Owen Sound Attack 2024-25 Season, Part I

[PensFan101]

Michael Dec returned home after yesterday's game, as intended .
He will finish his schooling at St Andrew's, and by all accounts will ( likely ) suit up next season with the Attack .

The situation with Bennett is interesting . He was brought in to fill a gap and has performed exemplary.

Could/ would he come back in a year, if Carter were traded ?

Would love Bennett to come back in the event of a George trade but there are a lot of roster decisions in there that would complicate it for both sides. If the team is selling George, and waiving the white flag on next season, what's the upside in bringing in a goalie who is slated to play his OA season in the NCAA? He's been worthy of playing in the OHL for sure, though, and I'm sure he's gotten some bonus exposure with NHL scouts.

This summary pretty well nails it right on the head. The focus needs to be on adding additional draft stock and top 6 forward potential. The cupboard is in good shape for future drafts but we need extra draft capital for a potential future run if we want to be serious about contending. The Attack have assets that should be able to return exactly that this year and would do well to capitalize on that. Konnor Smith, Sam McCue and James Petrovski should all move and maybe Hookey if somebody offers enough to make it worth the Attack's while. Short term pain for long term gain.

How confident are we feeling about McCue coming back as an overager? I feel like right now it's better than 50/50 with the Leafs having no pressure to sign him. I would lean towards keeping him.

Hookey is an interesting name though. I feel like DeGray's history is to keep a player like him, and with almost every team rostering all three overage spots (and it being a deep year for him), I'd lean towards keeping him though.

Smith and Petrovski, absolutely 100% would move and it seems clear that Smith will go. When we consistently have to scratch either Smith or Bleicher, both of whom I think deserve a regular shift and to see where they slot in for the future, Petrovski's minutes can be replaced.

Going to be an exciting week.

 

[cruickshankd]

Would love Bennett to come back in the event of a George trade but there are a lot of roster decisions in there that would complicate it for both sides. If the team is selling George, and waiving the white flag on next season, what's the upside in bringing in a goalie who is slated to play his OA season in the NCAA? He's been worthy of playing in the OHL for sure, though, and I'm sure he's gotten some bonus exposure with NHL scouts.



How confident are we feeling about McCue coming back as an overager? I feel like right now it's better than 50/50 with the Leafs having no pressure to sign him. I would lean towards keeping him.

Hookey is an interesting name though. I feel like DeGray's history is to keep a player like him, and with almost every team rostering all three overage spots (and it being a deep year for him), I'd lean towards keeping him though.

Smith and Petrovski, absolutely 100% would move and it seems clear that Smith will go. When we consistently have to scratch either Smith or Bleicher, both of whom I think deserve a regular shift and to see where they slot in for the future, Petrovski's minutes can be replaced.

Going to be an exciting week.

I think 6,28 and 12 are on the block....not 32

 

[PensFan101]

I think 6,28 and 12 are on the block....not 32

Sorry I wasn't clear enough, meant selling George next season. Have had no reason to think he's on the block this season nor should he be.

If the other three are moved, the team definitely needs to bring in some OA candidates for next season, but would likely be a great haul for the team.

 

[Stellar29]

Would love Bennett to come back in the event of a George trade but there are a lot of roster decisions in there that would complicate it for both sides. If the team is selling George, and waiving the white flag on next season, what's the upside in bringing in a goalie who is slated to play his OA season in the NCAA? He's been worthy of playing in the OHL for sure, though, and I'm sure he's gotten some bonus exposure with NHL scouts.



How confident are we feeling about McCue coming back as an overager? I feel like right now it's better than 50/50 with the Leafs having no pressure to sign him. I would lean towards keeping him.

Hookey is an interesting name though. I feel like DeGray's history is to keep a player like him, and with almost every team rostering all three overage spots (and it being a deep year for him), I'd lean towards keeping him though.

Smith and Petrovski, absolutely 100% would move and it seems clear that Smith will go. When we consistently have to scratch either Smith or Bleicher, both of whom I think deserve a regular shift and to see where they slot in for the future, Petrovski's minutes can be replaced.

Going to be an exciting week.

Buys you time if Bennett comes in next year full time. He can be the starter or 1A/1B with Koprowski. If he sticks with leaving for the NCAA at the end of the year then hopefully Koprowski is ready to take over the starter's role at 19(which could free up an OA slot). As of right now, the Attack don't have another goalie in the pipeline so drafting one this year to come in behind Koprowski as a rookie at 17 would be a good path as well.

I'm pretty certain McCue comes back. The issue is his value is higher now than it would be as an OA next year if this group can't take that step towards contention next year and we end up selling, which at this point seems likely. The 07s just haven't progressed the way we had hoped(but maybe they figure it out in the second half this year). I'd prefer to take the max value return now than wait and settle for whatever he returns as an OA next year. Our 05 group isn't great but there will be surplus 05s available in the offseason/pre-season that they can bring in for relatively cheap, even if we have to bring in 3 all new OAs.

Hookey is a guy I'd move if somebody is willing to make it worth the Attack's while. I wouldn't move him just for the sake of it as he certainly holds significant value to this Attack team as a good veteran leader and a consistent offensive contributor this year. You could theoretically get an OA back in that transaction that can provide a similar role too so it's not necessarily pure subtraction to the roster.

And that's exactly why I'd move Petrovski if they can get value back for him. I don't want to see Smith/Bleicher/Arnett sitting in the second half. The Attack have enough depth on D that they can move him. If they elect to convert Roy to an A card then they have 7 D. Roy can come up and play if they get into injury or suspension issues.

 

[PensFan101]

Buys you time if Bennett comes in next year full time. He can be the starter or 1A/1B with Koprowski. If he sticks with leaving for the NCAA at the end of the year then hopefully Koprowski is ready to take over the starter's role at 19(which could free up an OA slot). As of right now, the Attack don't have another goalie in the pipeline so drafting one this year to come in behind Koprowski as a rookie at 17 would be a good path as well.

I'm pretty certain McCue comes back. The issue is his value is higher now than it would be as an OA next year if this group can't take that step towards contention next year and we end up selling, which at this point seems likely. The 07s just haven't progressed the way we had hoped(but maybe they figure it out in the second half this year). I'd prefer to take the max value return now than wait and settle for whatever he returns as an OA next year. Our 05 group isn't great but there will be surplus 05s available in the offseason/pre-season that they can bring in for relatively cheap, even if we have to bring in 3 all new OAs.

Hookey is a guy I'd move if somebody is willing to make it worth the Attack's while. I wouldn't move him just for the sake of it as he certainly holds significant value to this Attack team as a good veteran leader and a consistent offensive contributor this year. You could theoretically get an OA back in that transaction that can provide a similar role too so it's not necessarily pure subtraction to the roster.

And that's exactly why I'd move Petrovski if they can get value back for him. I don't want to see Smith/Bleicher/Arnett sitting in the second half. The Attack have enough depth on D that they can move him. If they elect to convert Roy to an A card then they have 7 D. Roy can come up and play if they get into injury or suspension issues.

I think the replacement cost to get 2, maybe 3 OAs is the biggest reason to keep McCue unless a team blows the Attack away with an offer they can't refuse, thinking like a 2008 born player coming back.

If we want an OA with a similar level to McCue next season, we're looking at a Guindon level asking price. If we're looking to do it on the cheap, you end up risking getting multiple guys at the level of Bruce McDonald - who no doubt plays the right way on a rebuilding team - but doesn't have the offence to justify an overage spot on a playoff team. That's a huge, huge risk.

And re: the 07's progressing, that's definitely a reason to trade everyone they can and hand the reigns over to them to see who steps up, but to me the fact that they're seemingly all stagnating or even regressing offensively is a structural issue with the team and goes beyond the players. It's a big task that the rookie coaching staff will have to address in the second half.

 

[Stellar29]

I think the replacement cost to get 2, maybe 3 OAs is the biggest reason to keep McCue unless a team blows the Attack away with an offer they can't refuse, thinking like a 2008 born player coming back.

If we want an OA with a similar level to McCue next season, we're looking at a Guindon level asking price. If we're looking to do it on the cheap, you end up risking getting multiple guys at the level of Bruce McDonald - who no doubt plays the right way on a rebuilding team - but doesn't have the offence to justify an overage spot on a playoff team. That's a huge, huge risk.

And re: the 07's progressing, that's definitely a reason to trade everyone they can and hand the reigns over to them to see who steps up, but to me the fact that they're seemingly all stagnating or even regressing offensively is a structural issue with the team and goes beyond the players. It's a big task that the rookie coaching staff will have to address in the second half.

Guindon is a top tier OA. I don't expect Owen Sound to be shopping in that tier. Maybe more mid tier like 3rd and 5th round picks for a decent OA? Certainly a step up from a McDonald type. Not sure you need 3 OAs anyways. Two solid OAs and maybe add the third if an opportunity presents itself? They project to have extra bodies next year as it is so there will be some roster tweaks coming without question.

Dec will be a fulltime piece next year. Vandeven and Gilby are having nice seasons amongst the 08 draft class. Trent Gates(who has a late birthday) could factor in. Prud'homme could still be a player potentially as an 07. Roy should join full time next year and then there's the Jet Kwajah scenario that could shake out in the offseason(which correct me if I'm wrong, the buyout/transfer fee isn't a thing during the offseason?). Then factor in the new 09 draft class which should produce a high pick forward that will play. Some bodies are getting shipped out/cut at some point. Some of the guys on the roster today are essentially trying out for next year's team and showing they belong. Competition for roster spots is going to be steep.

 

[PensFan101]

Guindon is a top tier OA. I don't expect Owen Sound to be shopping in that tier. Maybe more mid tier like 3rd and 5th round picks for a decent OA? Certainly a step up from a McDonald type. Not sure you need 3 OAs anyways. Two solid OAs and maybe add the third if an opportunity presents itself? They project to have extra bodies next year as it is so there will be some roster tweaks coming without question.

Dec will be a fulltime piece next year. Vandeven and Gilby are having nice seasons amongst the 08 draft class. Trent Gates(who has a late birthday) could factor in. Prud'homme could still be a player potentially as an 07. Roy should join full time next year and then there's the Jet Kwajah scenario that could shake out in the offseason(which correct me if I'm wrong, the buyout/transfer fee isn't a thing during the offseason?). Then factor in the new 09 draft class which should produce a high pick forward that will play. Some bodies are getting shipped out/cut at some point. Some of the guys on the roster today are essentially trying out for next year's team and showing they belong. Competition for roster spots is going to be steep.

Bolded appears to be the case, but don't know the ins and outs of USHL contracts.

Agree with the rest, but if the team is wanting to be competitive with George, can't see them not making use of all 3 OA slots. There will be a lot of competition for spots next season.

 

[Stellar29]

Bolded appears to be the case, but don't know the ins and outs of USHL contracts.

Agree with the rest, but if the team is wanting to be competitive with George, can't see them not making use of all 3 OA slots. There will be a lot of competition for spots next season.

I mean, hypothetically, Owen Sound could hard sell now and soft buy some 05s for next year if they wanted to at this deadline? Brantford was rumored to be a back up option on Konnor Smith. What if a solid 05 like Crombie came back as opposed to a younger player in addition to the draft picks that come back? Crombie could be a Hookey replacement for next year filling a similar role with the physical play and depth scoring. Just purely spit balling a hypothetical here but that could make some sense too.

 

[JRHOCKEYBUZZ]

I mean, hypothetically, Owen Sound could hard sell now and soft buy some 05s for next year if they wanted to at this deadline? Brantford was rumored to be a back up option on Konnor Smith. What if a solid 05 like Crombie came back as opposed to a younger player in addition to the draft picks that come back? Crombie could be a Hookey replacement for next year filling a similar role with the physical play and depth scoring. Just purely spit balling a hypothetical here but that could make some sense too.

If a team like Brantford is looking to make a run this year & acquire a player like Smith - It is not likely that they are looking to off load an 05. Crombie especially sitting 6th on their team in points providing good depth scoring would likely be someone they hold onto until the summer time at least.

 

[Stellar29]

Here's an interesting nugget in Greg Cowan's Trade Deadline piece with Dale DeGray:

“At some point you’ve got to throw caution to the wind and say ‘we’re in, we’re in, here you go’ right? But I think before you do that you have to start accumulating some assets, and that’s what I’m hoping to do,” DeGray said. “I think I’ve done that with Cedrick, I think I’ve done that with Colby and I’m hoping I can do that with Konnor Smith.”

Dale has admitted he's not typically an all in buyer/seller in the past but that quote seems to indicate some shift in mentality that he understands we need the assets to contend down the road. Hopefully he can accumulate a good haul this deadline and really set up the Attack with a good war chest for down the road when the Attack can field a contending roster. It's always frustrating to have a good team approaching the deadline but not the assets to really make a splash to improve the team. This would be a good start.

Owen Sound Attack looking to move captain Konnor Smith ahead of trade deadline

The Owen Sound Attack have their captain on the trade market. GM Dale DeGray said Friday he's looking to move overage defenceman Konnor Smith.

www.owensoundsuntimes.com

 

[Stellar29]

Interesting note in the bottom of Greg Cowan's post game write up.

"Meanwhile, highly touted Attack prospect Jet Kwajah will likely remain in the USHL at least for the rest of the 2024-25 season. The 16-year-old from Etobicoke has dealt with an injury for much of the year. The Penn State commit is a prized target for the Attack, but DeGray cited expensive “development fees” owed to USHL teams when signing a player off the roster as a barrier to acquiring Kwajah in-season."

I don't know about anyone else but to me at least it kind of reads like we'd have signed him if not for the "development fees". Odds of him joining the Attack for next season might actually be pretty decent.

"Jovo" notches first-career shutout as the Owen Sound Attack are blanked in Guelph

The kid from Tecumseh turned the lights back on in Guelph Friday night with a 40-save shutout as the Guelph Storm blanked the Owen Sound Attack 2-0 inside the Sleeman Centre.

www.owensoundsuntimes.com

 

[three dog night]

Tonight game canceled

 

[Stellar29]

Tonight game canceled

Not surprised. It's not pretty in Owen Sound. Lots of snow and it's blowing. Better to be cautious.

 

[Millpond]

Not surprised. It's not pretty in Owen Sound. Lots of snow and it's blowing. Better to be cautious.

It's been a snowglobe here all day.

Hasn't stopped.

 

[AttackSound]

Here's an interesting nugget in Greg Cowan's Trade Deadline piece with Dale DeGray:

“At some point you’ve got to throw caution to the wind and say ‘we’re in, we’re in, here you go’ right? But I think before you do that you have to start accumulating some assets, and that’s what I’m hoping to do,” DeGray said. “I think I’ve done that with Cedrick, I think I’ve done that with Colby and I’m hoping I can do that with Konnor Smith.”

Dale has admitted he's not typically an all in buyer/seller in the past but that quote seems to indicate some shift in mentality that he understands we need the assets to contend down the road. Hopefully he can accumulate a good haul this deadline and really set up the Attack with a good war chest for down the road when the Attack can field a contending roster. It's always frustrating to have a good team approaching the deadline but not the assets to really make a splash to improve the team. This would be a good start.

Owen Sound Attack looking to move captain Konnor Smith ahead of trade deadline

The Owen Sound Attack have their captain on the trade market. GM Dale DeGray said Friday he's looking to move overage defenceman Konnor Smith.

www.owensoundsuntimes.com

DD certainly hasn't hid that this season is a heavy development side for the young core of players he hopes to build around. He also understands that the older group of players with trade value can help accelerate the team's progress moving forward in the development of the young guys in the system by giving the older players a chance to make a final kick at ending their careers on high-notes.

This is certainly the case with Smith, as DD would like to benefit for both Smith and the team's progression moving forward.

What happens between now and the OA deadline on the 9th is anyone's guess for what a return might look like. Until a press release is made, DD seems to be doing exactly what he can to help all involved which is to not panic and react too fast at what will be a key move forward for the team's next cycle.

 

[OSAttackFan88]

So who is getting dealt? Clearly the weakness on this team is goal scoring. Fun young team that battles every game though. When is the ideal time to trade George? This time next year is my opinion if the team is not near the top of the league.

 

[Stellar29]

So who is getting dealt? Clearly the weakness on this team is goal scoring. Fun young team that battles every game though. When is the ideal time to trade George? This time next year is my opinion if the team is not near the top of the league.

I think the only thing for certain is Konnor Smith at this point. I think there's likely enough interest in McCue that I could see that happening. Petrovski could make sense for some teams who maybe don't want to spend big on a D upgrade. After that, who knows.

I think George is a move for the offseason if they can get Bennett full time to pair with Koprowski next season. Gives you the rest of this year to evaluate your roster and see what kind of progress the young players can make in the second half of this year. Allows you the ability to make a more informed judgement as to what kind of team the Attack will be next year. If they perform better in the second half then maybe you feel confident and comfortable enough to hang on to George for next year in hopes of being competitive?

At this point I think the team moving forward is strong in net, solid on the blueline but really needs some scoring punch in the forward group. Offense is just bone dry this year outside of 2 or 3 guys. If this team could ever score goals I'd feel so much better about the group as a whole.

 

[GoFronts]

I think the only thing for certain is Konnor Smith at this point. I think there's likely enough interest in McCue that I could see that happening. Petrovski could make sense for some teams who maybe don't want to spend big on a D upgrade. After that, who knows.

I think George is a move for the offseason if they can get Bennett full time to pair with Koprowski next season. Gives you the rest of this year to evaluate your roster and see what kind of progress the young players can make in the second half of this year. Allows you the ability to make a more informed judgement as to what kind of team the Attack will be next year. If they perform better in the second half then maybe you feel confident and comfortable enough to hang on to George for next year in hopes of being competitive?

At this point I think the team moving forward is strong in net, solid on the blueline but really needs some scoring punch in the forward group. Offense is just bone dry this year outside of 2 or 3 guys. If this team could ever score goals I'd feel so much better about the group as a whole.

As someone who doesn't watch many Attack games, what's the scouting report on Petrovski? As a Fronts fan, I wouldn't mind a McCue/Petrovski deal if the fit is there. We definitely need some help on the backend.

 

[PensFan101]

As someone who doesn't watch many Attack games, what's the scouting report on Petrovski? As a Fronts fan, I wouldn't mind a McCue/Petrovski deal if the fit is there. We definitely need some help on the backend.

Petrovski is best described as an all-arounder I think. He's decent at most things but has no outstanding traits even at this level.

He is a good skater for his size and can move the puck, but isn't a natural on the powerplay and a team would want to have better puckmovers. I think he would thrive with a more offensive partner. Can kill penalties and is decent defensively, but isn't so good defensively you'd want him anchoring a shutdown pair. Maybe supporting a stay at home guy.

He's big but doesn't have a ton of snarl in his game. He tried to add some post Rangers NHL camp last season but it hasn't been a true fit for him.

Basically at this level he's a minute eating Top 4 D that can do a bit of everything, but a contending team will want a guy that does each of his roles better elsewhere. Part of my frustration and why I'd like to see him traded is that progress has been limited since he came to Owen Sound and at this point younger guys can fill his minutes.

Kingston is actually a great fit I think because he adds that depth and experience, but the Fronts have a clear powerplay offensive guy in Pieniniemi. He can fill in if needed and eat lots of minutes.

 

[GoFronts]

Petrovski is best described as an all-arounder I think. He's decent at most things but has no outstanding traits even at this level.

He is a good skater for his size and can move the puck, but isn't a natural on the powerplay and a team would want to have better puckmovers. I think he would thrive with a more offensive partner. Can kill penalties and is decent defensively, but isn't so good defensively you'd want him anchoring a shutdown pair. Maybe supporting a stay at home guy.

He's big but doesn't have a ton of snarl in his game. He tried to add some post Rangers NHL camp last season but it hasn't been a true fit for him.

Basically at this level he's a minute eating Top 4 D that can do a bit of everything, but a contending team will want a guy that does each of his roles better elsewhere. Part of my frustration and why I'd like to see him traded is that progress has been limited since he came to Owen Sound and at this point younger guys can fill his minutes.

Kingston is actually a great fit I think because he adds that depth and experience, but the Fronts have a clear powerplay offensive guy in Pieniniemi. He can fill in if needed and eat lots of minutes.

Kinda like the sounds of that to be honest. We have Burns and Pieniniemi eating up most of the minutes as our clear 1/2 D, then McGowan/Williamson as our 3/4 which is quite the drop off when you compare other contending team's top 4's. Sounds like he'd be a good complementary piece for sure.

We have two rookies in Velliaris and Moore that rotate in and out of the lineup and play suuuuper limited minutes as the 6th D in our lineup so it'd be nice to get an upgrade over them at the very least.

Maybe a McCue and Petrovski package is the way to go!

 

[Noofgoof]

I Know deals get scrapped all the time and nothing is set in stone until it goes through but was just reading something Bob Murray posted on FB saying that no less than 3 deals Dales had in place have been essentially nixed so far because of players using their NTC. That makes it tough for sure for Dale.

 

[JRHOCKEYBUZZ]

I Know deals get scrapped all the time and nothing is set in stone until it goes through but was just reading something Bob Murray posted on FB saying that no less than 3 deals Dales had in place have been essentially nixed so far because of players using their NTC. That makes it tough for sure for Dale.

This seems surprising for me. Assuming the players declining the trade are younger players from teams who are in a win now mode.. You would think an opportunity to have an elevated role and potentially be a big part of something in 2 years when they are in their "OHL prime" Would be enough for players to consider and accept the move. Especially seeing how Owen Sound has treated their players in the past (Durzi, Phillips, Suzuki, & More recently Barlow) if they are not in a position to win they have done right and moved the guys team wants. Definitely makes the trade deadline way more difficult.

 

[OHL4Life]

This seems surprising for me. Assuming the players declining the trade are younger players from teams who are in a win now mode.. You would think an opportunity to have an elevated role and potentially be a big part of something in 2 years when they are in their "OHL prime" Would be enough for players to consider and accept the move. Especially seeing how Owen Sound has treated their players in the past (Durzi, Phillips, Suzuki, & More recently Barlow) if they are not in a position to win they have done right and moved the guys team wants. Definitely makes the trade deadline way more difficult.

its not just an owen sound thing, its everywhere. thats why the oshawa soo trade has been held up so much.