Bowler has to realize that the teams current D is not sufficient to go deep. I would suggest acquiring 1 super solid D this year who can be one of the OA'S next year along with JC and possibly Outwater who is on the bubble to return imo. The other issue is import situation for next year. High finish will mean poor selection next year and we may need 2 as Protas may be sent AHL next year unless the Caps feel 1 more OHL run would be best. Maybe acquire a good import this year who will return next year and let Eichler go at x-mas or trade for the returning import is best. Backup goaltending is another concern. Froggett not steadily improving. 1 great game amongst seversl soft performances. We have Newlove ready for a shot this year and I'm sure Windbiel is not expecting another JR B season for his draft year next seadon. Don't know what promises have been made but they could be sent factor.
Windsor Spitfires 2024-25 Season Thread, Part II
- Thread starter SoupNazi
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ohloutsider
Registered User
I'm ok with any move this year, big or small as long as it is a move/s that helps this year and next.
Bowler should be pounding the pavement to find a free agent from USHL or BCHL. Battalion just got a guy.
Agree. Hopefully that is happening. Most of the other teams are signing flyers they had selected in past drafts that wanted to retain NCAA opportunities
Bowler did get two American players in WIndbiel and Garden to report. Hoping the same for Pace. Not sure how it works when vying for a player in the USHL who has not been drafted to an OHL squad.
The player can leave their USHL team like Montgomery did and sign with London. Agree what is the format for players undrafted by any OHL team?? Anyone seen anything in writing for clarification?
I agree with this. We’re in a tough spot with Protas one and done a large possibility.
Do you move Protas at the deadline and go all in for next year? It feels dumb but he’d give us a great return. Open an OA spot for a 06 import?
Do you move Eichler/let him go, and then slide Winegard into the 7 slot? Or do you go out and acquire a D that can return as an OA, and just let Winegard loose too? Winegards serviceable as a 5/6 on the majority of teams, but probably not a contender. After being sat November, I wonder if there’s plans for him, as I do still see him around the rink. A cards been burned already.
Goalie development takes time. Froggett could be an OHL starter at somepoint. He’s shown he has it. But backing up isn’t easy either. Play once every 10 days or so, probably against a weaker team, which this team may take the night off for, or maybe get tossed in 40 minutes into a game to try and stop the bleeding. I just wonder if there’s a set plan. Joey is a clear cut #1. Have to imagine that’s the case next year too. I don’t imagine you have frogett back up for 2 years, then let him take over finally in his OA season, with Windbiel and Newlove also in the system.
Froggett won us that game vs Kitchener. But half the goals he gave up were soft vs Guelph. It’s easy to say on the board move to the next one, but tougher within an organization. He’s an 18 year old goalie that’s 6’4” with less than 10 games of OHL Experience, 2 of which were in last years disaster. 7 this year, where he is under 4.00GA in his ‘rookie’ season. He’s looked questionable, but we had people ready to give him the crease after preseason.
Maybe there’s interest on Froggett. With what I’ve heard, it sounds like Newlove or Windbiel could probably put up similar numbers, while being younger. At the same time, Joey was a mess last year and I think we all would’ve shrugged it off had he been moved, but now? He goes down, and we could fumble the division.
I saw a lot of good goalies go through Stan in Plymouth. And I saw a lot of not good goalies become serviceable, I swear by our goalie coach. Wonder how Joey would’ve progressed if he had proper specific coaching for 3 years… that possibility is there for Froggett. At the same time, that could be the case for Newlove/Windbiel. If there’s a little confidence in both those guys… pick up assets for Froggett, rotate Newlove/Windbiel to fight for backup, get them some experience with plans of them to start in 26/27.
I often feel I think more about our goalie situation than anyone making decisions lol
ohloutsider
Registered User
I'm all for bringing in any player's from any league or in a trade but only if they can contribute now and next year. I'm sure/hope Bowler can read the room and not try to make moves that are short sighted knowing the juggernaut down the highway. It has to be a 2 year plan.
As far as Protas I think it is 50/50 on whether he is back next year. Not sure where Washington is with their prospects in their system as this will have a bearing as well as is he ready to play against men?
Christmas break , trade deadline will be on us quick so we will know soon.
I watch a lot of hockey across the league and there are players on teams that might be available that will fit the 2 year window. I will try to scratch together a list closer to the Christmas break.
Guo on Saginaw was on my list but after last weekend I want no part of that!
Just have to figure who is selling this year? Owen Sound and the Soo likely are and maybe Flint, Sarnia, Guelph? Fun time of year for us fans, tough time of year for the players and families. Be safe.
As far as Protas I think it is 50/50 on whether he is back next year. Not sure where Washington is with their prospects in their system as this will have a bearing as well as is he ready to play against men?
Christmas break , trade deadline will be on us quick so we will know soon.
I watch a lot of hockey across the league and there are players on teams that might be available that will fit the 2 year window. I will try to scratch together a list closer to the Christmas break.
Guo on Saginaw was on my list but after last weekend I want no part of that!
Just have to figure who is selling this year? Owen Sound and the Soo likely are and maybe Flint, Sarnia, Guelph? Fun time of year for us fans, tough time of year for the players and families. Be safe.
Yeah, I had Guo on my list as well and Parekh on the top of it. Now if we don’t like the penalties Abraham and Eichler take… we’re opening a brand new door with Guo or Parekh.
Normally I’d consider Saginaw on the bubble. Win the division you get 2nd, but if they’re still 5.5 games back at Christmas, with an empty cupboard you can’t imagine they add much.
We could probably sell conservatively and still take 2nd in the Western.
ohloutsider
Registered User
Parekh would never be on my list. Can't see how his behaviour would do anything to help team chemistry and right now Spits have a good thing going.
Fastpace
The Devil's Advocate in Person
Windsor needs to stay patient this year, or they could wreck this and next year's plan, they are now on pace of last year London's team. The Knights did not buy at the deadline and won the league and made it to the Memorial cup final, this could be Windsor this year, and have a monster season next year
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