Ottawa 67s 2024 - 25 Offseason Thread, Part I

[fenderbender42]

I took a look at his stats, and to be honest, for a 17-year-old, I can see why he was not drafted.

He really is not that great of a player. He might have had leadership skills, but he is not a goal scorer or assist person.

u17 54 games 18 points
u18 49 games 14 points

It is definitely going to be interesting to see what this camp looks like

Key USHL Dates​

Print
July 7th – Teams can make trades and drop unlimited number of players from initial protected list.

July 10th – All teams must submit their 30-man protected list and affiliate list.

August 28th – USHL camps open.

September 1st – First day IR can be utilized.

If I understand correctly, we should know more about Zielinski and Vandenberg by the 10th at the latest.

What do you mean you can see why he was not drafted?
Not drafted into the USHL based on the stats you listed?

The young man is the Captain of the USNTDP; I would have to think every USHL Teams would welcome him with open arms.

 

[beastintheeast]

What do you mean you can see why he was not drafted?
Not drafted into the USHL based on the stats you listed?

The young man is the Captain of the USNTDP; I would have to think every USHL Teams would welcome him with open arms.

I think he may have leadership but he is 17, going to uni next year and the point production is ot great. Signing as a free agent yea, but giving up a place on your protected list and drafting, not sure. Just because he was a captain on the team is nice but it does not score goals or win games.

I am sure someone is going to give him a shot.

 

[SidSixpointSeven]

I think he may have leadership but he is 17, going to uni next year and the point production is ot great. Signing as a free agent yea, but giving up a place on your protected list and drafting, not sure. Just because he was a captain on the team is nice but it does not score goals or win games.

I am sure someone is going to give him a shot.

Interesting how you can read a stat line and determine how good a player is (or is going to be). How much have you watched him play ? You must be a great scout.

For what its worth he had 6 points in 7 games at the U18 and was a plus 7. It isn't always about goals and assists and based on what I saw I would want this kid on my team in a heartbeat. .

Besides, if he had a ton of goals and assists, you'd probably be on here saying how the team wouldn't develop him properly anyway and that we should trade him.

 

[beastintheeast]

Interesting how you can read a stat line and determine how good a player is (or is going to be). How much have you watched him play ? You must be a great scout.

For what its worth he had 6 points in 7 games at the U18 and was a plus 7. It isn't always about goals and assists and based on what I saw I would want this kid on my team in a heartbeat. .

Besides, if he had a ton of goals and assists, you'd probably be on here saying how the team wouldn't develop him properly anyway and that we should trade him.

No I am simply stating why I think the USHL passed him by. I will, however, admit that I did not see that he was a defenceman.

Again, to me there has to have been a reason that the USHL teams passed him.

It makes no sense that everyone would pass him by unless there is a feeling that he can be signed as a FA.

 

[44 95 plus tax]

No I am simply stating why I think the USHL passed him by. I will, however, admit that I did not see that he was a defenceman.

Again, to me there has to have been a reason that the USHL teams passed him.

It makes no sense that everyone would pass him by unless there is a feeling that he can be signed as a FA.

Perhaps he let it be known he was going to the OHL. Kind of reverse of what it use to be.

 

[Fawlty]

That's a good point. He may well have let it be known his preference was the OHL.

 

[OMG67]

Only five USA U18 players were drafted. Some will potentially play NCAA this year as 18 year olds but some may play CHL. Dunno. The fact Barnett was not drafted in the Phase II draft is odd. But, also odd was Whitehead being drafted by Youngstown. Only a very small handful of CHL players were drafted in the Phase II draft.

We’ve known for quite some time that there were options for the US based kids. A lot of those kids will/are weighing their options. That is no surprise. Some will report to CHL teams, others will roll with their USHL team. A kid like Barnett will likely wait on the NHL draft, see where and how high he is drafted before he decides what he wants to do.

Although we will see a good number of American kids suit up in the OHL this year, the real question is for how long? Will a player like Barnett play for Ottawa as an 18 year old and report to Michigan as a 19 year old? I never thought the players would do that. I thought they would play out their string in the CHL and then go NCAA but with Mews reporting to Michigan for next season, it looks like that prediction is up in smoke. If Mews is doing it, a lot of the elite American kids might.

A lot to keep track of.

 

[Larionov]

I never thought the players would do that. I thought they would play out their string in the CHL and then go NCAA but with Mews reporting to Michigan for next season, it looks like that prediction is up in smoke. If Mews is doing it, a lot of the elite American kids might.

A lot to keep track of.

My theory is that Mews is a bit of an outlier. His choice makes very little sense if he is focused on turning pro ASAP, so clearly he has another path in mind. For every kid like Mews you have others like Jaxon Williams, who is going to the OHL because he is clearly focused on a pro career. Jaxon Williams' dad quietly put together an outstanding NHL career - over 1000 games, Conn Smythe Trophy, etc. I'm excited to see what that kid can do in camp...

 

[OMG67]

My theory is that Mews is a bit of an outlier. His choice makes very little sense if he is focused on turning pro ASAP, so clearly he has another path in mind. For every kid like Mews you have others like Jaxon Williams, who is going to the OHL because he is clearly focused on a pro career. Jaxon Williams' dad quietly put together an outstanding NHL career - over 1000 games, Conn Smythe Trophy, etc. I'm excited to see what that kid can do in camp...

That’s why I said it is something we need to keep an eye on. When you look at Asher Barnett as the example, he is committed to Michigan for his 19 year old season (2026-27). So, if he were to sign with the 67’s this year, I am not sure we can count on him for two years. If that is the case, how do you manage your roster? It makes it more difficult. Of course, the player likely tells the team what the intentions are and the team then has the choice to sign or not but regardless, it still makes the roster more of a question mark.

Originally I thought there really wouldn’t be much of a question at all. To me, it makes no sense to play CHL and then walk from your scholarship. I am not sure if the new Standard Player agreement has changed in that regard in an effort to get more American kids into the program but the previous agreement required the player to play out his string through his 19 year old season to qualify for his scholarship package (NHL signed players exempt).

So, when you get a potential player like Barnett entering the picture, how does that change the landscape for next season? What other players enter the fold? Are they also one year players? Does that make next year a bit of a go for it year or does it simply give us more bullets at the trade deadline to dish off to contenders?

This adds a lot more wrinkles than we’ve had in the past. So much easier to forecast results but this year really is completely a mystery. It makes it more exciting though.

 

[beastintheeast]

That’s why I said it is something we need to keep an eye on. When you look at Asher Barnett as the example, he is committed to Michigan for his 19 year old season (2026-27). So, if he were to sign with the 67’s this year, I am not sure we can count on him for two years. If that is the case, how do you manage your roster? It makes it more difficult. Of course, the player likely tells the team what the intentions are and the team then has the choice to sign or not but regardless, it still makes the roster more of a question mark.

Originally I thought there really wouldn’t be much of a question at all. To me, it makes no sense to play CHL and then walk from your scholarship. I am not sure if the new Standard Player agreement has changed in that regard in an effort to get more American kids into the program but the previous agreement required the player to play out his string through his 19 year old season to qualify for his scholarship package (NHL signed players exempt).

So, when you get a potential player like Barnett entering the picture, how does that change the landscape for next season? What other players enter the fold? Are they also one year players? Does that make next year a bit of a go for it year or does it simply give us more bullets at the trade deadline to dish off to contenders?

This adds a lot more wrinkles than we’ve had in the past. So much easier to forecast results but this year really is completely a mystery. It makes it more exciting though.

I think if you are a team that is going for it this year, then signing Barnett IF HE IMPORVES YOUR TEAM is a no-brainer.

Kingston last year would have been a good spot for him as they needed the extra D. Pienemi sort of was like this int hat they knew they only had him for a year.
If you hae a draft or team that hs young guys that need a year of playing Jr B or CCHL then it makes sense.

For Ottawa I don't see it. For Kingston, maybe if the plan is to go for it again this year and let some of the young guns develop, yes. Brantford if he improves the team and they are going for it yes

You also have to remember tht he played in the USHL last year with the NDTP team so everyone in the USHL got to see him.

Someone will sign him in the off season whether it is USHL or CHL he willplay the only question is who needs a 1 year rental.

I sort of compare him to a deadline trade deal without the over head cost.

 

[OMG67]

I think if you are a team that is going for it this year, then signing Barnett IF HE IMPORVES YOUR TEAM is a no-brainer.

Kingston last year would have been a good spot for him as they needed the extra D. Pienemi sort of was like this int hat they knew they only had him for a year.
If you hae a draft or team that hs young guys that need a year of playing Jr B or CCHL then it makes sense.

For Ottawa I don't see it. For Kingston, maybe if the plan is to go for it again this year and let some of the young guns develop, yes. Brantford if he improves the team and they are going for it yes

You also have to remember tht he played in the USHL last year with the NDTP team so everyone in the USHL got to see him.

Someone will sign him in the off season whether it is USHL or CHL he willplay the only question is who needs a 1 year rental.

I sort of compare him to a deadline trade deal without the over head cost.

His rights are held by Ottawa so he isn’t signing anywhere but Ottawa in the CHL… Ottawa could trade his rights if that’s what the player wants.

This is all beside the point though. Ottawa has enough player rights in hand to make a significant dent in the league next year so the possibility exists they could contend. Additionally, they had a couple “free agent” Americans at camp that impressed.

I’m not saying that any of those players will sign but the fact they have an opportunity is the point. This is why this season is so intriguing. Their ability to compete next season is unlike any other season we’ve seen in so far as they could be anywhere between well below average to close to tops in the league! So weird.

 

[beastintheeast]

His rights are held by Ottawa so he isn’t signing anywhere but Ottawa in the CHL… Ottawa could trade his rights if that’s what the player wants.

This is all beside the point though. Ottawa has enough player rights in hand to make a significant dent in the league next year so the possibility exists they could contend. Additionally, they had a couple “free agent” Americans at camp that impressed.

I’m not saying that any of those players will sign but the fact they have an opportunity is the point. This is why this season is so intriguing. Their ability to compete next season is unlike any other season we’ve seen in so far as they could be anywhere between well below average to close to tops in the league! So weird.

But the other question then is who do you get rid of and only for 1 year maybe 2.

Looking at things we do not have that many openings on forward

Defence is interesting because we have the players we have.

It makes life as you said interesting this year

The other side is that you could have a year that not only do you lose OA but you lose 19 20 year old players after a year or 2.

It is going to be interesting to see what happens and if it works

 

[OMG67]

But the other question then is who do you get rid of and only for 1 year maybe 2.

Looking at things we do not have that many openings on forward

Defence is interesting because we have the players we have.

It makes life as you said interesting this year

The other side is that you could have a year that not only do you lose OA but you lose 19 20 year old players after a year or 2.

It is going to be interesting to see what happens and if it works

THAT is what makes the decisions difficult…. Which is why I highlighted it. How do you manage the roster? This is a one year deal. It is not like this opportunity to sign a bunch of multi-draft year Americans will come every year. IT is once and only once. After this year, it reverts back to normal draft where you sign a couple 16 year olds and then the following year let the 17 year olds battle for spots. We won’t have 18 and 19 year olds that are well positioned and mature coming to camp. That is why I have been harping on this since early in the season when they announced the rule change. It is super important to get this right and get players under contract to play. If nothing else, it gives more options.

Technically speaking, the kids on development cards remain on development cards. You can send them to Tier II. The challenge are the ones on full cards. You’d need to waive them. But, with other teams potentially in similar situations, I am not sure waiving them would result in losing them.

We have the starting goalie and five D-Men (plus white and Avila) anchored in for the most part. Up front, we have a hodge-podge of “Who gives a damn.” We have seven forwards returning that are not OA’s or Affiliate players. There is a lot of wiggle room there.

Ekberg, Whitehead, Kelly, Kingwell, Yanni, Amidovski, and Houben are the seven. Obviously, we have the four OA’s (Foster, Barlas, Dever, and Horner).
To me, the guys on the bubble if pushed are Brady, and the OA forwards. Maybe Houben and Yanni also get pushed hard for spots? I think Kingwell and Amidovski as rookies are safe. I like what Yanni brings to the team. He is willing to mix it up and get in opposition faces.

 

[beastintheeast]

THAT is what makes the decisions difficult…. Which is why I highlighted it. How do you manage the roster? This is a one year deal. It is not like this opportunity to sign a bunch of multi-draft year Americans will come every year. IT is once and only once. After this year, it reverts back to normal draft where you sign a couple 16 year olds and then the following year let the 17 year olds battle for spots. We won’t have 18 and 19 year olds that are well positioned and mature coming to camp. That is why I have been harping on this since early in the season when they announced the rule change. It is super important to get this right and get players under contract to play. If nothing else, it gives more options.

Technically speaking, the kids on development cards remain on development cards. You can send them to Tier II. The challenge are the ones on full cards. You’d need to waive them. But, with other teams potentially in similar situations, I am not sure waiving them would result in losing them.

We have the starting goalie and five D-Men (plus white and Avila) anchored in for the most part. Up front, we have a hodge-podge of “Who gives a damn.” We have seven forwards returning that are not OA’s or Affiliate players. There is a lot of wiggle room there.

Ekberg, Whitehead, Kelly, Kingwell, Yanni, Amidovski, and Houben are the seven. Obviously, we have the four OA’s (Foster, Barlas, Dever, and Horner).
To me, the guys on the bubble if pushed are Brady, and the OA forwards. Maybe Houben and Yanni also get pushed hard for spots? I think Kingwell and Amidovski as rookies are safe. I like what Yanni brings to the team. He is willing to mix it up and get in opposition faces.

The other question is how long players will be willing to play lower tier.
What do you do with Perrier and Bonomo Chitaroni Johnson and Campbell and the Import player

TBH, if we look at the team and development or future, we have a couple of spots, maybe Kingwell and Yanni, I would put on the bubble.

I think staying with the development plan is better but as you said it is going to be an interesting decision

 

[fenderbender42]

The other question is how long players will be willing to play lower tier.
What do you do with Perrier and Bonomo Chitaroni Johnson and Campbell and the Import player

TBH, if we look at the team and development or future, we have a couple of spots, maybe Kingwell and Yanni, I would put on the bubble.

I think staying with the development plan is better but as you said it is going to be an interesting decision

In all fairness, where is the player not playing in the OHL going to go? It’s not easy to play in the OHL at 16. London does an excellent job at creating this environment of balancing individual development versus internal competition.

The preferred development path leads through the OHL; and everyone knows it - including players & teams.

Foster is a great example of a player not playing in the OHL at 16; and having a quicker transition period at 17 followed by an elevated role at 18. Kingwell could be a similar path.

We will see, but as OMG highlighted; interesting strategies & decisions to discuss and consider.

 

[OMG67]

In all fairness, where is the player not playing in the OHL going to go? It’s not easy to play in the OHL at 16. London does an excellent job at creating this environment of balancing individual development versus internal competition.

The preferred development path leads through the OHL; and everyone knows it - including players & teams.

Foster is a great example of a player not playing in the OHL at 16; and having a quicker transition period at 17 followed by an elevated role at 18. Kingwell could be a similar path.

We will see, but as OMG highlighted; interesting strategies & decisions to discuss and consider.

I agree.

I see zero issues with only a small handful of 16 year olds playing in the OHL. They likely get to stay closer to home unless they play with an affiliate team. That extra year at home is a good option. It gives them a chance to mature a bit more. If they play with an affiliate team near their OHL city, they get exposure to the team, likely get a few call ups during the year so they can test themselves out, and still get the higher minutes on ice. They may even participate in the 67’s practises so they can feel the difference in pace.

And, the reality is, this is a performance based league. Perform and you play. This isn’t and shouldn’t be a league where we worry about the players that are not able to perform. Don’t get bitter, get better. I could care less whether “Player A” doesn’t get a shot because the overall play is elevated with more American players coming in. It doesn’t concern me in the least. From my perspective, it is a good thing if the 67’s end up releasing five players to make room for incoming players of higher skill. Why would we care? Even if they are one year players, so what? If a player is better than another by a significant margin, sign him and play him. Worry about next year, next year. If my decision is between Avila for two seasons or Burnett for one season, that is a super easy decision from my perspective. No brainer.

 

[fenderbender42]

I agree.

I see zero issues with only a small handful of 16 year olds playing in the OHL. They likely get to stay closer to home unless they play with an affiliate team. That extra year at home is a good option. It gives them a chance to mature a bit more. If they play with an affiliate team near their OHL city, they get exposure to the team, likely get a few call ups during the year so they can test themselves out, and still get the higher minutes on ice. They may even participate in the 67’s practises so they can feel the difference in pace.

And, the reality is, this is a performance based league. Perform and you play. This isn’t and shouldn’t be a league where we worry about the players that are not able to perform. Don’t get bitter, get better. I could care less whether “Player A” doesn’t get a shot because the overall play is elevated with more American players coming in. It doesn’t concern me in the least. From my perspective, it is a good thing if the 67’s end up releasing five players to make room for incoming players of higher skill. Why would we care? Even if they are one year players, so what? If a player is better than another by a significant margin, sign him and play him. Worry about next year, next year. If my decision is between Avila for two seasons or Burnett for one season, that is a super easy decision from my perspective. No brainer.

I agree with that assessment - and that isn’t a slight to Avila at all; in his 10 games he showcased himself and did what was asked of him.

We also have to remember that not every 16-yr old has the same maturity level, physically and emotionally. Some 16-yr olds leave home and never look back because they have older siblings to rely on (ex Pinelli); and some get homesick and battle other elements - heck… Easton Cowan didn’t play in the OHL as a 16-yr old either … and nobody (including the 67s because otherwise they would not have waited to the 5th Rd) thought then-15-yr old & eventual league scoring champion Matt Maggio would be in the OHL at 16.

When the player is ready to perform, irrelevant of age, he should be provided with the opportunity to do so… because why wouldn’t he?

 

[beastintheeast]

I agree with that assessment - and that isn’t a slight to Avila at all; in his 10 games he showcased himself and did what was asked of him.

We also have to remember that not every 16-yr old has the same maturity level, physically and emotionally. Some 16-yr olds leave home and never look back because they have older siblings to rely on (ex Pinelli); and some get homesick and battle other elements - heck… Easton Cowan didn’t play in the OHL as a 16-yr old either … and nobody (including the 67s because otherwise they would not have waited to the 5th Rd) thought then-15-yr old & eventual league scoring champion Matt Maggio would be in the OHL at 16.

When the player is ready to perform, irrelevant of age, he should be provided with the opportunity to do so… because why wouldn’t he?

The difference with London and the rest of the league is that London has a system and a stable coaching setup. The bigger advantage that they have is their off-ice setup. They have the scouts to find the players; they have the affiliate team to develop the players into the Knights system. The other thing that they have is the ability to evaluate a player, and if they do not fit, then to trade them early for late draft picks or bundle them for a player.

I would love to see that done in Ottawa. The challenge I see with Boyd is that he does not like trading players and creates a logjam of mid-skill players who are good enough to make the league but not stars.

The only thing that worries me, and I understand you dress your best team, is the logjam that Boyd will create if he brings in 4 NCAA players and does not trade or release players. What do you do with Bonomo and Perrier, who played their assets off last year to get better? Do you leave them to rot in the Junior leagues? Then you have the kids that we drafted this year. Do you send them down for a year in the CCHL , and then they hope that they can make it next year?

I am not arguing that you should not play and dress your best players, but I am pointing out that Boyd and Cameron have a habit of loyalty to players who may overlook the differences in their skills.

If you bring in Barnett, Zielinski, and Vandenberg, signing them would that not make them automatic team members, all but guaranteed a slot. Let's face it they would have a hard time getting back into the USHL if they were cut.


Ekberg Dever Foster
Amidovski Vandenberg Zielinski
Kingswell Whitehead Kelly
Yanni Chitaroni Import
Houben Perrier


Barnett Eshkawkogan
Marelli Bonomo
Dietsch Avila
Jackson Johnson


Nelson
Vaccari (or another OA)

This is not bad, but where do you put Barlas, Brady, and Horner?
If Whitehead is not going to be a center or 2nd line, do you trade him or let him rot in his draft year?

If Campbell and Shorter come into camo and are close to ready, I do not see an issue with Campbell going to the CCHL, but is Shorter going to want to play CCHL or USHL? I am going to wonder if Shorter looks for some sort of promise fro Boyd because I think the last thing any player woud want it so try out for a CHL team and then have to go to the USHL because they did not make it or vice versa.

Is Chitaroni going to be satisfied with the 1 2 minutes a game that the 4th line gets with DC?

Can DC adapt to the Americans and their style or is he going to shove the round peg into the square hole.
As we have said this is going to be an interesting off-season and there is a alot of moving parts that will be interesting to watch.

This maybe the first time in awhile that we are really looking forward to seeing who comes to camp and who does not as well as who attends the USHL camps (August 28th). and who does not.

 

[Larionov]

To me, this makes it easier to "go for it" in a year when you think you are ready for a run, or even to just manage your roster more on a year to year basis - see what's out there, and keep recruiting the best 19 year olds you can to build a team that is ready to compete right away. The alternative, the traditional patient build, now gets more difficult due to the fact that you could develop a kid from age 16, and then have him leave you at 19 to go NCAA...

 

[OMG67]

The difference with London and the rest of the league is that London has a system and a stable coaching setup. The bigger advantage that they have is their off-ice setup. They have the scouts to find the players; they have the affiliate team to develop the players into the Knights system. The other thing that they have is the ability to evaluate a player, and if they do not fit, then to trade them early for late draft picks or bundle them for a player.

I would love to see that done in Ottawa. The challenge I see with Boyd is that he does not like trading players and creates a logjam of mid-skill players who are good enough to make the league but not stars.

The only thing that worries me, and I understand you dress your best team, is the logjam that Boyd will create if he brings in 4 NCAA players and does not trade or release players. What do you do with Bonomo and Perrier, who played their assets off last year to get better? Do you leave them to rot in the Junior leagues? Then you have the kids that we drafted this year. Do you send them down for a year in the CCHL , and then they hope that they can make it next year?

I am not arguing that you should not play and dress your best players, but I am pointing out that Boyd and Cameron have a habit of loyalty to players who may overlook the differences in their skills.

If you bring in Barnett, Zielinski, and Vandenberg, signing them would that not make them automatic team members, all but guaranteed a slot. Let's face it they would have a hard time getting back into the USHL if they were cut.


Ekberg Dever Foster
Amidovski Vandenberg Zielinski
Kingswell Whitehead Kelly
Yanni Chitaroni Import
Houben Perrier


Barnett Eshkawkogan
Marelli Bonomo
Dietsch Avila
Jackson Johnson


Nelson
Vaccari (or another OA)

This is not bad, but where do you put Barlas, Brady, and Horner?
If Whitehead is not going to be a center or 2nd line, do you trade him or let him rot in his draft year?

If Campbell and Shorter come into camo and are close to ready, I do not see an issue with Campbell going to the CCHL, but is Shorter going to want to play CCHL or USHL? I am going to wonder if Shorter looks for some sort of promise fro Boyd because I think the last thing any player woud want it so try out for a CHL team and then have to go to the USHL because they did not make it or vice versa.

Is Chitaroni going to be satisfied with the 1 2 minutes a game that the 4th line gets with DC?

Can DC adapt to the Americans and their style or is he going to shove the round peg into the square hole.
As we have said this is going to be an interesting off-season and there is a alot of moving parts that will be interesting to watch.

This maybe the first time in awhile that we are really looking forward to seeing who comes to camp and who does not as well as who attends the USHL camps (August 28th). and who does not.

A few things:

1> DC doesn’t need to adapt. The players need to adapt to the coaching style. Like him or loath him, DC is a respected coach overall and he is not going to change at 65+ years old, nor should he. The 67’s have faith in him so it is what it is. Players either need to get on board or jump ship. Continuing to talk about the coach is getting tiresome, even for me (I don’t particularly like DC but meh. Whatever).
2> The 67’s do have affiliate teams. They do have off ice staff. They do have loads of area scouts. They do draft relatively well. Suggesting otherwise is being willfully blind.
3> The Knights have an advantage in one main area: They are a highly desired destination so they can trade a some early picks for high end defected players. That is a huge advantage. Delete HB and Dickenson off the roster, they’d be a lessor team. Also, adding more mature guys that are harder to sign helps. Fine. But they drafted William Moore and Lucas Testa in back to back drafts in the 1st round. One defected and the other was used in a deadline deal but hasn’t been all that great. So, it is not like their drafting is infallible.
4> The main point is the Knights have a development model that works for their younger players. They are a desired location so even a defected player like HB who would have had a hellova lot more playing time as a 16 year old in Ottawa chose to go to London and ride the pine for a season. So, I do not buy this load of crap about 16 year olds being unhappy with playing time. It is about managing expectations. If there are any 16 year olds unhappy with playing time, that is something that should have been managed early. I cannot say whether Boyd and DC do that well or not but the reality is, the OHL is not a league for 16 year olds. The 16 year old should know that.
5> I will say again, WHO gives a rats ass about players that don’t make the team? Does anyone care about what happened to Gabriel Crete? I don’t see anyone on here lamenting about him being cut. Why would we care if Houben or Brady are cut? Why should we care whether there is room for Bonomo or Perrier? Are they good enough to make the team? If yes, they will make the team and some other player will get cut. They will roster 23 players like most other teams. If the 24th player is Perrier, then so be it. He goes and plays Tier II like all other 24th players in the league. We get 20 draft picks per year between the Priority Selection, U-18, and Import Draft. We will have room for around 4-5 of them at some point when they are mature enough to actually compete for a spot. Odds are stacked heavily against the drafted players.

 

[InTheValley]

Malcolm Spence of Erie, is also going to UM next year

 

[frontsfan67]

Malcolm Spence of Erie, is also going to UM next year

Cooper foster would fit right in for the NCAA. Don’t think he gets signed by pens and I think if he went to ncaa for a year or two pens still hold onto his rights while he prepares more for pro against bigger stronger and faster competition.

 

[OMG67]

Cooper foster would fit right in for the NCAA. Don’t think he gets signed by pens and I think if he went to ncaa for a year or two pens still hold onto his rights while he prepares more for pro against bigger stronger and faster competition.

Not sure how that would work. Pens have until June 1 to sign him. I don’t think him committing to school extends that deadline.

 

[frontsfan67]

Not sure how that would work. Pens have until June 1 to sign him. I don’t think him committing to school extends that deadline.

Maybe you’re right. I’m not 100% sure.

 

[beastintheeast]

Maybe you’re right. I’m not 100% sure.

They had a meeting to discuss this with the NHL, CHL, NCAA and USHL. Havenot heard of any decisions or agreement.

Wondering if they are waiting until after the playoffs.

The decision can be retroactive for these players and the team if they decide to extend.

Not sure what the NHLPA has for involvement