pick #28 overall. The development and the upside was immediately evident and even moreso as the season progressed. By the end of his first year, he was logging close to 25-28 minutes a game (one game he topped 30 min); his role expanded to top pairing D; 1st unit PK and running the 1st PP unit.

Many fans (not only myself); including scouts I frequently spoke to and those in the media were uber-impressed with his play, commenting Frolov as “one” of the best and most confident 16 years old D we have seen in Niagara in quite some time. TV Colour guy Ed Burkholder, “You watch this kid play and there is no way you can tell he is only a 16 year old”.

Here are some unbiased comments from the Flint forum regarding a 2007 D Artem Frolov:
Sept. 30, 2024 (FLINT FORUM)
I was most impressed by Thibodeau, Collins and Frolov as far as the new kids go.

Oct. 4, 2024 (FLINT FORUM)
I was once again impressed with Frolov too.

Oct. 24, 2024 (FLINT FORUM)
Podrekar and Frolov have both been good but they are not Brian Leetch. I imagine mgmt was expecting Mania to produce more offense than he has and be that guy but it hasn’t happened and his decision making has been rough so far.

Oct. 24, 2024 (FLINT FORUM)
I was a bit surprised to not see Frolov on the list at all. I think that’ll change over the next couple rankings.

Oct. 27, 2024 (FLINT FORUM)
As to the previous question, both Podrekar and Frolov have been good. They both show a bit of skill and offensive potential although it hasn’t materialized on the scoreboard yet. Other than one huge misstep by Frolov last night, they rarely make mistakes. Both are smart with the puck and have few turnovers which is huge and priority #1 for a D in my book.


If interest, here are some stories on Artem Frolov’s play last season…

First year defenceman, Artem Frolov, gaining confidence on IceDogs' blueline - Niagara IceDogs

IceDogs drop sixth straight | BP Sports Niagara

IceDogs eliminated from playoffs, losing streak at eight | BP Sports Niagara


Leave you with this reminder:
“If you only knew the half of it” was a direct quote from “quite the source”.

 

[Sam14]

Not sure what would have been fair value for Lavoie. Looks like a below average OA this year who Brantford may look to upgrade on.

The IceDogs rejected better offers for Lavoie, because the Bulldogs were willing to negotiate the educational package into the deal, so Niagara took their offer over additional draft capital from another team. These money saving deals as oppossed to hockey deals by DD, hurt this franchise short and long term AND the reason STH are not renewing There is a reason we don't have an abundance of picks, after 3 years of selling and being in last place. DD is trading the "draft picks" that fans covet, for "money in his own pocket"

 

[IceDogs452]

I did not like it at the time, but 2(3), 8 for Lavoie looks pretty good now. I would give 2,3,4 for Virgilio again right now. By ‘27 it will appear cheaper imo than the 2,5 given up for Flores a couple of years ago.

He has offensive upside he just has made a lot of mistakes in his own end either with the puck on his stick or especially when he is coming back into his own end to pick up the puck and he is too casual with it and he turns it over to lead to a high quality chance. Part of the reason I think Cheynowski and Virgilio needs to be split up is because if your D partner isn’t inspiring lots of confidence it puts more pressure on you to not make a mistake which then leads to you making more mistakes of course. If a change were made would probably have to be:
Brauti-Wycisk
NVV-Virgilio
Cheynowski-Scott

Brauti and NVV could change depending on who has more chemistry with who of wycisk and Virgilio.

 

[IceDogs452]

Fair question and more than willing to answer it

Artem Frolov was a Top 40 ranked D heading into the 2023 OHL Draft. He elevated his draft stock significantly with his outstanding play during the Vaughan Kings surprise run all the way to the 2023 OHL Cup finals, in large part to the outstanding play of Frolov on the backend.

The only 2007 D ranked ahead of Frolov on Draft Day were: M.Scheafer (side note - he is FKN good lol); Quinn Beauchesne; Carson Cameron; Cameron Reid; US Henry Brzustewicz (who indicated he was interested in the OHL prior to the draft); Nolan Jackson; Luke Dragusica (on most but not all lists)

Frolov was the IceDogs 2023 2nd round pick #28 overall. The development and the upside was immediately evident and even moreso as the season progressed. By the end of his first year, he was logging close to 25-28 minutes a game (one game he topped 30 min); his role expanded to top pairing D; 1st unit PK and running the 1st PP unit.

Many fans (not only myself); including scouts I frequently spoke to and those in the media were uber-impressed with his play, commenting Frolov as “one” of the best and most confident 16 years old D we have seen in Niagara in quite some time. TV Colour guy Ed Burkholder, “You watch this kid play and there is no way you can tell he is only a 16 year old”.

Here are some unbiased comments from the Flint forum regarding a 2007 D Artem Frolov:
Sept. 30, 2024 (FLINT FORUM)
I was most impressed by Thibodeau, Collins and Frolov as far as the new kids go.

Oct. 4, 2024 (FLINT FORUM)
I was once again impressed with Frolov too.

Oct. 24, 2024 (FLINT FORUM)
Podrekar and Frolov have both been good but they are not Brian Leetch. I imagine mgmt was expecting Mania to produce more offense than he has and be that guy but it hasn’t happened and his decision making has been rough so far.

Oct. 24, 2024 (FLINT FORUM)
I was a bit surprised to not see Frolov on the list at all. I think that’ll change over the next couple rankings.

Oct. 24, 2027 (FLINT FORUM)
As to the previous question, both Podrekar and Frolov have been good. They both show a bit of skill and offensive potential although it hasn’t materialized on the scoreboard yet. Other than one huge misstep by Frolov last night, they rarely make mistakes. Both are smart with the puck and have few turnovers which is huge and priority #1 for a D in my book.


If interest, here are some story on Artem Frolov’s play last season…

First year defenceman, Artem Frolov, gaining confidence on IceDogs’ blueline
First year defenceman, Artem Frolov, gaining confidence on IceDogs' blueline - Niagara IceDogs

IceDogs drop sixth straight | BP Sports Niagara

https://www.bpsportsniagara.com/icedogs-eliminated-from-playoffs-losing-streak-at-eight/


Leave you with this reminder:
“If you only knew the half of it” was a direct quote from “quite the source”.

Thanks for this it just seems blown out of proportion the negative reaction for a guy who is likely not getting drafted this year into the NHL, is getting healthy scratched and would probably be a 6th man for the IceDogs upgraded D this year. Like he would be a non-factor on the IceDogs. I guess who the IceDogs use as OA’s for next year will add some more clarity for trade evaluation context. Right now I am not sure who the 3 current IceDogs front runners to be OA’s are. Probably Wycisk Assadourian and 1 of Robertson Scott Paris? Likely 1-2 of these spots will need to be upgraded. Goalie situation for next year will be interesting.

 

[knowescape]

New to you maybe but been in this league since the 70’s and I stand by my comments.

You're new to this forum. You can stand wherever you like, even if Brant is the county-view you have.

 

[knowescape]

That's how you build a contender.

Niagara may regret doing such a favour to Barrie when playoffs come around. Will come back to bite them in the backside.

And there you have it, the whole reason DDD will not be successful in the league. He plays checkers while Marty is busy playing chess.

 

[bigsportsfan]

Take a closer look. Looks like a pretty quality product right now. How long can you ignore what’s under your nose by complaining about the past forecasting future failures. Maybe all you old STH’s should acknowledge what’s in front of you.

For me, its not so much about where the team is in the standings. I am more worried about how the team is being operated. I don't see DD ever spending the money that is required to build a championship team. If you think DD is doing his best to build a winner then consider the following:

• DD still has not hired an experienced GM and instead is doing the GM duties himself. (a GM would cost him big bucks)
• The IceDogs only have 5 scouts, the lowest number of any of the OHL teams. (more scouts = more costs)
• DD hasn't drafted a single US players in his three drafts while every other OHL team has drafted multiple US players over the same time range. (US scholarships cost more)
• Their track record for the import draft is atrocious. (The Import draft is expensive and requires paying contacts overseas)

I don't believe the IceDogs will ever contend for a championship unless DD spends more. So in my opinion, not buying tickets and forcing DD to either sell the team or start spending more money is a much better solution and will be the best for the IceDogs long term.

 

[bigsportsfan]

As requested of me by several fans on and off this site, the complete list of DD's trades

2022-2023 SEASON
TOTAL TRADES: 22
June 30, 2022…a nice try, he just wasn’t very good here and didn’t want to be here.
To Niagara: Pasquale Zito (03)
To Windsor: 2nd, 2nd, 4th, 4th, 5th, 6th

June 30, 2022…his play, so disappointing...over-rated and over-paid for this OA.
To Niagara: Nathan Ribau (OA)
To Windsor: 3rd, 4th

June 30, 2022…the best of all three OA D. Oshawa felt Niagara overpaid, but he was worth the 3rd
To Niagara: David Jesus (OA)
To Oshawa: 3rd, 5th

June 30, 2022…the trade, the return, just horrible!
To Niagara: Matthew Papais (OA)
To Guelph: 3rd, 4th
(6 games later Oct.11, 2023) IceDogs trade with Owen Sound. Papais for their 5th in 2025.

June 30, 2022 …never did show up and the pick was not conditional.
To Niagara: Russian import F Vsevolod Gaidamak (03)
To OTTAWA: 4th

August 2, 2022…fair price coming off a 29 goal season; expected 40 was on pace for 12 goals.
To Niagara: Nolan Dann (03)
To Sarnia: 2nd, 2nd, 5th

August 4, 2022…Enright IceDogs 1st rd 2020 pick.
To Niagara: 3rd, 3rd, 12, 15
To Missy: Isaac Enright (03) Ryan Struthers (04)

August 31, 2022…the max return was great! The Problem: In 14 months DD gave all the picks (plus more) back to London.
To Niagara: 3x2rds, 3x3rds and a 5th
To London: Sam Dickinson (07)

September 8, 2022…didn’t look like a good deal at the time, but it has proven to be one of DDs better trades.
To Niagara: Owen Flores (04)
To London: 2nd, 5th

Sept 12, 2022…as bad as a trade can possibly be. WTF!
To Niagara: 8th
To Oshawa: Dylan Roobroeck (04)

Sept 12, 2022
To Niagara: William Stewart (05)
To Flint: 12th

Sept 21, 2022
To Niagara: Gabe Runco (05)
To Petes: 15th

Sept 27, 2022 …first goalie drafted the 2021 OHL Priority Draft. WTF!
To Niagara: 4th, 12th
To Windsor: Joey Costanzo (05)

Sept 29, 2022…fair trade just a horrible flip of draft capital the following year.
To Niagara: Andrew LeBlanc (04) and Jacob LeBlanc (04)
To Kitchener: 2nd, 3rd, 3rd, 5th
(June 6, 2022) Jacob Leblanc and Andrew Leblanc (04) to Sarnia for 5th, 6th, 14th, 15th

Oct 11, 2022…an OA overpay. Keane was just not very good.
To Niagara: Gerard Keane (OA), 12th
To London: Alec Leonard (04), 2nd, 3rd
…that trade forced this trade: Papais for a 5th.

Dec. 12, 2022…first really good trade (and a win) by DDD.
To Niagara: Michael Podolioukh (04), 2nd, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd, 5th,
To North Bay: Pasquale Zito

Dec. 12, 2022…heavy price tag.
To Niagara: Zakary Lavoie (04)
To Mississauga: 2nd, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd, 4th,

Dec. 15, 2022…a 3rd for a soft perimeter player was fair.
To Niagara: 3rd, 8th
To SSM: Brenden Sirizzotti (03)

Jan. 1, 2023…return was decent for a kid who desperately wanted out of the mess.
To Niagara: 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 3rd
To Erie: Pano Fimis (04)

Jan. 6, 2023 …ok, but still undersold on Dionicio because of O'Flaherty educational package
To Niagara: Chris O’Flaherty (05), Bronson Ride (05), 2nd, 6th
To Windsor: Aidan Castle (04) and Rodwin Dionicio (04)

Jan 10, 2023…a little pricey.
To Niagara: Alex Assadourian (05)
To Sudbury: 2nd, 3rd,

Jan 10, 2023…crazy good return for an underachieving player!
To Niagara: 2nd, 3rd, 3rd, 4th, 4th,
To Flint: Nolan Dann


2023-2024 SEASON
TOTAL TRADES: 14
June 6, 2023…what they paid for them, in combination with, what they got back was an embarrassment.
To Niagara: 5th, 6th, 14th, 15th
To Sarnia: Jacob Leblanc and Andrew Leblanc (04)

June 6, 2023…for Kitchener’s backup goalie (23gp), a 2nd and 5th was a steep price.
To Niagara: Marcus Vandenberg (04)
To Kitchener: Gabe Runco, 2nd, 5th

August 2, 2023…a good trade despite being an Import/OA. One of the best pure hitters Niagara has ever had.
To Niagara: Daniil Sobolev (Import/OA)
To Windsor: 4th, 8th, 15th

August 24, 2023…only that 3rd received make that trade seem ok now
To Niagara: Gavin Bryant (04), 3rd
To Owen Sound: Declan Waddick (05)

September 5, 2023…the price for London’s OA 8th D/ 4th line F was high, but he turned out to be a pleasant surprise.
To Niagara: Connor Federkow (OA), Mike Levin (05)
To London: 3rd, 5th

September 11, 2023…overpay, educational package implication trade
To Niagara: Ryan Humphrey (OA), Mathieu Paris (05)
To London: Juan Copeland, 2nd, 3rdh
(Sept 30th, 2023)…11 games later, Humphrey left Niagara to play in the USHL

November 9, 2023…overpay, educational package implication trade
To Niagara: Brody Crane (04)
To London: Chris O’Flaherty, 3rd, 3rd, 4th
(January 4, 2024)…Crane traded to Owen Sound for a 6th.

December 8, 2023…gave up a 2nd and 5th to get him a few months ago got back two 3rds
To Niagara: 3rd, 3rd
To Sudbury: Marcus Vandenberg (04)

January 4, 2024…Good Trade.
To Niagara: Charlie Robertson (05), 3rd, 3rd, 4th, 4th, 9th
To North Bay: Bronson Ride (05)

January 4, 2024…Horrible Trade, when you factor in what Niagara paid to acquire him!
To Niagara: 6th
To Owen Sound: Brody Crane

January 9, 2024…Two younger players (who are still struggling) for an expiring OA/Import is still a Good Trade.
To Niagara: Callum Cheynowski (06), Mason Wray (06)
To Brantford: Daniil Sobolev (Import/OA)

January 9, 2024
To Niagara: Anson Thornton (OA)
To Barrie: 15th

January 9, 2024
To Niagara: 10th
To Erie: Charlie Burns (06)

January 10, 2024…Bad trade, under-sold due Education Package implications
To Niagara: 3rd, 3rd, 8th
To Brantford: Zak Lavoie

2024-2025 SEASON
TOTAL TRADES: 08
June 6, 2024 …overpaid.
To Niagara: Matthew Virgilio (06)
To SSM: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 10th

August 19, 2024…Part I Overpaid
To Niagara: Tristan Bertucci(05), 8th, 14th ,*3rd (currently seeking clarification on condition)
To Flint: Artem Frolov, Urban Podrekar, Hayden Reid, 2nd, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd,

August 19, 2024…Part II Under-sold
To Niagara: Jack Brauti (06), Blair Scott (05), 2025 2nd, 3rd, 4th
To Barrie: Tristan Bertucci (05)
…in the words of an OHL GM, “Barrie recieved Bertucci and got Niagara to play for it.”

August 23, 2024… While his physicality has his supporters; his foot speed has his detractors, regardless of what fans like or dislike about his play, it still an OA overpay.
To Niagara: Noah Van Vliet (OA)
To Sudbury: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 15th
FYI. St Catharines native with a similar physicality to his game but better foot speed 6.03 OA Derek Smyth was available from the Ottawa 67s at no cost at all.

September 16, 2024
To Niagara: 9th
To Kitchener: Andrew Vermeulen (06) 2022 4th round selection

September 16, 2024…a 2022 3rd rd selection for a 2025 5th rd draft pick.
To Niagara: Sean Doherty (06) 2022 3rd round selection
To Owen Sound: 5th

September 25, 2024…a horrible return for a 6.06 2nd round NHL Drafted D.
To Niagara: 3rd
To Barrie: Import Gabriel Eliasson (06)

October 22, 2024…return is fine, the team’s reputation not so much.
To Niagara: 3rd, 9th
To Petes: Gavin Bryant (OA)

Thanks so much for writing all that. There were many bad trades that I had forgotten about. After reading your post, it's not surprising that after 4 years of finishing out of the playoffs, the IceDogs still don't have an overstocked draft cupboard.

 

[Countyview]

Kind of funny watching this from a distance. The former STH’s won’t spend money because DD won’t spend money. Kind of ironic isn’t it? Meanwhile this year’s team keep grinding out wins. Think they deserve a little support don’t you.