SoupNazi
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- Feb 6, 2010
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Owen Sound Attack 2024-25 Season Thread, Part II
- Thread starter SoupNazi
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To everyone else's point, there is no doubt that the lack of chemistry that the top line has has way more to do with Delisle no longer being in the lineup. He was there when things where going great and the lack of depth is showing. There are 5/6 guys on this team that probably get pushed out next year with younger more talented player coming in, new imports and perhaps a few trades.
I have no issues with the rebuild thus far. The team generally works hard every game, not 100 percent but for about 50 games this year they were the harder working team. They've run into teams with way more skill and decent work ethic, and that's pretty hard to overcome for a team that is probably one of the least skilled teams in the league, but we knew that coming in, so complaining about it now seems odd. Some wanted a rebuild but now that its heard complain about the day in day out of a rebuild.
Next year it will be a hard team to make, with the 07s and 08s a year older and probably 2, but maybe 3 NHL Drafted goalies on the roster they will be in an interesting stage. This team has been way more enjoyable then last years team despite having way, way less talent. If this coaching staff had last years team the results would have been much different, but at least the foundation is being poured and they have a ton of younger under 18 talent who should be very strong OHL players.
Biggest need next year is a true 1C. Someone who can produce and carry the load against the better defenders in the league. Deslile is very good but better suited as a 2C and next year Crawford should be a great 3C. Hard to do, but its the biggest need.
I have no issues with the rebuild thus far. The team generally works hard every game, not 100 percent but for about 50 games this year they were the harder working team. They've run into teams with way more skill and decent work ethic, and that's pretty hard to overcome for a team that is probably one of the least skilled teams in the league, but we knew that coming in, so complaining about it now seems odd. Some wanted a rebuild but now that its heard complain about the day in day out of a rebuild.
Next year it will be a hard team to make, with the 07s and 08s a year older and probably 2, but maybe 3 NHL Drafted goalies on the roster they will be in an interesting stage. This team has been way more enjoyable then last years team despite having way, way less talent. If this coaching staff had last years team the results would have been much different, but at least the foundation is being poured and they have a ton of younger under 18 talent who should be very strong OHL players.
Biggest need next year is a true 1C. Someone who can produce and carry the load against the better defenders in the league. Deslile is very good but better suited as a 2C and next year Crawford should be a great 3C. Hard to do, but its the biggest need.
I agree with pretty well everything you've stated. I think Dec has a shot to be a 1C and we should get another look from him before the end of the season. Delisle would be an excellent 2C and Crawford I totally agree is a great fit at 3C unless he develops more of an offensive touch.
To me, the guys that are locks to be back at forward are Mbuyi, Dec, Zurawski, Wray, Delisle, Nansi, Crawford, Kindree. Guys like Cormier and Tersigni have three seasons under their belts now and still haven't really been able to carve out a regular role in the lineup and are likely bubble guys. I think Mikus is a solid bottom six player and I'd keep him. Varosyan to me is a toss up. I think you could make a case for him to come back but also wouldn't be shocked if they replaced him. You've got unsigned guys like Prud'homme and Vandeven that figure to get a good look in camp as players with size. The blueline depth could also lead the Attack to carry two import forwards. I suspect the 09 first rounder will be a forward as well. And then you still could have as many as two open OA spots to fill. There will certainly be changes to the forward group next season and it should be an incredibly competitive camp next season.
My biggest wish would be an offensive weapon on the blueline. I'd like to see a guy that can, with a little more regularity, contribute offensively. That may happen organically with a guy like Kwajah or Roy. Not necessarily expecting that out of 17 year old players but can they get there by 18? I like the pieces on the blueline but definitely feels like they're missing that element.
The Attack depth in net is going to be a bit of an embarrassment of riches next season, especially if all three are NHL drafted. Owen Sound feels like a bit of a goalie factory of late. It would be great for the scouting staff to pick up an 09 goalie in this draft that continues that trend of success.
PensFan101
Forever Champions.
I don't have an issue with posters being critical of the rebuild (and not just because I'm one of the skeptics) for a couple reasons: 1) happy to have multiple viewpoints on here so long as it's respectful and not attacking the kids that wear our colours; and 2) we just went through a cycle of reloading and rebuilding that yielded exactly three playoff wins in three seasons. The last time we had a cycle of players (however you'd like to define each generation) that didn't even win a playoff series was... the wilderness years between Snyder/Mair and the Bobby Ryan era?? We've been spoiled but it's been a long time.
I think DeGray and Sean LaFortune and the staff consistently do a great job recruiting and finding players and there have been more hits than misses this season, but part of having optimism in a rebuild is whether this realistically is going to pay off down the line. The Four 03's and Barlow era was a bust and there is definitely something to prove here.
I agree that the foundation for the next great Attack team is absolutely there. We haven't had two impact 16 year olds since Suzuki and Phillips, and Mbuyi and Zurwaski both look like cornerstone players. I think a top end centre would be great but (EDIT: to Stellar's point, forgot about Dec - maybe he could be enough), but trading for one is unlikely. I think the team is better off reloading the defence and - as Fred Wallace discussed in his excellent Bear Tracker interview with JC - "opening the wallet" for a high end import.
That's a bit of a benefit from having a high import pick this year I think is that it should be easier to pick a position of need and theoretically fill that need for free in terms of asset cost. Absolutely a financial cost involved I'm sure but the team is poised to make a run over the next couple years. I can't imagine it would be that hard to sell a higher end 07(likely NHL drafted) or an 08 that fits with Mbuyi and Zurawski to be a part of the team here. 1C or a higher end scoring wing would certainly make sense depending on how you feel about Dec's ability to be a 1C. I think it's easier to take a forward than a D in the import draft and have them transition over a little bit easier. They do project to have some extra pieces next year, maybe they try and package a couple together for a piece that fills a need? It's going to be a fascinating off season with so many things to sort through.
Would be interesting to see them open the wallet for a top end import player. But let’s be real, he hey never have done that before. So why now? I’ve been critical of certain players this year and that won’t change, Crawford, 37, and Nansi aren’t guys I’d want on the roster next year. I don’t see the hype in Nansi other than he is good at defending the puck when it’s on his stick, he isn’t a scorer, and he really doesn’t bring a physical game. I’d try to trade him in the summer. Just my opinion on that. We definitely need an offensive dman.
Noticed in the back ground of this week's Bear Tracker pod the Attack are practicing. I time stamped the video where you can clearly see an Attack player, looked to be a Dman, in quite a bit of distress after blocking a shot. I wonder if that's the Arnett injury?
Don't get me wrong, I get the skeptisism, I think most would suggest that the coaching issues where the big issue last year, but well see.
I just don't get being critical of the team on ice performance right now. We know that they are rebuilding, I think Greg Cowan said they are the youngest team in Owen Sound in 20 years and they play that way. Of course they are going to be struggling with depth and consistency, that's what we all signed up for. Guys like Hookey would be a depth guy an a team like London, here he is our top forward. Thats what you sign up for when you ask for a rebuild.
Michael Dec officially recalled this morning. Should be here the rest of the way with the conclusion of the St Andrews hockey schedule this past weekend.
Thats good news. I hope we are not setting him up for too high expectations, but he seems to be a smart talented player who probably can add some of the depth of scoring that will be needed into the future. Another good 17 year old to add.
I wouldn't worry too much about expectations. I don't think anyone is looking for a 17 year old to come in and save the season or anything. He can provide some much needed offensive support with his skill set and hopefully provide a bit of a boost. It's a nice addition with Delisle's injury situation as the Attack forward group has certainly missed him.
With St Andrew's schedule being completed, he's eligible to play the remaining games for the Attack.
My understanding is that as a B card player, his primary responsibility is to his home club team, St Andrews, who's schedule has now wrapped. Being that he no longer has games with St Andrews he should be able to play in all remaining Attack games, both regular season and playoffs should the team qualify. The 10 game cap no longer exists once the player's season has ended with their home club.
The only caveat to all that is that he's with a prep school. I don't know if there are restrictions around his academic calendar that may prevent him from participating in games during the week(note this week is March break and he should be able to play all games this week). The only game I think is a question mark is the Thursday game against Barrie on March 20th.
so I guess it’s safe to say that the next two games are must wins if they have any chance of making the playoffs.
