Cardiff Devils Confirmed Signings & Departures 2026/27
I think some might be underestimating this guy. For me he's a top 6 winger. Won't be the top scorer on the line, but I can see him playing the Andrew Lord role with Martin and Morrisette, but this time Martin and MacDonald.
Looks to be a great skater, wins the puck in the corner, net front presence and will make space for Joey and Josh.
Looks to be a great skater, wins the puck in the corner, net front presence and will make space for Joey and Josh.
No apologies necessary, but I can’t take the credit for working this out myself. I heard the name from a trusted source and I floated the name as a ‘possibility’ just to read the room as on face value he seemed a little left field.
Great size, great ability, great age and great references, what’s not to like!
Great size, great ability, great age and great references, what’s not to like!
I looked back through yesterday's posts to see who was writing him off..... and arguably it appeared like I was!!! 
To expand on what I meant, when he was initially rumoured I looked briefly at his stats and nothing jumped out. And based on who we were rumoured to be signing I wondered if he was going to be a big upgrade on our 4th line. Someone who could play with an edge, not be afraid to drop the gloves but not disrupt the top 3 lines when they're in the bin.
But following the announcement, this looks a far more positive signing than I thought.
Firstly, you have his AHL experience. You don't have play that many games in the AHL if you can't play and his PIMs are quite low.
Secondly, he played in the Finnish league - one of the top leagues in Europe. You can't play in that league if you can't skate. And he must have made an impression there as his team had him back a year later.
Thirdly, and probably most importantly, the recommendation from Oligny. He's played with him and wants to play with him again.
Really interested to see where he fits on our roster and if he is used as a pure offensive threat or a foil/battering ram for his linemates.
To expand on what I meant, when he was initially rumoured I looked briefly at his stats and nothing jumped out. And based on who we were rumoured to be signing I wondered if he was going to be a big upgrade on our 4th line. Someone who could play with an edge, not be afraid to drop the gloves but not disrupt the top 3 lines when they're in the bin.
But following the announcement, this looks a far more positive signing than I thought.
Firstly, you have his AHL experience. You don't have play that many games in the AHL if you can't play and his PIMs are quite low.
Secondly, he played in the Finnish league - one of the top leagues in Europe. You can't play in that league if you can't skate. And he must have made an impression there as his team had him back a year later.
Thirdly, and probably most importantly, the recommendation from Oligny. He's played with him and wants to play with him again.
Really interested to see where he fits on our roster and if he is used as a pure offensive threat or a foil/battering ram for his linemates.
I wasn’t referring to your post in particular. I’m more of the mindset that we’re trying to build a team, budget doesn’t allow for a stud in every area of the ice (I know you know this) so it’s tough to target who is replacing who and feels a tad unfair on those that are here - Lacroix isn’t going to be replaced by a 40 goal forward. Lacroix is likely to replaced with another Lacroix type player.
like you say, it’s interesting to see how Thomas knits the team together. At least he’s clear on the brand of hockey he wants to deliver and what Cardiff fans want to see. That’s a big plus.
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It’s so cool having such a professional coach, who is not just a great coach but someone who knows this league inside out, and most importantly knows exactly what Devils fans want and expect. We have at long last a smooth running well oiled well maintained engine room, and it sure feels good. Big thanks to all the back room staff we may not be a Arena club, but we will most certainly have a Arena team.HAPPY HOCKEY DAYS.
Glad Davies is back. Was thinking time might have caught up with him, but he's so important to the 4th line and PK.
https://www.cardiffdevils.com/news/ben-davies-back-his-13th-season/
That means our current 6-man Brit Pack is:
Duggan; Davies; Harewood; Sacratini; Richardson; and Bowns.
5 are required in order to ice a full 20 including imports. So with 6 we have our spare Brit. Which means probably finished.
https://www.cardiffdevils.com/news/ben-davies-back-his-13th-season/
That means our current 6-man Brit Pack is:
Duggan; Davies; Harewood; Sacratini; Richardson; and Bowns.
5 are required in order to ice a full 20 including imports. So with 6 we have our spare Brit. Which means probably finished.
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Actually, this is a huge signing for us that may well not be appreciated by many recent fans. Bens style of play is not appreciated by many ( no disrespect intended ) but those who have been watching his rise over years from a raw teen to a GB regular realise what a man we have in our midsts and especially as he is a local lad so proud to play for his home town club. delighted to see him back !
