Monday, October 1, 2018

Nassen & MacPherson Return

Last Edit: Reworked this post with new Information, including a brief overview of league imports & OA's

News Articles
https://chatnewstoday.ca/article/574495/macpherson-and-nassen-return-tigers
https://medicinehatnews.com/sports/local-sports/2018/10/02/tigers-get-two-overagers-back/

As expected both OA players come back.   Hopefully, they can be in the lineup for Wednesday against P.A.

Thoughts
Dalton Gally will probably be the victim to the numbers game. The Tigers have an opening with their Imports so Nassens "2 spotter" status doesn't matter.

Gally has improved Immensely over the past 2 seasons. He was being used as the #1 slot through the first few games of the season. He should hold some trade value to another team looking to acquire a big bodied, but mobile 2-way defenceman, who can help out a younger squad for a cheap price.

David Quenneville
The Islanders just loaned a defenceman down to Bridgeport today. By my count, Bridgeport has 8 signed defenceman, including 2 Free Agents looking for AHL/ECHL contracts

The Islanders are currently +2 extra defenceman with 7 signed players, and another one on a free agent invite.

tldr: Unless 3 significant injuries happen its likely either ECHL or WHL for Quenneville
Edit: Quenneville has been assigned to the ECHL Worcester Railers. Not a good sign for his hope son returning.


**This list is now outdated***

WHL Imports & OA's
Victoria - 2 Imports, 3 OA
Vancouver - 2 Imports, 3 OA
Tri-City - 2 Imports, 4 OA
Swift - 3 Imports, 5 OA ( 1 OA Import on IR)
Spokane - 2 Imports, 3 OA
Seattle - 2 Imports, 3 OA
Saskatoon - 2 Imports, 3 OA's
Regina - 2 Imports, 4 OA ( Maybe 5, 1 on IR)
Red Deer - 2 Imports(might be for sale at deadline),  3 OA
Prince George - 2 Imports, 3 OA
Prince Albert - 2 Imports, 3 OA
Portland - 2 Imports, 3 OA
Moose Jaw - 2 Imports, 3 OA
Medicine Hat - 2 Imports, 4 OA (maybe 5)
Lethbridge - 3 Imports, 3 OA
Kootenay - 3 Imports, 3 OA
Kelowna - 2 Imports, 3 OA
Kamloops - 2 Imports, 3 OA
Everett - 2 Imports*, 2 OA
Edmonton - 2 Imports, 2 OA
Calgary - 2 Imports, 3 OA
Brandon - 1 Import, 2 OA

Note: Even though a team has a full complement of Imports, and Overages doesn't mean they may not be looking to tinker.

Import Summary
Kootenay, Lethbridge, Swift all have 1 extra Import, while Brandon is down 1 import.
If Brandon fills that spot they will likely want an experienced player

OverAge Summary
Tri-City, Swift, Regina, Medicine Hat all have extra OA's while  Edmonton, Brandon, Everett are all down an OA

TigerTurf Thoughts
Gally is expendable perhaps there is a fit in Edmonton, Everett or swift.
Clouston has mentioned he has time to make a decision and it's probably the best thing to do as Quenneville coming back potentially changes things.

We will see if Quenneville gets sent back/healthy scratched or sees game action when the AHL Opens up this weekend.

68 comments:

Anonymous said...

Looks like Islanders' roster is down to 24, just one more forward to cut.
Bridgeport has 10 d now with Devon Toews who got sent there today. All the D have AHL experience so it will be a tough roster to crack for Quenneville

TigerTurf said...

Hopefully, the Islanders stay healthy and we hear something this weekend about him. Bridgeport's doesn't have roster limits though, so may not be in a hurry to make a move.

ECHL season starts Oct 12th. I Imagine their training camps start soon. The last thing we want to hear is Quenneville being sent to the ECHL as that will basically squat his chances of coming here.
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2 Big Happenings today.

Saskatoon acquired shut-down defenceman Brandon Schuldhaus from Moose Jaw. PA had Noah Gregor Return from the AHL. Both those teams filled open OA slots.

TigerTurf said...

Ugg Quenneville was assigned to the ECHL today.....
https://www.echl.com/echl-transactions-oct-2-2018

I think his chances of returning just dropped substantially...

Anonymous said...

Wow that hurts. It’s very rare that guys get sent to the echl when they still have junior eligibility.
I don’t agree with that decision.

TigerTurf said...

I'm disappointed too. They obviously feel he can learn more at an ECHl level and I can think of a few reasons why as medicine hat isn't exactly known as being a defensive breeding ground. Also Quenneville's offensive game could be challenged at a pro level.
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Excited for the game against PA. The Raiders got Noah Gregor Back. I have watched 3 of PA's games this season and their roster looks very impressive.

Anonymous said...

I think he will be back the team is carrying 26 players ..10 are dmen. Max pay is 525 a week and team salary cap is 13 thousand a week.

TigerTurf said...

I looked this up

Quenneville will receive 92.5K a year for 3 years in signing bonuses regardless where he plays. Quenneville's Minor League contract is 70K a year.

The islanders will pay Quenneville 70k if he plays AHL or ECHL. If Quenneville plays in the ECHL he still receives his 70k as contracted by the Islanders. His ECHl team will then backpay the Islanders $480-525 a week and that will count against the ECHL salary cap.

If Quenneville is sent down to juniors he does not get 70k a year. Nor can he be recalled until his season ends.

I think the fact he was assigned to the ECHL rather than Juniors is a big indication they want to keep him in pro's. There is an ECHL roster deadline next week. IF Quenneville is on their list he isn't returning for sure.
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In regards to Spokane....I felt the Tigers were extremely lucky to come away with 2 pts.
Other than the first ten minutes they were outplayed 5v5.

Defence and goaltending have been ok. The forward group needs some coaching


Watch the 3rd period at the 1:10 mark when Spokane has an extra skater on the ice.
Jevne and Prezusio walked back into their own end un-concerned that the Tigers were outmanned down low and that the guys they need to be covering are in prime danger areas.

If Either one of them hustles back they stop that play. Need to be better boys you let your team down.

Anonymous said...

With 10 dmen on the list I still think he returns

CatFan said...

I think the goaltending has been more than OK!

TigerTurf said...

Sorry Catfan you're right. Meant to say goaltending has been superb. I also think their defence is playing well, but the forward group is puck chasing

Anonymous said...

On that play maybe Jevne and Preziuso weren't back in time, but Jevne has been one of our best forwards so far this season, just really unlucky he doesn't have more goals. He has been hustling hard and blocking shots and setting the tone for the rest of the team so I disagree with that call out.

I have also been really impressed with Rybinski. I am excited to see how he does this season and think it will be a breakout year for him.

The chemistry does seem to be missing with the forward lines right now and hopefully that gets sorted out soon

Anonymous said...

I have to be honest that I thought the team would come out of the gate better then this. I am hoping with the last 2 games we are seeing a change but the forward group (who I thought would be real strong) has been so so. Could not ask much more from goaltending at all - this has been a high point.
I hope we see Quen back. Would help with goals and he still bring some defence.

TigerTurf said...

They played exceptionally well in Tri-City. I'm not sure we'll see that effort all season, but it was very good to see.

Anonymous said...

Seems like they are still working the kinks out. Just give it some time, this team is very well coached.

They will turn it around, just need to move their feet more. This is one of the fastest, well-conditioned teams. Goals are going to be harder to come by then last few years, they are going to have to grind it out and win 3-2 2-1 type of games this season. I think they will still be able to be a playoffs team 2-3 in the division what does everyone else think?

Is it just me or has anyone else noticed the lack away highlights being posted to the team's social media sites? Last season if I remember correctly they had always posted home and away games.

TigerTurf said...

I just check out other team's pages...I like hearing and listening to other teams coaches on what they thought of the game.
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In terms of the central, I'm not quite sure what to think.....Usually, that means there is a lot of volatile mediocrity.... It's odd as I don't really see a top team, nor a bottom feeder.... yet..I see some Hot and Cold starts that over the course of the season are unlikely to be held up long-term.

I haven't watched all the teams play a few games yet. Some early thoughts that I haven't completely formed an opinion on yet....
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Red Deer looks better than I expected because of the performance from their top line. They turned an overage free agent pickup into a PPG player just letting him stand in front of the net collecting garbage goals and deflections, while Zaitsev/Hagel/Barteaux make a mockery of the opposing team's defense. Pre-season it is difficult to see A free Agent pickup and a 17yr old import player transform into a top line.

They have good goaltending, solid defense. I feel they live and die by the strength of their top line. I almost expect them to eventually fall back, but may not happen until mid-season. I think they are a wildcard and I intend to watch them play a couple games this week.
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Kootenay - I was impressed with them over the Tigers. I need to watch another game it seemed to be a game where the puck luck was 110% on their side. I thought they'd be right there with the pack but maybe a point or three behind the pack...

Edmonton - They also made some last minute acquisitions which have transformed them into having a very strong top line and great goaltending... They are already falling back to earth. Right now seem to be an early favorite for keeping a point or two above the pack, but who knows if that will last the entire season.

Lethbridge - Their intended starting import goaltender was cut/waived in favor of an Import defenceman who returned. Strong offense, but weak defensive play so far. They have some holes, but there is a good deal of potential with some strong offensive players.

Calgary - haven't seen them play but their offence seemed to have disappeared. Don't know what's up with that.


I think it's going to be a dogfight. I don't see a clear loser, I don't see a clear winner. I think the teams on cold streaks will eventually snap out of it. I think teams on Hot streaks will have difficulties sustaining them for an entire season.

I was a bit confused pre-season on who will come out on top. I am still confused.

Anonymous said...

Any word on the three overage players tigers are keeping?

Anonymous said...

Why doesn't Clouston just make the move, it's obvious he's keeping the 2 returned guys. Release Gally, so the poor guy can go find a job somewhere else before it's too late.

Anonymous said...

No kidding

Anonymous said...

Galley to Kelowna

TigerTurf said...

for a 10th round selection......Kelowna will probably give him a couple games and choose between Gally and Bowen

TigerTurf said...

David Quenneville was announced on the Worcester Railers Opening night Roster.
https://railershc.com/the-worcester-railers-hc-announce-2018-19-opening-night-roster/

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Mason Shaw has 3 points in 2 games in the AHL to start the season
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Anonymous said...

Gary Haden has went home. Unsure if he wants a trade or if he is just done with hockey.

CatFan said...

That is very disappointing. Frazer would always comment on what a great teammate he was and that he always had a smile on his face. I wonder what the deal is.

Anonymous said...

I’m assuming it’s just over ice time. He probably wants more of an opportunity somewhere else. Just my guess.

Anonymous said...

I have never liked this whole leaving the team to demand things - and IF it is the case for Gary then he got beat, by someone else, who was able to fill the role better then him. The honourable thing to do is to fight for the spot, not give up. Always thought this spoke volumes. Sad that so many go this way. It seems to be a generational thing. It is not a character trait that I would want on my team. It is not a trait that will serve them will in University, in a job, in a career. There will always be someone better, smarter, faster and it is sad that the solution that they go to is to give up and demand. I hope this is not the case as he is a good player.

Anonymous said...

I disagree that Haden got beat by someone better. He is a good player.
Clouston plays favourites.

Anonymous said...

Anon 8:34, what coach doesn't.

Anonymous said...

They all do but this coach has a real history of players leaving on a constant yearly bases

TigerTurf said...

I'm not surprised though. I called it in the off-season.

We gotta remember he is the guy that played only 32 games as a 17. At 18, when everyone was healthy, played a 4th line winger/ centre role. This season seeing 3rd/4th line minutes.

Haden's style of play doesn't jive or mesh with the style the Tigers prioritize and will lead to a natural conflict. I feel the only reason Haden didn't ask for a trade last season, is due to all the injuries that happened which gave him more minutes.
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If you look at the OA situation next season. I think the coaches may not choose him.(prezusio,Hamblin,ostir,haden) This just forced their hand early, which funny enough will probably benefit them in the long run for next season.
-

In my hockey opinion, I would prefer Haden as a 3rd line centre because he thinks the game well and above average at faceoffs. 2nd line PP and PK.
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If we look at Hadens stats, He was projecting as a 20 goal guy with the reduced 68 game season. I guess we will see what the Tigers can get for him, there should be some interest.

Anonymous said...

I agree. You never want to see players walk out but this is a blessing in disguise. More ice time for the younger guys and now there should be less shuffling of older guys up and down the lineup.

Anonymous said...

It’s official Gary Haden has requested a trade.

Anonymous said...

Good for him

Anonymous said...

Hope Gary lights it up wherever he goes!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I hope so too!

TigerTurf said...

I hope he does well wherever he lands. I think an opposition team may get more value than what the Tigers will be able to get from him.

As for value Michael Farren was recently traded for a 3rd round pick but is a year younger. Haden has better stats. I think Haden would go for something similar in value

Anonymous said...

He won't get anything for he over values his players..

Anonymous said...

Let's trade the coach and see what we can get in return

Anonymous said...

Oh don't we all wish he was gone!

Anonymous said...

do we recall when tigers returned last year our captain said he drove him nuts with him texting during the summer everyday thinking he was getting traded? Captain told him NO everytime but he still persisted. Maybe someone over thinks?? Don't get me wrong I liked Haden & wish he wouldn't of left BUT...... Sometimes we don't know everything that happens in the dressing room.

Anonymous said...

Garin Bjorklund selected to play for Canada at the U17s.
Ryan Watson sent down.

Anonymous said...

Poor form lying to the media that he was sent home. Glad the tigers set it straight. Probably a characteristic in a kid that I am ok with not having on our team. Better somewhere else.

Anonymous said...

I see a pattern every year...no couldn't be the coach/gm...always the player lol ..time ownership woke up...people are getting fed up with this

Anonymous said...

Totally agree, the kid did what he had to do and he thought was right. The pattern is the same every year with the Coach/GM always coming out smelling like a rose and it's never anything he may have done. Sick and tired of no accountability from the front office and especially the Coach. Making it really tough to stay a tiger fan!!!

Anonymous said...

You are so right! I'm sure season ticket holders base is down as many are tired of his behaviour and no respect for anyone ... owners need to wake up

TigerTurf said...

Dalton Gally has made the Kelowna Rockets. kelowna has released Ryan Bowen

Anonymous said...

I heard from a reliable source that season ticket holder sales were up this year for the Tigers.
As a fan, I will admit I don't agree with all the decision the team makes but there is a lot behind closed doors we don't know about so is it fair for us to judge? Do you know Clouston on a personal level? Can you accurately say the things you have said about him? Or is this assumption based on players being upset about playing time and requesting trades?

Anonymous said...

This is a kid pouting because he didn't get his way. He took his ball and went home. We're better off without him. Now 3 kids around the league have done this since Friday last week. Hardly a Tigers only problem...it's a generational problem.

Anonymous said...

Yes possible.. but tigers must pick alot of them then.

Anonymous said...

When you have that many returning forwards from last year, not every player is going to get the bump in ice time and responsibility that they are looking for. Its a numbers game and the clock is ticking for these kids to get noticed.

A guy like Haden isn't going to be back here next year as an over age so there isn't much point in keeping him here this year anyways if he isn't getting top 6 ice time and putting up offensive stats to match. You might as well deal him for a pick if you can and give his bottom six ice time to a younger forward who WILL be here next year as an 18 or 19 year old.

He really shouldn't have had to ask for a trade, in my opinion Clouston should have dealt one of him or Ostir away before the trade request even happened.

I get that you want to have that depth, but these kids want to play, especially the 19 year olds.

Anonymous said...

Few points
- U18 has top players from that age group, but the WHL has high quality 19’s and 20’s. it is a good league

- Player progression can happen at different times, it’s difficult to compare players and their growth.

- All Professional teams will look for players that put the team first, stick to the process and flourish under adversity.

Anonymous said...

Chyzowski only has 4 points in 3 games. Someone should really talk to Clouston about this. It is a crying shame he can not get anything out of him. Likely whole reason to fire him right there. I bet Clouston is so upset!

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 3:12
I don't understand your comment/ possible complaint?
Chyzowski has 10 points in 11 games but is on a 4 point in 3 game streak.. what is bad about that? The whole team has had a slow start but things are turning around for some of them

TigerTurf said...

I deleted a bunch of comments both good and borderline because the conversation path was getting a little too negative

Anonymous said...

Not negative just people's true thoughts and feelings

TigerTurf said...

It wasn't too bad, to be honest, but It was a bit tough to deal with from a moderator perspective. Some comments were borderline and a few of them had a foot over that border. If I delete one, I should delete another, and it leads to a spiral where good comments are being turfed....so I turfed everything.
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I like keeping it open, but in this specific case felt like people were spearfishing stats and just shut'er down.

I'd rather something like.....


On the Hurricanes powerplay they noticed the Tigers have 2 players defending the middle of the ice and leave the sides open. This has caused a lot of confused opponents and the Tigers went like 6 games without giving up a PP goal

Lethbridge at the end of game 1 on the PP, started goading players away from the middle, in order to shoot down the middle of the ice, and have the open sides as an avenue for rebounders to pounce.

In the second game, sure enough, Lethbridge specifically tried to break apart that middle. They went 3/4 on the PP. They also healthy scratched a couple players who had poor showings in game 1 (Jeri-Leon Keltie, can't remember the other)

Could have made mention of this as an example of how a coach like Kisio gets the most out of his players and makes on the fly changes or something like that.....




Anonymous said...

Rockets fire the coach .

Anonymous said...

Tigers maybe next lol

Anonymous said...

Where will Hollet be traded too. A lot of teams in need of a #1 and Tabbies need holes filled for a long run next year.

Anonymous said...

Knowing clouston I would say it’s unlikely he trades Hollett.
I think it is something he should look into though. If Sogaard continues to play well then it makes sense. Hollett will be 20 next year and there is no guarantee he is back in the league. It would be interesting to see what we could get for him and it would certrainly improve the future of the team.

Anonymous said...

No way Clouston gets fired, that's just not happening. I don't understand why this city hates him so much? The team wins games year after year and is a playoff team year in and out. Even on years, they shouldn't make the playoffs they do. Look at last season as a perfect example of that. That's because of good coaching. There is no way that Tigers team should have won the Divison with losing 314 points before the season even started from Butcher, Owre, Kirichenko and John Dahlstrom. Even look at this year's team they are in the hunt once again after a very slow start. Hypothetically speaking here, do you think another coach would be able to come in and to do what Clouston has done year after year? My answer is no If it ain't broke don't fix it.

No way they trade Hollett. Hollett will most likely be back as a 20, I don't see him going to the ECHL or AHL for the Senators. It would be very interesting to see what we could get for him and keep on building for the future.

What do you think?

Anonymous said...

Ok Shaun

Anonymous said...

We still had a 50 goal scorer on our team and a defensemen who put up 80 points. Most teams would make the playoffs if they had those two guys.
Only reasons I’d consider moving Hollett are because there is no guarantee he will be back but also because Bjorklund needs to be on the team next year. One of Sogaard or Hollett won’t be here next year.

Anonymous said...

Players ask out in junior all the time. This is not a thing the only happens in Medicine Hat. Every time a player asks out people on here assume it is due to a dislike for the coach but it is usually a disagreement with their role/opportunity. Fischer asked out because he had no one to play with once Butcher and Owre left. Fantillo asked out because he was a returning player still battling for a spot in the lineup. I am assuming Haden asked out because he is still playing a bottom six role as a 19 year old.

Anonymous said...

The team needs a coach/gm and owners who are just happy to make the playoffs to not be just satisfied with that as the only goal of the team every year

Anonymous said...

Tigers have finally found a home for Gary Haden in a one for one swap with the Saskatoon Blades. Gary reunited with Max Gerlach.

Medicine Hat receives Logan Christensen
To Saskatoon Gary Haden

Anonymous said...

Good for Gary

Anonymous said...

Clouston usually gets good value back in his trades but I think we might have lost this one. It’s too early to tell because I don’t know about Christensen but I would have just preferred if we got a draft pick and gave more ice time to guys like Hopwo since we don’t appear to be contenders this year.

Anonymous said...

I was so disappointed with pink in the rink tonight. It's a specialty night, but yet again this organization does nothing. Just the same old same old pink graphics on the jumbotron, not even pink on the glass like years before. So much potential for them to do something more. It can't be that hard to get pink jerseys, can it?