The next moves are.....

Hi all
Regular reader here and season ticket holder. Super impressed with this teams start. Many reasons for it including great coaching, solid #1 goalie, strong mobile defense and balanced attack led by Scott Laughton. Big areas of improvement in goals against and pp/pk in top 5 in league. I know it's only October but this team is a tight close team with no egos in the way as reported by a few people.
To me Kingston is legit too and may have a couple others like Sudbury to deal with in east but it's there for the taking. What will we need to add this year to put us in position to challenge for a league championship ?
I looked over top scorers in league from teams that might not be going for it. Would we be interested in a Kerby Rychel from Windsor ? Experienced tough to play against scorer or someone like Hartman from Plymouth?
Let's hear what you think

Looking forward to a great season. Bring on the fronts this weekend and a visit from the Croc in section 118!

That's a very interesting question. I'm really not sure about this hockey team yet. So far this year they have greatly exceeded my expectations and I'm sure there aren't many fans on here that would disagree with that fact. If I was the GM I wouldn't be doing a whole lot right now. I was fully expecting that Scott Laughton would be traded this year however with the team playing and succeeding the way they are there is no way that a deal such as that would be made right now. From a future perspective it's something that they will probably test the water with anyway... the GM wouldn't be doing his job if he didn't listen to offers. I don't want to see the team trade a lot of the young players they have now (Harding, McDade etc), these are the players that are going to provide the offence in the next couple of years with Dal Colle. So, the team can go down 1 of 3 roads. The first road is they go all in with the team this year and by that I mean trading young players for older players and try to win the Eastern Conference and try to win the OHL or hope that London wins the West which means they both would be in the Memorial Cup Depending on the deals that are made they would be putting all their eggs into one basket and let's face it, they'll hope that Laughton doesn't get injured. I don't feel that this is the best option for the team. The second road is essentially keeping Laughton and making only some minor moves to add some veterans. This means basically trying to win with youth. Currently, I'm leaning towards this option as I really don't want them to mortgage the future but the team obviously is having success so far so lets run with it. The 3rd option is trying to get a kings ransom for Laughton and winning (or doing their best) with the remaining players. For the future, this option is probably the best as Oshawa will have a very good hockey team for probably 3 years after a deal such as this. Laughton is probably the only player I would trade in this case. Sully and Altshuller would not be dealt.

The only fear I have about this team currently is that Laughton is the key to everything. He's the spark and the energy of this team. It's not saying that the other players don't have this its just saying that Laughton provides the most of this. The worst thing that could happen is Laughton gets injured for a long period of time. Of course you can never predict an injury and nor do we want him injured. It is a chance you take though with one superstar player on your team. Based on the way the younger players are playing I really do feel they'll be quite productive offensively in the next couple of years. The drafting obviously was very good.

I'm looking forward to the test against Kingston on Saturday. I think we'll know a little more about the Eastern Conference after that game.

KHE

Great post folks. I too thought we would be trading laughton this year. Also very happy with the results. I like the defensive plays the forwards are making on the back check. Sam Harding has made lots of great defensive plays blocking the pass to the trailer. All signs pointing to good coaching and the team buying into the system.

I would like to see some more toughness added as I thought there were too many liberties taken against the rookies and Wallace the last few games.

Any word on what's happening with Dundas?

At the start of the year I would have thought for sure that Laughton and altshuller would be dealt for youth and as many seconds possible to restock the draft cupboard . Now I think we might be a defenseman and second line forward away from going far. I haven't heard anything about dundas but to be honest Jacob Busch seems to be filling that hole right now with size , good forechecking and the odd goal. I'm more impressed with the whole team game and team defense that has improved by leaps and bounds. I like that we are playing our young guys too this year so they will be ready sooner . Saw on Twitter that Owen sound is involved in trade maybe today. Wonder if anything goes on with Oshawa as degray is at a lot of games and seems to like to deal with Oshawa. They have a couple oa's too.

Rumours on twitter saying Oshawa is acquiring Cameron Brace Overager from Owen Sound. That will give us 3 OAS and add a second line scorer for sterk and dalcolle.

Here's my take. I think the Generals are legit contenders for the East title at this point, having seen every team in the East play a few times.
Kingston is the biggest threat, although they do have some weaknesses. Kingston has lost some games recently to some very mediocre teams. I expect them to pick up a big name or two.

Sudbury looks to have a good mix of youth and veterans, although they have a very inconsistent starting goalie. If they can find a top goalie an a top 4 defensemen they could be scary good.

North Bay is a team to be aware of as well. They play very good defensive hockey, they have a pretty veteran defense core, and a good mix of youth and veteran leadership. Goodrow, Clarke, McKenzie, Praplan and Amadio all of good offensive upside. Their problem as well is their shaky goaltending.

Barrie should not be forgotten, despite their some what slow start. They have a wealth of talent up front, Mitchell Theoret is a PPG player, Brendan Lemieux & Kevin Lebanc are both draft eligible and have good upside. Athanasiou is a Redwings prospect, Eric Bradford and Zach Hall also have a wealth of offense in them. Its just a matter of time before Barrie starts putting it together.

Peterborough has some solid players but they're likely a year away from serious contention. Mississauga could upset some teams as they're young but very under rated and talented. Spencer Martin is one of the top goalies in the league, although i expect him to be targeted by the London Knights, Sudbury Wolves and possibly even the Petes if they feel they're closer to a championship then i do.

A couple players I think we could target are,
Brendan Gaunce and Jake Worrad of the Belleville Bulls. Its only a matter of time before Belleville throws in the towel. Gaunce is gone to the AHL next year and is definitely on the Block. He's a great two way player, that would be used in all situations. Worrad, would be an upgrade over some of our young defensemen, and come playoff time experience plays a big part of things. He's an OA player so if Brace is acquired like its been mentioned a guy like Hughes might find himself on the outside looking in.
Ryan Van Stralen, he's not a big name but he's a 6'3 200 pound winger from the Ottawa 67's. Yes he to is an OA, but he's got 25/25 potential. He's got 15 points in 15 games thus far this season, and had 16 goals and 23 assists last season. He'd likely come rather cheap.
Jesse Graham from the Niagara Icedogs. He's a 94 born offensive defensemen who's a 6th round pick of the New York Islanders. He's likely in his last season in the OHL, but could return for an OA season. He's got a wealth of playoff experience, and is a solid point producer. He's a great power play qb as evidence by his back to back 30 plus assists seasons. He would be an upgrade on the PP over Carlisle and Vande Sompel. Luke Mercer, also of the Icedogs is a two way 94 born defensemen. He is an under rated guy, but again would likely come cheap an be an upgrade in are bottom defensive pairing.

From the West,
Radek Faksa is arguably one of the best players that said to be available. He's a first round pick 13th overall by the Dallas Stars in 2012. Last season he had 31 points in 39 games, the year prior 66 in 62 games. Faksa is a solid two way player for a Euro and since we only have 1 import on the roster he would fit in without any subtraction of a Euro. His price tag is said to be pretty high, where talking 2nd rounders an top 96, 97 born players. So as nice as it would be to get him, i don't see it happening. Matia Marcantuoni a 94 born winger and Pittsburgh Penguins prospect. He's not highly touted but he's a great two way player an he's enjoying a bit of a break out year point wise. His playoff experience an solid two way play would be an asset. Ben Thomas, a personal favorite of mine. He's a NJ Devils prospect, and an OA. But he would be perfect. He plays like Dundas, but smarter, doesn't take dumb penalties and produces offensively. He's the type of player you need in the playoffs.
Sarnia, their captain an OA'er Craig Duininck would be a great addition to are top 4. It would allow us to have a true shut down pairing, as we often split up Sullentrop and Brown to bring up the play of Petesching and Carlisle.
Ryan Hartman of Plymouth, if we could only get one player, I'd want him, he does it all, scores, hits, fights, kills penalties, plays power play. He's just a great player with great character, a first round pick of the Chicago Blackhawks. Gianluca Curcuruto, a 94 born d-man and Columbus Blue Jacket pick, he's likely on his way out of Plymouth as well. Another guy who could run our power play and play solid in his own end. Id love to get this kid, he's undervalued because of his first couple years in the Soo where he was labeled as a bust.

Just maybe Artur Gavrus will decide to come over and join the Gen's that would be a great addition  

Agreed! Anyone know how he is doing overseas?

this is what I found on Artur
2013-14 Minsk Dynamo KHL 12games 1g 2a 3pts 4pim 2+/-

He would have been better off to stay here to stay noticed by the NHL braintrusts. Maybe when it's been brought to his attention how well the Gennies are playing he'll reconsider?

Artur Gavrus was drafed by the New Jeresey Devils in the 2012 draft in the 6rd,and with the Gen's conection with devils coach, I thought he would be in a Gen's uni @ the start of the season but that failed, but he could still arrive,he didn't arrived in Owen Sound last season till january.so there is still hope.

Thanks for the updates steamed! Hope your comment in your last post is on.

Keep the Euros overseas - they are not committed

As far as Gaunce - he will be Erie bound - The Bulls won't be helping us out anytime soon

Can't see Gaunce going to Erie. They already have McDavid, Strome, Fox, Brown and Burakovsky all of whom, with the exception of Fox are eligble to return next year. They are a young team and will load up with their abundance of draft choices and an extra year of maturity to make a run then. I realize they are off to a great start and have a great GAA but their defence will prove to be a weak spot. I think Gaunce will end up with Guelph or London if the Hunters can right their ship.

Jaycro, I usually tend to agree with you for the most part, but I'm going to have to disagree with you here. I think Erie really loads up this season, Fox will be gone, Brown will likely be in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies, & Burakovsky will almost undoubtedly be in the AHL/NHL or back in Sweden. Oscar Dansk is a huge part of their team and he'll be in the AHL come next season as well, as will Adam Pelech whom is the teams best all around defenseman. They Lose Abaraham and Curtis to OA which impacts their overall depth. They'll still be good next season but young and have a totally different look.

I expect them to be players at the deadline, but they could probably use depth players more then a real super star. I could see them going after a guy like Ben Thomson from the Kitchener Rangers, maybe a guy like Jake Worrad or Adam Bignell from Bulls.

So in the other sense I agree Gaunce wont be ending up in Erie

All good points Macker88. I was looking at the optimum scenario foe the Otters where all the top players who could stay would stay.

Can take this with a grain of salt,I found this post on tweeter  
Mark Seidel ‏@MarkSeidel  DT con't:The talk is that OSH will be sellers to load up for a Mem Cup host/bid but I'd still be shocked.A Mem Cup spot is viable this year!

As far as I can make out he is a Scout of some hockey afiliate.

I hope not as there is no guarantee in three years but with a couple quality adds in DJ's system we could come out of the east.

I don't see this team having the depth that London, Erie, Guelph and now, possibly Kingston. The team is well coached, seems to have bonded well and is over achieving. We don't have the pieces to trade this year. I think we move Laughton foe a huge bundle like a high end '96, another younger defenceman and 2 or3 2nds. I think that's realistic for him. Possibly move Sullentrop for a 2nd or a DiPerna level defenceman. Next year, we still have Cassels, Dal Colle, Sterk, the prospect received for Laughton to provide scoring and a core of younger players plus whatever can be picked up in the 2014 draft. Missing is Laughton, Suellentrop and a couple of replaceable overagers. The 2014 team sounds like it has more potential. Am I dreaming?

Jaycro, I happen to like your thinking, but here is my take.

This season the Generals are definitely overachieving, no one thought they'd be in this position, even when Laughton was returned. I agree with the fact that London, Erie, Guelph and Kingston are all deeper at forward an on the back end, heck I'd even say Sudbury and Barrie have more overall depth. But with that being said, I think we can contend with the best in the East with just one or two smaller moves. An with London hosting the Memorial Cup this season there is a good chance a team may just have to win the East to get to the Mem Cup. Even with how good Erie & Guelph are playing I still believe London comes out of the West. What I'm getting at is I don't think we should sell off anything, and we should try to add. I honestly believe we could have an even better team next season, but with that being said, so will Kingston.

I can see where your coming from with moving Laughton, but you have to remember, next season we also loose Hughes & Suellentrop to OA, Josh Brown and Altshuller will likely be in the AHL and not return as OA's. An there's really is no guarantee that Dal Colle returns as he's being touted as a top 3 pick. I know its unlikely he sticks in the NHL, but people said that about Nathan Horton to. Losing are top 2 forwards & top 2 D-men and starting goalie, does not put us in a favorable position. The only two moves I'd make for Laughton would be ...

To Guelph - Scott Laughton, Daniel Altshuller & Colin Suellentrop
To Oshawa - Robbi Fabbri, Matt Mancina, Kyle Locke & Ryan Horvat

I would want a top 96/97 goalie in return, a top 96 born forward and a young serviceable D-Man as well as a decent OA, so the team could still compete. I think this helps Guelph as they have an NHL caliber player come in as their top center. An elite level, NHL drafted goalie, whom is a proven playoff performer and they get a solid veteran D-Man with tons of playoff experience who could be on a shut down/top pairing.
The Second Deal would be...

To London - Scott Laughton & Daniel Altshuller
To Oshawa - Mitchell Marner, Santino Centorame, Jake Patterson & Picks.

Yes Patterson is also a 94, but he's gonna be back for his OA season, he's undrafted and unsigned at the NHL level. He's not spectacular, but he is a decent goalie and he has experience, he's been on long playoff runs and played in Memorial Cups. At the very least he'd be a good presence for Ken Appleby. Marner is arguably the top 97 born player in the OHL, and he's doing it all on a very deep an veteran London squad. Now you can say its because he's playing with good players, or you could say WOW imagine how he'd be doing with even more ice time. Santino Centorame is the youngest d-man on a very veteran Knights back end and he contributes, he's a solid defensive d-man and he's only gonna get better. London gets their crown jewel that they've wanted for years in Laughton, and their elite level goalie. I'd definitely like to pry a couple more guys out of London but I think this is a fair enough deal. Owen McDonald a former 2nd round pick of the Knights in 2012 might be a nice throw in, same with Mitchell Kreis the 2013 3rd round pick of the Knights is a defensemen currently playing with the Georgetown Raiders.

If the Generals sell, they better sell.

I won't be happy if they trade just 1 or 2 players away.

If they really want a Mem Cup bid 3 years from now, none of the current players will be there (except for our 16 year olds and possibly one or two 17 years olds as OA's). Ya we would drop through the standings but Cassels and Sterk are over performing currently so I'd get them gone while there value is up as well.

Really stock the cupboards drop 5-6 of our top players, or empty the cupboards and go for it now.

You cannot be a seller when you are performing the way they are just now. I agree that they are over performing but lets see what happens between now and the trade deadline.
A well-coached team with good goaltending can do well. I am reminded of the 1997 team with one star and good cast of characters and solid goaltending. They beat an Ottawa team that finished 15 points ahead to go to the Memorial Cup.
I think they make some minor tweaks if the team continues to do well. In junior hockey you have to take advantage of the opportunities you have. You do need to think to the future but a first place team cannot make wholesale changes such as those proposed.
Just another point of view.

Oshawa fan wrote:You cannot be a seller when you are performing the way they are just now.

Great coaching, great playing, the Team is way over expectations! I'm thinking add a piece or two and have a chance at a deep playoff run.

StingRay5 wrote:Great coaching, great playing, the Team is way over expectations!  I'm thinking add a piece or two and have a chance at a deep playoff run.  

That's all the Gens can do at this point. If they want to drive the casual fan away from the GMC all they have to do is start trading away assets. Yes, this team is playing much better than expected however that's how it goes sometimes in junior hockey. You don't need a team full of superstars to win. You need a good goaltender and a team first mentality. Oshawa currently has both going for them. I think if Oshawa can add a defenceman and a top 6 forward for some more scoring that would be it.

Windsor did it, traded assets, they one cups.

Not saying that I'm all for that strategy, the boys are playing great, but it has happened before.