Sarnia Sting 2022 Off-season Thread

[HockeyPops]

Windsor sent 35 goal scorer Kyle McDonald to Windsor North Bay last season, and was still playing in May.

 

[StingUpdates]

Windsor sent 35 goal scorer Kyle McDonald to Windsor last season, and was still playing in May.

To North Bay, but I get your point haha. That was a head scratcher at the time too. He seemed like a good piece in their T6 & was having a really solid year.

Gave guys like Abraham, Maggio bigger roles & they flourished + gave them assets to flip for Perrot who was their best Dman (IMO) in the playoffs. Have to wait & see if Sarnia's guys can do the same or not & if Seca can do as good as they did with those picks.

 

[Ferda11]

Another reason why I currently do not like the Dann trade is because heading into a season where we feel like we should be contending, we do not really have the formula it seems to take to make a run and win a championship. If you look back on past OHL championship winning teams, there's a common theme. They all have six or seven 20+ goal scorers, with an average 4-5 guys who are 30+ goal scorers. Those teams usually posses a D man that produces above average offensive type numbers as well, typical a QB PP d-man type player.

Going into next season, we currently have 3 players who scored over 20 goals last season (Burke,Voit,Hill). Next closest to 20 goals were Namestnikov (16) and Sickic (15). We didn't posses that D man who had above average offensive numbers, but indications showed Ritchie could very well be that for us this year (36 pts in 53 games in Sarnia) and Mast was coming around towards the end offensively and reportedly had a great camp with the B's. We all know we have the goaltending, so this should not be an issue.

I understand guys will take steps this year and with the additions of the imports and the immediate impact potential of Martone, will this be even remotely close to enough to envision that roster having six to seven 20+ goal scorers at minimum, by playoffs????

Edit - please note that I'm not saying that this is the only requirement to winning a championship. Just a key piece to the puzzle.

 

[OHL Fan]

Like your reasoning.

Your D corp is suspect at best in being a Mem Cup Contender. Goalie is proven.

We dont know how the 2 imports will translate to the American game, and where Martone will slot? Martone is not a bottom 6 guy and there may not be room in the top 6 because of talent and seniority/maturity.

I agree that you should have kept Dann who is an 03. Unless GM wanted the 2x 2nds and 5th for a future much needed addition?

As of now, without knowing ability and production from 2 imports and Martone, I believe they are still behind Windsor, London, Owen Sound, Flint and Guelph.

 

[SarniaStingFan]

Like your reasoning.

Your D corp is suspect at best in being a Mem Cup Contender. Goalie is proven.

We dont know how the 2 imports will translate to the American game, and where Martone will slot? Martone is not a bottom 6 guy and there may not be room in the top 6 because of talent and seniority/maturity.

I agree that you should have kept Dann who is an 03. Unless GM wanted the 2x 2nds and 5th for a future much needed addition?

As of now, without knowing ability and production from 2 imports and Martone, I believe they are still behind Windsor, London, Owen Sound, Flint and Guelph.

I agree with most of your points expect that they're behind London. London is losing 4 key contributors. Luke Evangelista (111 points), Antonio Stranges (84 points), Cody Morgan (71 points), and Camaryn Baber (20 points in 36 games with LDN). It's unlikely that London is going to be at the top of the Western Conference this upcoming season.

 

[StingUpdates]

Another reason why I currently do not like the Dann trade is because heading into a season where we feel like we should be contending, we do not really have the formula it seems to take to make a run and win a championship. If you look back on past OHL championship winning teams, there's a common theme. They all have six or seven 20+ goal scorers, with an average 4-5 guys who are 30+ goal scorers. Those teams usually posses a D man that produces above average offensive type numbers as well, typical a QB PP d-man type player.

Going into next season, we currently have 3 players who scored over 20 goals last season (Burke,Voit,Hill). Next closest to 20 goals were Namestnikov (16) and Sickic (15). We didn't posses that D man who had above average offensive numbers, but indications showed Ritchie could very well be that for us this year (36 pts in 53 games in Sarnia) and Mast was coming around towards the end offensively and reportedly had a great camp with the B's. We all know we have the goaltending, so this should not be an issue.

I understand guys will take steps this year and with the additions of the imports and the immediate impact potential of Martone, will this be even remotely close to enough to envision that roster having six to seven 20+ goal scorers at minimum, by playoffs????

Edit - please note that I'm not saying that this is the only requirement to winning a championship. Just a key piece to the puzzle.

Definitely fair. I imagine they hope Voit, Burke, Vilmanis, Namestnikov, Sikic & Lantz all score 20. I dont think thats unreasonable given their goal totals last season. Obviously we don't know with the imports but Vilmanis best trait is scoring & is drafted so you'd fricken hope he can score consistently. Lantz we'll see.

Martone was touted at having the best shot so you'd hope he scores some goals even as a rookie. MacDonell, Filak each had 10 with spending half the yr playing L4. So with natural development/progression & consistent T9 minutes u hope they get to 15-18 goals.

I think Ritchie will put up some big numbers from the backend. Mast quietly had 31 in 59 so he'll be a 40+ PT guy especially if he's improved like Boston said. Daviault should have a 30-40 PT season. It does fall off after that tho. Can't expect much offensively from Dillingham, Romeo, MacDonald tho u don't need all ur D to rack up points.

It's definitely not as sure fire as you'd like tho I agree. Dann was that. Coulda bet your house on him getting at least 30 with upside of 40. They are putting their entire season (a big one!) on things that aren't certainties & boy could it blow up in their face.

 

[StingUpdates]

I agree with most of your points expect that they're behind London. London is losing 4 key contributors. Luke Evangelista (111 points), Antonio Stranges (84 points), Cody Morgan (71 points), and Camaryn Baber (20 points in 36 games with LDN). It's unlikely that London is going to be at the top of the Western Conference this upcoming season.

Windsor as well. Lose Cuylle, Zito, D'Amico, Perrot, Henault, Ribau & have to trade one of Maggio/Currie/Renwick. Defence looks just ok & Onuska is average at best.

If Johnston is back they'll score goals (he has a real shot at making DAL) but not nearly as much as last yr. They won't be bad by any means but I don't see them being better. Could be wrong but I don't see enough there.

 

[Dougie Daryl Clark]

I expect OS and Guelph to be the top 2 in the West. If Sarnia want to be that 3rd team this is the key:
Daviault: 40-50 pts.
MacDonell: 25 goals, 55pts
Martone: 15-20 goals.
Max: 25 -30 goals.
If this happens and all the other players (Voit, Burke, Gaudreau, Mast, new Imports) play to expectation, then you have a real good shot.

 

[OHL Fan]

I agree with most of your points expect that they're behind London. London is losing 4 key contributors. Luke Evangelista (111 points), Antonio Stranges (84 points), Cody Morgan (71 points), and Camaryn Baber (20 points in 36 games with LDN). It's unlikely that London is going to be at the top of the Western Conference this upcoming season.

And what happens if London lands Nazar and Haltunnen?

And trades away as usual for a top 6 player.

I expect OS and Guelph to be the top 2 in the West. If Sarnia want to be that 3rd team this is the key:
Daviault: 40-50 pts.
MacDonell: 25 goals, 55pts
Martone: 15-20 goals.
Max: 25 -30 goals.
If this happens and all the other players (Voit, Burke, Gaudreau, Mast, new Imports) play to expectation, then you have a real good shot.

Windsor has a deeper team than you think and will sign some US kids to fill roster.

Owen Sound and Guelph have depth but no Superstars to carry the load like Johnston, or Othmann.

Flint loses Keppen and Bertuzzi, and has all their forwards coming back. Their D corp all returning. If Cranley can be similar to Cavallin, then they are the front runners in the West. More than half their team were rookies last year.

 

[StingUpdates]

And what happens if London lands Nazar and Haltunnen?

And trades away as usual for a top 6 player.


Windsor has a deeper team than you think and will sign some US kids to fill roster.

Owen Sound and Guelph have depth but no Superstars to carry the load like Johnston, or Othmann.

Flint loses Keppen and Bertuzzi, and has all their forwards coming back. Their D corp all returning. If Cranley can be similar to Cavallin, then they are the front runners in the West. More than half their team were rookies last year.

We'll have to wait & see if LDN signs either, the Finnish kid is starting the yr overseas. Same thing for WSR. Michigan is in turmoil & we have Seamus Casey there who's very highly touted.

FLT/OS are my top-2. GUE will be an interesting team to watch. Definitely have upside. KIT will also be good. As usual the west will be strong.

 

[StingUpdates]

I expect OS and Guelph to be the top 2 in the West. If Sarnia want to be that 3rd team this is the key:
Daviault: 40-50 pts.
MacDonell: 25 goals, 55pts
Martone: 15-20 goals.
Max: 25 -30 goals.
If this happens and all the other players (Voit, Burke, Gaudreau, Mast, new Imports) play to expectation, then you have a real good shot.

I think 3/4 of that are possibilities. MacDonell jumping to 25G/50+ PTS playing 3rd line, no PP will be tough. I love the kid & everything he brings but he isn't an offensive guy.

IMO his role will be a checking C. Play other teams top lines, late game, PK & hopefully chips in 15-20 goals. Same with Filak. They could form a real pesty, annoying, in your face 3rd line & I'm all for it. Need those type of guys to win when it matters.

My dream scenario would be they become like our 3rd line was in 2018. Josling-McGregor-Hugo. Filak like Josling, MacDonell like McGregor then Martone like Hugo.

Their point totals that year~
McGregor - 13 Goals, 19 Assists in 50GP
Hugo - 19 Goals, 28 Assists in 68GP
Josling - 21 Goals, 17 Assists in 68GP

Might not hit quite that level of production but they should come close as long as they continue to progress & Martone is legit.

 

[dirty12]

I’ll put Flint & Kitchener in the top 4 right now, and can agree with any two of Sarnia, Guelph, OS, & London.

 

[cupcrazyman2]

Like your reasoning.

Your D corp is suspect at best in being a Mem Cup Contender. Goalie is proven.

We dont know how the 2 imports will translate to the American game, and where Martone will slot? Martone is not a bottom 6 guy and there may not be room in the top 6 because of talent and seniority/maturity.

I agree that you should have kept Dann who is an 03. Unless GM wanted the 2x 2nds and 5th for a future much needed addition?

As of now, without knowing ability and production from 2 imports and Martone, I believe they are still behind Windsor, London, Owen Sound, Flint and Guelph.

American game ? lol

 

[StingUpdates]

Figured I'd put this here too. Should be a fun camp. Gonna be quite the battle amongst the forwards. See if one of the younger guys on D can surprise & make a run at a spot.

My under the radar guys would be Cooksey, Degelas & Campbell.

 

[cupcrazyman2]

As far as the Dann trade is considered.Either something big is about to happen or Seca has hancuffed the team with the Moldenhauer deal(can't use those picks going to the 67's either way) & he is just trying to recoup the picks to save face.

 

[Dougie Daryl Clark]

I think 3/4 of that are possibilities. MacDonell jumping to 25G/50+ PTS playing 3rd line, no PP will be tough. I love the kid & everything he brings but he isn't an offensive guy.

IMO his role will be a checking C. Play other teams top lines, late game, PK & hopefully chips in 15-20 goals. Same with Filak. They could form a real pesty, annoying, in your face 3rd line & I'm all for it. Need those type of guys to win when it matters.

My dream scenario would be they become like our 3rd line was in 2018. Josling-McGregor-Hugo. Filak like Josling, MacDonell like McGregor then Martone like Hugo.

Their point totals that year~
McGregor - 13 Goals, 19 Assists in 50GP
Hugo - 19 Goals, 28 Assists in 68GP
Josling - 21 Goals, 17 Assists in 68GP

Might not hit quite that level of production but they should come close as long as they continue to progress & Martone is legit.

I disagree a bit on this. I've been procrastinating at work today so here is where I researched a bit on potential offence for a couple players:
Filak had 11 pts in his last 17 games and 3 goals in playoffs, good projections for this year. My concern is his defence (-13).

MacDonnel had 14 pts in his last 20 games, aprox. 43 pt full season pace w/out any PP time (and was only forward on plus side). Played 4th line until Feb. Barlow of OS was top 2005 rookie w 47 pts, 10 on PP. Not a perfect comparison but you get the idea. Maybe there is more offensive upside w these guys then you think??

 

[StingUpdates]

I disagree a bit on this. I've been procrastinating at work today so here is where I researched a bit on potential offence for a couple players:
Filak had 11 pts in his last 17 games and 3 goals in playoffs, good projections for this year. My concern is his defence (-13).

MacDonnel had 14 pts in his last 20 games, aprox. 43 pt full season pace w/out any PP time (and was only forward on plus side). Played 4th line until Feb. Barlow of OS was top 2005 rookie w 47 pts, 10 on PP. Not a perfect comparison but you get the idea. Maybe there is more offensive upside w these guys then you think??

There definitely could be! U provide valid points. I'm just not sure he has that offensive touch. Has to work hard for his goals. Isn't a gifted passer. But never know what he's improved on this summer. At the U18 camp he looked lightning fast. That'll be a big weapon for him.

I wouldn't worry to much about Filak's 2way game. He was a rookie that took awhile to adjust. 5th worst team in the league that gave up a ton of goals the back half of the year.

 

[StingUpdates]

Congrats to coach Letang on winning Gold! That's his 2nd time winning Gold for Canada. 1st was at World juniors in 2019-2020.

 

[Savard18]

Windsor as well. Lose Cuylle, Zito, D'Amico, Perrot, Henault, Ribau & have to trade one of Maggio/Currie/Renwick. Defence looks just ok & Onuska is average at best.

If Johnston is back they'll score goals (he has a real shot at making DAL) but not nearly as much as last yr. They won't be bad by any means but I don't see them being better. Could be wrong but I don't see enough there.

If Johnston doesn’t return I don’t see Windsor as more than a mid-pack team unless they make significant trades. Johnston-Cuylle drove that team. Subtract Perrot, Heneault and Zito too? That’s major subtraction. OS might not have superstars but Guidon, Petrovski and Barlow are baby stars and I think the Attack are gonna be a handful for any team. I haven’t really paid as much attention to Guelph’s roster over the last few months to see what’s been subtracted. Like Windsor, Flint really needs Othmann to return. They actually are gonna be losing/moving two important D in Terry and Mayotte and I find it highly.....HIGHLY unlikely Cranley replicates Cavallin’s performance. If Othmann returns, they add a D and Cranley develops into solid reliable tender they will be very good. I just like Sarnia’s depth and some of their youth. If coached properly with a healthy Gaudreau in net, they’re gonna be legit. Maybe the cupboard has to be emptied to get there but that’s the same reality most teams in the West are looking at.

 

[StingUpdates]

If Johnston doesn’t return I don’t see Windsor as more than a mid-pack team unless they make significant trades. Johnston-Cuylle drove that team. Subtract Perrot, Heneault and Zito too? That’s major subtraction. OS might not have superstars but Guidon, Petrovski and Barlow are baby stars and I think the Attack are gonna be a handful for any team. I haven’t really paid as much attention to Guelph’s roster over the last few months to see what’s been subtracted. Like Windsor, Flint really needs Othmann to return. They actually are gonna be losing/moving two important D in Terry and Mayotte and I find it highly.....HIGHLY unlikely Cranley replicates Cavallin’s performance. If Othmann returns, they add a D and Cranley develops into solid reliable tender they will be very good. I just like Sarnia’s depth and some of their youth. If coached properly with a healthy Gaudreau in net, they’re gonna be legit. Maybe the cupboard has to be emptied to get there but that’s the same reality most teams in the West are looking at.

Agree with all your points. Even if Johnston returns Windsor will have to determine if they have a roster good enough to go on another run (I'd say they don't) because they won't just keep Johnston to be a 2nd round team. He'd be sold for 100 picks & some teams 1st Round from the prior draft.

Othmann should be back. Skating isn't quite NHL level. 1 more yr will do him well. Flint will be really good once they get a stable goalie wether that's Cranley or another deal. OS will be a problem. GUE I also have little knowledge of lol. I see upside just not sure if I see top of conference upside. Time will tell with them.

KIT should be good especially if Parsons is a legit #1 goalie. SSM, SAG, ER I can't see being much same for LDN as currently constructed.

 

[Ferda11]

Slow day at the office......
This is what I am personally hoping for in regards to point total production from the likely top 9 as of now.

Voit: 100-110+
Burke: 80-90
Namestnikov: 70-80
Vilmanis: 60-70+
Sikic: 60-70
Limpar-Lantz: 45-50
Filak: 40-50
MacDonnell: 40-50+
Martone: 35-50

I think we see Seca move Hill and keep the captain on the back end. I could see Hill playing the first 10 games or so with the club until they find him a home.

Voit obviously has the potential to go well over 100 points. Nothing more to be said.

Burke as an OA should easily reach those totals. Pretty standard league wide for a player in his position.

Max has to take this leap. It's double his production but I think he has the tools and will benefit from more consistent time in the top 6. PP1 time consistently is also highly likely.

Vilmanis is a wild card because of the Import status, but I think we are going to see an immediate impact. We will get a taste of what we can expect from him, starting tonight at the World Jr's. He will be in tough vs the FINS and then CAN tomorrow night.

Sikic came on strong at the end of the year. He will be given a permanent shot at a top 6 spot and i think he runs away with it. Big year coming out of him. He's my dark horse this year.

Limpar-Lantz = Hugo Leufvenius so I'm gonna roll with that lol.

Filak/Martone/MacDonnell, either one of these 3 could easily slip onto the 2nd line over an underperforming Sikic or a "not ready" Limpar-Lantz. I do think Lantz will get an immediate shot at 2nd line based off the whole import status.

Agree/Disagree/Thoughts?

 

[OHL Fan]

If we take the lower number on your guestimates of only the players you mentioned above, that would entail 200 Goals scored just amongst those 9 players. Thats almost 3 goals per game scored by just those 9 players. IF you take the higher numbers, that approximately 225 goals for those 9 players and over 3 goals per game.

Leading teams in each conference scored 300 goals for the season. What would the remaining 13-14 players on the team, albeit lower level offensive players add to the goals. Maybe you are close or maybe far.

Time will tell.

 

[StingUpdates]

Slow day at the office......
This is what I am personally hoping for in regards to point total production from the likely top 9 as of now.

Voit: 100-110+
Burke: 80-90
Namestnikov: 70-80
Vilmanis: 60-70+
Sikic: 60-70
Limpar-Lantz: 45-50
Filak: 40-50
MacDonnell: 40-50+
Martone: 35-50

I think we see Seca move Hill and keep the captain on the back end. I could see Hill playing the first 10 games or so with the club until they find him a home.

Voit obviously has the potential to go well over 100 points. Nothing more to be said.

Burke as an OA should easily reach those totals. Pretty standard league wide for a player in his position.

Max has to take this leap. It's double his production but I think he has the tools and will benefit from more consistent time in the top 6. PP1 time consistently is also highly likely.

Vilmanis is a wild card because of the Import status, but I think we are going to see an immediate impact. We will get a taste of what we can expect from him, starting tonight at the World Jr's. He will be in tough vs the FINS and then CAN tomorrow night.

Sikic came on strong at the end of the year. He will be given a permanent shot at a top 6 spot and i think he runs away with it. Big year coming out of him. He's my dark horse this year.

Limpar-Lantz = Hugo Leufvenius so I'm gonna roll with that lol.

Filak/Martone/MacDonnell, either one of these 3 could easily slip onto the 2nd line over an underperforming Sikic or a "not ready" Limpar-Lantz. I do think Lantz will get an immediate shot at 2nd line based off the whole import status.

Agree/Disagree/Thoughts?

I pretty confidently Agree with Voit & Lantz. I can see Namestnikov, Sikic hitting those if they hit the ground running. Consistency will be huge for the both of them. I could see 55-70 for both. I'm hopeful that's what Vilmanis puts up especially if he plays with Voit. Excited to see him at WJC tho he may spend most of the games in his own end lol. Id probably lower Burke to 75-85 but that kids works his but off so wouldn't surprise me if he hits ur numbers. I don't see either of MacDonell or Filak hitting high 40s. Just won't get enough ice time & don't possess high-end skill. 35-45 For me but make up for it elsewhere (PK, Late game)

Martone will be interesting. I think Letang will LOVE the size/shot combination & with Dann gone other than Vilmanis we don't have a lethal shooter. It wouldn't shock me if he spent time in the T6. 35-45 is fair for him especially cause if they are as good as they wanna be he'll be put down to the 4th line most likely after some additions.

He's line 4 but had we been a lesser team I think Wainwright would've pushed for 20 goals. Seen on his socials he's been putting in work this summer. His trainer said hes destroying all his previous summer's best times/weights etc. Cooksey is such a fun, highly skilled player if his game translates to the O he could've put up some decent numbers too. Unfortunately for both I cant see them getting off that 4th line without injuries/illnesses. Agree on your Hill take as well.

A good powerplay can go a long way too. Voit had only 6 PPGs. 22 of his 80. The top PP producers last yr had 30-45 points on it.. Namestnikov only had 13 PP points, Burke 10, Sikic 12, Ritchie 12, MacDonell 2. That adds up. Maybe takes a guy like Max from 58 PTS to 71.

 

[StingUpdates]

On D

Ritchie had 38 points but a 45 point pace with us. OA, better team, better PP (hopefully) id hope for 55-70.

Mast had a 35 point pace had he stayed healthy. Was clearly not 100% when he returned also. BOS saying hes made a big jump. Assuming he's PP2 id hope for 45-55.

Daviault had 21in59. Should play T4 all year, hopefully play PP2 w/Mast. I'd say im hoping for mid to high 30s.

Not expecting a ton from the other 3. Maybe like 25-30 from Romeo, 15-25 from Dillingham & 5-15 from MacDonald.

 

[Ferda11]

If we take the lower number on your guestimates of only the players you mentioned above, that would entail 200 Goals scored just amongst those 9 players. Thats almost 3 goals per game scored by just those 9 players. IF you take the higher numbers, that approximately 225 goals for those 9 players and over 3 goals per game.

Leading teams in each conference scored 300 goals for the season. What would the remaining 13-14 players on the team, albeit lower level offensive players add to the goals. Maybe you are close or maybe far.

Time will tell.

I would also point out that those teams likely were not on pace for that at the start of those seasons. Although I can't say for sure, but I'd imagine those teams hit that 300 mark with the additions they made either at the deadline or during the season at some point. I expect Sarnia will be following suit. Time will certainly tell.