SSM Greyhounds 2023-2024 Off-Season Thread (Part 1)

[HockeyPops]

is our defense that strong next year? beyond gibby and carlisle (presumed OA) we have 2 guys who took turns walking the concourse last year. am i missing something? Evans and BMB have promise but will be tested this year, and we could end up with 2 rookies rounding out the roster if we don't pick up a vet at the import draft or deal assets to bring someone in.

i'm not disagreeing with moving virgilio either, imo we need to make some moves and anybody 2006 or older should be on the table.

No, it's not that strong next year. IMO the goal is to build for the following year.

To start next season, I think it will look something like this:
Carlisle (OA, 04) - Gibson (05)
Evans (06) - IMPORT?
BMB (06) - Solomon (07)
08 - 08

Then at the deadline move Gibby and promote the most deserving from the 3rd line. Is that good enough to contend the following year? Probably not. If we are hoping to contend again in 25-26 we would likely need to bring in an 05 in their OA year to bolster the group.

 

[DWI Dale]

still hoping we focus on our '07s at their peak but that makes sense. if the plan is to contend around our '06 crop then moving virgilio is a bit more puzzling to me as he could have been a projected 1st pairing dman for us, and would have played a huge role if Gibby was moved at deadline 2025.

 

[HockeyPops]

If he had asked for a trade, then not as puzzling. Also, depending on how they believe Evans and BMB will develop, perhaps they saw enough depth at D in the 06 group. Personally, I think Evans can potentially be first pair at 19. Not so sure about BMB.

I am not sure yet that we want to throw our chips in around our 06 group. I think it's gotta be a 'see how things develop this year' kinda scenario.

 

[Riverfront]

looks like the plan is to build around the 07 group.
important for our first and 2nd round picks in this past draft to report to the
greyhounds.
Gibson no doubt will be dealt at the trade deadline next season.

 

[HockeyPops]

important for our first and 2nd round picks in this past draft to report to the
greyhounds.

Lol. Right now not looking good for either.

 

[OHL4Life]

Lol. Right now not looking good for either.

did they just draft cali without really doing due dilligence? it was known he was thinking ncaa.

 

[BeliveauFan4ever]

Lol. Right now not looking good for either.

Ouch, and…ouch again.

 

[Sakic fan]

No, it's not that strong next year. IMO the goal is to build for the following year.

To start next season, I think it will look something like this:
Carlisle (OA, 04) - Gibson (05)
Evans (06) - IMPORT?
BMB (06) - Solomon (07)
08 - 08

Then at the deadline move Gibby and promote the most deserving from the 3rd line. Is that good enough to contend the following year? Probably not. If we are hoping to contend again in 25-26 we would likely need to bring in an 05 in their OA year to bolster the group.

Virgillio must have wanted a change of scenery. Our D could have been very solid if Virgillio stayed but the staff must have liked what they saw at camp in some prospects. I feel the picks are a nice return but we are so thin up front compared to D prospects it would have been nice to get a forward in return. I think Solomon and Gillen should find their way into the lineup come September. Makes sense to add a veteran D but if we want the young D to learn then they need to play.
I believe we need to add 2 forwards with import picks if possible especially if Cali is not coming, the cupboard seems pretty bare up front.

 

[frontsfan67]

Croskery at the Chicago Steel camp

 

[HolyRoller]

Croskery at the Chicago Steel camp

Along with Miss 1st rounder Valentini. They share the same agent.

 

[DWI Dale]

yikes. following up a great '07 draft with no '08 players in the top 3 rounds would be a massive organzational failure, especially when you consider the empty cupboards and lack of recent playoff success to show for it.

the cult can gaslight all they like but continued 2nd round exits aren't contending seasons.

 

[DWI Dale]

did they just draft cali without really doing due dilligence? it was known he was thinking ncaa.

i won't be happy if they didn't do their due diligence, but also understand the notion of drafting the best player available.

it's a tough scenario for smaller market teams who have watched "NCAA" guys get picked up in late rounds by the London/Kitchener's of the league, only to magically report to the OHL after scaring away other teams with flimsy ncaa commitments.

it makes league parity non-existent, leading to even more players choosing to play hockey in the United States. if a player fancies himself a top prospect and doesn't get picked up by one of his two "preferred teams", why bother playing in the OHL right?

it's a fine line for a GM to walk, but if neither of our first 2 round picks report then Raftis clearly stumbled well over that line and bombed a very important draft. we'll see where they land.

 

[OHL4Life]

Along with Miss 1st rounder Valentini. They share the same agent.

same company different agents. Faion with coskery and cappy with Valentini

 

[HockeyPops]

After more than a decade, vexatious lawsuit against Soo Greyhounds thrown out

After 12 years of being in and out of court, an Ontario judge has ended a Sault Ste. Marie man’s bizarre attempt to force the Soo Greyhounds to give him free tickets.

northernontario.ctvnews.ca

Lol

 

[Savard18]

After more than a decade, vexatious lawsuit against Soo Greyhounds thrown out

After 12 years of being in and out of court, an Ontario judge has ended a Sault Ste. Marie man’s bizarre attempt to force the Soo Greyhounds to give him free tickets.

northernontario.ctvnews.ca

Lol

Surprised he didn’t just drop the lawsuit after this year’s playoffs anyway.


Sorry. I had to.

 

[DWI Dale]

what a donkey. i can only assume there is some mental illness.
it appears the same guy unsuccessfully ran for city council around the time this lawsuit began. he seems to live in an alternate reality and may be lacking in diagnosis/medication.

 

[Riverfront]

speculation : barlas ( ottawa ) to the Soo for Brown.

 

[HockeyPops]

Is it pure speculation? If so, how would you justify this trade proposal from the Greyhounds perspective?

A lot of the offense for the Hounds is going to run through Brown this season. He still struggles with the physical play, but seemed to handle it a little better in the second half of last season. He is probably our best playmaker coming into this season.

I know some fans are frustratrated by Brown's slow development as a first round selection to the OHL, but he has really started to show his skill and class and I am excited to see what he brings this season. I don't think he is a case of needing a change of scenery.

I am not sure what Barlas would bring that would make this move worthwhile for the Hounds, even if Barlas was an 06. As an 05, even less.

 

[dirty12]

Barlas is a pretty solid 2-way player, and physical for his size that has not really been given a chance in an offensive role.
Still, a pick would have to go the hounds way as it is just a bit too perfect a trade for the ‘67s straight up.

 

[HockeyPops]

If Allard is back, I think we have that role filled. If not, it might make more sense to look at something like this.

 

[dirty12]

If Allard is back, I think we have that role filled. If not, it might make more sense to look at something like this.

I was actually thinking there would be a limited role for Brown again as Allard would log a lot of minutes until mid-season then it is Matin’s team to lead.
I think Barlas would be a capable top six winger and/or 3rd centre.

 

[DWI Dale]

similar PPG, but barlas is a year older. personally i'd rather see brown stick around as a potential OA for our potential '07's run in a few seasons. unless his development takes a monumental leap this season there's a good chance he's back as a 20 year old. barlas does not help any long term goals imo.

 

[HockeyPops]

I don't think we have 6 better options than Brown to play in the top 6. If it becomes a numbers game, Cloutier or Fantino drop to the third line before Brown.

I agree with Dale, Barlas' age does not really fit with our timeline.

 

[dirty12]

similar PPG, but barlas is a year older. personally i'd rather see brown stick around as a potential OA for our potential '07's run in a few seasons. unless his development takes a monumental leap this season there's a good chance he's back as a 20 year old. barlas does not help any long term goals imo.

Not sure about not helping the long term goals, Barlas is a definitely has two more years; and quite possibly the better over all talent. Barlas appears faster, almost certainly more fit and versatile.
Consider the coaches philosophies before comparing ppg.

 

[DWI Dale]

Consider the coaches philosophies before comparing ppg.

PPG is just one consideration. I think age is the biggest factor for me. We're going to suck next year and neither Brown nor Barlas will change that. 2026-2027 or bust!