Peterborough Petes 2022-23 Season Thread (Part 2)

[User13452]

I think the Petes now need to step back and wait a bit. Both Barrie and Ottawa have done nothing. Both have access to immense expendable assets. Both are ahead of the Petes in the standings.

Instead of being hell bent on scratching out two more players and trading your 1st rounder from last year or potentially your first rounder from this year, I think it would be prudent to ensure there is a reason to do so.

Keeping up with the Jones’ is great and all but not when the Jones’ have even started to make a move yet. On top of that, North Bay is probably two players ahead of the Petes right now.

Peterborough made the move for Ohtmann and that didn’t really cost much so as of right now there isn’t a lot invested in this season.

I’m not saying the Petes should be sellers but based on reading the market, I’m not thinking it would be prudent to buy until you have a better sense of what you are up against.

If one or both of Ottawa and Barrie blow their brains out on elite talent, will adding a forward and D-Man be worth it?

If LA returns Clarke and they manage to secure Sale, that is two players added to Barrie without an asset moving out. They could easily add two elite pieces with ease on top of that. Maybe even add as many as four if they wanted to blow their brains out with picks etc.

So you all want it so bad that you are willing to risk your future on what could be at best an underdog matchup in round two even adding two players of significant value?

I’d wait a while and see what transpires in Barrie. I wouldn’t be overly worried as much about Ottawa until they give you a reason to be worried but Barrie scares the hell out of me right now.

Everything is invested in this season. Oke just said it again yesterday and Wilson has stated it many times they believe this is their year to make a run. There is zero chance they sell and zero chance they stand pat they’ve told the fans and players this is the year

 

[Section7fan]

I have an extremely hard time trading VV for an OA. Obviously Morrison and White are good players but the OA market is so limited and we have some pick capital. I also think the other included player should be Spearing instead of Panwar.

 

[ptbopete]

This is the year if Simpson continues to play like he did last night. Best saves ever, at least 2 or 3 highlight reel saves. Avon, Lockhart brought their A game. The defense solid in our own end with Guo playing one his best games. Honestly we only need to add a good skating defenseman and we should be good to make a deep run. We have four D-Men who are almost that good now but not quite. Biggest crowd of the year last night?

 

[User13452]

I have an extremely hard time trading VV for an OA. Obviously Morrison and White are good players but the OA market is so limited and we have some pick capital. I also think the other included player should be Spearing instead of Panwar.

Trading JVV for a OA would be awful

 

[OMG67]

Everything is invested in this season. Oke just said it again yesterday and Wilson has stated it many times they believe this is their year to make a run. There is zero chance they sell and zero chance they stand pat they’ve told the fans and players this is the year

It doesn’t mean it is the right thing to do. A strong management team assesses the entire market and makes decisions as the market changes. If Peterborough blows whatever they have left including JVV and Lardis and then Barrie comes along and says, “hold my beer,” the Petes are going to look stupid with a second round exit in dramatic fashion. And it wouldn’t be because they are a bad team. It would be because there are three better teams ahead of them. That’s the sad part.

 

[dirty12]

I think the Petes now need to step back and wait a bit. Both Barrie and Ottawa have done nothing. Both have access to immense expendable assets. Both are ahead of the Petes in the standings.

Instead of being hell bent on scratching out two more players and trading your 1st rounder from last year or potentially your first rounder from this year, I think it would be prudent to ensure there is a reason to do so.

Keeping up with the Jones’ is great and all but not when the Jones’ have even started to make a move yet. On top of that, North Bay is probably two players ahead of the Petes right now.

Peterborough made the move for Ohtmann and that didn’t really cost much so as of right now there isn’t a lot invested in this season.

I’m not saying the Petes should be sellers but based on reading the market, I’m not thinking it would be prudent to buy until you have a better sense of what you are up against.

If one or both of Ottawa and Barrie blow their brains out on elite talent, will adding a forward and D-Man be worth it?

If LA returns Clarke and they manage to secure Sale, that is two players added to Barrie without an asset moving out. They could easily add two elite pieces with ease on top of that. Maybe even add as many as four if they wanted to blow their brains out with picks etc.

So you all want it so bad that you are willing to risk your future on what could be at best an underdog matchup in round two even adding two players of significant value?

I’d wait a while and see what transpires in Barrie. I wouldn’t be overly worried as much about Ottawa until they give you a reason to be worried but Barrie scares the hell out of me right now.

Despite the record showing the Petes can be beat regularly, the Petes are probably the 2nd best team in the conference (for now). But there are a couple of glaring holes to fill imo, there really is a need for a good RD and a centre for Othmann-Lardis or Stillman.
If the Petes can fill those needs, the ‘67s will have some serious work to; perhaps it is the ‘67s that should sell.

 

[Saggy]

Second best?? Walk me thru that logic as I see them 4th at best

 

[Section7fan]

Second best?? Walk me thru that logic as I see them 4th at best

Change your name to Mr Bloom and go back to the North Bay thread.

 

[Kingpin794]

Despite the record showing the Petes can be beat regularly, the Petes are probably the 2nd best team in the conference (for now). But there are a couple of glaring holes to fill imo, there really is a need for a good RD and a centre for Othmann-Lardis or Stillman.
If the Petes can fill those needs, the ‘67s will have some serious work to; perhaps it is the ‘67s that should sell.

For all the clamoring about the team needing defenders, I’d argue they need a big injection of offensive skill. They only average 3.4 goals for per game. That’s pretty much middle of the pack and nearly a full goal per game less than North Bay and Ottawa. They given up less than a 100 right now which is pretty good. They just aren’t deep enough on offense to be a serious threat at the moment. Focus the resources on two good forwards if they can get them or at least a really good puck mover and a F.

 

[User13452]

It doesn’t mean it is the right thing to do. A strong management team assesses the entire market and makes decisions as the market changes. If Peterborough blows whatever they have left including JVV and Lardis and then Barrie comes along and says, “hold my beer,” the Petes are going to look stupid with a second round exit in dramatic fashion. And it wouldn’t be because they are a bad team. It would be because there are three better teams ahead of them. That’s the sad part.

I agree but you mentioned a key point there “strong management team” which the Petes to me are not and never will be with Oke at the helm IMO. But they decided last year at the deadline by trading for Stillman which to me was a huge mistake as he hasn’t lived up to expectations but that’s over and done with now. And then again in the off-season getting Lockhart that this was the year. It’s too late now a week and a half out from the deadline to switch plans and start to sell it makes no sense.

For all the clamoring about the team needing defenders, I’d argue they need a big injection of offensive skill. They only average 3.4 goals for per game. That’s pretty much middle of the pack and nearly a full goal per game less than North Bay and Ottawa. They given up less than a 100 right now which is pretty good. They just aren’t deep enough on offense to be a serious threat at the moment. Focus the resources on two good forwards if they can get them or at least a really good puck mover and a F.

They have more than enough offensive players. They can roll out 3 good offensive lines when everyone is playing

 

[Kingpin794]

I agree but you mentioned a key point there “strong management team” which the Petes to me are not and never will be with Oke at the helm IMO. But they decided last year at the deadline by trading for Stillman which to me was a huge mistake as he hasn’t lived up to expectations but that’s over and done with now. And then again in the off-season getting Lockhart that this was the year. It’s too late now a week and a half out from the deadline to switch plans and start to sell it makes no sense.


They have more than enough offensive players. They can roll out 3 good offensive lines when everyone is playing

After 30 some games, no they don’t. Nothing about their output suggests they can roll 3 good lines right now, injuries or not.

 

[OMG67]

Despite the record showing the Petes can be beat regularly, the Petes are probably the 2nd best team in the conference (for now). But there are a couple of glaring holes to fill imo, there really is a need for a good RD and a centre for Othmann-Lardis or Stillman.
If the Petes can fill those needs, the ‘67s will have some serious work to; perhaps it is the ‘67s that should sell.

If Barrie does what they are capable of doing, I think the 67s may be best off staying status quo and maybe just add an OA.

If Clarke and Sale end up in Barrie and Barrie is committed, there really isn’t anything even Ottawa can do to block them. Ottawa is far better positioned than Peterborough is to enter this deadline and even I agree that the 67s would be in tough.

This is my point. If Barrie goes all in and has two bodies report for nothing then it could be all over for the league. I think this possibility at least needs to be on the radar of the other teams and should be factored into decisions.

It would be irresponsible for the Petes to blindly make the best deals they can to put them in the best position they can only to end up the 4th best team. It would be stupid to do that.

If they do nothing, they likely end up the 4th beat team. If they do everything possible, they potentially still end up being the 4th best team.

 

[User13452]

If Barrie does what they are capable of doing, I think the 67s may be best off staying status quo and maybe just add an OA.

If Clarke and Sale end up in Barrie and Barrie is committed, there really isn’t anything even Ottawa can do to block them. Ottawa is far better positioned than Peterborough is to enter this deadline and even I agree that the 67s would be in tough.

This is my point. If Barrie goes all in and has two bodies report for nothing then it could be all over for the league. I think this possibility at least needs to be on the radar of the other teams and should be factored into decisions.

It would be irresponsible if true Petes to blindly make the best deals they can to put them in the best position they can only to end up the 4th best team. It would be stupid to do that.

If they do nothing, they likely end up the 4th beat team. If they do everything possible, they potentially still end up being the 4th best team.

They have no choice they aren’t gonna sell off guys. They lose a good majority of their top 6 forwards next year too it’s all or nothing this year unfortunately if that means a second round exit then someone will have to answer for that.

After 30 some games, no they don’t. Nothing about their output suggests they can roll 3 good lines right now, injuries or not.

Othmann has only played in how many? They should add another forward but they shouldn’t have a problem putting the puck in the net with what they have

 

[OMG67]

They have no choice they aren’t gonna sell off guys. They lose a good majority of their top 6 forwards next year too it’s all or nothing this year unfortunately if that means a second round exit then someone will have to answer for that.

Why is it a blind all or nothing year? If you have a car you spent $3000 fixing and it now cost $5000 for the next repair, do you make the assessment based on the $3000 you already spent and can’t get back? An economist would say no. That money is sunk. The best decision is to assess where you are now and invest according to what the forecasted outcome is.

Same goes for hockey management. You don’t blindly make a commitment unless it makes sense to make the commitment.

What would you suggest they do if Clarke is returned to Barrie and Sale reports? Then they trade for DelMaestro, Wright and Savard? Maybe they add a goalie and another role player? Let’s say the Pete’s haven’t done anything to that point.

Would you suggest the Petes add and not stack up to a Barrie roster that would roll them? And by adding it results in JVV and Lardis gone as well as going into next season with zero 2nds and 3rds through 2026.

Would you do it any way just because “we are all in?”

If the answer is YES then the person answering yes is stupid.

The only reason to say yea is because you’d be confident you can win. You don’t empty every viable asset to make it to round 2 or 3.

EDIT:
I am a 67s fan and if the trades available don’t make the team better than what is considered to be the best team, I would not approve of the trades. I would prefer to remain status quo, get to round two without spending any assets and roll the dice in round two.

Keep my assets and use them at a more responsible time.

 

[User13452]

Why is it a blind all or nothing year? If you have a car you spent $3000 fixing and it now cost $5000 for the next repair, do you make the assessment based on the $3000 you already spent and can’t get back? An economist would say no. That money is sunk. The best decision is to assess where you are now and invest according to what the forecasted outcome is.

Same goes for hockey management. You don’t blindly make a commitment unless it makes sense to make the commitment.

What would you suggest they do if Clarke is returned to Barrie and Sale reports? Then they trade for DelMaestro, Wright and Savard? Maybe they add a goalie and another role player? Let’s say the Pete’s haven’t done anything to that point.

Would you suggest the Petes add and not stack up to a Barrie roster that would roll them? And by adding it results in JVV and Lardis gone as well as going into next season with zero 2nds and 3rds through 2026.

Would you do it any way just because “we are all in?”

If the answer is YES then the person answering yes is stupid.

The only reason to say yea is because you’d be confident you can win. You don’t empty every viable asset to make it to round 2 or 3.

I’m just saying they aren’t gonna sell top guys off and they won’t stand pat. If you go into the Peterborough examiner and read the article yesterday you’ll see that selling and standing pat aren’t options

 

[Kingpin794]

They have no choice they aren’t gonna sell off guys. They lose a good majority of their top 6 forwards next year too it’s all or nothing this year unfortunately if that means a second round exit then someone will have to answer for that.


Othmann has only played in how many? They should add another forward but they shouldn’t have a problem putting the puck in the net with what they have

They’ve average 3.1 per in games he’s played in. They’re not exactly lighting people up.

 

[dirty12]

Second best?? Walk me thru that logic as I see them 4 A centre for Othmann-Stillman

Second best?? Walk me thru that logic as I see them 4th at best

I believe the Petes have the 2nd best and deepest forward group, and 3rd is not very close imo. Though a centre that can play up to Othman’s ability is critical imo. One added piece can make all the other pieces fall into place. Bloom for NB is a fine example.

 

[OMG67]

I’m just saying they aren’t gonna sell top guys off and they won’t stand pat. If you go into the Peterborough examiner and read the article yesterday you’ll see that selling and standing pat aren’t options

What you aren’t understanding is I am not making an assessment on what I think they “will” do. I am suggesting what they “should” do if they were smart.

Wait out the WJHC and see if Clarke gets returned and see what happens in Barrie. Throw a thermometer in the water and check the temperature before they make big commitments. It is the more responsible thing to do.

 

[User13452]

What you aren’t understanding is I am not making an assessment on what I think they “will” do. I am suggesting what they “should” do if they were smart.

Wait out the WJHC and see if Clarke gets returned and see what happens in Barrie. Throw a thermometer in the water and check the temperature before they make big commitments. It is the more responsible thing to do.

There’s just a lot of variables at play here this season between Oke only have this year and next on his contract and most of their top 6 guys gone next year to me it was decided last season that this was the year so they might as well push all the chips in and see what happens regardless if it’s smart or not they’ve gone too far already to turn around

 

[OMG67]

I believe the Petes have the 2nd best and deepest forward group, and 3rd is not very close imo. Though a centre that can play up to Othman’s ability is critical imo.

I think there have been enough games played to this point to get a strong sense of what the Petes are and what they aren’t. They have some strong 18-19 year olds but their younger group isn’t productive enough.

We agree they need an elite centre to create an elite first line. But, the depth of scoring isn’t proven to be there.

They have what I consider 5 strong forwarsa and adding the centre gives them two really good lines. The third line would be fine but if they get injuries, they don’t have the replacements to pick up the slack and not adversely affect the 3rd line.

The Eastbis going to be far too difficult and strong to not have a really strong 3rd line. Even with the centre added, they will struggle against NB.

Their overall 5 on 5 play as a team is passable but it needs to improve significantly.

Mayer is a good player but they lack a really strong ancho on the back end. That would be fine if their overall depth were above average but they aren’t. If you miss that elite D-Man, you need four guys that can play at a super high level. I don’t see that.

So, from my perspective, they need the centre and D-Man just to fill the obvious holes. From there they would then need to add to mitigate against risk of injury as well as for intimidation up and down the lineup where the opposing team is intimidated to pay them. Not physically but from a scoring weapons perspective. They aren’t scaring annoying from the back end or after the first two lines.

Ottawa has some of the same issues but they have far more ammo to correct it. Their 16 and 17 year olds have been far more valuable and present as better depth options when they get pushed down the lineup after trades happen.

If Barrie and Ottawa do what they are supposed to do, there is nothing the Petes can do to not be 4th on paper. If Ottawa and Barrie don’t do anything then I agree that they are the #2 after two moves but I don’t see both Barrie and Ottawa sitting on their hands.

There’s just a lot of variables at play here this season between Oke only have this year and next on his contract and most of their top 6 guys gone next year to me it was decided last season that this was the year so they might as well push all the chips in and see what happens regardless if it’s smart or not they’ve gone too far already to turn around

And that is a stupid reason to do it. Just, well, because.

I am not saying you are stupid. I know you are just saying what you think they will do so please don’t take it that way. I respect your stance 100%.

 

[dirty12]

If Barrie does what they are capable of doing, I think the 67s may be best off staying status quo and maybe just add an OA.

If Clarke and Sale end up in Barrie and Barrie is committed, there really isn’t anything even Ottawa can do to block them. Ottawa is far better positioned than Peterborough is to enter this deadline and even I agree that the 67s would be in tough.

This is my point. If Barrie goes all in and has two bodies report for nothing then it could be all over for the league. I think this possibility at least needs to be on the radar of the other teams and should be factored into decisions.

It would be irresponsible for the Petes to blindly make the best deals they can to put them in the best position they can only to end up the 4th best team. It would be stupid to do that.

If they do nothing, they likely end up the 4th beat team. If they do everything possible, they potentially still end up being the 4th best team.

The ‘67s can fold and probably should if Barrie can acquire what you suggest. The Petes are committed, and close to a championship calibre team; maybe a C & D away from the ‘67s not able to be clearly better even if they blow their brains out adding.

I think there have been enough games played to this point to get a strong sense of what the Petes are and what they aren’t. They have some strong 18-19 year olds but their younger group isn’t productive enough.

We agree they need an elite centre to create an elite first line. But, the depth of scoring isn’t proven to be there.

They have what I consider 5 strong forwarsa and adding the centre gives them two really good lines. The third line would be fine but if they get injuries, they don’t have the replacements to pick up the slack and not adversely affect the 3rd line.

The Eastbis going to be far too difficult and strong to not have a really strong 3rd line. Even with the centre added, they will struggle against NB.

Their overall 5 on 5 play as a team is passable but it needs to improve significantly.

Mayer is a good player but they lack a really strong ancho on the back end. That would be fine if their overall depth were above average but they aren’t. If you miss that elite D-Man, you need four guys that can play at a super high level. I don’t see that.

So, from my perspective, they need the centre and D-Man just to fill the obvious holes. From there they would then need to add to mitigate against risk of injury as well as for intimidation up and down the lineup where the opposing team is intimidated to pay them. Not physically but from a scoring weapons perspective. They aren’t scaring annoying from the back end or after the first two lines.

Ottawa has some of the same issues but they have far more ammo to correct it. Their 16 and 17 year olds have been far more valuable and present as better depth options when they get pushed down the lineup after trades happen.

If Barrie and Ottawa do what they are supposed to do, there is nothing the Petes can do to not be 4th on paper. If Ottawa and Barrie don’t do anything then I agree that they are the #2 after two moves but I don’t see both Barrie and Ottawa sitting on their hands.


And that is a stupid reason to do it. Just, well, because.

I am not saying you are stupid. I know you are just saying what you think they will do so please don’t take it that way. I respect your stance 100%.

The Petes have an elite 1st line, they are a centre away from two elite lines and a bottom six that will not be matched by any team other than NB.

 

[User13452]

I think there have been enough games played to this point to get a strong sense of what the Petes are and what they aren’t. They have some strong 18-19 year olds but their younger group isn’t productive enough.

We agree they need an elite centre to create an elite first line. But, the depth of scoring isn’t proven to be there.

They have what I consider 5 strong forwarsa and adding the centre gives them two really good lines. The third line would be fine but if they get injuries, they don’t have the replacements to pick up the slack and not adversely affect the 3rd line.

The Eastbis going to be far too difficult and strong to not have a really strong 3rd line. Even with the centre added, they will struggle against NB.

Their overall 5 on 5 play as a team is passable but it needs to improve significantly.

Mayer is a good player but they lack a really strong ancho on the back end. That would be fine if their overall depth were above average but they aren’t. If you miss that elite D-Man, you need four guys that can play at a super high level. I don’t see that.

So, from my perspective, they need the centre and D-Man just to fill the obvious holes. From there they would then need to add to mitigate against risk of injury as well as for intimidation up and down the lineup where the opposing team is intimidated to pay them. Not physically but from a scoring weapons perspective. They aren’t scaring annoying from the back end or after the first two lines.

Ottawa has some of the same issues but they have far more ammo to correct it. Their 16 and 17 year olds have been far more valuable and present as better depth options when they get pushed down the lineup after trades happen.

If Barrie and Ottawa do what they are supposed to do, there is nothing the Petes can do to not be 4th on paper. If Ottawa and Barrie don’t do anything then I agree that they are the #2 after two moves but I don’t see both Barrie and Ottawa sitting on their hands.


And that is a stupid reason to do it. Just, well, because.

I am not saying you are stupid. I know you are just saying what you think they will do so please don’t take it that way. I respect your stance 100%.

Jobs are on the line and when the GM’s jobs on the line he’s not gonna stand pat even though it might be the right thing to do.

The ‘67s can fold and probably should if Barrie can acquire what you suggest. The Petes are committed, and close to a championship calibre team; maybe a C & D away from the ‘67s not able to be clearly better even if they blow their brains out adding.


The Petes have an elite 1st line, they are a centre away from two elite lines and a bottom six that will not be matched by any team other than NB.

I’m not sold on the bottom 6 being that good

 

[Bra Wavers]

Love to see all the chatter on here.......some I even agree with
Let's face it......Oke doesn't have the ammo to make a move today.

The trade market reminds me of the housing market. Prices seemed to increase during the 1st half of the season Teams who are selling are hoping prices continue to climb (crazy talk of 1st rounders for OAs is a sign of this). Unfortunately for sellers, the market seems to be cooling off.
I'm guessing that those teams are not settling for the lesser offers they are receiving now and holding out for better offers. Another wrinkle in the market is the situation for Wright/Clarke - I'm sure this is holding things up for some buying teams.

It's crazy that after a whirlwind of big deals early, the OHL GMs haven't pulled the trigger on any deals since the trade freeze ended. Did the league forget to send an email to the GMs about the Dec. 28th date? Do the GMs not know I'm on holidays now and looking for something to fill my days? I don't have to worry about shoveling snow for a while!

I think GMs prefer making trades early in the week (Mon-Wed) to avoid turmoil while games are being played so we could see some deals starting on Monday but I don't expect the Petes to be involved. Oke (and many GMs) will wait until Jan.5th after the WJC for Wright to be traded and then the scrambling will begin......by sellers trying to keep up and buyers trying to get the best possible return.

I really feel as though Oke's deals will be done closer to the deadline. The good news is that only Ottawa and the Petes have an open OA spot. Even though other teams may want to upgrade their OAs, the Petes should be able to get an OA at a decent price at the last minute. There are enough OAs out there that would strengthen the Petes significantly just be adding a veteran and lengthening the lineup.
Oke does need to hit a home-run with his OA addition, especially with Spearing (3rd pairing) and Panwar (3rd/4th line) as his other OAs. Gavin White, welcome to the Petes! If this were "fantasy hockey", no doubt that Spearing would be upgraded as well, but unless it's a good landing spot for Spearing it will be a tough sell.

It depends on how the market goes, but I expect that Oke will have to include one/some of Lardis, Dezoete, Melee, McCoy, Guo and JVV (hope not ).

 

[OMG67]

The ‘67s can fold and probably should if Barrie can acquire what you suggest. The Petes are committed, and close to a championship calibre; maybe a C & D away from the ‘67s not able to be clearly better even if they blow their brains out adding.


The Petes have an elite 1st line, they are a centre away from two elite lines and a bottom six that will not be matched by any team other than NB.

The Petes do not have an elite first line. Not even close. They’d need to add an Uber elite centre before they could even come close to saying they have an elite first line. Their current first line wouldn’t even have a 90 point player on it. Suggesting otherwise is just silly.

I’m a 67a fan and even I am realistic about what my team is and what it isn’t. Why you pump the Pete’s tires so unrealistically is beyond me.

If the Petes add an elite centre like Wright, I will admit at that point they’d have an elite first line. Then they’d have a good second line that all score around 70 points. The 3rd line is like 40 pointers that play a role. The 4th line is a 5 minute per game line.

If the 67s add 2 forwards and don’t trade a key forward doing it, they’d have three lines all in the same range as the Petes second line (70 pointers) plus a 4th line scoring around 60-70 goals combined.

I’m being realistic based on demonstrated output to date. You are not being realistic at all.

 

[User13452]

Love to see all the chatter on here.......some I even agree with
Let's face it......Oke doesn't have the ammo to make a move today.

The trade market reminds me of the housing market. Prices seemed to increase during the 1st half of the season Teams who are selling are hoping prices continue to climb (crazy talk of 1st rounders for OAs is a sign of this). Unfortunately for sellers, the market seems to be cooling off.
I'm guessing that those teams are not settling for the lesser offers they are receiving now and holding out for better offers. Another wrinkle in the market is the situation for Wright/Clarke - I'm sure this is holding things up for some buying teams.

It's crazy that after a whirlwind of big deals early, the OHL GMs haven't pulled the trigger on any deals since the trade freeze ended. Did the league forget to send an email to the GMs about the Dec. 28th date? Do the GMs not know I'm on holidays now and looking for something to fill my days? I don't have to worry about shoveling snow for a while!

I think GMs prefer making trades early in the week (Mon-Wed) to avoid turmoil while games are being played so we could see some deals starting on Monday but I don't expect the Petes to be involved. Oke (and many GMs) will wait until Jan.5th after the WJC for Wright to be traded and then the scrambling will begin......by sellers trying to keep up and buyers trying to get the best possible return.

I really feel as though Oke's deals will be done closer to the deadline. The good news is that only Ottawa and the Petes have an open OA spot. Even though other teams may want to upgrade their OAs, the Petes should be able to get an OA at a decent price at the last minute. There are enough OAs out there that would strengthen the Petes significantly just be adding a veteran and lengthening the lineup.
Oke does need to hit a home-run with his OA addition, especially with Spearing (3rd pairing) and Panwar (3rd/4th line) as his other OAs. Gavin White, welcome to the Petes! If this were "fantasy hockey", no doubt that Spearing would be upgraded as well, but unless it's a good landing spot for Spearing it will be a tough sell.

It depends on how the market goes, but I expect that Oke will have to include one/some of Lardis, Dezoete, Melee, McCoy, Guo and JVV (hope not ).

There should have been more deals made in the off-season. Spearing should not of been brought back. They should have drafted a defenceman in the Euro draft. The best player in the whole Mctavish deal is now in Sudbury the Petes basically traded Stillman for mctavish which is awful Melee has done nothing. The defence wasn’t good enough last year so I’m not sure how they thought it was acceptable to enter the season with the same group.

The Petes do not have an elite first line. Not even close. They’d need to add an Uber elite centre before they could even come close to saying they have an elite first line. Their current first line wouldn’t even have a 90 point player on it. Suggesting otherwise is just silly.

I’m a 67a fan and even I am realistic about what my team is and what it isn’t. Why you pump the Pete’s tires so unrealistically is beyond me.

If the Petes add an elite centre like Wright, I will admit at that point they’d have an elite first line. Then they’d have a good second line that all score around 70 points. The 3rd line is like 40 pointers that play a role. The 4th line is a 5 minute per game line.

If the 67s add 2 forwards and don’t trade a key forward doing it, they’d have three lines all in the same range as the Petes second line (70 pointers) plus a 4th line scoring around 60-70 goals combined.

I’m being realistic based on demonstrated output to date. You are not being realistic at all.

It’s pretty simple compare lines from the top 2 teams from each of however many years you want to go back and look and see does the Petes depth matchup with what they had and I’m pretty sure the answer would be no even just got back and look at hamilton and Windsor’s teams last year