Looking at the draft pick situation it isn't terrible but the Spits aren't flush with a war chest of picks either. They have 2 2nds this year but no 4th. Two 3rds in 2026 2 2nds in 2027. Yes next year should be a year they go for it but this has all the makings of trying to make a run but a rebuild right after.
Windsor Spitfires 2024-25 Season Thread, Part II
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Exactly why we need to move roster players to cause the least pain. It's going to cost picks but we need to keep 1 second rounder for each draft so we are not empty with players for the 08's that we have now. We should be pretty good with our 08 crop this year for 2-3 more years.
Teflon
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So u move say Abe and Manzo plus a pic for Smith? Im ok with that. Id love Jet coming here! That kid is a stud! Id call Philly first to see if hes likely coming back. Im not convinced Protos is gone if the team can convince Washington they will do right by him. Still need another D man but that can be done next fall.
I think Protas is stuck to a degree with players around him that are not quite at his skill level. Maybe returned next year to learn more of a leadership role. He'd easily have 50 plus this year with the right line combination. Still like to see him and Spellacy together full time. NHl speed with NHL shot and hands
OHLTG
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If I'm asked about Abe, Manzo, and a decent pic for Smith, I'm signing it. I like Abe, don't get me wrong. He's a mini Marchand when he's on his game. I like Manzo's depth potential, too. But... if Smith is available, you gotta pay to play.
It's going to cost something to improve the back end for sure. At the end the year, anyone knows in hockey that defense wins championships.
Idk if I personally like the idea of bringing in Luchanko this year. All things considered, London with a full roster seems like they're going to run away with it this year. If we're able to get our core to return next year we have a real shot at being the team to beat next year. As far as this year is concerned, I've been to most of the Spits home games and I have to say...we need defense bad. We have way too many guys that like to pinch and not enough stay at home guys that allow for that type of risk, not to mention Woodall and Cristoforo are completely out of position more often than not. Another thing I've noticed is that communication seems to be lacking, I've seen way too many instances of guys not being ready for the puck to come to them which leads to turnovers. One final thing I've noticed is that for some reason when we're in our own zone we have an awful tendency to want to throw the puck into the middle of the ice, that needs to change. I hate to be negative because I love this team, I truly do, but I'm just pointing out wha I've seen this year. Any trade that happens leading up to this years deadline should be made with a look towards next year imo. It's been said here numerous times already but a guy or two that can contribute this year and will be back next year would be ideal. So far this year, my favourite player to watch has been Protas by far, he just seems so comfortable out there and he's always thinking one step ahead. If we find a way to get him back next year he definitely needs a line mate to compliment his skill set. Nesbitt has grown ten fold since last year which is good to see and all of our rookies have impressed me at one time or another. Last thought, Who does everybody think our goalies will be next year? I don't mind Froggett but I feel like it would be more beneficial to have Windbiel up with the team next season.
As for goalies next year, agree Windbiel backing Joey. Windbiel was top rated 08 US goalie for a reason. He has the modern size and is doing well jn LaSalle. I think Froggett, f it is a knee will take a while to heal. JC will need help in the 6 games in 9 day stretch right after the Christmas break.
Like you said this is why they need to keep their 2nd, add a 4th etc... You hope the 08s are good but if Belchetz only has 2 or 3 years then you need a plan B.
Interesting stat Windsor after 32 games only team in the league not to allow a short handed goal.
Special team wise Spits are tied for 4th overall on the PP and sit 3rd in the league on the PK.
Special team wise Spits are tied for 4th overall on the PP and sit 3rd in the league on the PK.
Gotta say, these comments about the defense are bizarre. The squad has allowed the 3rd fewest goals in the OHL. They've conceded five more goals than the Knights, with them having played one fewer game, so roughly the same amount of goals given up.
They regularly keep good opponents to 25 or fewer shots. They kept
Barrie: 23 shots
Kitchener : 22 shots
Erie : 25 shots
London: 15 shots ( 10 shots even strength)
Also keep in mind, all but two of the d-man are either in their 1st or 2nd year in the league. Not sure you can ask for more than what we've seen.
Now that doesn't mean they should not add. They should add a d-man before Jan 10th. While it would be nice to get the local kid, I think getting Konnor Smith is not ideal as he's an OA. Why not go after Petrovski who is back next year?
No, I would not trade Nesbitt and picks for Luchanko. Again he is probably playing the NHL next year. Nesbitt is already a key player and could be a 1st round pick this draft. How about we keep the picks and go after Sennecke next season?
They regularly keep good opponents to 25 or fewer shots. They kept
Barrie: 23 shots
Kitchener : 22 shots
Erie : 25 shots
London: 15 shots ( 10 shots even strength)
Also keep in mind, all but two of the d-man are either in their 1st or 2nd year in the league. Not sure you can ask for more than what we've seen.
Now that doesn't mean they should not add. They should add a d-man before Jan 10th. While it would be nice to get the local kid, I think getting Konnor Smith is not ideal as he's an OA. Why not go after Petrovski who is back next year?
No, I would not trade Nesbitt and picks for Luchanko. Again he is probably playing the NHL next year. Nesbitt is already a key player and could be a 1st round pick this draft. How about we keep the picks and go after Sennecke next season?
Nesbitt for Luchanko says we’re in. The 06’ group is strong as is, and will be tough to turnover from. Even thought Nesbitt isn’t as good now as Luchanko, and may never be… I like what he brings. Some points, can score in important times along with some physicality.
Yeah, a d man’s on the list. Upgrading an 07 forward for an 06’ that is less likely to return than Spellacy/Greentree is a “this is the year” move, and I don’t like it.
I like our OA group, but if that’s all that’s turning over next year, and every other player can stay… next year could be wild. Don’t ruin it.
We’ve never done nothing under Bowler, but I wouldn’t be that mad. We need a big strong D to accompany Walton. We could use additional strength on D, yes. Is current D that bad? No. Look at the statistics. It’s not everything. But we’re tied for 2nd points in the league with Kitchener. A team were 2-0-0-1 against. The team above us London, a team we’re 1-1 against.
I’m not saying we’re going to dominate London in the playoffs, but as is, we COULD win. I say you shop for that returning D man, but if he’s not there, or he takes Nesbitt, just wait. Nesbitt isn’t Belchetz, but I don’t see a defensemen on the market for the next two seasons, that will guarantee to add more value than Nesbitt would next year. Especially if Protas is gone.
In my opinion The big potential issue with the current defense is if and only if Mathurin goes down.
Sure we have some offensive minded defensemen, but Woodall, Christoforo, Walton, Hicks is a great returning 4 next year. Maybe Manzo too, with an open import spot?
The guys that may be gone, that leaving/injured kill any dream this year are Protas, Costanzo and Mathurin. I think All 3 have been great, and the best at F/D/G for us this year.
If we stay healthy, we could upset some teams and run through the ones we ‘should’ beat. If we don’t, well, there’s next year.
Our D could be stronger, but unlike most it seems, I don’t hate it. Christoforo isn’t physical, but man, has he blocked a crazy amount of shots this year.
Yeah, a d man’s on the list. Upgrading an 07 forward for an 06’ that is less likely to return than Spellacy/Greentree is a “this is the year” move, and I don’t like it.
I like our OA group, but if that’s all that’s turning over next year, and every other player can stay… next year could be wild. Don’t ruin it.
We’ve never done nothing under Bowler, but I wouldn’t be that mad. We need a big strong D to accompany Walton. We could use additional strength on D, yes. Is current D that bad? No. Look at the statistics. It’s not everything. But we’re tied for 2nd points in the league with Kitchener. A team were 2-0-0-1 against. The team above us London, a team we’re 1-1 against.
I’m not saying we’re going to dominate London in the playoffs, but as is, we COULD win. I say you shop for that returning D man, but if he’s not there, or he takes Nesbitt, just wait. Nesbitt isn’t Belchetz, but I don’t see a defensemen on the market for the next two seasons, that will guarantee to add more value than Nesbitt would next year. Especially if Protas is gone.
In my opinion The big potential issue with the current defense is if and only if Mathurin goes down.
Sure we have some offensive minded defensemen, but Woodall, Christoforo, Walton, Hicks is a great returning 4 next year. Maybe Manzo too, with an open import spot?
The guys that may be gone, that leaving/injured kill any dream this year are Protas, Costanzo and Mathurin. I think All 3 have been great, and the best at F/D/G for us this year.
If we stay healthy, we could upset some teams and run through the ones we ‘should’ beat. If we don’t, well, there’s next year.
Our D could be stronger, but unlike most it seems, I don’t hate it. Christoforo isn’t physical, but man, has he blocked a crazy amount of shots this year.
I’d like a returning D, but we don’t have to force that move if it’s not there. I wouldn’t be mad about riding the current roster.
I wonder how much insight they can get on Protas possible return. If he’s AHL bound, ship em to the highest bidder. We’ll likely get 2 rounds of playoffs and a division title and it’ll give us the assets to grab that D man next year.
I feel there’s a lot of open options now with the NCAA on acquiring players. Maybe we’ll see something out of left field at the deadline.
It’s nice we’re contending for a division title and not a bottom 4 pick this year, as happy as I am to have Belchetz.
I wonder how much insight they can get on Protas possible return. If he’s AHL bound, ship em to the highest bidder. We’ll likely get 2 rounds of playoffs and a division title and it’ll give us the assets to grab that D man next year.
I feel there’s a lot of open options now with the NCAA on acquiring players. Maybe we’ll see something out of left field at the deadline.
It’s nice we’re contending for a division title and not a bottom 4 pick this year, as happy as I am to have Belchetz.
ohloutsider
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I guess it depends on your view yes the D has been better this year. Is the goal just to be good defensively or is the goal to go out and be a championship contender. They haven't done an overall good job of developing D to be NHL drafted.
2024-Knights 3 D drafted at the time, 2 more drafted after the Memorial Cup
2023-Petes 2 drafted at the time, 1 more drafted after Memorial Cup
2022-Bulldogs 1 drafted, 2 more drafted after Memorial Cup, 2 more signed to NHL deal
2019-Storm 4 drafted, 1 drafted a couple years later
2018-Bulldogs 2 drafted, 1 signed after
2017-Otters 2 drafted, 1 other not signed by named OHL D of the year
Maybe the Spits can moneyball with their current D but it really hasn't been done recently. This doesn't preclude you from winning big but you certainly need some highly touted D in order to win.
What would be the difference of holding onto Nesbitt now in order to acquire Luchanko or holding onto Nesbitt and giving up the farm for Sennecke? Spits aren't in the business of having a war chest full of picks. For example Brantford could make a run this year they added and deleted last year at the deadline. Currently they have 7 2nd rounders over the next 4 years no 2nd this year, 4 3rds, 3 4ths and that's including moving 8 draft picks for Leenders. Brantford also 8 NHL draft picks on it and soon to be another with OBrien. I don't see how you get away with moving only picks for a star player.
This is not our year and all moves should benefit next year. Spending assets for KS is not wise as we will not beat London this year and may not beat a 2nd round opponent. KS should not be part of BB conversations. Examples of Petrovski, Glavin, Bishop are more suitable based on need.
OHLTG
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For the record - this was pure guessing on my part given the statements I've seen online. "I've seen Luchanko mentioned to Windsor... Nesbitt fits the 06 others heard about... I wonder?!" I'd be on board ONLY if Luchanko returned next season.
Windsor has one D that was NHL drafted in Mathurin. I think we're all in agreement that another solid D is needed and that player will likely be NHL drafted, too. They're not going into the playoffs with a blue line full of NHL draft picks, but they're also not going into it with the sketchiness we saw last season. This group has proven they can play D; you're not fourth in GA in the OHL around the Christmas break as a fluke.
Teflon
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Doesnt a guy like Smith bring a wealth of experience to pass on to those here? he also brings some stability to let the young guys grow without fears. Can that guy help get you another round deeper for experience? If you answer yes and he comes at a cost similar to whats suggested i think you do grab him.
I think most would agree. On the other hand they look better than the 2023 team and they went all in that year. Spits had to contend with Sarnia for the division there isn't the same competition now. The separation between 1-8 was 22 points in 23. This year it's already 20 points and not getting smaller any time soon. You can make the case the path to a run is better this year over merely looking at crystal ball in 25-26. Henry Ford said nobody can guarantee the future.
OHLTG
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He's exactly what they need, but he's an 04, which means it's like Abraham gets moved somehow. They're not trading Morneau; he's a point-per-game guy and fantastic in the community. They're not trading Mathurin; he's been a massive help on D. That leaves Abe.
One thing I've heard a few times is that teams expect London to run away with it all this season. They're built for that. You may see some bigger deals in the conference but many teams are waiting until next season. With that said, if you can bring someone in who helps the Spitfires get to the second or third round, without giving up the bank, that creates experience for next season's true run.
I think the reference Razor made was we are not developing NHL D within our system Mathurin was a trade acquisition and although was drafted, not signed. No-one is saying that all of our D suck horribly. They are not championship caliber either. The discussion has been what we need moving forward for a deep run this year but eyes on next year. Credit the less goals against on the play of Costanzo and better exits by our offense coming back to help. Not all forwards are quite there yet though. The D themselves in question have not really turned their play a 180 degrees from last year. Walters stressing D but has to have the players capable of playing that way above themselves. London is returning a D core next year already more capable. And what happens if Dickinson doesn't make the big club and Bonk is returned for an OA season?? Miles behind.
OHLTG
Registered User
If you win the OHL with multiple NHL drafted D, will it matter if they're traded for or developed? Nobody's going to say "Windsor had three NHL prospects, but they were all acquired, so does it count?" No. They're going to look at the numbers, the coaching, and go "okay, they're much better than last season. Props."
As for the D - Cristoforo is night-and-day compared to last season and I don't think that can be denied. Same goes for Walton; he's much more physical, which everyone was screaming for. I give major props to Costanzo for his play and the F have been great in coming back, but if we don't give props to the D where it's due, I don't think that's fair.
Still pinches often and wrong times.
Soft as butter.
Even complaining to refs more this year.
ohloutsider
Registered User
With Beltchz, Spellacy and Outwater out for Thursday I wonder if they let Wingard play up front? He has in the past and it will get them through to the holiday break without shuffling any JrB players.
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