Windsor Spitfires 2023-24 Off-Season Thread (Part 2)

[GermanSpitfire]

I really wonder if Windsor tries to make Belchetz a center. He has the size…

 

[ohloutsider]

I really wonder if Windsor tries to make Belchetz a center. He has the size…

Same as Spellacy. It seems to be working for him so I could see that being the case for Belchetz, if they draft him .

 

[Knownothing]

The scout.ca …….OHL draft pick predictions..5 Rounds..100 players..

TheScout - Mock Draft

docs.google.com

Highly unlikely Spits will pick two forwards at 22 and 24. Especially two small forwards.

Hicks or Xu better picks at one of those spots.

 

[Teflon]

I see it this way. They draft a big man at 1…. Your next 2 picks? I believe best available at D and C. Theres a right shot D man with size projected around those 2nd round picks… This happens only if they are damn confident in getting a euro D man with the third pick. Even BB shouldnt miss with that pick…..

 

[RayzorIsDull]

I see it this way. They draft a big man at 1…. Your next 2 picks? I believe best available at D and C. Theres a right shot D man with size projected around those 2nd round picks… This happens only if they are damn confident in getting a euro D man with the third pick. Even BB shouldnt miss with that pick…..

I still think you go 2 forwards out of the top 3 picks the order doesn't matter imo. Wish they would have kept that 3rd 2nd round pick for this year to enable them to take a big shot at a player. I imagine Bowler will play it extremely safe. O'Donnell would be nice but if I had to guess he probably already has an agreement with a team. You don't opt out of the Q draft unless you have a guarantee here. Ethan Garden who's not going USDP would be a big get.

 

[ErnieLeafs]

I’m split on Valentini/Belchetz. Strong case can be made for both of them. There will be a big, smooth skating defenseman available at 22, and that’s where I’d take one, and 24 would probably be another forward, given that the import is probably going to be an impact d-man.

 

[Knownothing]

I’m split on Valentini/Belchetz. Strong case can be made for both of them. There will be a big, smooth skating defenseman available at 22, and that’s where I’d take one, and 24 would probably be another forward, given that the import is probably going to be an impact d-man.

Agree with D at 22, hopefully RH D, Hicks might be the ticket if still there. Then a C at 24.

 

[ErnieLeafs]

Agree with D at 22, hopefully RH D, Hicks might be the ticket if still there. Then a C at 24.

What are we looking for in a C? A first liner? Or do we have that sorted?

If you go Valentini, Xu/Hicks, then you have a future 1C already. Do you take Vandenburg (sp?) at 24?

 

[zaluty]

Isn't the tradition that the team picking first overall introduces them on Thursday at a news conference? Has there been any word that is happening?

 

[Knownothing]

I’m hoping Weston Cameron is till on the board to add more size to a big group. That is if they take the unicorn. Ethan Garden would be the opposite but a great get at 24. With only one pick in between the order of F or D at 22 and 24 will likely depend on who’s still on the board at each position

 

[spitsfan28]

Isn't the tradition that the team picking first overall introduces them on Thursday at a news conference? Has there been any word that is happening?

Tomorrow at 11:45am

 

[spitsfan28]

Spits first pick announcement info

 

[OHLTG]

Isn't the tradition that the team picking first overall introduces them on Thursday at a news conference? Has there been any word that is happening?

It all starts Thursday at noon. Will be shown on YourTV plus I'd imagine Facebook or something.

 

[ohloutsider]

It all starts Thursday at noon. Will be shown on YourTV plus I'd imagine Facebook or something.

I don't have Facebook or Your TV so hopefully somewhere else lol.

 

[OHLTG]

I don't have Facebook or Your TV so hopefully somewhere else lol.

Probably Twitter lol

BTW, article today from WStar says club is looking at Costanzo and Froggett for goal next season. It's obviously very early and plenty can change, but it gives an idea of their mindframe.

 

[ohloutsider]

Probably Twitter lol

BTW, article today from WStar says club is looking at Costanzo and Froggett for goal next season. It's obviously very early and plenty can change, but it gives an idea of their mindframe.

Well they still need to draft a good goalie to keep the daisy chain moving.

 

[windsor7]

Well they still need to draft a good goalie to keep the daisy chain moving.

Need a actual competant new coaching staff to hire..

 

[punch1943]

I’ve never seen the top players but my preference would be the big winger. We have a couple of centers already so the center would probably End up playing the 3rd line this season.

 

[OHLTG]

Well they still need to draft a good goalie to keep the daisy chain moving.

You'll get a good goaltender at some point this weekend. The comment was more towards what's happening for next season.

 

[rve24]

Agree with D at 22, hopefully RH D, Hicks might be the ticket if still there. Then a C at 24.

Hicks could be a legit target and fill a need.

From LK board, credit Zman77
"Carter Hicks, D, London Jr. Knights
One of my favourite defenders from this year’s draft class is Carter Hicks. Carter was the Captain of the London Jr. Knights who won the Alliance Hockey Championship. He is a 6’02 right handed defender who is a great skater, defends and puts up points. We know how valuable right-handed defenders are in hockey, and one that can skater and has size should be high on team’s draft boards. He is a smart defender who has a great shot and strong playmaking ability. He is not afraid to use his speed and skating abilities to break the puck out of his own end, or drive it to the net to generate scoring chances. He played lots of minutes in London, in many different situations, and I believe he has the potential to be special in the OHL."

 

[Cherrydon]

Article says Eichler as one of the expected returns for next season. Bowler should look close with tge import draft. . Eichler was chosen 52 last year. With a bunch of Russians available, 3 years worth of potential Russians wanting to come over. Bowler could easily improve on Eichler with the right connections. Will all teams make a 1st round selection? Nothing personal against Eichler, but Bowler's job is to make his team the best he can. Eichler is still small as is Cristoforo and Woodall.

 

[hockeylegend11]

Article says Eichler as one of the expected returns for next season. Bowler should look close with tge import draft. . Eichler was chosen 52 last year. With a bunch of Russians available, 3 years worth of potential Russians wanting to come over. Bowler could easily improve on Eichler with the right connections. Will all teams make a 1st round selection? Nothing personal against Eichler, but Bowler's job is to make his team the best he can. Eichler is still small as is Cristoforo and Woodall.

I would rather have Eichler back as one of the Euros allowed,was impressed overall with his play aggressive and improving offensive skills,preferably grab another Euro dman will skills and grit and I am good.
While I agree Woodall and Christoforo are not big size dmen,Eichler 6'-192 according to hockeydb,combined with his aggressive nature works for me.

 

[Cherrydon]

I would rather have Eichler back as one of the Euros allowed,was impressed overall with his play aggressive and improving offensive skills,preferably grab another Euro dman will skills and grit and I am good.
While I agree Woodall and Christoforo are not big size dmen,Eichler 6'-192 according to hockeydb,combined with his aggressive Ness works for me.

Like I said nothing personal against Eichler. Yes he improved but still needs his careless penalties reduced. I was just pointing out there maybe a gem avaliable playing the right connections with an agent that we could steal a great player early in the second round. Worth a look. If nothing better so be it. We've let enough import draft players go over the years after a short look. I don't think anyone expects Zhugin back nor should he. His defensive side of the puck was horrible. We need to reduce goals against way more than anything. 2 undersized D is enough on 1 team. Manzo taller than Eichler. Walton fine. Fiesty doesn't check bodies out of the front of the net.

 

[ohloutsider]

Not sure if you are following the 2008 draft thread or not but Windsor is very lucky to be picking first this year, after that the drafting gets real messy with a lot of high end players trying to manipulate the draft. Should be real interesting to see how this year's draft plays out.

 

[OHLTG]

Not sure if you are following the 2008 draft thread or not but Windsor is very lucky to be picking first this year, after that the drafting gets real messy with a lot of high end players trying to manipulate the draft. Should be real interesting to see how this year's draft plays out.

The next 72-hours have the potential to be nuts. Having the first overall pick means a really poor season but, right now, it's also really good for Windsor. They get their pick out of the way and then watch as the chaos unfolds.