Windsor Spitfires 2023-24 Season Thread (Part 3)

[OHLTG]

I don't think you can ignore either part of the first half. The first 21 games were atrocious, but the last (however many) games have been much-improved. Take the good with the bad, but the bad with the good.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

I don't think you can ignore either part of the first half. The first 21 games were atrocious, but the last (however many) games have been much-improved. Take the good with the bad, but the bad with the good.

And they're 19th out of 20 teams. You are what your record says you are. Torres can say his record is good. Juggy should say he was terrible.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

One thing I can't help but think about with him... every time we draft a smaller defenceman with offensive potential, we expect him to be like Ryan Ellis, who could also hit very well. Bateman was a bust. Auger was a bust. Cristoforo is solid offensively, needs some work defensively, but is more of a defensive position guy than a Ellis-style "hit them so they know you're there" guy. Not every d-man is going to ram you into the boards; people don't like that. "HIT HIM!!" That's not how the game always works. However, he's learning, is only 17, and has plenty of room to grow. It probably doesn't help that Greentree has exploded in every part of his game as we tend to compare players from the same draft. Cristoforo's going to take time to develop. If he's still like this by age 19, then I'd scratch my head. Until then, man, he's still a kid...

More often than not the adjustment to this level is quickest for Forwards, Slowest For Goalies, Defensemen somewhere in between.

I'm a Spitfire fan after growing up hating them (as a Whalers fan). Continued Success, Strong Fan base, in addition to proximity drew me to Windsor… that being said, If I wasn't a fan of the rough em' up game, I would've been less attracted to the Spits. It's like a Zach Giroux or Ryan Abraham. Can't stand playing against em, but if you're on that side, it can be a lot of fun.

The point I'm making is, I still love the physical element of the game. I thought the 10 fight rule was fair, and if a guy steps up for his teammate, the only reason I like the instigator is so that teams are still even after (often) a light call on a good physical play.

That being said, Christoforo isn't that guy and the game is evolving. It has evolved. Do I wish that our 5'11" 180pound 06' defensemen was Zayne Parekh? Most Nights, yeah. But we had the 22nd pick that year, not the 19th. It is what it is.
Will us having Christoforo instead of Parekh result in an extra year of OHL play? It very well might.
From Day 1 I've liked Spellacy. Good speed, can bring a physical element, and can make noise without getting on the scoresheet. But I'd be lying if the 06' draft didn't rank:
1) Greentree
2) Christoforo
3) Spellacy

These kids are so young on draft day. It's hard to get that perfect assessment.

Meidema went 4th
Johnston went 6th
Abraham went 14th
Christoforo went 22nd
Greentree went 34th

On Greentree's worst game, I'd take him over Meidema's best. Johnston went lower than Meidema in his draft year, and Meidema will never touch what Johnston did in the OHL (or beyond). Is Christoforo a stud 17-year old who's going to change this team this year? No. Is he valuable to this team now? Yes. Will he be next year? Yes. The Year After? Probably. The Year After? Possibly.

It's a development league. Things take time.

The Problem is when they don't develop… Looking at the 04' on the 4th line.. lol

 

[ohloutsider]

More often than not the adjustment to this level is quickest for Forwards, Slowest For Goalies, Defensemen somewhere in between.

I'm a Spitfire fan after growing up hating them (as a Whalers fan). Continued Success, Strong Fan base, in addition to proximity drew me to Windsor… that being said, If I wasn't a fan of the rough em' up game, I would've been less attracted to the Spits. It's like a Zach Giroux or Ryan Abraham. Can't stand playing against em, but if you're on that side, it can be a lot of fun.

The point I'm making is, I still love the physical element of the game. I thought the 10 fight rule was fair, and if a guy steps up for his teammate, the only reason I like the instigator is so that teams are still even after (often) a light call on a good physical play.

That being said, Christoforo isn't that guy and the game is evolving. It has evolved. Do I wish that our 5'11" 180pound 06' defensemen was Zayne Parekh? Most Nights, yeah. But we had the 22nd pick that year, not the 19th. It is what it is.
Will us having Christoforo instead of Parekh result in an extra year of OHL play? It very well might.
From Day 1 I've liked Spellacy. Good speed, can bring a physical element, and can make noise without getting on the scoresheet. But I'd be lying if the 06' draft didn't rank:
1) Greentree
2) Christoforo
3) Spellacy

These kids are so young on draft day. It's hard to get that perfect assessment.

Meidema went 4th
Johnston went 6th
Abraham went 14th
Christoforo went 22nd
Greentree went 34th

On Greentree's worst game, I'd take him over Meidema's best. Johnston went lower than Meidema in his draft year, and Meidema will never touch what Johnston did in the OHL (or beyond). Is Christoforo a stud 17-year old who's going to change this team this year? No. Is he valuable to this team now? Yes. Will he be next year? Yes. The Year After? Probably. The Year After? Possibly.

It's a development league. Things take time.

The Problem is when they don't develop… Looking at the 04' on the 4th line.. lol

Well put.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

It would be wild if you finished in 8th seed and took out Kitchener in 4

Karma couldnt be that acurate, could it?

Seriously, I am impressed with your younger players. Greentree, Spellacy, Christoforo, etc. They are learning fast. Good luck rest of the season.

I suggested this earlier lol. Just the shot at that matchup is the only thing that appeals to me about the 2024 Playoffs for Windsor. Otherwise, give me that Top 4 pick.

Going in as the low seed in that matchup this time around, the pressure is off, and it adds a bunch of excitement to the rivalry.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

Well… In one of those "I feel bad for the kid" moves, Michigan Overager Dean Loukus (03) was moved from Saginaw to Missy for a 6th and a 9th, opening up a spot for an OA on Saginaw's Mem Cup Push.

Pretty sure we just went from Mississauga having an open OA Slot to Saginaw having one.

Loukus was at .75 points per game this season, but is .82 career after being a 15th round pick.

Honestly, I'd be pretty stoked to see Peer get moved to Saginaw to rejoin Christopoulos and Dionicio and get a shot at the Memorial Cup. Saginaw's got the picks to compensate properly as well. Oddly enough Peer is also .82ppg career wise, but sits at 1.31ppg this season, would be quite an upgrade for Saginaw.

Anyone have any insight into other OA's available? I highly doubt Saginaw moved theirs out without having plans of acquiring a 3rd…

Only Point Getters above Peer in the OHL that are OA's are
Beck (SOO - 2nd in OHL Standings)
Goure (OS - 12th in OHL Standings)

There's also Bowman at 24th (GUE - 7th in OHL Standings)

Those are the only 4 Overage Forwards in the Top 30 Point Scorers. At first glance all other options are below a point a game players on their current teams.

I'd have to imagine it's Peer or Goure filling that spot.

 

[hockeylegend11]

Well… In one of those "I feel bad for the kid" moves, Michigan Overager Dean Loukus (03) was moved from Saginaw to Missy for a 6th and a 9th, opening up a spot for an OA on Saginaw's Mem Cup Push.

Pretty sure we just went from Mississauga having an open OA Slot to Saginaw having one.

Loukus was at .75 points per game this season, but is .82 career after being a 15th round pick.

Honestly, I'd be pretty stoked to see Peer get moved to Saginaw to rejoin Christopoulos and Dionicio and get a shot at the Memorial Cup. Saginaw's got the picks to compensate properly as well. Oddly enough Peer is also .82ppg career wise, but sits at 1.31ppg this season, would be quite an upgrade for Saginaw.

Anyone have any insight into other OA's available? I highly doubt Saginaw moved theirs out without having plans of acquiring a 3rd…

Only Point Getters above Peer in the OHL that are OA's are
Beck (SOO - 2nd in OHL Standings)
Goure (OS - 12th in OHL Standings)

There's also Bowman at 24th (GUE - 7th in OHL Standings)

Those are the only 4 Overage Forwards in the Top 30 Point Scorers. At first glance all other options are below a point a game players on their current teams.

I'd have to imagine it's Peer or Goure filling that spot.

They just picked up forward Josh Bloom as their 3rd OA to go along with Hache and Christopoulis there so they are set.

 

[ohloutsider]

Well… In one of those "I feel bad for the kid" moves, Michigan Overager Dean Loukus (03) was moved from Saginaw to Missy for a 6th and a 9th, opening up a spot for an OA on Saginaw's Mem Cup Push.

Pretty sure we just went from Mississauga having an open OA Slot to Saginaw having one.

Loukus was at .75 points per game this season, but is .82 career after being a 15th round pick.

Honestly, I'd be pretty stoked to see Peer get moved to Saginaw to rejoin Christopoulos and Dionicio and get a shot at the Memorial Cup. Saginaw's got the picks to compensate properly as well. Oddly enough Peer is also .82ppg career wise, but sits at 1.31ppg this season, would be quite an upgrade for Saginaw.

Anyone have any insight into other OA's available? I highly doubt Saginaw moved theirs out without having plans of acquiring a 3rd…

Only Point Getters above Peer in the OHL that are OA's are
Beck (SOO - 2nd in OHL Standings)
Goure (OS - 12th in OHL Standings)

There's also Bowman at 24th (GUE - 7th in OHL Standings)

Those are the only 4 Overage Forwards in the Top 30 Point Scorers. At first glance all other options are below a point a game players on their current teams.

I'd have to imagine it's Peer or Goure filling that spot.

No Josh Bloom coming back to Saggy.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

They just picked up forward Josh Bloom as their 3rd OA to go along with Hache and Christopoulis there so they are set.

Wow. That's a great deal for Saginaw. Wasn't he their captain before he got shipped off to NB last year? I never knew they required his rights.

 

[ohloutsider]

Wow. That's a great deal for Saginaw. Wasn't he their captain before he got shipped off to NB last year? I never knew they required his rights.

He was a free agent so they can sign him for free.

 

[Cherrydon]

More often than not the adjustment to this level is quickest for Forwards, Slowest For Goalies, Defensemen somewhere in between.

I'm a Spitfire fan after growing up hating them (as a Whalers fan). Continued Success, Strong Fan base, in addition to proximity drew me to Windsor… that being said, If I wasn't a fan of the rough em' up game, I would've been less attracted to the Spits. It's like a Zach Giroux or Ryan Abraham. Can't stand playing against em, but if you're on that side, it can be a lot of fun.

The point I'm making is, I still love the physical element of the game. I thought the 10 fight rule was fair, and if a guy steps up for his teammate, the only reason I like the instigator is so that teams are still even after (often) a light call on a good physical play.

That being said, Christoforo isn't that guy and the game is evolving. It has evolved. Do I wish that our 5'11" 180pound 06' defensemen was Zayne Parekh? Most Nights, yeah. But we had the 22nd pick that year, not the 19th. It is what it is.
Will us having Christoforo instead of Parekh result in an extra year of OHL play? It very well might.
From Day 1 I've liked Spellacy. Good speed, can bring a physical element, and can make noise without getting on the scoresheet. But I'd be lying if the 06' draft didn't rank:
1) Greentree
2) Christoforo
3) Spellacy

These kids are so young on draft day. It's hard to get that perfect assessment.

Meidema went 4th
Johnston went 6th
Abraham went 14th
Christoforo went 22nd
Greentree went 34th

On Greentree's worst game, I'd take him over Meidema's best. Johnston went lower than Meidema in his draft year, and Meidema will never touch what Johnston did in the OHL (or beyond). Is Christoforo a stud 17-year old who's going to change this team this year? No. Is he valuable to this team now? Yes. Will he be next year? Yes. The Year After? Probably. The Year After? Possibly.

It's a development league. Things take time.

The Problem is when they don't develop… Looking at the 04' on the 4th line.. lol

I'm not sure the Spits would have taken Parekh based if he was available after the Parekh debacle a few years back, but yes I'd take him in a second. Just think if that ownership deal went through we'd have him right now.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

I'm not sure the Spits would have taken Parekh based if he was available after the Parekh debacle a few years back, but yes I'd take him in a second. Just think if that ownership deal went through we'd have him right now.

Knowing what we know now about Zayne Parekh? Absolutely. At the time? I too would have been against it just because of the name after watching the Hakon Nilson thing explode in Flint.

 

[Cherrydon]

Our blessing was getting Greentree in the 2nd. But if we'd had both that draft. Wowza

 

[DetSpitsFan]

He was a free agent so they can sign him for free.

Interesting. I was unaware of this. Assuming he became a Free Agent based on his number of pro/AHL games played?

Seems odd to just be able to trade a guy for half a season, have him go play 14 AHL games, 8 ECHL games, and then just bring him back. I'd think there'd be some sort of picking order/waivers to get there. I mean good on Saginaw for doing it, that's a huge addition for no assets.

 

[ohloutsider]

Interesting. I was unaware of this. Assuming he became a Free Agent based on his number of pro/AHL games played?

Seems odd to just be able to trade a guy for half a season, have him go play 14 AHL games, 8 ECHL games, and then just bring him back. I'd think there'd be some sort of picking order/waivers to get there. I mean good on Saginaw for doing it, that's a huge addition for no assets.

NB had to release his rights in November to get down to 4. He went through waivers as no team though he was coming back . He became a free agent.. and here we are now.

 

[windsor7]

NB had to release his rights in November to get down to 4. He went through waivers as no team though he was coming back . He became a free agent.. and here we are now.

Would be nice on Windsor. Dropped ball...

 

[RayzorIsDull]

I'm not sure the Spits would have taken Parekh based if he was available after the Parekh debacle a few years back, but yes I'd take him in a second. Just think if that ownership deal went through we'd have him right now.

And former Spit Harkie Singh would be GM.

 

[ohloutsider]

Would be nice on Windsor. Dropped ball...

He would never be sent back to Windsor and is no better than the 3 we have now.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

NB had to release his rights in November to get down to 4. He went through waivers as no team though he was coming back . He became a free agent.. and here we are now.

Ahhh that makes sense. Thank you for the clarification. I would’ve assumed he wouldn’t make 3, but figured most teams would’ve kept his rights around as a 4th as a “just in case”

 

[Cherrydon]

And former Spit Harkie Singh would be GM.

The definite bad that would go with any good

 

[Cherrydon]

Pretty quiet. I thought with an early Team Canada exit at the WJC the trades would be heating up by now. Only 2 trades since the new year so far. Teams waiting for after the weekend's games to decide buyer or seller's?

 

[ohloutsider]

Pretty quiet. I thought with an early Team Canada exit at the WJC the trades would be heating up by now. Only 2 trades since the new year so far. Teams waiting for after the weekend's games to decide buyer or seller's?

Na they are just waiting for the boxing day sales. That will start Monday.

 

[windsor7]

Na they are just waiting for the boxing day sales. That will start Monday.

Some gm's r better than others...

 

[punch1943]

Pretty quiet. I thought with an early Team Canada exit at the WJC the trades would be heating up by now. Only 2 trades since the new year so far. Teams waiting for after the weekend's games to decide buyer or seller's?

Looks as if we’ll need to wait for the Spit line-ups the next two games to see if anyone is being held out. Can’t imagine a pure hockey trade but there will still be some deals as a number of teams are still in contention..

 

[RayzorIsDull]

More often than not the adjustment to this level is quickest for Forwards, Slowest For Goalies, Defensemen somewhere in between.

I'm a Spitfire fan after growing up hating them (as a Whalers fan). Continued Success, Strong Fan base, in addition to proximity drew me to Windsor… that being said, If I wasn't a fan of the rough em' up game, I would've been less attracted to the Spits. It's like a Zach Giroux or Ryan Abraham. Can't stand playing against em, but if you're on that side, it can be a lot of fun.

The point I'm making is, I still love the physical element of the game. I thought the 10 fight rule was fair, and if a guy steps up for his teammate, the only reason I like the instigator is so that teams are still even after (often) a light call on a good physical play.

That being said, Christoforo isn't that guy and the game is evolving. It has evolved. Do I wish that our 5'11" 180pound 06' defensemen was Zayne Parekh? Most Nights, yeah. But we had the 22nd pick that year, not the 19th. It is what it is.
Will us having Christoforo instead of Parekh result in an extra year of OHL play? It very well might.
From Day 1 I've liked Spellacy. Good speed, can bring a physical element, and can make noise without getting on the scoresheet. But I'd be lying if the 06' draft didn't rank:
1) Greentree
2) Christoforo
3) Spellacy

These kids are so young on draft day. It's hard to get that perfect assessment.

Meidema went 4th
Johnston went 6th
Abraham went 14th
Christoforo went 22nd
Greentree went 34th

On Greentree's worst game, I'd take him over Meidema's best. Johnston went lower than Meidema in his draft year, and Meidema will never touch what Johnston did in the OHL (or beyond). Is Christoforo a stud 17-year old who's going to change this team this year? No. Is he valuable to this team now? Yes. Will he be next year? Yes. The Year After? Probably. The Year After? Possibly.

It's a development league. Things take time.

The Problem is when they don't develop… Looking at the 04' on the 4th line.. lol

I like Cristoforo he hasn't been great this year but my larger concern with his development has more to do with coaching and management. If he's a 5 year guy that's fine but I don't think that's a path to success either.

I think the questions needs to be asked. Do you want Cristoforo to be a top pair D? Can Cristoforo be a good D not a #1 pair but real good.

What's the path to go? This year they have either put D that aren't good enough or too raw for him to flourish. Eg Toms/Eichler/Walton/Winegard. A few won't survive and none of the above have the upside of him.

What's the path to getting D around Cristoforo to thrive? He's 18 next year. My guess is they're banking on him to be a top pair guy but I don't think they have a clue in how to make it happen.