Windsor Spitfires 2019 Offseason Thread (Part 3)

[member 71782]

Import draft I'm hoping for an 02. They would be here for their draft year so OHL/NHL comes into play, unless they are only on loan.

Noticed in The Star article on the Johnston signing they were giving indications of more signings potentially coming. Anyone have any indications as to who these could be?

I expect Zito to be one but who else I have no idea. A few I would like to see.

Any chance Rychel brings back any of the flyers up for the draft with him?

 

[HockeyPops]

I thought Seider was previously drafted (Owen Sound maybe?)

 

[OHLTG]

I just saw the article, but I don't know who they're referring to. My guess is Zito to start, maybe Spencer Evans or Tanner Kelly (who's now with Muskegon, go figure).

 

[windsor7]

Spits r not done with news.
Just a matter of time .

 

[OHLTG]

Correct on Seider - didn't make the connection, sorry.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

It gets to a stage that it is not even worth coming on here!! (As I am currently on here lol) 2 big signings in a week....negative responses! Even though 2 weeks ago the same posters said that these 2 players needed to be signed. The rest of the hockey world that follows the OHL have stated on many occasions that they think Windsor is going to be a really good club as early as this coming season......yet some posters on here prefer the negative's. I have read so many times on here "It's not being negative if we are stating facts" Well not one person on here knows how this season will play out or how many fans will be at the games. YES!! There have been mistakes made over the course of time.....but how about focus on the present instead of the past. Winning games will put butt's in the seats!! With 18 potential returning players and god knows who else we might get......have some optimism for this season!! The potential sale to the dentist was nixed....be happy about that!! Focus more on the actual game and the players than the business side of things, god it's been talked to death already!! As for the posters that say their intent is not to be negative.....I call BS!! I have been reading this message board for a long time!!......It's beyond obvious that your intent is to be a negative ****!! Get a new hobby, get some mental help or whatever, point is ...it's pathetic. Anytime there is something positive that happens there is always a "but ....but ...but.. bull crap! I understand that everyone has the right to say or post whatever they want.......but seriously!! At least have a 50/50 perspective.

Citing 18 potential returning players is a slippery slope because going into 18-19 they had 17 returnees.

Angle
Playfair
MacDougall
Purboo
Morgan
D'Amico
Douglas
Boka
Larionov
Kutkevicius
Ladd
Corcoran
Staois
Henault
Stevenson
Starikov
DiPietro

As with any team it's always in flux. Out of that group 10 potential guys are returning and you can include Piroinen/Frasca/Cuylle/Foudy. That group of 10 and the 4 I mentioned will likely have the largest say in how improved this team is. Unfortunately that group of 10 was returning in 18-19 and the team went to poop. In fact there was a narrative that they changed the culture for the better with those moves and... Well the team was a lot worse as the season went on as compared to when those moves were made.

Just to cite players returning and automatically believe the team is going to be a lot better is just a guessing game because 19 other teams and their fans believe that with their team. One person's opinion of them being the most improved shouldn't take more credence over one's that believes to be skeptical.

In fact we have seen the last 2 years under Letowski an under .500 record, 6th seed, 8th seed. Yes some people will double down on Rychel and Letowski as there always will be. Unfortunately at this point there's nothing in Letowski's body of work that should give a fan warm fuzzy feelings. With lack of draft picks moving forward what we see with this roster is the group that has to get it done. You won't be getting much outside help in the form of trades.

 

[OHLTG]

It took us until June 18 to start the "but, every team will be better" discussion. I'm kind of impressed
Though, I'd argue Saginaw and Guelph probably won't improve a whole lot, and the Hounds are 50/50 (Villalta to Propp is a step down, regardless of how good Propp is).

Side- note: Our picks now look like...

2020 - Flint 2nd, Osh/Kit 4th
2021 - Ldn 2nd, Flint/Wsr 4th
2022 - Ott 2nd, Wsr/ott 3rd, Er 4th
2023 - Kit/Ott 2nd, Kit/Kgn 3rd

That's not a bad cupboard at all and, if we can add a third in 2020 or 2021, we'll be even better.

 

[OHLTG]

I'll also echo the "returning players improve us" comment. Like I said earlier, you take away Garagan/Campbell and add Afanasyev/Johnston, you're automatically better. Numerous times in the past, this board has talked about teams drafting together, staying together, and winning together. You can't do that if you're not returning guys. Could improvements be made with some players? Of course. I doubt Boka wanted a 20-game scoreless streak, or D'Amico wanted an 18-game scoreless streak (something like that). Does that mean it'll happen next season? Highly unlikely. Fans wanted more offence; they got it. Let's see what else the off-season brings.

 

[randomhero4life]

Citing 18 potential returning players is a slippery slope because going into 18-19 they had 17 returnees.

Angle
Playfair
MacDougall
Purboo
Morgan
D'Amico
Douglas
Boka
Larionov
Kutkevicius
Ladd
Corcoran
Staois
Henault
Stevenson
Starikov
DiPietro

As with any team it's always in flux. Out of that group 10 potential guys are returning and you can include Piroinen/Frasca/Cuylle/Foudy. That group of 10 and the 4 I mentioned will likely have the largest say in how improved this team is. Unfortunately that group of 10 was returning in 18-19 and the team went to poop. In fact there was a narrative that they changed the culture for the better with those moves and... Well the team was a lot worse as the season went on as compared to when those moves were made.

Just to cite players returning and automatically believe the team is going to be a lot better is just a guessing game because 19 other teams and their fans believe that with their team. One person's opinion of them being the most improved shouldn't take more credence over one's that believes to be skeptical.

In fact we have seen the last 2 years under Letowski an under .500 record, 6th seed, 8th seed. Yes some people will double down on Rychel and Letowski as there always will be. Unfortunately at this point there's nothing in Letowski's body of work that should give a fan warm fuzzy feelings. With lack of draft picks moving forward what we see with this roster is the group that has to get it done. You won't be getting much outside help in the form of trades.

Anything at this time is a guessing game, I just don't see why it always has to have a negative spin on this thread. I am not saying be a homer......but at least be 50/50. This thread has turned into a rumor mill!! A place to gossip!! I told a good friend of mine about this thread, told him to check it out. A week or so later when I asked him what he thought? Sure enough he told me that it seems that certain posters have a negative agenda, that their purpose was to crap on everything, I can't say he is wrong. My friend has no agenda at all, but he is very much a hockey guy!! All he did was read about a weeks worth of content on here and gave an honest opinion.

 

[OHLTG]

At least Afanasyev and Johnston are two very positive signs. Nobody knew what was happening then, poof, we've got two big scorers on the club. Johnston may take a while to adjust to the league but, if they have Cuylle/Foudy help him along, that'll be a bonus.

I'm very curious as to who WR has his eye on for the Import Draft next week.

 

[Saggy]

Johnston was ranked as a 3rd rounder by most who have actually seen him play. Zito is much better and will be a better player for Spits

 

[aresknights]

Anything at this time is a guessing game, I just don't see why it always has to have a negative spin on this thread. I am not saying be a homer......but at least be 50/50. This thread has turned into a rumor mill!! A place to gossip!! I told a good friend of mine about this thread, told him to check it out. A week or so later when I asked him what he thought? Sure enough he told me that it seems that certain posters have a negative agenda, that their purpose was to crap on everything, I can't say he is wrong. My friend has no agenda at all, but he is very much a hockey guy!! All he did was read about a weeks worth of content on here and gave an honest opinion.

Deleted.

 

[aresknights]

Johnston was ranked as a 3rd rounder by most who have actually seen him play. Zito is much better and will be a better player for Spits

By most???? Big statement. ( Zito may end end better but Johnston ranked 40-60 seems low) Who are these "most who have actually seen him play" people you reference?

Any links for this from any of the services that rank players? Just curious.

Talking to a scout for the OHL, he went earlier than expected but he still had him as a top 20 player.
And as often mentioned here, another OHL team had him on the radar mid 1st rd.

3rd rd is a 40-60 ranked player. Seems a bit of an exaggeration.

You could very well be correct, Im just curious as I heard different

 

[ohloutsider]

Any links for this from any of the services that rank players? Just curious.

Talking to a scout for the OHL, he went earlier than expected but he still had him as a top 20 player.
And as often mentioned here, another OHL team had him on the radar mid 1st rd.

3rd rd is a 40-60 ranked player. Seems a bit of an exaggeration.

You could very well be correct, Im just curious as I heard different

It was indicated by someone on here or another thread that Hamilton was intending to take Johnson in the first round so Spits not the only team looking to grab him.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

Anything at this time is a guessing game, I just don't see why it always has to have a negative spin on this thread. I am not saying be a homer......but at least be 50/50. This thread has turned into a rumor mill!! A place to gossip!! I told a good friend of mine about this thread, told him to check it out. A week or so later when I asked him what he thought? Sure enough he told me that it seems that certain posters have a negative agenda, that their purpose was to crap on everything, I can't say he is wrong. My friend has no agenda at all, but he is very much a hockey guy!! All he did was read about a weeks worth of content on here and gave an honest opinion.

I actually think the team will be slightly improved. The extent of that improvement has a lot to do with the current players returning, much improved goaltending(yes goaltending was an issue last year), much improved D. I have no doubt some parts will improve I don't necessarily believe all 3 will have that same type improvement. Those are usually reserved for championship caliber teams.

That's his opinion and that's fine. I don't buy the whole rumor mill and gossip. That was happening 6-7 months ago and was brought up by myself. Everybody thought it was great to get the scoop. People want the scoop so there you go you're going to get rumors and gossip. Can't have one without the other.

My one issue isn't talking about signings but Rychel talks about Johnston a little polished Dale Mitchell at the same age. This stuff isn't about talking about a prospect it's about unrealistic comparisons to a guy that was integral to a championship team. It's about a guy being a shill for a better term. For example a little polished Dale Mitchell most likely will find himself toiling on the 4th line for Letowski many times this year.

 

[randomhero4life]

Its gotten more negative the longer the reg season and playoffs lack of success has gone on. Its been a while for either. Just an outsider perspective and totally understandable fans have gotten frustrated.


Yes one poster leans heavily negative.

Another who leans heavily positive
and has over the last 7/8 years in spite of track record.

Another (who has taken hos ball and left) was also over the top, one sided, selectively positive in use of defending the org. and stats usage.

It is 50/50 lol.

But there are also so many posters who bring great insight on here. CFaub, Punch, 108, Youngblood, Razor and so many more. Differing thoughts... no doubt, but also, often very quality posts.


You are letting 1 poster ( maybe 2 ) dictate your thoughts n comments. Odd when there are 1 or 2 just as "passionate" about the other side of the fence.

If ya wanna let 1 or 2 "negative" posters, in your view, ruin the quality this board offers. Hit the ignore button or stay away. Easy enough.

Delete

 

[randomhero4life]

I actually think the team will be slightly improved. The extent of that improvement has a lot to do with the current players returning, much improved goaltending(yes goaltending was an issue last year), much improved D. I have no doubt some parts will improve I don't necessarily believe all 3 will have that same type improvement. Those are usually reserved for championship caliber teams.

That's his opinion and that's fine. I don't buy the whole rumor mill and gossip. That was happening 6-7 months ago and was brought up by myself. Everybody thought it was great to get the scoop. People want the scoop so there you go you're going to get rumors and gossip. Can't have one without the other.

My one issue isn't talking about signings but Rychel talks about Johnston a little polished Dale Mitchell at the same age. This stuff isn't about talking about a prospect it's about unrealistic comparisons to a guy that was integral to a championship team. It's about a guy being a shill for a better term. For example a little polished Dale Mitchell most likely will find himself toiling on the 4th line for Letowski many times this year.

See I agree with this!! Everything you just posted. GM's have a tendency to over sell their picks, every GM in the OHL does it. I am not always a fan of this. I never understood the need to get a "Scoop" Why can't fans just let things play out. We have become less hockey fans and more amatuer sports reporters. In reality what do you get in return if you are the one to break the scoop? An imaginary pat on the back? lol. I much prefer to talk about the players we do have, the good and the bad.

 

[aresknights]

I hear what you are saying but I am not letting anyone "ruin" my view. I honestly try to be 50/50 on this board, that is my choice. telling me to hit the ignore button or stay away.....that is hilarious coming from a Knights fan who posts on the Windsor thread!! I am a STH, have been for about 6 years or so. I enjoy going to the games, I support this team through the good and the bad. I do agree that there are some good posters on here!! No doubt!! The point I was trying to make was that my friend who has never been on the board before, who is a very knowledgeable hockey guy came on this board and read a weeks worth of posts and gave me his opinion. I am not suggesting the posters on here should be 100 % homers......like some other team threads on HF, but to keep a open mind when discussing the Spits. That goes for OHLTG or windsor7 for exp.

Deleted.

Last post on this subject deleted so ill deleted them all since its an issue.

 

[OHLTG]

I'm just here so I don't get fined...

 

[OHLTG]

See I agree with this!! Everything you just posted. GM's have a tendency to over sell their picks, every GM in the OHL does it. I am not always a fan of this. I never understood the need to get a "Scoop" Why can't fans just let things play out.

One thing people do when first finding out about a player is ask who they're comparable to. It's nothing new, especially for media. You word it so there's no real "comparison", but it's commonplace. That's how I took it - something like "for those who haven't seen Johnston play, who is he similar to?" That's when Dale Mitchell comes up. He's not Mitchell now, obviously, but could turn into that speedy, offensive guy.

The scoop thing - it's social media. People want to know what's going on. I get asked about stuff on a regular basis.

 

[randomhero4life]

If you don't like a poster, and it continuously bugs ya why wouldn't you ignore it?

Got it. But lots of "very knowlegeable" hockey people read these HF team forums and echo your buddies comments. As do the reg Joe fans No need to try n add to his resume to justify your thoughts.

My post was hilarious based on the team I cheer for and not the content? OK
You needed to vent about negative posters. Im just suggesting if it bugs ya there are options. If it doesnt keep reading n responding.
You have had tics for 6 years. Awesome. Nice arena. Team should start trending up

The purpose of my post was not to vent, but to share the opinion that we should be more 50/50 in terms of our thinking towards the Spits right now. Signing 2 players that could have an immediate impact on the roster is a good thing. Take things one day at a time and see how things play out. It's not to boost my buddy's resume at all. I was just stating that he said this page comes off as negative and that certain posters have that negative agenda, it's his opinion, but with the way things have been on here for the last year or so, I understand what he is saying. All I am trying to do is get back to quality hockey talk, no more no less. I previously posted that when people have a 50/50 view point good hockey talk often happens. Aresknights trust me when I tell you that I do have certain posters on here on ignore. I have had good conversations with the posters on here in the past, and I hope I am not the only one on here that would like to get back to talking hockey, not rumors, speculation, bickering back and forth etc.

 

[OHLTG]

I don't mind the rumours/speculation, as that's intriguing stuff. The bickering is pointless; tends to be the same stuff over and over again.

 

[randomhero4life]

I don't mind the rumours/speculation, as that's intriguing stuff. The bickering is pointless; tends to be the same stuff over and over again.

Rumors and speculation has led to a lot of the back and forth bickering here. I stand by my previous comment "What does the poster get by breaking the scoop?" I know what they do get when their info or sources are completely wrong and it's not good lol. I understand that it is social media and it happens and it always will......but here is an exp. When an accident or a crime is committed locally.....people will read the online comments. Often times it's here say and disrespectful, and online arguments ensue. These arguments turn personal really quick. What do we gain in participating in these types of discussions? Not a damn thing!

 

[OHLTG]

If I hear something fairly concrete, I'll post it. Figure people will want to know. If I'm wrong, so be it, but I don't post info unless I have a good reason. The bickering is the issue of the people involved, not the person who's posting it. If we didn't post just because people would start bickering, 90% of social media would get shut down. People like to bicker because this is their only place to do so (internet, I mean). I highly doubt it'd be this crabby if we said stuff in reality.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

See I agree with this!! Everything you just posted. GM's have a tendency to over sell their picks, every GM in the OHL does it. I am not always a fan of this. I never understood the need to get a "Scoop" Why can't fans just let things play out. We have become less hockey fans and more amatuer sports reporters. In reality what do you get in return if you are the one to break the scoop? An imaginary pat on the back? lol. I much prefer to talk about the players we do have, the good and the bad.

The bar just gets moved a lot and I get it. I remember at the end of the year Rychel said he wanted to get to the bottom of how they could move Morgan and have him flourish. He wanted to talk to the coaching staff. Either that was a line to feed the fans and he knew or the coaches are never going to be held accountable and status quo is the answer.

I agree individuals will improve the question is whether or not individual improvements lead to improved play on the margins. Will improvements from players lead to a better PP which was dreadful last year?? Piroinen could improve a bit and the team may still not be a contender. Rychel said he thinks they can be one of the best teams in 2021. Can they still be that type of team if goaltending doesn't play at a very high level???

I would be interested if Rychel goes out and moves a player like Douglas who's very close to the same guy the Spits got in a trade from Barrie. Move him and try and acquire a solid D that can play 15-20 solid mins a night. Give guys like D'Amico/Angle/Frasca more responsibility even Johnston while getting a D that can play more than other guys.