Sudbury Wolves 2022-23 Season Thread (Part 3)

[WE ARE WOLVES]

I think the roster up front is actually quite good moving forward, and really good if we get Dvorsky and or Hage to commit.

We are lacking depth on D. You want two strong 19 year olds and a solid OA to make a run at it. Looking forward to next year if we can add a strong 19 year old while having Toure(OA) Collins (19), Mania(18), Chromiak(18 late birthday), Walton(17), Bishop (18). We still need more depth. I haven't seen Walton and Bishop doesn't look ready but will hopefully improve with more time in the league.

We also need a proven Goaltender.

I think we can make a run next season if we can focus on adding elite players on D and in net. The forward group should be excellent next year. Time for a run with this group.

I have seen Walton in 4 separate Espo games and I think he is ready. He seems sound Defensively and really nice piece offensively. Not sure how Bishop is getting all the opportunity he is over even a look at Walton. Bishop even looked out of place at times playing with the Paper Kings. Don't get me wrong, I think Bishop can make the lineup next season as a #7. But he needs to work on foot speed and simply reading the play better. Problem is the latter is not always a skill that can be worked on and improved over an off-season.

 

[I Loveallsports]

I think the roster up front is actually quite good moving forward, and really good if we get Dvorsky and or Hage to commit. But it looks like Hage is going to Michigan next year.

We are lacking depth on D. You want two strong 19 year olds and a solid OA to make a run at it. Looking forward to next year if we can add a strong 19 year old while having Toure(OA) Collins (19), Mania(18), Chromiak(18 late birthday), Walton(17), Bishop (18). We still need more depth. I haven't seen Walton and Bishop doesn't look ready but will hopefully improve with more time in the league.

We also need a proven Goaltender.

I think we can make a run next season if we can focus on adding elite players on D and in net. The forward group should be excellent next year. Time for a run with this group.tl

I think the roster up front is actually quite good moving forward, and really good if we get Dvorsky and or Hage to commit. But it looks like Hage is going to Michigan next year.

We are lacking depth on D. You want two strong 19 year olds and a solid OA to make a run at it. Looking forward to next year if we can add a strong 19 year old while having Toure(OA) Collins (19), Mania(18), Chromiak(18 late birthday), Walton(17), Bishop (18). We still need more depth. I haven't seen Walton and Bishop doesn't look ready but will hopefully improve with more time in the league.

We also need a proven Goaltender.

I think we can make a run next season if we can focus on adding elite players on D and in net. The forward group should be excellent next year. Time for a run with this group.

Outside of the notable 3 I guess Pharhand would be the forth? Outside of those 4 the hope would be the others progess. I'm not sold. Larmand, McCallum are not goal scores. Konyen hasn't stepped up this season. At the moment it looks like again one line doing the majority of scoring.

I'm assuming he will pay to upgrade the forward group and the goaltending. Ranger was for a 4th. Depending on who's out there that cost might be more than a 4th.

Papineau, if he's back next year has alot of heavy lifting to do IMO.

 

[hockieguy]

Goaltending has been the biggest problem all season. Finished watching the shootout again. The winning Soo goal was like taking candy from a baby. This is looking to be a major catastrophe of a decision by Papineau.

The problem hasn’t been goaltending, the goals are still going in from the same spots on the ice, same odd man rushes, same reasons. This team has no defence. Ranger was never the real problem and bringing is Brassard was a panic move by a panicked GM. Instead of really fixing the issue, he blamed the goalie and switched, which the players and staff didn’t want to do. Look at the shot charts and see where the goals are scored from. Lack of defence is the main reason the wolves won’t get past the first round IF the make the playoffs at all. That’s my opinion.

Trading Holmes and replacing him with Bishop only made this team worse. Yes Papineau got picks but there is no goaltending in the system that can play. Krawchuck is developing but in no way can carry a team next year.

Unless another home run happens, I don’t expect much next year with the current GM making the decisions. With all of the scoring talent upfront you would think the GM would build a solid defence…..

 

[hockieguy]

Although I really like Joe's character, he was not cutting it. Its early, but give Brassard some slack. If we look at the limited stats, he has 3.27 GAA, and .881 save %. Joe had a 3.91 GAA and .877 save %.

Its early for Brassard with a new team in front of him, new defensive systems, new city, yada yada yada.

Not saying he is Sebastian Dahm, but 'to date' his numbers are at least as good as Joe's.

I will give him a little more time.

Although I really like Joe's character, he was not cutting it. Its early, but give Brassard some slack. If we look at the limited stats, he has 3.27 GAA, and .881 save %. Joe had a 3.91 GAA and .877 save %.

Its early for Brassard with a new team in front of him, new defensive systems, new city, yada yada yada.

Not saying he is Sebastian Dahm, but 'to date' his numbers are at least as good as Joe's.

I will give him a little more time.

You can’t just look at stats and make that determination. Quality of shots, odd man rushes, penalties, back checking, forwards blowing the zone too soon all play into “stats”. Instead of looking at numbers like that, start count the times there are opposing forwards behind the wolves defence. Take a look at these pictures, all goal, and explain why this is a goaltender issue. Now look at every game the wolves play, and the amount of goals that get scored exactly like these pictures.

 

[hockieguy]

Outside of the notable 3 I guess Pharhand would be the forth? Outside of those 4 the hope would be the others progess. I'm not sold. Larmand, McCallum are not goal scores. Konyen hasn't stepped up this season. At the moment it looks like again one line doing the majority of scoring.

I'm assuming he will pay to upgrade the forward group and the goaltending. Ranger was for a 4th. Depending on who's out there that cost might be more than a 4th.

Papineau, if he's back next year has alot of heavy lifting to do IMO.

Papineau won’t be back.

 

[I Loveallsports]

Papineau won’t be back.

Rumor?

 

[howlman]

Wolves are going to take a goalie with their 2023 1st round Import pick. Book it

 

[Wolf on a Wire]

The problem hasn’t been goaltending, the goals are still going in from the same spots on the ice, same odd man rushes, same reasons. This team has no defence. Ranger was never the real problem and bringing is Brassard was a panic move by a panicked GM. Instead of really fixing the issue, he blamed the goalie and switched, which the players and staff didn’t want to do. Look at the shot charts and see where the goals are scored from. Lack of defence is the main reason the wolves won’t get past the first round IF the make the playoffs at all. That’s my opinion.

Trading Holmes and replacing him with Bishop only made this team worse. Yes Papineau got picks but there is no goaltending in the system that can play. Krawchuck is developing but in no way can carry a team next year.

Unless another home run happens, I don’t expect much next year with the current GM making the decisions. With all of the scoring talent upfront you would think the GM would build a solid defence…..

I beg to differ. Shots are way down over the last month. Last two games the opposition averaged only 20 shots. But as the overall shots went down Joe’s GAA went up; unfortunately, not good enough. Our DZ coverage was non-existent until DM took over has HC so where weak D play may not have helped Joe early in the season, he had no excuses. The team has 12 points out of last 8 games so heading in the right direction. IMO, we really don’t know what we have in Krawchuk as he hasn’t been given a lot of opportunities. When he has come in to relieve he has been good and really good as a starter with big win over NB at home a few weeks ago. When we talk about next year and our potential to make a run, don’t forget about Villineuve and Walton. Also two solid D signed for next year in Protz and Bruce…We will see how Andrew Gaulton bounces back from surgery…get a #1 goalie and future looks bright. BTW, Bishop never replaced Holmes. Chromiak did. Bishop played because Toure was hurt..

 

[dirty12]

The problem hasn’t been goaltending, the goals are still going in from the same spots on the ice, same odd man rushes, same reasons. This team has no defence. Ranger was never the real problem and bringing is Brassard was a panic move by a panicked GM. Instead of really fixing the issue, he blamed the goalie and switched, which the players and staff didn’t want to do. Look at the shot charts and see where the goals are scored from. Lack of defence is the main reason the wolves won’t get past the first round IF the make the playoffs at all. That’s my opinion.

Trading Holmes and replacing him with Bishop only made this team worse. Yes Papineau got picks but there is no goaltending in the system that can play. Krawchuck is developing but in no way can carry a team next year.

Unless another home run happens, I don’t expect much next year with the current GM making the decisions. With all of the scoring talent upfront you would think the GM would build a solid defence…..

If there is any intention, the first piece added must be a defensively sound OA LD with playoff experience like Punnett or Hache. Toure can go imo, keeping MacCallum as one of the OAs. Then be prepared to pay large for the best available D at the deadline, maybe Nelson.
If not willing to do that, sell Goyette; then plan for 2024-25.

 

[dirty12]

I beg to differ. Shots are way down over the last month. Last two games the opposition averaged only 20 shots. But as the overall shots went down Joe’s GAA went up; unfortunately, not good enough. Our DZ coverage was non-existent until DM took over has HC so where weak D play may not have helped Joe early in the season, he had no excuses. The team has 12 points out of last 8 games so heading in the right direction. IMO, we really don’t know what we have in Krawchuk as he hasn’t been given a lot of opportunities. When he has come in to relieve he has been good and really good as a starter with big win over NB at home a few weeks ago. When we talk about next year and our potential to make a run, don’t forget about Villineuve and Walton. Also two solid D signed for next year in Protz and Bruce…We will see how Andrew Gaulton bounces back from surgery…get a #1 goalie and future looks bright. BTW, Bishop never replaced Holmes. Chromiak did. Bishop played because Toure was hurt..

I agree the team is heading in the right direction. I think 5th is possible this season if the D takes a big step forward.
However, if Protz, Bishop, Walton, Bruce, and Toure are all among the wolves 7-8 D depth chart, forget about any chance of contention 2023-24. Even two of those in the top six would be a problem.

 

[I Loveallsports]

 

[WE ARE WOLVES]

Too bad for Musty But a great opportunity for Pharand to boost his stock.

 

[jrwhopper]

Papineau won’t be back.

100 bucks says kenny mack replaces him.

 

[hockieguy]

I beg to differ. Shots are way down over the last month. Last two games the opposition averaged only 20 shots. But as the overall shots went down Joe’s GAA went up; unfortunately, not good enough. Our DZ coverage was non-existent until DM took over has HC so where weak D play may not have helped Joe early in the season, he had no excuses. The team has 12 points out of last 8 games so heading in the right direction. IMO, we really don’t know what we have in Krawchuk as he hasn’t been given a lot of opportunities. When he has come in to relieve he has been good and really good as a starter with big win over NB at home a few weeks ago. When we talk about next year and our potential to make a run, don’t forget about Villineuve and Walton. Also two solid D signed for next year in Protz and Bruce…We will see how Andrew Gaulton bounces back from surgery…get a #1 goalie and future looks bright. BTW, Bishop never replaced Holmes. Chromiak did. Bishop played because Toure was hurt..

Look at the real stats. Shots are rated A,B, C, if you have access to that. Most fans don’t. The quality of the shots against have not changed. The only real improvement has been the elimination of perimeter shots by about 7 a game. The A+, A, A- shots have not changed. Two experienced goalies being scored on from the same spots on the ice isn’t a coincidence. That is a symptom of the real issue. The point of I made about Holmes is that he wasn’t replaced. The defence is worse. Chrominance and Bishop do t make a positive difference. I respect your opinion, but this team still has more holes than plugs to fill them. Using the import draft is about tweaking a team, not building it. I hope this team finds a goalie, because they don’t have one that can be a starter for the next few years.

 

[Lycanthrope]

The problem hasn’t been goaltending, the goals are still going in from the same spots on the ice, same odd man rushes, same reasons. This team has no defence. Ranger was never the real problem and bringing is Brassard was a panic move by a panicked GM. Instead of really fixing the issue, he blamed the goalie and switched, which the players and staff didn’t want to do. Look at the shot charts and see where the goals are scored from. Lack of defence is the main reason the wolves won’t get past the first round IF the make the playoffs at all. That’s my opinion.

Trading Holmes and replacing him with Bishop only made this team worse. Yes Papineau got picks but there is no goaltending in the system that can play. Krawchuck is developing but in no way can carry a team next year.

Unless another home run happens, I don’t expect much next year with the current GM making the decisions. With all of the scoring talent upfront you would think the GM would build a solid defence…..

Can‘t agree about the goaltending. As they say to each their own opinion.
Do you think teams with great goaltending don’t have defensive shortcomings or breakdowns? Not sure what lens you’re looking through but to me it’s been clear all year that just about every team we play has a better goalie than us. To me it’s obvious. Last line of defence. I want my goalie making the save a lot more often than our goalies have this year just like I see other successful teams goalies doing. Watch the OHL pack and see for yourself.
Your argument doesn’t even hold water when you look at the way we’ve have been limiting shots.
Anyway the rest of the season should tell the tale I spoke my peace on the way I feel until I see reason to think otherwise.
I’m hoping I’m wrong but for me, at this point right now at least , if Krawchuk doesn’t step up, we may be in big trouble.

I beg to differ. Shots are way down over the last month. Last two games the opposition averaged only 20 shots. But as the overall shots went down Joe’s GAA went up; unfortunately, not good enough. Our DZ coverage was non-existent until DM took over has HC so where weak D play may not have helped Joe early in the season, he had no excuses. The team has 12 points out of last 8 games so heading in the right direction. IMO, we really don’t know what we have in Krawchuk as he hasn’t been given a lot of opportunities. When he has come in to relieve he has been good and really good as a starter with big win over NB at home a few weeks ago. When we talk about next year and our potential to make a run, don’t forget about Villineuve and Walton. Also two solid D signed for next year in Protz and Bruce…We will see how Andrew Gaulton bounces back from surgery…get a #1 goalie and future looks bright. BTW, Bishop never replaced Holmes. Chromiak did. Bishop played because Toure was hurt..

Beat me to it as far as the goaltending.

 

[Sleemans99]

100 bucks says kenny mack replaces him.

I really like Ken. I just don't think it is the right role

 

[howlman]

Using the import draft is about tweaking a team, not building it.

Quit embarrassing yourself. Absolutely key building blocks can come from the Import draft

 

[howlman]

Do you think teams with great goaltending don’t have defensive shortcomings or breakdowns?

I remember that Ukko guy bailing out our D time and time and time again. Wolves need to get a good goalie at the Import draft, or will be forced to overpay for a goalie like Dom or OA Simpson. They need a quality goalie next season. No.1 priority without a doubt. Krawchuk and Gaulton will battle it out for the backup role

 

[hockieguy]

100 bucks says kenny mack replaces him.

Maybe, but I Don’t think so. I don’t think Derek MacKenzie is going to stay. Like Stillman, this is just a stepping stone back into the NHL.

I remember that Ukko guy bailing out our D time and time and time again. Wolves need to get a good goalie at the Import draft, or will be forced to overpay for a goalie like Dom or OA Simpson. They need a quality goalie next season. No.1 priority without a doubt. Krawchuk and Gaulton will battle it out for the backup role

Name one team with bad defence and a good goalie that has one a championship in this league. I can’t think of any.

 

[hockieguy]

I remember that Ukko guy bailing out our D time and time and time again. Wolves need to get a good goalie at the Import draft, or will be forced to overpay for a goalie like Dom or OA Simpson. They need a quality goalie next season. No.1 priority without a doubt. Krawchuk and Gaulton will battle it out for the backup role

That Ukko guy only happens once in a while.

Quit embarrassing yourself. Absolutely key building blocks can come from the Import draft

That’s my opinion. No need to be ass with a comment like that.

 

[hockieguy]

Can‘t agree about the goaltending. As they say to each their own opinion.
Do you think teams with great goaltending don’t have defensive shortcomings or breakdowns? Not sure what lens you’re looking through but to me it’s been clear all year that just about every team we play has a better goalie than us. To me it’s obvious. Last line of defence. I want my goalie making the save a lot more often than our goalies have this year just like I see other successful teams goalies doing. Watch the OHL pack and see for yourself.
Your argument doesn’t even hold water when you look at the way we’ve have been limiting shots.
Anyway the rest of the season should tell the tale I spoke my peace on the way I feel until I see reason to think otherwise.
I’m hoping I’m wrong but for me, at this point right now at least , if Krawchuk doesn’t step up, we may be in big trouble.


Beat me to it as far as the goaltending.

Limiting shots is fine, if your team is limiting shots that are quality scoring chances. These aren’t being prevented.

 

[Habs0101]

Papineau won’t be back.

100 bucks says kenny mack replaces him.

Gedees (SP?) with the mailman puppet master in the shadows

 

[dirty12]

I remember that Ukko guy bailing out our D time and time and time again. Wolves need to get a good goalie at the Import draft, or will be forced to overpay for a goalie like Dom or OA Simpson. They need a quality goalie next season. No.1 priority without a doubt. Krawchuk and Gaulton will battle it out for the backup role

Ukko was most likely a one-off. The wolves were able to use the first pick to select a 19 yr old goalie because import goalies were not allowed to be drafted the four previous years. A goalie that good willing to come over seas does not get passed up for two previous drafts by the three CHL leagues.
There will be 15-25 teams with a chance to select the best available goalie prior to the wolves in the next import draft. The odds are not great, but there is a chance that a re-entry (Zhigalov for example) falls to them. The wolves would have to be very lucky to draft an import goalie that is above league average next season imo.

 

[Wolf on a Wire]

Ukko was most likely a one-off. The wolves were able to use the first pick to select a 19 yr old goalie because import goalies were not allowed to be drafted the four previous years. A goalie that good willing to come over seas does not get passed up for two previous drafts by the three CHL leagues.
There will be 15-25 teams with a chance to select the best available goalie prior to the wolves in the next import draft. The odds are not great, but there is a chance that a re-entry (Zhigalov for example) falls to them. The wolves would have to be very lucky to draft an import goalie that is above league average next season imo.

World events like the pandemic and the Russian War in Ukraine have seen less and less European players willing to come to CHL. NCAA/USHL has also become more of a viable option for some elite Canadian and American U16 kids; therefore, the pool of high end talent available is shrinking. Any hope that Hage reports will depend on his Michigan experience and the wishes of his NHL team (once drafted), same applies with Devorsky. If a team like Seattle drafts Devorsky, they may strongly recommend or even direct him to report to the Wolves to play Center with Goyette. Getting a Euro goalie to report would be a big win…

 

[billoink]

Wolves are going to take a goalie with their 2023 1st round Import pick. Book it

If he reports

100 bucks says kenny mack replaces him.

Could have been the foot print going forward when Derek arrived.