Owen Sound Attack 2023-24 Off-Season Thread (Part 2)

[AttackBeacher]

It's an uphill climb for sure but he's pro size at 6'6" and 209lbs. He moves well for his size. I think he's a bit of a project and underwhelmed this past season in my opinion in the OHL but if he finds a way to deliver consistently the way he played in the playoffs for the Attack he'll have a shot.

The OA front runners for me are Guindon, Hookey, Smith and Jordan. Smith and Guindon would have the most value. I think Hookey and Jordan would end up similar to Lawrence last season and get a late pick. Being that our forward group is on the weaker end, I would keep Guindon and move Smith early to roll with Guindon, Hookey and Jordan as the OAs if you're trying to maximize trade value. The extra time on Jordan and Hookey would allow them to play and potentially build some trade value over the first half that they won't have entering the year. I think with the amount of rookie and younger players expected to be on the roster in the forward mix having an element of toughness that Hookey can bring has value. With that said, I think Jackson Stewart might have a better shot at being the third OA than we maybe think. I don't see it personally but DeGray might value him and his role a little higher with the expected make up of the roster.

In saying all that, they could elect to grab two forwards in the import draft and change the direction of the roster. We'll have to wait for July to see how the import draft plays out and then see if Owen Sound gets commitments to report. Long ways to go before we get any real answers. Priority right now I think is getting a head coach nailed down. DeGray mentioned he doesn't like doing deals over the summer because the value is generally low on returns so I don't imagine we will see anything until close to camp in August for whatever moves may be made.

Honestly, I think Hookey does what Stewart does, not as well, but well enough and provides more offense. If Stewart was an 05 it would be a different conversation.

I think Jordan would get more then Lawrence personally but who knows. He was mentioned quite a few times in the coaches poll, seems like a good OA for a team like Niagara who wants to improve but not spend 2 2nds and a 3rd. Even Sarnia depending if they want an older D, they have quite a few younger guys signed it seems. I think Smith would get more then Mancini did last year, which was a 2nd and 3rd, prices for Overage players seem much more aggressive and steep at the deadline vs September for obvious reasons.

 

[Noofgoof]

You can not compare prices from last season... The mem cup being in the O inflated prices beyond belief.. trades will be a bit different this year for sure..

 

[Stellar29]

Honestly, I think Hookey does what Stewart does, not as well, but well enough and provides more offense. If Stewart was an 05 it would be a different conversation.

I think Jordan would get more then Lawrence personally but who knows. He was mentioned quite a few times in the coaches poll, seems like a good OA for a team like Niagara who wants to improve but not spend 2 2nds and a 3rd. Even Sarnia depending if they want an older D, they have quite a few younger guys signed it seems. I think Smith would get more then Mancini did last year, which was a 2nd and 3rd, prices for Overage players seem much more aggressive and steep at the deadline vs September for obvious reasons.

I agree, Hookey provides more elements than Stewart to a line up and would be my preference. The quotes from DeGray in Greg Cowan's piece from the coaching changes last week give me pause in that though. The desire to have the opposition scared to get off the bus fits more with Stewart who is amongst the most physically imposing and intimidating presences in the OHL provided he's playing a more regular shift than fourth line. Who else gives you that kind of element? Maybe I'm just doing mental gymnastics overthinking Dale's comments but if that's the desire out of this roster, I don't think you have the elements present to play that style. The projected forward group will be small and on the light side once you factor in the newly drafted players. Crawford and Nansi have size but neither really play a particularly physical game. McCue plays with some edge but I don't think he alone is going to meet the desired play style. The comments from the GM for the desired play style just doesn't really fit with the roster pieces. I'm not sure you've got much sandpaper on the blueline either.

I think the prices of last season were an aberration. I think as fans if we are expecting those types of returns we will be sorely disappointed. There were some unique circumstances this past season that drove prices that won't be there this coming year. The elite guys should still get good value but not sure about the types of returns we will see on quality OAs like Smith and Guindon. 2nd and a 3rd is probably best case scenario. Maybe two 3rds is more realistic? We will have to wait and see I guess.

 

[Spills]

I agree, Hookey provides more elements than Stewart to a line up and would be my preference. The quotes from DeGray in Greg Cowan's piece from the coaching changes last week give me pause in that though. The desire to have the opposition scared to get off the bus fits more with Stewart who is amongst the most physically imposing and intimidating presences in the OHL provided he's playing a more regular shift than fourth line. Who else gives you that kind of element? Maybe I'm just doing mental gymnastics overthinking Dale's comments but if that's the desire out of this roster, I don't think you have the elements present to play that style. The projected forward group will be small and on the light side once you factor in the newly drafted players. Crawford and Nansi have size but neither really play a particularly physical game. McCue plays with some edge but I don't think he alone is going to meet the desired play style. The comments from the GM for the desired play style just doesn't really fit with the roster pieces. I'm not sure you've got much sandpaper on the blueline either.

I think the prices of last season were an aberration. I think as fans if we are expecting those types of returns we will be sorely disappointed. There were some unique circumstances this past season that drove prices that won't be there this coming year. The elite guys should still get good value but not sure about the types of returns we will see on quality OAs like Smith and Guindon. 2nd and a 3rd is probably best case scenario. Maybe two 3rds is more realistic? We will have to wait and see I guess.

Regardless of who they keep. They had Stewart as a great role player for that this year and didn’t show him the minutes. Hookey stayed on 3/4 line all year NO growth opportunities for either player there.

 

[PensFan101]

Don't know how many are watching the World Championships, but lots of Owen Sound connections to follow in the tournament. Obviously Binnington starting in net for Canada, but Alan Lyszczarczyk is a key player for Poland, and Josh Samanski is rostered for Germany but hasn't played yet.

Love seeing the alumni popping up all over.

 

[PensFan101]

Kaleb Lawrence signs his ELC with Los Angeles, surprised as I didn't think he'd get signed but great for him to have a shot.

 

[ktownfan]

any news on coach up there? Happy for Lawrence, can't teach size. Guindon I think has until June 1 to sign with the Habs

 

[Millpond]

I'm not sure if I should be concerned no one was announced signed at the bbq, as they have in past.

Maybe waiting to see who will be coaching ?

 

[Noofgoof]

I'm not sure if I should be concerned no one was announced signed at the bbq, as they have in past.

Maybe waiting to see who will be coaching ?

That is for sure puzzling. Its usually one of the big happenings of the weekend!

 

[Stellar29]

I'm not sure if I should be concerned no one was announced signed at the bbq, as they have in past.

Maybe waiting to see who will be coaching ?

Seems weird to me that we haven't signed anyone as of yet. I would have expected we may have got some clarity on that front at the BBQ but seemingly nothing to report. I don't think there's a whole lot of nuance to player signings as they(to my understanding) are standardized agreements. I don't know if the coaching situation is entirely relevant to whether or not kids want to play in the league. Maybe just Dale sorting out the bigger, more pressing matter first in hiring a coach and then getting into player agreements? Not time to panic or anything but definitely some concerns.

 

[ktownfan]

is coaching in Owen Sound a desirable position? I can see a young up and coming guy taking it, but a veteran guy? Maybe he is having a hard time selling the philosophy currently in place

 

[HockeyPops]

I recall a number of years ago when John Dean was first hired in the summer, none of our draft picks signed until the coach was announced. I had heard that a few at least were holding out and weren't sure they were signing until they approved of the hiring.

 

[Buttsy]

I had heard that a few at least were holding out and weren't sure they were signing until they approved of the hiring.

With so much on the line and these kids having options (most of them anyway?) I could understand the Coach for a rookie being important to a final decision? Take London for example as a 16 year old unless you are EXCEPTIONAL you are playing Junior B and practicing fulltime with the Knights.

 

[jamemcca]

Take London for example as a 16 year old unless you are EXCEPTIONAL you are playing Junior B and practicing fulltime with the Knights.

And it works

Depending what Mark and Dale doing the summer, Dylan Hunter would be a wise reach out at least

 

[Stellar29]

is coaching in Owen Sound a desirable position? I can see a young up and coming guy taking it, but a veteran guy? Maybe he is having a hard time selling the philosophy currently in place

I would think it would have appeal. The bench is completely wide open and they have said the head coach will be hired first and have a part in the process in hiring the assistants. The major roster turnover creates a clean slate for a coach to more easily build their program without dealing with potential veteran player push back. Not really an urgency yet at this stage in the offseason so I'd rather they use the time to make sure they get the best available candidate.

 

[ktownfan]

I would think it would have appeal. The bench is completely wide open and they have said the head coach will be hired first and have a part in the process in hiring the assistants. The major roster turnover creates a clean slate for a coach to more easily build their program without dealing with potential veteran player push back. Not really an urgency yet at this stage in the offseason so I'd rather they use the time to make sure they get the best available candidate.

True, there probably isn't a "cleaner slate" in the league right now