I know there’s been talk on a bunch of threads about Tyson Helgeson’s shoulder surgery this off season, a few days ago though on an Instagram story he was golfing with Nolan Yaremko, Dante Hannoun, and another player from outside the EIHL.
Maybe there won’t be a lay off for the start of the season if he’s back?
Maybe there won’t be a lay off for the start of the season if he’s back?
This thread has been quiet compared to previous years hasn't it. Probably because we're expecting a lot less changes than previous years. It's likely that there's no more new faces on D, with either all 3, or 1 out of Estes and Helgeson returning. Think we would have heard something by now if Richie wasn't returning.
So in terms of the forwards. As individuals, there isn't one player that I definitely don't want back, but it depends where they fit in the puzzle. A concern before last season was goals, where it looked like we had plenty of depth when it came to scoring, but maybe not enough out and out scorers on the top lines. We were only 12 goals behind Belfast and one behind Sheffield in the end, but I think this is one area I'd like to see upgraded on.
Olishefski - I would like to return, but as a 2nd or 3rd liner, not 1st like he was for a lot of last year, for reasons mentioned above.
Kontos - Hard to say no after his end to the year
Sanford and MacDonald - yes
Yaremko - Difficult to judge after not seeing him play much and depending on fitness. I have a hunch that he might have signed a 2year deal anyway, but if he's 100%, yes.
Brandt - Yes. I admit that in previous years I haven't been as excited as others for Riley returning, but last year he showed how much more than he can offer.
Perlini - Is he making way for Sacratini? Or should we go with Harewood? Maybe.
Lacroix and Caponi - For me the most obvious area that we can upgrade/switch for a high end scorer on the top lines.
Ferguson - Would have no issues if Fergy came back to play that 3rd line role. Could also be a player to upgrade/switch though.
Based on hockey only decisions, I think that's where I'm at. I think we'll see maybe 2 or 3 new faces from here.
So in terms of the forwards. As individuals, there isn't one player that I definitely don't want back, but it depends where they fit in the puzzle. A concern before last season was goals, where it looked like we had plenty of depth when it came to scoring, but maybe not enough out and out scorers on the top lines. We were only 12 goals behind Belfast and one behind Sheffield in the end, but I think this is one area I'd like to see upgraded on.
Olishefski - I would like to return, but as a 2nd or 3rd liner, not 1st like he was for a lot of last year, for reasons mentioned above.
Kontos - Hard to say no after his end to the year
Sanford and MacDonald - yes
Yaremko - Difficult to judge after not seeing him play much and depending on fitness. I have a hunch that he might have signed a 2year deal anyway, but if he's 100%, yes.
Brandt - Yes. I admit that in previous years I haven't been as excited as others for Riley returning, but last year he showed how much more than he can offer.
Perlini - Is he making way for Sacratini? Or should we go with Harewood? Maybe.
Lacroix and Caponi - For me the most obvious area that we can upgrade/switch for a high end scorer on the top lines.
Ferguson - Would have no issues if Fergy came back to play that 3rd line role. Could also be a player to upgrade/switch though.
Based on hockey only decisions, I think that's where I'm at. I think we'll see maybe 2 or 3 new faces from here.
Olichefski is back. If recruitment is being upped this summer and we can expect a better calibre of player - then Olichefski and Barrow could find themselves line mates with Riley Brandt (presuming he re-signs) on the third line.
For me Lacroix should be nowhere near the roster next season, just not up to it. Ferguson would be a great signing for the 3rd line but what would that mean for Brandt? I think Ferguson might retire, as he went to rec leagues back home after leaving Flames - but on the flip side of that, I would have expected him to have announced it by now, same as Ritchie.
Caponi, for me, deserves another year - he's finding his feet as a 4th liner (like Brandt did) and a 'squad/corps' of Sacratini, Caponi, Davies and Duggan would be decent on rotation - whether Duggan and Davies return, who knows?
Will be an unpopular opinion but I'm not sure I'd retain either of Yaremko or Kontos - and would probably have to pick one of Sanford/MacDonald if we are going to actually upgrade and refresh the Top 6. With that in mind, whilst I rate the guy, I'm not sure where Perlini fits in, if the Top 6 is upgraded.
Looking at:
NEW - NEW - NEW
NEW - Martin - MacDonald/Sanford
Brandt - Olichefski - Barrow
Duggan/Davies/Caponi/Sacratini
If we carry a spare forward - is that Mosey? Sacratini? If so that leaves 4 spots for upgrades or returnees - so how does Harewood break into that? I don't think he does. If Perlini is retained he goes on that 3rd line and one of Oli or Barrow play Top 6 - meaning one less upgrade....
In the above - if you retain Kontos and/or Yaremko where do they fit and then how is this roster an upgrade on the season just gone?
Looking at how that roster is shaping up you'd expect a Brit on D (Ritchie) and NM (Bowns) - leaving 3 to be picked on F. 2 of those on the 4th line, maybe 3...either you ice Davies, Duggan and Sacratini scratching Caponi. Or if you ice Caponi and scratch Sacratini then you need to find a spot for either Perlini or Harewood on the 3rd line/top 6 - either way you eat into the upgrades...
So, somewhere between 3 and 4 new faces (see below) and that means goodbye to Lacroix, Ferguson, Yaremko, Kontos, and one of MacDonald/Sanford - for every one of those old favourites that someone brings back we lose the opportunity to upgrade. Will 2 new faces be enough of a refresh to take us above Giants and Orange so that we can win titles? Not for me.
Potential newbies - completely plucked from thin air - I don't do the stalking that Jenks so successfully did of Devils socials over the last few summers
Odense have appointed former Storm (24/25) coach Mike Flanagan for the new season, they have yet to announce if Joakim Thelin (RW) is staying with them however he wasn't among the 7 imports they let go recently. I will admit, I started the Thelin rumour last summer and I wanted to see it through.
If we are going to upgrade our Top 6 there will be plenty of very good signings that the Devils will have picked and gone after - I highly doubt they will include the following who are free agents following stints in the DEL: Jean-Seb Dea, who doesn't strike me as a stud 1st line centre but has a great CV; Brendan O'Donnell (F), no not the bloke from Mrs Brown Boys - he'd be a good fit on the top line wing and is a former team mate of Olischefski; Blaine Byron might want a change of scenery but strikes me more of a Belfast signing; bit like Tanner Kero who if he came to these shores would only be passing through on his way to Northern Ireland for a big cheque.
I'd also take a look at Mitchell Hoelscher, who has just left the Kassel Huskies, hes got a good CV for a 2nd line centre. But we surely have to move for David Morley (C/RW) - experienced centre or on the right, coming to the end of his career. Former team mate of the GOAT in Norway. Seems like a bit of a Zach O'Brien - so it might be between him and O'Donnell, but two years in the DEL at over a point a game would be fine for us.
Couple of guys who have just left Lukko in Sweden might be in the conversation but don't scream "sign me, sign me" are Antoine Morand and Steven Jandric - decent stats etc but no links to Devils alumni and the EIHL doesn't feel like the natural next step for them.
Ligue Magnus has a couple forwards who have had good seasons and may be tempted by a stint this side of the channel, only one that pops up is Jonathan Charbonneau - was a former team mate of Trevor Cox in Slovakia and has consistently found points across France and the three Slovakian teams he iced for. He could end up at a high end EIHL side.
Watch as we don't sign any of the above - LOL
For me Lacroix should be nowhere near the roster next season, just not up to it. Ferguson would be a great signing for the 3rd line but what would that mean for Brandt? I think Ferguson might retire, as he went to rec leagues back home after leaving Flames - but on the flip side of that, I would have expected him to have announced it by now, same as Ritchie.
Caponi, for me, deserves another year - he's finding his feet as a 4th liner (like Brandt did) and a 'squad/corps' of Sacratini, Caponi, Davies and Duggan would be decent on rotation - whether Duggan and Davies return, who knows?
Will be an unpopular opinion but I'm not sure I'd retain either of Yaremko or Kontos - and would probably have to pick one of Sanford/MacDonald if we are going to actually upgrade and refresh the Top 6. With that in mind, whilst I rate the guy, I'm not sure where Perlini fits in, if the Top 6 is upgraded.
Looking at:
NEW - NEW - NEW
NEW - Martin - MacDonald/Sanford
Brandt - Olichefski - Barrow
Duggan/Davies/Caponi/Sacratini
If we carry a spare forward - is that Mosey? Sacratini? If so that leaves 4 spots for upgrades or returnees - so how does Harewood break into that? I don't think he does. If Perlini is retained he goes on that 3rd line and one of Oli or Barrow play Top 6 - meaning one less upgrade....
In the above - if you retain Kontos and/or Yaremko where do they fit and then how is this roster an upgrade on the season just gone?
Looking at how that roster is shaping up you'd expect a Brit on D (Ritchie) and NM (Bowns) - leaving 3 to be picked on F. 2 of those on the 4th line, maybe 3...either you ice Davies, Duggan and Sacratini scratching Caponi. Or if you ice Caponi and scratch Sacratini then you need to find a spot for either Perlini or Harewood on the 3rd line/top 6 - either way you eat into the upgrades...
So, somewhere between 3 and 4 new faces (see below) and that means goodbye to Lacroix, Ferguson, Yaremko, Kontos, and one of MacDonald/Sanford - for every one of those old favourites that someone brings back we lose the opportunity to upgrade. Will 2 new faces be enough of a refresh to take us above Giants and Orange so that we can win titles? Not for me.
Potential newbies - completely plucked from thin air - I don't do the stalking that Jenks so successfully did of Devils socials over the last few summers
Odense have appointed former Storm (24/25) coach Mike Flanagan for the new season, they have yet to announce if Joakim Thelin (RW) is staying with them however he wasn't among the 7 imports they let go recently. I will admit, I started the Thelin rumour last summer and I wanted to see it through.
If we are going to upgrade our Top 6 there will be plenty of very good signings that the Devils will have picked and gone after - I highly doubt they will include the following who are free agents following stints in the DEL: Jean-Seb Dea, who doesn't strike me as a stud 1st line centre but has a great CV; Brendan O'Donnell (F), no not the bloke from Mrs Brown Boys - he'd be a good fit on the top line wing and is a former team mate of Olischefski; Blaine Byron might want a change of scenery but strikes me more of a Belfast signing; bit like Tanner Kero who if he came to these shores would only be passing through on his way to Northern Ireland for a big cheque.
I'd also take a look at Mitchell Hoelscher, who has just left the Kassel Huskies, hes got a good CV for a 2nd line centre. But we surely have to move for David Morley (C/RW) - experienced centre or on the right, coming to the end of his career. Former team mate of the GOAT in Norway. Seems like a bit of a Zach O'Brien - so it might be between him and O'Donnell, but two years in the DEL at over a point a game would be fine for us.
Couple of guys who have just left Lukko in Sweden might be in the conversation but don't scream "sign me, sign me" are Antoine Morand and Steven Jandric - decent stats etc but no links to Devils alumni and the EIHL doesn't feel like the natural next step for them.
Ligue Magnus has a couple forwards who have had good seasons and may be tempted by a stint this side of the channel, only one that pops up is Jonathan Charbonneau - was a former team mate of Trevor Cox in Slovakia and has consistently found points across France and the three Slovakian teams he iced for. He could end up at a high end EIHL side.
Watch as we don't sign any of the above - LOL
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kontos and stoever top of liist for me, harewood for perlini be a shame if we lose harewood to another club, age on his side, duggan not improved for 2 seasons could upgrade for him, just saying.
top points scorer for devils and 4th in lge,, harewood for perlini gotta start getting youth in
top points scorer for devils and 4th in lge,, harewood for perlini gotta start getting youth in
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I remember Neil Francis saying on a podcast this season that top of Devils' summer shopping list would be 1 or 2 goal scorers so not sure if both Sanford and MacDonald will be back.
Regarding these two, last season Sanford had a bigger influence (positive and negative) on games statistically than MacDonald. When Sanford scored points in a game Devils won 52% more games than when he played but didn’t get a point. For MacDonald this stat was 33%. And when Sanford scored a goal in a game, Devils won 72% more games – for MacDonald when he scored Devils won 19% more games. So a hot or cold Sanford seemed to be more influential than a hot or cold MacDonald - seemingly indicating Sanford is more of a game winner than MacDonald.
When Sanford was on form and playing well (as measured by points contributions and most importantly scoring) Devils win percentage was far higher – Devils only lost one game in which Sanford scored all season. Their record in games in which Sanford scored was 17-1-0 and in games where he played but didn’t score their record was 23-14-5.
Kontos was also a standout on this metric – when he scored points Devils won 94% more games than when he played but didn’t score. Devils record when he contributed was 34-6-2 and was 10-11-3 when he didn’t contribute. There was a much lower difference in the win-loss percentages for Kontos in games he scored goals – suggesting his game winning influence to the team was in playmaking rather than scoring.
The flipside to their obvious statistical game winning abilities is that it makes sense that too many off days from these players hits the team the hardest - hopefully we'll have a squad where our key players (whoever they end up being) have as much consistency of performance as possible.
Regarding these two, last season Sanford had a bigger influence (positive and negative) on games statistically than MacDonald. When Sanford scored points in a game Devils won 52% more games than when he played but didn’t get a point. For MacDonald this stat was 33%. And when Sanford scored a goal in a game, Devils won 72% more games – for MacDonald when he scored Devils won 19% more games. So a hot or cold Sanford seemed to be more influential than a hot or cold MacDonald - seemingly indicating Sanford is more of a game winner than MacDonald.
When Sanford was on form and playing well (as measured by points contributions and most importantly scoring) Devils win percentage was far higher – Devils only lost one game in which Sanford scored all season. Their record in games in which Sanford scored was 17-1-0 and in games where he played but didn’t score their record was 23-14-5.
Kontos was also a standout on this metric – when he scored points Devils won 94% more games than when he played but didn’t score. Devils record when he contributed was 34-6-2 and was 10-11-3 when he didn’t contribute. There was a much lower difference in the win-loss percentages for Kontos in games he scored goals – suggesting his game winning influence to the team was in playmaking rather than scoring.
The flipside to their obvious statistical game winning abilities is that it makes sense that too many off days from these players hits the team the hardest - hopefully we'll have a squad where our key players (whoever they end up being) have as much consistency of performance as possible.
Every year we dream of a completely new first line and everyone getting bumped down. It never happens though, and after a successful year I don't think it will happen this time.
We never know personal reasons that players might want to relocate or retire, but from a hockey perspective I think likely 2, maybe 3 new faces in the forwards.
We never know personal reasons that players might want to relocate or retire, but from a hockey perspective I think likely 2, maybe 3 new faces in the forwards.
I'll throw some names out there;
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201696/brett-stapley -
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201925/carter-savoie
Both would be great additions, and plenty of connections from University of Denver.
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/197800/jeremy-bracco - has done some crazy numbers in the AHL and DEL in his time. Maybe a bit of a pipedream this one but did end up in DEL2 last year so maybe half a chance.
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/323711/ture-linden - a classic EIHL signing CV. Done some good numbers and wearing a C in college.
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/295700/todd-winder - some good numbers in Denmark. PT and NH will know about him.
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201696/brett-stapley -
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201925/carter-savoie
Both would be great additions, and plenty of connections from University of Denver.
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/197800/jeremy-bracco - has done some crazy numbers in the AHL and DEL in his time. Maybe a bit of a pipedream this one but did end up in DEL2 last year so maybe half a chance.
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/323711/ture-linden - a classic EIHL signing CV. Done some good numbers and wearing a C in college.
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/295700/todd-winder - some good numbers in Denmark. PT and NH will know about him.
Kontos took a lot of flak early season for under performing. So did Sanford. But when paired up at the end of the season they played some beautiful hockey and both ended up with a decent points tally. I never expected to see Kontos as our top scorer. I hope they both come back and carry on from where they left off.
Some fascinating posts in recent days on how we want to see the make up of the team. And it looks like we’re all of a similar view. My thoughts so far:
Netminders:
Midway through the season I had some slight concerns with Stoever but thought he’d done enough to earn a second season as backup. Then, he gets given the starter spot and exceeds my expectations and shows he’s good enough to be a starter.
He might decide he wants to go elsewhere next season but if he wants to return then I’d gladly have him back.
I think he heard someone say Bowns was going into the last year of a multi-year deal? Hopefully that means he’s back again and I’d be very, very happy to keep our netminder duo for another season.
Defence:
As others have said, our best D since pre-COVID and arguably the best D in the league last season. Would again be delighted if they all return.
Some have questioned whether Welsh is replacing someone? We tried to start the season with 7D last season and then brought in MacLean as a spare early on. I‘d like to think we’re going for a 7 D again. Whether that be because Helgerson is recovering from injury as rumoured or because Richie might not be able to play a full season. But I think Mosey might well see more time as a forward when everyone is fit.
Offence:
I think this is where the biggest question marks are.
Everyone agrees we need more goals. In the end we were only 12 goals behind Belfast but had Brandt not had such a career year it would have been more.
But we also want to stick with the physical style of hockey we played under Thommo. And physical goalscorers are a rare thing at this level.
We know Martin and Barrow are back and I’d be shocked if Olischefski wasn’t back as well. But other than that……
I’d be as equally shocked if Lacroix returned. Ok on his day but easily replaced IMO.
Perlini was poor for 75%+ of the season but in that final stretch he was really effective again. Do we re-sign him and try and tempt his brother to sign for us so they can finally play together on the same season.
You can make an argument with pretty much each player as to whether we should keep or replace them. There’s nobody I would be disappointed if they returned, but I also don’t want everyone to return as we need changes.
Netminders:
Midway through the season I had some slight concerns with Stoever but thought he’d done enough to earn a second season as backup. Then, he gets given the starter spot and exceeds my expectations and shows he’s good enough to be a starter.
He might decide he wants to go elsewhere next season but if he wants to return then I’d gladly have him back.
I think he heard someone say Bowns was going into the last year of a multi-year deal? Hopefully that means he’s back again and I’d be very, very happy to keep our netminder duo for another season.
Defence:
As others have said, our best D since pre-COVID and arguably the best D in the league last season. Would again be delighted if they all return.
Some have questioned whether Welsh is replacing someone? We tried to start the season with 7D last season and then brought in MacLean as a spare early on. I‘d like to think we’re going for a 7 D again. Whether that be because Helgerson is recovering from injury as rumoured or because Richie might not be able to play a full season. But I think Mosey might well see more time as a forward when everyone is fit.
Offence:
I think this is where the biggest question marks are.
Everyone agrees we need more goals. In the end we were only 12 goals behind Belfast but had Brandt not had such a career year it would have been more.
But we also want to stick with the physical style of hockey we played under Thommo. And physical goalscorers are a rare thing at this level.
We know Martin and Barrow are back and I’d be shocked if Olischefski wasn’t back as well. But other than that……
I’d be as equally shocked if Lacroix returned. Ok on his day but easily replaced IMO.
Perlini was poor for 75%+ of the season but in that final stretch he was really effective again. Do we re-sign him and try and tempt his brother to sign for us so they can finally play together on the same season.
You can make an argument with pretty much each player as to whether we should keep or replace them. There’s nobody I would be disappointed if they returned, but I also don’t want everyone to return as we need changes.