Owen Sound Attack 2022-23 Off-Season Thread (Part 2)

[Stellar29]

I would be surprised if they started Sedley with Matejicek at the beginning of the season. Sedley will get #1 minutes and not sure M will. I see Jordan with Sedley to start. I am starting to think they go 9 D as I think there are issues back there.

Jordan - Sedley
Petrovski - Rodgers
Matejicek - Steen
Smith and two unsigned rookies to provide competition/develop.

I do see a trade to improve coming as many of the white D have struggled and the red D have not been challenged in these scrimmages.

I like Jordan but I think it's asking too much of him to be a top pair D. I agree though that the D group could use some work. I haven't really seen much from Steen so far and I don't think Smith has participated in the scrimmages today(injury?). I think 8D is likely the number. 9 would be tough to juggle I think. There are definitely some players available on the trade front but not sure they are needle movers at this time of year. Might be something they address at the deadline when some other players become available.

 

[Stellar29]

As camp wraps, I think Nansi was the best unsigned forward. Would be the fourth 07 signed so may not happen but really high end talent.

On D, Ethier is still my favorite based on his skill set and the upside I think he has. I'd listen to arguments on both Major and Thacker, though Thacker being an 05 probably hurts his chances.

It was a pretty intense final day. Lots of speed and skill mixed in with size and physicality. Good things left to come I think.

 

[Stellar29]

If they were to look outside the organization for help on D a few names that would be of interest to me:

Brantford - (04) Jorian Donovan 6'2" 185lbs
North Bay - (04) Tnias Mathurin 6'3" 195lbs
Peterborough - (04) Konnor Smith 6'5" 206lbs
Ottawa - (04) Derek Smyth 6'5" 215lbs

A lot depends on what those teams want to do this year but if available those players could make sense. Smyth is likely the most affordable piece and may not be enough of an upgrade. If the Attack are going to take a swing this year I think it needs to be on the blue line.

 

[Stellar29]

Attack have made cuts. Nansi and Ethier still with the team though neither signed as of yet.

Forwards: Nico Addy (23), Colby Barlow (39), Tomislav Brennan (19), Ethan Burroughs (29)*, Thomas Chafe (34), Ben Cormier (8), Jake Crawford (16), Deni Goure (7)*, Cedrick Guindon (11), Landen Hookey (10), Kaleb Lawrence (25)*, Servac Petrovsky (18), Jackson Stewart (22), Antonio Tersigni (37), Declan Waddick (27)

Defensemen: Taos Jordan (24), Martin Matejicek (15), James Petrovski (28), Braedyn Rogers (2), Sam Sedley (9)*, Gabriel Smith (3), Madden Steen (5)

Goalies: Carter George (32), Corbin Votary (30)

Also remaining with the team for an extended training camp are forward prospect Harry Nansi and defence prospect Sam Ethier.

 

[leafsrdue]

What is the word on Luddington? Wasn't he hyped as a solid prospect?

 

[Stellar29]

Attack pre-season roster has now been updated with player heights and weights. The new players have not yet been added. Some notable updates:


Hookey 6'4" 207lbs < 6'5" 215lbs
Waddick 5'10" 170lbs > 5'9" 162lbs
Tersigni 5'9" 152lbs < 5'10" 171lbs
Barlow 6'1" 187lbs < 6'1" 195lbs

Sedley 5'11" 183lbs < 5'11" 192lbs
Jordan 5'11" 180lbs < 5'11" 187lbs
Steen 6'2" 202lbs < 6'2" 214lbs
Petrovski 6'3" 187lbs < 6'4" 190lbs
Rogers 6'0" 157lbs < 6'0" 169lbs

George 6'0" 172lbs < 6'1" 182lbs

What is the word on Luddington? Wasn't he hyped as a solid prospect?

He was a total non-factor in my opinion.

 

[leafsrdue]

So the Cal Uens trade turns out to be a straight swap for Jackson Stewart. According to the Fronts board, Uens is now playing mostly forward and has not been impressive. Stewart seemed intent on playing a physical game in the scrimmage yesterday. Not sure where he fits in the lineup and whether or not he can contribute while not taking penalties.

 

[ktownfan]

So the Cal Uens trade turns out to be a straight swap for Jackson Stewart. According to the Fronts board, Uens is now playing mostly forward and has not been impressive. Stewart seemed intent on playing a physical game in the scrimmage yesterday. Not sure where he fits in the lineup and whether or not he can contribute while not taking penalties.

I watched yesterdays scrimmages and will be accused of being Stewarts father or mother or brother or sister lol, but he scored twice and make a great play to lawrence for a goal. I was at the scrimmage in Kingston and can confirn Uens was playing forward. Luddington, I said way back when you send videos to hype yourself , you are overcompensating. I think this is the case here. Stewart plays physical and was physical yesterday. Thought the Addy kid looked good and will be a star for you guys for sure.

 

[Stellar29]

So the Cal Uens trade turns out to be a straight swap for Jackson Stewart. According to the Fronts board, Uens is now playing mostly forward and has not been impressive. Stewart seemed intent on playing a physical game in the scrimmage yesterday. Not sure where he fits in the lineup and whether or not he can contribute while not taking penalties.

Owen Sound also received a third round pick(2024 I believe) in the trade. I didn't see any reason in camp why Stewart wouldn't be a part of the team. He brings an element to the team that nobody else really does with any consistency. If he can manage to limit the unnecessary penalties I can see him having an impact at the bottom of the line up bringing energy every night and contributing ~15 goals. The depth of the forward group should allow the team to roll all 4 lines this year.

 

[PensFan101]

So the Cal Uens trade turns out to be a straight swap for Jackson Stewart. According to the Fronts board, Uens is now playing mostly forward and has not been impressive. Stewart seemed intent on playing a physical game in the scrimmage yesterday. Not sure where he fits in the lineup and whether or not he can contribute while not taking penalties.

Luddington was a throw-in playing tier 2 at 17 so he was always a longshot. The team rolled the dice on him putting it together but as an 18 year old entering camp as a rookie it was always going to be tough. His scouting reports consistently described him as raw, and well it's a short window in junior to realistically make the OHL.

I'm sad about Uens and hope he can turn it around, he was so promising at 16.

 

[ktownfan]

Owen Sound also received a third round pick(2024 I believe) in the trade. I didn't see any reason in camp why Stewart wouldn't be a part of the team. He brings an element to the team that nobody else really does with any consistency. If he can manage to limit the unnecessary penalties I can see him having an impact at the bottom of the line up bringing energy every night and contributing ~15 goals. The depth of the forward group should allow the team to roll all 4 lines this year.

for sure, i see 15-18 for him if used as a 3rd line guy, i believe some of his penalties come from frustration of sitting on the bench, giv the kid a shot, hoping for a good year for him and you guys

 

[Stellar29]

for sure, i see 15-18 for him if used as a 3rd line guy, i believe some of his penalties come from frustration of sitting on the bench, giv the kid a shot, hoping for a good year for him and you guys

I can certainly appreciate the frustration from riding pine for large portions of the game. I don't think that will be an issue this year. The forward group is a lot better in terms of quality depth throughout the lineup this year which I really believe will allow them to roll four lines. I wasn't a fan of the team sitting players the way they did at times last year. They would sit a D and pretty well the entire fourth line for the third period on a lot of nights.

 

[AttackBeacher]

for sure, i see 15-18 for him if used as a 3rd line guy, i believe some of his penalties come from frustration of sitting on the bench, giv the kid a shot, hoping for a good year for him and you guys

But you have to earn what you get, not have it given to you. I remember his second or third game he was paired with Lawrence and Hookey and he just couldn’t keep up or make plays in the neutral zone. As the season went on he kept taking bad penalties, the coaches would talk to him on the bench (I assume telling him not to do it), and he’d do it again. In no hockey world other than house league are you just given ice time, you need to earn the coaches trust and obviously he didn’t.and I’m not sure they are wrong.

Jackson is effective in spurts and when used property, but from missed passes, poor vision, average skating and poor discipline, he has shown to this point he can’t play ahead of guys like Hookey because they are better. That may change, but to this point it hasn’t. I hope it does because he is so good at some aspects of the game, but he needs work at it.

I appreciate your passion for the player, but I think why some believe you are emotionally connected to the player is because you only post about that player, and not the other outstanding players such as Guindon or Barlow. They team this year will be very good, with a long list of very good players, I’m not sure it’s fair to suggest that one player needs more focus then others, especially if they are a depth guy vs a prime player.

 

[AttackBeacher]

I was only able to attend a few scrimmages from main camp, some random fan thoughts.

Guindon and Barlow look a year older and very exciting. They will drive this team.

The Import defenceman Matejicek looked very much like a top 4 OHL defenceman, he’s well ahead of Steen for me, much more polished player.

Cormier looks a year older, quicker and more stronger, the goal he scored in one of the scrimmages was a pure ‘out work’ goal which if he has now should allow for him to have a very good year.

Rogers looked stronger, very simple,moves pucks and a sneaky shot. If he’s a 6D this year that’s a good thing for the team.

Nice to see Brennan out there and making plays. I can see him as a bottom 6 guy who could score 20 if he stays healthy.

Addy is impressive. Checks the boxes, great shot and seemed to have a mean streak.

Smith moves very well. Simple plays. A year as a 7/8 would allow to take a regular role this year.

Crawford plays a very responsible game and should an in and out of the lineup guy like Smith. I figure he’s a very good 2C down the line.

I hope they find a way to keep Nansi, he had done very impressive skill plays and once he gets stronger he should be a lead horse in a few years.

Anyone else notice Dec? Not much talk over an 8th round pick but he has OHL skill right now. He’s what, 5’7 and 130 or so? Comes back next year at 5’8 / 145 he may be the best of them all. He could be a perfect fit for the bigger power guys they drafted early.

 

[KFawcett]

Still one scrimmage to go but I think I like the forward mix to be:

Waddick - Guindon - Barlow
Hookey - Petrovsky - Burroughs
Brennan - Lawrence - Addy
Stewart - Cormier - Tersigni
Chafe - Crawford

Guindon with two trigger men on his flanks is awfully appealing. Hookey and Brennan could be interchangeable but I like Hookey's size on line two. Lawrence and Addy have looked good together in scrimmages and I think that would be a nice combo on the third line. Some nights line 2 and 3 could swap depending on which line is going on a particular evening. Stewart with Cormier and Tersigni can take a regular turn and provide energy and chip in a bit on the score sheet.

If Lawrence gets moved out in favour of Goure I think I'd make a couple tweaks:
Waddick - Guindon - Barlow
Petrovsky - Goure - Burroughs
Hookey - Brennan - Addy
Stewart - Cormier - Tersigni
Chafe - Crawford

Still TBD on the defense for me. I like the idea of Sedley playing with Matejicek but other than that I think the other pairs could look any number of ways.

Personally I don't think Waddick sees top 6 minutes at least until he shows that he wasn't working hard to be -45. When he shows he knows what to do on the defensive side of the puck he will get more opportunity. If he is truly a -45 type player his icetime could be limited.

 

[AttackBeacher]

Personally I don't think Waddick sees top 6 minutes at least until he shows that he wasn't working hard to be -45. When he shows he knows what to do on the defensive side of the puck he will get more opportunity. If he is truly a -45 type player his icetime could be limited.

I thought he looked like a guy who was very new to the environment. Hopefully he gets more accustomed to the Attack style he loves up to the top of the lineup or at least the top of the middle 6

 

[Stellar29]

Personally I don't think Waddick sees top 6 minutes at least until he shows that he wasn't working hard to be -45. When he shows he knows what to do on the defensive side of the puck he will get more opportunity. If he is truly a -45 type player his icetime could be limited.

Both Guindon and Barlow are good two way players which may offset defensive shortcomings. I think he'll be in the top 6 mix but exhibition games should show what he can do playing with the Attack forward group.

I thought he looked like a guy who was very new to the environment. Hopefully he gets more accustomed to the Attack style he loves up to the top of the lineup or at least the top of the middle 6

I thought the same. A little more time with the new teammates, coaching staff and systems will make a big difference.

 

[DCruickshank]

As said above...-45 does not fall in your lap, you almost have to try to get that stat....let's hope the defence picks up or ice time will be hard to get

 

[Millpond]

Personally I don't think Waddick sees top 6 minutes at least until he shows that he wasn't working hard to be -45. When he shows he knows what to do on the defensive side of the puck he will get more opportunity. If he is truly a -45 type player his icetime could be limited.

A particular someone reminded the players this week ' you won't play here if you don't play defence.'.

 

[OSAfan]

Both Guindon and Barlow are good two way players which may offset defensive shortcomings. I think he'll be in the top 6 mix but exhibition games should show what he can do playing with the Attack forward group.


I thought the same. A little more time with the new teammates, coaching staff and systems will make a big difference.

Guindon and Barlow were extremely good in the scrimmages and clearly will determine how far the attack go. You could see the potential of a Lawrence and Addy pairing. How the top 6 is rounded out will be interesting. I was a little concerned with the forward depth but that will all depend on what roles the players are put in and we do have a nice mix to play with. My biggest concern is still on the backend. Key will be how much players like Rogers, Petrovsky and M continue to develop. It’s a good team with stars, solid depth and role flexibility. Should be a fun year.

 

[Stellar29]

Guindon and Barlow were extremely good in the scrimmages and clearly will determine how far the attack go. You could see the potential of a Lawrence and Addy pairing. How the top 6 is rounded out will be interesting. I was a little concerned with the forward depth but that will all depend on what roles the players are put in and we do have a nice mix to play with. My biggest concern is still on the backend. Key will be how much players like Rogers, Petrovsky and M continue to develop. It’s a good team with stars, solid depth and role flexibility. Should be a fun year.

Personally, I really like the forward group. I think there's a really good mix of skill, size and versatility. You're right though, the backend still has questions to be answered. I think Rogers is ready to take a regular role and Matejicek looks like a solid pick up so far. I think the success of the mix will be determined by what Jordan, Steen and Petrovski can do combined with somebody like a Rogers breaking out. Barring that, I expect they will need to look outside the organization for help. Really exciting team they have to start the year.

As said above...-45 does not fall in your lap, you almost have to try to get that stat....let's hope the defence picks up or ice time will be hard to get

To be fair, everybody's stat line looked ugly on Niagara last year. I'm not saying write the number off but it definitely needs to be taken with a massive grain of salt. Playing with really good offensive players like Guindon and Barlow who also play sound defensively should set the example of what is expected.

 

[DCruickshank]

Personally, I really like the forward group. I think there's a really good mix of skill, size and versatility. You're right though, the backend still has questions to be answered. I think Rogers is ready to take a regular role and Matejicek looks like a solid pick up so far. I think the success of the mix will be determined by what Jordan, Steen and Petrovski can do combined with somebody like a Rogers breaking out. Barring that, I expect they will need to look outside the organization for help. Really exciting team they have to start the year.


To be fair, everybody's stat line looked ugly on Niagara last year. I'm not saying write the number off but it definitely needs to be taken with a massive grain of salt. Playing with really good offensive players like Guindon and Barlow who also play sound defensively should set the example of what is expected.

He has a very long way to go before he is on the same line as those two, not to mention about 3 other players to leap frog....not saying it won't happen, just not anytime soon

 

[Stellar29]

He has a very long way to go before he is on the same line as those two, not to mention about 3 other players to leap frog....not saying it won't happen, just not anytime soon

Who do you like with Guindon and Barlow? I like the idea of having two goal scorers on Guindon's wings as he's a very good playmaker. Petrovsky would fit there too but depending on the OA situation I think he would be a good 2C. Hookey could work but they play a lot of rush/counter hockey that I'm not sure he could skate well enough to be impactful 100% of the time. Guindon and Barlow together look like a special pair but it would be nice to find the right player to compliment them on that line.

 

[leafsrdue]

Barlow, Guidon and Cubby would score a lot of goals. I liked Petro there last year but maybe that left the other lines weaker. I guess we will know more once the OA situation is cleared up. I was all in with keeping Goure but Lawrence looked like he was in great form in the scrimmage. Tough call for management.

 

[DCruickshank]

Who do you like with Guindon and Barlow? I like the idea of having two goal scorers on Guindon's wings as he's a very good playmaker. Petrovsky would fit there too but depending on the OA situation I think he would be a good 2C. Hookey could work but they play a lot of rush/counter hockey that I'm not sure he could skate well enough to be impactful 100% of the time. Guindon and Barlow together look like a special pair but it would be nice to find the right player to compliment them on that line.

Hookey is there at the moment