Windsor Spitfires 2022-23 Off-Season Thread (Part 8)

[OHLTG]

It is possible people are on vacation this week. No coach named yet so dependent on Bowler to release a statement.

I just find it interesting because Bowler or Rychel commented on Hebek, Baisov, Sobolev, and Rafkin when they were all drafted. Even the Spitfires' site doesn't have a comment from Bowler. I get it that people might be busy but even an "our contacts have said this kid plays a physical, defensive style and we'll see what happens this summer" would go a long way. It doesn't have to be elaborate.

 

[windsor7]

I just find it interesting because Bowler or Rychel commented on Hebek, Baisov, Sobolev, and Rafkin when they were all drafted. Even the Spitfires' site doesn't have a comment from Bowler. I get it that people might be busy but even an "our contacts have said this kid plays a physical, defensive style and we'll see what happens this summer" would go a long way. It doesn't have to be elaborate.

His phone must be off..

 

[Cherrydon]

Totally agree that it is odd.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

The thing that makes the most sense to me is that Sobolev intends to come back for an OA year.

We have too many OA, deals are in the works and they don’t want to give away anything on who may be getting moved out is my best guess.

Would need to move 2 of
Sobolev, Peer, Christopoulos, Maillet, Jodoin and unfortunately the market for an OA Import and a Tough Character guy probably isn’t too high.

Until I hear anything about signing Eichler, I’m assuming Sobolev stays meaning one of the 3 OA Forwards will go along with Jodoin, who may just be released.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

The thing that makes me curious is the press conferences, the posts on the community, and things the organization has said. Maybe it’s different now Savard is gone, but of the remaining OA, it seems Maillet, Jodoin and Peer have gotten the most positive notes at least when talking media over the years.

Yet, I’d honestly show up to more games if Sobolev and Christopoulos are kept around. I like the hipcheck and Christopoulos is just such a hard working player.

The direction really feels dependent on Shane Wright.

I just don’t see anyway we go with something other than 2 OA Forwards, 1 OA D

 

[OHLTG]

Would need to move 2 of
Sobolev, Peer, Christopoulos, Maillet, Jodoin and unfortunately the market for an OA Import and a Tough Character guy probably isn’t too high.

I can see them keeping four - two F and two D - until they have to decide.

The thing that makes me curious is the press conferences, the posts on the community, and things the organization has said. Maybe it’s different now Savard is gone, but of the remaining OA, it seems Maillet, Jodoin and Peer have gotten the most positive notes at least when talking media over the years.

Are you referring to those players getting positive feedback from Savard or those players' involvement in post-game pressers and community events? (just for clarifying)

 

[Cherrydon]

Christo can provide much needed goal scoring which is at a big deficit after Maggio and if Christopoulis is moved. That's over a hundred goals. Peer and Maillet which I both like but play a similar game.

 

[windsor7]

Christo can provide much needed goal scoring which is at a big deficit after Maggio and if Christopoulis is moved. That's over a hundred goals. Peer and Maillet which I both like but play a similar game.

Still got to play defense.
At least some...

 

[Cherrydon]

Still got to play defense.
At least some...

I don't disagree that a much better defensivel structure needs to be implemented, but we still need goals to win a game. Christopoulis had more goals than Maillet and Peer combined. Something that needs to be considered. If we are considering to make noise at all next year, the best 3 OA's would be Sobelev (if returning) plus Christopoulis and Maillet.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

I can see them keeping four - two F and two D - until they have to decide.


Are you referring to those players getting positive feedback from Savard or those players' involvement in post-game pressers and community events? (just for clarifying)

Mainly feedback from savard/bowler. Sobolev has the language barrier and Christopoulos is an awkward interview lol

 

[OHLTG]

Mainly feedback from savard/bowler. Sobolev has the language barrier and Christopoulos is an awkward interview lol

Christo is a good guy but, yeah, he was always very short and to-the-point in interviews. Peer, Jodoin, and, to an extent, Maillet, were more in-depth and even joking around/laughing at times.

 

[Teflon]

Cristo, Peer and Sobolev would be my 3 hands down.

 

[I guard the door]

Ok... I need something explained to me. I just read on the CHL website that the Saginaw Spirit have signed Valentin Zhugin who was one of their 2023 import picks. For the last two years he has been playing for the Guelph Storm after they picked him in the 2021 import draft. Why was he eligible for the draft this year if he was already a member of the Storm? Does Guelph not get to keep him? There was no mention of him being released prior to the draft.

 

[ohloutsider]

Ok... I need something explained to me. I just read on the CHL website that the Saginaw Spirit have signed Valentin Zhugin who was one of their 2023 import picks. For the last two years he has been playing for the Guelph Storm after they picked him in the 2021 import draft. Why was he eligible for the draft this year if he was already a member of the Storm? Does Guelph not get to keep him? There was no mention of him being released prior to the draft.

Guelph released him prior to the draft . I believe it was mentioned on another thread.

 

[ohloutsider]

Cristo, Peer and Sobolev would be my 3 hands down.

Always fun to play GM but I see it a little different. I'm all in on Sobelev. Ya he takes an import spot and an OA spot but he brings top value in each category and quality D is something the Spits needs so he is my number 1 keep. Now it gets fuzzy.

Not flashy but Maillet put up more points than the rest of the other OA's and he is one of the Spits top face-off guys as well as their top PK guy. Too much value that Spits will not get back in any trade for him. He is my number 2 keep.

That leaves Peer and Christopoulos. Christopoulos would have the higher trade value but you are giving up a 49 goal OA. Peer was also in the top 50 in the league for points so what is a GM to do?

So now comes the question of where the Spits see themselves in March? I have to think solid but not a contender.

So my answer is trade whichever of those 2 that get you the most value. But I'm in no rush to do that. Keep all 4 until you can maximize that value. Likely we'll into the fall before you move any or maybe even more than 1?

And as always my predictions will be shown the door probably as soon as the trade window opens again, LOL.

Another thing I've noticed on other team threads, our OA's don't come up in discussions about OA's to be acquired? Yet they all produced far better numbers than ones being discussed. Good thing GM's are the ones making the moves. Carry on.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

Keeping Sobolev to take up an import and oa slot would be malpractice.

 

[ohloutsider]

Keeping Sobolev to take up an import and oa slot would be malpractice.

So what would you're allernative be? How do you replace what he brings and for free?

 

[RayzorIsDull]

So what would you're allernative be? How do you replace what he brings and for free?

The alternative would be to develop a younger D. Sobolev is ok but I don't think he's a need more of a luxury. Also I just don't like the idea of running it back with Dionicio/Cristoforo/DeAngelis/Sobolev thinking the D will automatically be better. We all thought the D was below average and now just bring the band back?? Is that a winning formula?

 

[Cherrydon]

Big consideration is the import player drafted last week to replace say Sobolev is not not highly rated making that a downgrade import. Sobolev is still the most physical best defensive D we have currently on the roster by a mile.

 

[OHLTG]

They have Hjelholt, Manzo, and Lavigne from this year's drafts, plus whoever from previous drafts. If one of the three from this year makes it, you'll have...

Sobolev or Jodoin
Cristoforo
DeAngelis
Dionicio
Woodall
(rookie)

Take away both Sobo AND Jodoin... and you're looking at essentially DeA and Dionicio as your two veterans with sophomore Cristoforo and three rookies in the mix. I get rebuilding but that's a tough ask.

IF you add the Import, then Sobolev is auto gone and it's still a very young core without Jodoin.

 

[rve24]

They have Hjelholt, Manzo, and Lavigne from this year's drafts, plus whoever from previous drafts. If one of the three from this year makes it, you'll have...

Sobolev or Jodoin
Cristoforo
DeAngelis
Dionicio
Woodall
(rookie)

Take away both Sobo AND Jodoin... and you're looking at essentially DeA and Dionicio as your two veterans with sophomore Cristoforo and three rookies in the mix. I get rebuilding but that's a tough ask.

IF you add the Import, then Sobolev is auto gone and it's still a very young core without Jodoin.

Guess it depends on clubs expectations. If they are looking to quickly flip back to Contension I dont see an issue with 2 vets a 2nd yr D most on here loved and a 2nd yr/rookie as the last 2. A vet D can always be picked up cheap if needed.
On the other side I'd weigh any potential return for Sobelov. Can't see it being much as an OA/import so he def. has more value to his team than his return but blocks minutes n evaluation of kids if stays. Tough one.
Could they flip DeA or Dio for a better return to help gain picks back and speed up the transition.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

Big consideration is the import player drafted last week to replace say Sobolev is not not highly rated making that a downgrade import. Sobolev is still the most physical best defensive D we have currently on the roster by a mile.

Still think he hasn't played like an NHL draft pick and Montreal seems to be of that belief as well. There aren't a lot of great comments on their import draft but he should still get that opportunity. The team isn't going to contend don't need to have a guy take up import and OA spot.

 

[I guard the door]

Guelph released him prior to the draft . I believe it was mentioned on another thread.

Thank you

 

[OHLTG]

Guess it depends on clubs expectations. If they are looking to quickly flip back to CO tension I font see an issuexwith 2 vets a 2nd yr D most on here loved and a 2nd yr/rookie as the last 2. A vet D can always be picked up cheap if needed.
On the other side I'd weigh any potential return for Sobelov. Can't see it being much as an OA/import so he def. has more value to his team than his return but blocks minutes n evaluation of kids if stays. Tough one.
Could they DeA or Dio for a better return to help gain picks back?

DeA and Dio are both going to be invaluble to the team this season so I can't see either being dealt until there's an offer that Bowler can't refuse.

Personally, I don't have an issue with going younger, but it could create some serious growing pains that I'm not sure fans are ready for. Dio/DeA as your top-two is fine, but is Cristoforo ready to be three and is Woodall ready to be four after a very small taste last season? I don't know.

Sobolev is another one that I think means more to the club than you'd get in any return. He's physical, responsible defensively, and chips in a few points. I know there are multiple teams who head into 2023-24 with an 03 Import so the trade options would be even less than normal.

It's not going to be an easy decision, regardless.

 

[Teflon]

This teams D is BRUTAL as is its grit! I will take a guy with physicality over any of the other OA’s. Malpractice? I think not. Im not a Maillette fan so thats why i made my choices. I just think theres to many guys like him here. BB still needs to address the teams toughness as well.