Windsor Spitfires 2024-25 Season Thread, Part II

[DetSpitsFan]

Protas, Spellacy, Greentree, Nesbitt, Morneau, Davis, Belchetz, Lemieux are in my Top 9 for the second half. I was fine keeping Outwater in there and moving Abraham, but if Outwater is in fact out, I’m more on board with keeping Abraham.

I like Garden and his speed, but he plays his size right now, he’ll improve.
Martins gritty, plays tough, relatively smart as well. Lower ceiling on offensive output.
Gaymes, plays dumb more often than not but seems to settle down with a few more minutes. Seems he has the skill when needed as shown early, but welcoming to mix it up. I really like his versatility to play a few different styles, but he’s not a top line guy, obviously. Plus not being a giant, he can put more into his hits and is less likely to accidentally clip a head

Maybe not mixed together, but that rounds out our forward group, and for this year, I don’t hate it.

Wouldn’t mind one more depth forward with potential, ideally an 07/08 to put out more of a skilled bottom line and to allow Martin and Gaymes to protect teammates and not hold back so much from their game.

Back to the preseason talks of, “Wish we could dress more of our 08’s”. Seems even sillier to say sitting at #1 in the West Division by 8 games, halfway through the season lol

 

[spitsfan28]

I know the trade freeze is on until the 29th but has anyone heard anymore details/information on what the Spits plans are/who they could be targeting?

 

[ohloutsider]

At some point you need to separate feeling's for a home grown player with ties to the team because his father played here. I love the kid and he has improved but next year you can't have a 3-4 th liner take a OA spot. We have younger better skill potential kids in Garden, Lemieux and Brockelkhurst next year to develop. Throw in returning players Belchetz, Nesbitt, Greentree, Spellacy possibly Protas or another import, that's 8 players filling top 9.we know

At some point you need to separate feeling's for a home grown player with ties to the team because his father played here. I love the kid and he has improved but next year you can't have a 3-4 th liner take a OA spot. We have younger better skill potential kids in Garden, Lemieux and Brockelkhurst next year to develop. Throw in returning players Belchetz, Nesbitt, Greentree, Spellacy possibly Protas or another import, that's 8 players filling top 9.

Sorry for the double quote, big thumbs.

We know Bowler will make a hockey decision over a " family " decision. He released Colton Smith over obvious connections to the team. He will likely release Martin as well but until something better comes along ( and it will) Martin is your guy.

Now with so many more options Martin may chose to move on next year anyway so there's that. Also would he be a player that might get tucked into a deal this year? Hockey is full of surprises on and off the ice. Be safe.

 

[ohloutsider]

I know the trade freeze is on until the 29th but has anyone heard anymore details/information on what the Spits plans are/who they could be targeting?

Looks like they missed out on Konner Smith so I'm assuming Bowler will be shopping for a strong gritty D . Just not sure who?

 

[Cherrydon]

Bowler let Smith go but was it Smith that wanted to go or untradeable due to something else like attitude? He scored 48 goals in 170 games. He was a 1/2 point per game average Martin has 11 career goals in 90 plus games. Similar styles Math says all else aside Smith should have stayed over Martin head to head decision.

 

[ohloutsider]

Bowler let Smith go but was it Smith that wanted to go or untradeable due to something else like attitude? He scored 48 goals in 170 games. He was a 1/2 point per game average Martin has 11 career goals in 90 plus games. Similar styles Math says all else aside Smith should have stayed over Martin head to head decision.

Smith wanted to play for the Spits. Smith was not in competition with Martin for a spot. Smith was 4th man out against Abraham, Mathurin and Morneau.
Martin is not here to score goals . He plays his role very well, except for the odd untimely penalties. Just not sure who do you want to take his role if he is not here? Spits need somebody in the line up to step in if required and not really be missed on the ledger if he is out the odd game.
London has Bolton on a team stacked in their mind, to go all the way. Martin is a better player. All teams need a Martin.

 

[frontsfan67]

44 has a ton of work to do..

Everybody in the league has a ton of work to do. He has made HUGE strides since last season.

He is is set to have career highs in goals, assists, points, plus minus (is also second in the league for that.)

Do you expect him to be the second coming of bobby orr? What’s the deal with the guy?

 

[Cherrydon]

Smith wanted to play for the Spits. Smith was not in competition with Martin for a spot. Smith was 4th man out against Abraham, Mathurin and Morneau.
Martin is not here to score goals . He plays his role very well, except for the odd untimely penalties. Just not sure who do you want to take his role if he is not here? Spits need somebody in the line up to step in if required and not really be missed on the ledger if he is out the odd game.
London has Bolton on a team stacked in their mind, to go all the way. Martin is a better player. All teams need a Martin.

I'm an idiot was thinking for some reason he was an 2005 duh on me yes he was not OA material this year.

 

[ohloutsider]

I'm an idiot was thinking for some reason he was an 2005 duh on me yes he was not OA material this year.

Not an idiot, just human.

 

[OHLTG]

I know the trade freeze is on until the 29th but has anyone heard anymore details/information on what the Spits plans are/who they could be targeting?

I'd imagine a big, crease-clearing d-man, similar to Konnor Smith. I know the price on him is high, perhaps too high for Bowler, but that's the target. I'd imagine an 05 D if not him, maybe an 06 if they can find one. An 05 forward who can return as an OA probably wouldn't hurt, either.

We know Bowler will make a hockey decision over a " family " decision. He released Colton Smith over obvious connections to the team. He will likely release Martin as well but until something better comes along ( and it will) Martin is your guy.

Martin's one of those guys where, if you keep expectations reasonable, he's a valuable piece. You're not going to have three OAs like him but keeping him around, at least early next season, isn't out of the question. He brings an element that few do - size and toughness. You can't teach either of those. Right now, you know that if a younger player is hit awkwardly into the boards, Martin's there to stand up for them. He won't always get into fights but not many want to tangle with a 6'6 230lb angry Martin. I'm not ready to toss him away right now.

He is is set to have career highs in goals, assists, points, plus minus (is also second in the league for that.)

Do you expect him to be the second coming of bobby orr? What’s the deal with the guy?

There are some players that fans will never, ever, EVER like, no matter how much they've improved. I didn't even have to see the original comment to know what this was about LOL Sometimes, you have to chuckle and move on.

 

[Cherrydon]

2017 Memorial cup. Our offense is better than that team. Joey this year is just as capable as DiPietro when he's hot. Why I say our D needs gutting? Our top 5 D were Sergachev, Stanley, Day, Chatfield, Corcoran. Nobody currently on this team is better than any one of those 5. McEnemy and Nother were are 6-7 .

 

[Teflon]

Some on here you need to ignore. Some are very knowledgeable. You gotta figure out who is who lol.
Nice to have u back 4life! Are they out on Smith or out on the current asking price?

 

[DetSpitsFan]

A name I haven’t heard brought up, but could be is Spencer Sova. Unfortunately he’s an 04, but he is from Windsor. Steelheads just went 13-7 to 14-14 in the month of December. Would be much cheaper than Smith but doesn’t really fit the same mold.

They looked like a top contender in the Eastern (on paper they still are), but who knows what happens now they sit in 8th.

Steelheads have a pretty neutral cupboard, but could really use a veteran goalie to help out Ivankovic who’s an 07’.

As a team that spent a fortune on Rehkopf and also have Porter Martone and Luke Misa I imagine they’ll be active at the deadline since they’re heavily underperforming. Whether that’s trying to rocket to the top, or selling off for next year, I can’t imagine they just watch the deadline pass.

 

[OHLTG]

A name I haven’t heard brought up, but could be is Spencer Sova. Unfortunately he’s an 04, but he is from Windsor. Steelheads just went 13-7 to 14-14 in the month of December. Would be much cheaper than Smith but doesn’t really fit the same mold.

I like Sova but I'm not sure he's the crease-clearer that they need. I'll have to dig up some names when I get a chance this afternoon.

 

[tomschman]

A name I haven’t heard brought up, but could be is Spencer Sova. Unfortunately he’s an 04, but he is from Windsor. Steelheads just went 13-7 to 14-14 in the month of December. Would be much cheaper than Smith but doesn’t really fit the same mold.

They looked like a top contender in the Eastern (on paper they still are), but who knows what happens now they sit in 8th.

Steelheads have a pretty neutral cupboard, but could really use a veteran goalie to help out Ivankovic who’s an 07’.

As a team that spent a fortune on Rehkopf and also have Porter Martone and Luke Misa I imagine they’ll be active at the deadline since they’re heavily underperforming. Whether that’s trying to rocket to the top, or selling off for next year, I can’t imagine they just watch the deadline pass.

If it were Morneau or Abraham straight up for Sova, I would say fine. I wouldn't want to give up any assets for an OA. This team is performing well. They will win their division (almost by default). That will give them 2nd seed. Do not give up anything for a player that will not be here next year.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

If it were Morneau or Abraham straight up for Sova, I would say fine. I wouldn't want to give up any assets for an OA. This team is performing well. They will win their division (almost by default). That will give them 2nd seed. Do not give up anything for a player that will not be here next year.

I agree as well. Doesn’t really make sense to go in this year, but I really don’t know what we’re going to do. Seems odd if Bowler does nothing, although I wouldn’t mind. Would be nice to have a few more picks for next year.

I wonder if we could move one of our OAs somewhere and bring in a better one, and somehow end up with additional picks. Thats the only reason to really make a move IMO.

I just fear a bit we’re going to push this year, as mentioned, we pretty much have 2nd place locked at that Christmas break. London’s a step above everyone, but they could be upset.

Rather than buying at the deadline, I’d prefer to come in as the Underdogs with the same team and try and pull off an upset.

 

[Cherrydon]

It will cost us a good young player or several trade chips to improve our OA'S this year. Anything spent should be a player returning next year or returning import upgrade over Eichler. Morneau and Abraham are both locals. 1 Windsor and 1 Detroit. Not sure Bowler deals either at this stage.

 

[OHLTG]

I like Sova but I'm not sure he's the crease-clearer that they need. I'll have to dig up some names when I get a chance this afternoon.

Petrovsky would be nice if they can't get Smith, but I wonder if OS is going to let Petrovsky go for anything less than a few high picks and a younger talent?!

Would Flint want an arm/leg for Blake Smith?

IF NB is rebuilding like there are suggestions of, maybe Ride's an option?

Bishop or Glavin would be nice from Saginaw. I doubt they'd give up Parekh for anything less than Konnor Smith got.

Bowler seems to be the guy who throws everyone's guesses way off whack and still manages to make it look okay (if not great). So, I'll wait and see.

 

[ohloutsider]

I agree as well. Doesn’t really make sense to go in this year, but I really don’t know what we’re going to do. Seems odd if Bowler does nothing, although I wouldn’t mind. Would be nice to have a few more picks for next year.

I wonder if we could move one of our OAs somewhere and bring in a better one, and somehow end up with additional picks. Thats the only reason to really make a move IMO.

I just fear a bit we’re going to push this year, as mentioned, we pretty much have 2nd place locked at that Christmas break. London’s a step above everyone, but they could be upset.

Rather than buying at the deadline, I’d prefer to come in as the Underdogs with the same team and try and pull off an upset.

They interviewed Morneau on Thursday night and he mentioned that he was looking forward to some hopefully potential moves at the deadline and a chance to make a run. Now all players will say a version of this but it sounded more like he new something was in the works.
I've always said it makes more sense for next year but it really is a disservice to players if GM's teams don't at least attempt to upgrade.
They can do something this year and still have some ammo left for next year. They will have their 1st rounder next year that will likely be an option for them to move so they will have possibilities both years.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

They interviewed Morneau on Thursday night and he mentioned that he was looking forward to some hopefully potential moves at the deadline and a chance to make a run. Now all players will say a version of this but it sounded more like he new something was in the works.
I've always said it makes more sense for next year but it really is a disservice to players if GM's teams don't at least attempt to upgrade.
They can do something this year and still have some ammo left for next year. They will have their 1st rounder next year that will likely be an option for them to move so they will have possibilities both years.

This team has a shot at getting to 100 points this year. Not doing anything would be a bad look. Yes obviously you can make a case that next year is a better shot. There's no guarantee they will be a better team though. They have had 2 100 point in franchise history 09-10. You really can't think next year can/will be better.

 

[OHLTG]

They interviewed Morneau on Thursday night and he mentioned that he was looking forward to some hopefully potential moves at the deadline and a chance to make a run. Now all players will say a version of this but it sounded more like he new something was in the works.

"We don't wanna think about (the deadline) too much. We just want to take it day by day and be the best we can with the group that we have. If they want to make moves to make us a better team, that's great..."

To me, it came across as they've heard the talk about buying, and are for it, but are trying to stay focused on anything else. Which I can understand; that can be very distracting.

 

[ohloutsider]

This team has a shot at getting to 100 points this year. Not doing anything would be a bad look. Yes obviously you can make a case that next year is a better shot. There's no guarantee they will be a better team though. They have had 2 100 point in franchise history 09-10. You really can't think next year can/will be better.

Well as usual I'm not always clear with my posts. I think that it sounds like they will be buying this year and I'm saying they will also have options for next year to make another stab at it if they wish. I see a 2 year window. I've always said next year is the year but the players have made a case to throw their hat in the ring this year. Management has to support that or it's not a good look for them.

Edit - still stand by moves they make have to benefit the team both years .

 

[OHLTG]

They will have their 1st rounder next year that will likely be an option for them to move so they will have possibilities both years.

Plus, their 2025 1st will *likely* be outside of the top 15, creating more willingness to trade for the right price.

 

[ohloutsider]

Plus, their 2025 1st will *likely* be outside of the top 15, creating more willingness to trade for the right price.

Yes that was my assumption as well.

 

[windsor7]

"We don't wanna think about (the deadline) too much. We just want to take it day by day and be the best we can with the group that we have. If they want to make moves to make ust a better team, that's great..."

To me, it came across as they've heard the talk about buying, and are for it, but are trying to stay focused on anything else. Which I can understand; that can be very distracting.

Till they do actually something.
It's nothing.