Sudbury Wolves 2024 - 25 Season Thread, Part I

[billoink]

Team needs major scoring up front maybe the coaches can relate this to the GM. Have to work something out soon with Musty especially with the road games ahead

 

[Lycanthrope]

Goaltending took us out of this one early. Wolves outshot Ottawa by a considerable margin in the first, no way they should have been ahead. All shots except maybe the first goal were stoppable and I didn’t think Ottawa did anything special. Really hoping goaltending trouble was mostly behind us but to me it remains a significant question mark question mark and I’m not sure either goalie can be consistent enough to carry the load. Might want to look at bringing one in via trade. Yes the team didn’t play that well after the first but you need some saves early.
Need those Euros that are ‘supposed’ to be coming and could really use a return for Musty. Hoping they could bank a few points as they could end up under .500 with a tough road trip next weekend. Anyone notice how often we play Barrie before the holidays? They will be one of the toughest outs in the conference going forward.

 

[Lycanthrope]

Team needs major scoring up front maybe the coaches can relate this to the GM. Have to work something out soon with Musty especially with the road games ahead

If they can average at least three goals a game I don’t see how they’ll be that offensively challenged. They’re at 2.8. It’s more like they can’t score their way out of subpar goaltending as easily this year.

 

[agillarda]

Goaltending took us out of this one early. Wolves outshot Ottawa by a considerable margin in the first, no way they should have been ahead. All shots except maybe the first goal were stoppable and I didn’t think Ottawa did anything special. Really hoping goaltending trouble was mostly behind us but to me it remains a significant question mark question mark and I’m not sure either goalie can be consistent enough to carry the load. Might want to look at bringing one in via trade. Yes the team didn’t play that well after the first but you need some saves early.
Need those Euros that are ‘supposed’ to be coming and could really use a return for Musty. Hoping they could bank a few points as they could end up under .500 with a tough road trip next weekend. Anyone notice how often we play Barrie before the holidays? They will be one of the toughest outs in the conference going forward.

Goaltending was always going to be questionable this season, Kwachuck has never taken the job to the point, we brought in Vandenburg while Vondras was at the WJCs. Gaulton missed most of his first year in Espanola due to injury and was 50/50 here and espanola early last year. Marshall is in his first year in the OHL.

If you want to grab one of the bottom 4 playoff spots that bad then yeah we should spend assets on a goalie. Only way I am making a trade for a goalie is if it's a 07 or 08 for one of our 3 to a contender. Kwachuck likely isn't back next year unless we are using an OA spot. That leaves goaltending as Marshall, Gaulton and maybe Mateo if he reports next season.

Personally I'm look at building the team for 26-27 as I don't see any of the heavy hitters in the east dropping off next season. Hopefully by Friday we will have some answers for Musty and Imports. It was suggested in Erie board that one of the hold ups with Molnar is supposedly visa issues.

 

[Lycanthrope]

Goaltending was always going to be questionable this season, Kwachuck has never taken the job to the point, we brought in Vandenburg while Vondras was at the WJCs. Gaulton missed most of his first year in Espanola due to injury and was 50/50 here and espanola early last year. Marshall is in his first year in the OHL.

If you want to grab one of the bottom 4 playoff spots that bad then yeah we should spend assets on a goalie. Only way I am making a trade for a goalie is if it's a 07 or 08 for one of our 3 to a contender. Kwachuck likely isn't back next year unless we are using an OA spot. That leaves goaltending as Marshall, Gaulton and maybe Mateo if he reports next season.

Personally I'm look at building the team for 26-27 as I don't see any of the heavy hitters in the east dropping off next season. Hopefully by Friday we will have some answers for Musty and Imports. It was suggested in Erie board that one of the hold ups with Molnar is supposedly visa issues.

Now that would make sense regarding Molnar. As far as the playoffs, to me they offer a crucial learning experience so every effort short of mortgaging the future should be exercised in helping secure their chances.

 

[cub]

looking at our draft picks 2024 Blonda, Dean and Doucet, I find a little concerning. Blonda out of three looks the most promising. To me Dean and Doucet work hard but I don't see much an upside on both of them, being high draft picks you would think they would create more. Both have 11 games with zero points. Blonda as 1 point. I thought the one game I saw Mason Walker he looked more skilled than Dean and Doucet, created a few shots for himself.

You have to question the scouting staff at this point on these picks. I think Dean Doucet would benefit playing Junior B. If we are getting some veteran help from a Musty trade and Imports, should see these kids play down.

 

[ZinErie]

Goaltending was always going to be questionable this season, Kwachuck has never taken the job to the point, we brought in Vandenburg while Vondras was at the WJCs. Gaulton missed most of his first year in Espanola due to injury and was 50/50 here and espanola early last year. Marshall is in his first year in the OHL.

If you want to grab one of the bottom 4 playoff spots that bad then yeah we should spend assets on a goalie. Only way I am making a trade for a goalie is if it's a 07 or 08 for one of our 3 to a contender. Kwachuck likely isn't back next year unless we are using an OA spot. That leaves goaltending as Marshall, Gaulton and maybe Mateo if he reports next season.

Personally I'm look at building the team for 26-27 as I don't see any of the heavy hitters in the east dropping off next season. Hopefully by Friday we will have some answers for Musty and Imports. It was suggested in Erie board that one of the hold ups with Molnar is supposedly visa issues.

Molnar played exhibition games with Erie in Canada this year and was at training camp in Erie. Seems odd that a visa issue would arise later.

 

[Between The Goalpost]

Tough loss against Ottawa. I got too cocky.

We knew the Goalies would be our Achilles heel this year and have been extremely fortunate that they've been playing so well. Hopefully, they get back to form but I can see why their confidence was shot early in this one.

 

[agillarda]

Molnar played exhibition games with Erie in Canada this year and was at training camp in Erie. Seems odd that a visa issue would arise later.

That's why I said it was suggested that it is an issue but visas can be temporary and maybe it ended after preseason.

 

[djscooter]

That's why I said it was suggested that it is an issue but visas can be temporary and maybe it ended after preseason.

Would a visa for an American team, not be different then one with a Canadian team?

 

[agillarda]

Would a visa for an American team, not be different then one with a Canadian team?

Likely, I don't pretend to know anything about work visas

 

[LDN]

Any more word on Musty?

 

[Between The Goalpost]

Any more word on Musty?

Nope nothing.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1850900392126591376

Seems like Sudbury is a bit low on this list (16) in my opinion though truth be told, I don't watch many other OHL games this time of year.

 

[Wolfman Jack]

Tough loss against Ottawa. I got too cocky.

We knew the Goalies would be our Achilles heel this year and have been extremely fortunate that they've been playing so well. Hopefully, they get back to form but I can see why their confidence was shot early in this one.

Our goalies have done an adequate job. Tough one for Marshall yesterday but he also didn't have a team in front of him that played the right way yesterday. Too many penalties, slow start again, losing face-offs and not getting in front of shooters.

The Wolves yesterday are a team who they are. Going to win some games through hard work for the full 60 and then games where the skill level isn't there to come back from early deficits. Being down 3-0 early you could just tell in the players body language that it was out of reach and there was some who gave up. Most of the vets just didn't play well yesterday end of story.

WJ

Any more word on Musty?

Not sure if it means anything but our GM was MIA all weekend. Scouting OHL games or just scouting draft eligible players for the 2025 draft.

Anyone see him at the London games???

WJ

 

[agillarda]

Any more word on Musty?

Only thing I can say is on Friday, Dario was asked by a fan in the row infront of me about Musty and he said he wasn't accepting pennies for him and that he had spoke to musty's agent and told him if Musty had of been in Sudbury on Friday he would have had him in the line-up that night

 

[Oggie Ogoltorp]

New coach won't want a firesale. Musty can bring in players immediately that will help now and picks down the road. This can be a playoff team that could even win a round but IMO your shot was last year. Wolves were stacked with maybe the best 1st line in the O. With a strong east this year I would sell though. McCoy would bring in a big haul at deadline. DeAngelis and Delic can get you a good young players/Picks/Prospects as well. With some good young players you already have this team could easily be a strong club next season if they decide to go down that road. You sell those guys you likely still make the playoffs as Petes are early in build and I can see both Ottawa and Kingston selling too. Get to the playoffs and you never know what can happen but no sense competing with Oshawa, Brampton, and Barrie this year and that's just your Division.

 

[billoink]

Our goalies have done an adequate job. Tough one for Marshall yesterday but he also didn't have a team in front of him that played the right way yesterday. Too many penalties, slow start again, losing face-offs and not getting in front of shooters.

The Wolves yesterday are a team who they are. Going to win some games through hard work for the full 60 and then games where the skill level isn't there to come back from early deficits. Being down 3-0 early you could just tell in the players body language that it was out of reach and there was some who gave up. Most of the vets just didn't play well yesterday end of story.

WJ


Not sure if it means anything but our GM was MIA all weekend. Scouting OHL games or just scouting draft eligible players for the 2025 draft.

Anyone see him at the London games???

WJ

He was in the gondola Sunday with Brent who had to listen to his foolishness all game.

 

[agillarda]

Speaking of the gondola, anyone know why the radio team isn't in the gondola anymore?

 

[justawolfan]

IMO, he has matured more both physically and mentally. Physically it has helped him with the scoring and the mental side of it he’s thinking more before he acts. Obviously nobody is perfect, so I still expect that he will have lapses and take the odd dumb penalty, but I too have been blown away with the strides he has made so far over the course of this past summer.

Also kudos to the coaching staff as they appear to be having a wildly good impact on this team!!

GO WOLVES GO!!

I'm seeing a bit of Pilon in him this season!

 

[beastintheeast]

New coach won't want a firesale. Musty can bring in players immediately that will help now and picks down the road. This can be a playoff team that could even win a round but IMO your shot was last year. Wolves were stacked with maybe the best 1st line in the O. With a strong east this year I would sell though. McCoy would bring in a big haul at deadline. DeAngelis and Delic can get you a good young players/Picks/Prospects as well. With some good young players you already have this team could easily be a strong club next season if they decide to go down that road. You sell those guys you likely still make the playoffs as Petes are early in build and I can see both Ottawa and Kingston selling too. Get to the playoffs and you never know what can happen but no sense competing with Oshawa, Brampton, and Barrie this year and that's just your Division.

The big question is what contending team wants to give up the players right now. I would think that the top three in the East Conference are happy with what they have. Yes, they may want Musty, but the price may be too much for him in their books.

I don't know what Erie has for draft picks. People have to remember that whereever he plays he is a deadline rental he is not going to be back next year.

To me, Sudbury is saying and doing all the right moves. There is no pressure on them, as I think your fans understand that they want a good deal and/or to get him back in hice. The pressure is on his agent to get him motivated to either change where he wants to go and take what Sudbury decides or get dressed in a Wolves uniform and play. Grier, I am sure, is keeping a close eye on what is happening. You all saw what happens when the GM is forced by the NHL team with Wright. Your GM will have learnt from that as well.

If he is not skating this month, I can see USA hockey passing him by. They want players that re playing not players that are just skating.

 

[agillarda]

The big question is what contending team wants to give up the players right now. I would think that the top three in the East Conference are happy with what they have. Yes, they may want Musty, but the price may be too much for him in their books.

I don't know what Erie has for draft picks. People have to remember that whereever he plays he is a deadline rental he is not going to be back next year.

To me, Sudbury is saying and doing all the right moves. There is no pressure on them, as I think your fans understand that they want a good deal and/or to get him back in hice. The pressure is on his agent to get him motivated to either change where he wants to go and take what Sudbury decides or get dressed in a Wolves uniform and play. Grier, I am sure, is keeping a close eye on what is happening. You all saw what happens when the GM is forced by the NHL team with Wright. Your GM will have learnt from that as well.

If he is not skating this month, I can see USA hockey passing him by. They want players that re playing not players that are just skating.

In terms of picks for Erie, according to the database over the next 4 drafts. 2x 2nd rd (1 is a conditional), 2x 3rd rd, 5x 4th rd (1 conditional) and 4x 5th rd. They aren't too stocked so would imagine if they want to boost in other areas too they need to increase quality of players.

London and Flint could easily top that with picks, as for eastern teams if they want to make a run Niagara and Kingston have the assets. Outside of Kingston all those teams are closer to home. Personally between picks and prospects Flint may be the next best for Musty outside of Erie they have Mania plus the assets.

As for the rest it is 100% on Musty what happens, the team included owner has told the agent if he comes he will be in the line up immediately. Grier has said it hasn't affected his development at this point but could soon. If he wants world juniors he needs to be back ASAP , needs to play.

 

[beastintheeast]

In terms of picks for Erie, according to the database over the next 4 drafts. 2x 2nd rd (1 is a conditional), 2x 3rd rd, 5x 4th rd (1 conditional) and 4x 5th rd. They aren't too stocked so would imagine if they want to boost in other areas too they need to increase quality of players.

London and Flint could easily top that with picks, as for eastern teams if they want to make a run Niagara and Kingston have the assets. Outside of Kingston all those teams are closer to home. Personally between picks and prospects Flint may be the next best for Musty outside of Erie they have Mania plus the assets.

As for the rest, it is 100% on Musty. What happens, the team, including the owner, has told the agent that if he comes, he will be in the lineup immediately. Grier has said it hasn't affected his development at this point but could soon. If he wants to play in the World Juniors, he needs to be back ASAP.

Niagara, I think, is looking at building. I do not think they see this team as a top contender this year; they are more looking down the line.

Kingston has the picks, but Musty wouldn't make them a contender when you look at the top 3 Barrie, Brampton and Oshawa.

London might be a player but they are pretty set as forwards go.

It is going to be interesting to see how long Grier let's this go on before stepping in.

 

[agillarda]

Niagara, I think, is looking at building. I do not think they see this team as a top contender this year; they are more looking down the line.

Kingston has the picks, but Musty wouldn't make them a contender when you look at the top 3 Barrie, Brampton and Oshawa.

London might be a player but they are pretty set as forwards go.

It is going to be interesting to see how long Grier let's this go on before stepping in.

I think Grier is already stepping in by putting pressure on the agent. He can't force a trade but could potentially nudge the offers to increase. Easiest way to make a difference is to nudge Musty to reporting to the Wolves like allard did in ssm.

 

[beastintheeast]

I think Grier is already stepping in by putting pressure on the agent. He can't force a trade but could potentially nudge the offers to increase. Easiest way to make a difference is to nudge Musty to reporting to the Wolves like allard did in ssm.

I agree, but if he thinks that Sudbury is asking too much or dragging their heels, he may have a bit of a discussion with them. Fully agree though he screwed up Mews doesnot want to be in OPttawa and is playing so so but at least he is playing and showing what a team will get.

 

[Wiserbud]

Only in terms of development ( for WJC or longer term) I do think Sudbury is the right choice based on the team's play and the coaching approach. Time to grow a pair, swallow some pride, and play in Sudbury. Hopefully the first thing to be developed will be his attitude. I only suggest this path as I am beginning to think a reasonable trade is not in the works.