Swift Current Broncos
Offense
Tanner Mole(19)(.03)
Kole Gable(20)(.25)
Notes
They have some questions on their OA's, as well as their Imports. They have 4 potential OA's up front and 2 on the back-end.
The Broncos basically have no top 6. They have a bunch of 3rd line caliber players that will fill in their top 2 lines. Max Patterson, and likely 2 of their OA's will be the bulk of their scoring.
The Broncos have been very good at the Import draft so it would be wise to account some scoring to young 17yr Import old Joona Kiviniemi.
A lack of top-line depth suggests they may cycle through numerous forwards who will make their debuts. If you are a 17/18yr old looking to crack a roster up front the Broncos are probably your best bet.
This season they will probably have troubles scoring goals.
Defence
Ryan Pouliot(20)
Notes:
Artyom Minulin(20) is expected to return but he will be out a long time recovering from post-season shoulder surgery. Lack of depth and experience on the back-end is another issue.
Minulin may be difficult to trade being an OA and an Import.
I expect Defenceman Josh Anderson to return. Colorado has 7 signed guys in their AHL system, as well as 2 extra guys at the NHL level. Colorado's AHL farm team has also independently signed Kevin Davis who last year played with Everett. There is simply no room for him in the AHL.
Anderson was also a late signing which suggests he was signed for his rights rather than planned to move up.
Other than that, the Broncos are lean on the back-end. Roope Pynnonen is another Finnish Import that is relatively unknown. Right now I'd say their D core is below average, but their is a degree of hidden potential to improve depending on if Josh Anderson does indeed come back. If Anderson does come back he could easily be shopped around at the deadline.
Imports
Joona Kiviniemi(17)
Roope Pynnonen(17)
Artyom Minulin(20)(.67)
Both new Imports are signed. Minulin is recovering from post season shoulder surgery.
Goalies
Isaac Poulter (17)
Joel Hofer(18)(.914)
Notes
Hofer has 19 whl games under his belt however he was taken in the 4th round of the NHL Entry Draft. He will likely assume the starters role. Goaltending appears to be decent, mind you they will be tested lots.
Other OA& Player Notes
Glenn Gawdin - Signed and likely gone
Beck Malenstyn - Signed and likely gone
Stuart Skinner - Signed+Drafted and likely gone
Aleksi Heponiemi - Announced he won't be back
Colby Sissons - Signed and likely gone
Josh Anderson - Signed, Potential of coming back
Artyom Minulin - 20yr Import, Broncos expect him back after surgery..
Can only keep 3 of
Kaden Elder, Kole Gable, Tanner Nagel, Andrew Fyten, Artyom Minulin, Ryan Pouliout, Josh Anderson
Drafting Outlook
Notes: Due to the trades the Broncos made last season this chart is relatively irrelevant. In normal circumstances, I'd say slightly below average due to pick giveaways in their 19yr old class.
Last Season
.715 Winning Percentage
Offensive Raw Strength
170-144
Swift Broke my Algorithm with low Totals.
Prognosis
Losing Tyler Steenburgen, Beck Malenstyn, Colby Sissons, Glenn Gawdin, Aleksi Heponiemi, Stuart Skinner, Giorgio Estephan, Sahvan Khaira, potentially Josh Anderson.
They will also only be able to keep 3 of (Kaden Elder, Kole Gable, Tanner Nagel, Andrew Fyten, Artyom Minulin,)
They also recently announced additions to their Hockey Management group. Turns out every scout except 1 had left the team, as well as their entire coaching staff and GM.
The Broncos are essentially an expansion team without any high draft selections. Their losses are incredible and some of the highest amount of losses I've ever seen. They also sold all of their higher quality prospects. Next season they had a very poor draft position ( their 15yr old draft class) which means very little support coming next year. In 2018 the Broncos have very poor pick selections again, which means the Broncos won't get any new support until the 2019 draft.
The rule the WHL just introduced making it Illegal to trade 16/17's unless they request a trade is designed to stop another Swift Current from happening. While they won the league last season they will pay for it quite heavily. I feel they will be very hard pressed to make the playoffs and will be in the basement for likely upwards of 7 seasons which is mind-boggling.
Next Up
Overall Overview of the East Wednesday or Thursday
.715 Winning Percentage
Offensive Raw Strength
170-144
Swift Broke my Algorithm with low Totals.
Prognosis
Losing Tyler Steenburgen, Beck Malenstyn, Colby Sissons, Glenn Gawdin, Aleksi Heponiemi, Stuart Skinner, Giorgio Estephan, Sahvan Khaira, potentially Josh Anderson.
They will also only be able to keep 3 of (Kaden Elder, Kole Gable, Tanner Nagel, Andrew Fyten, Artyom Minulin,)
They also recently announced additions to their Hockey Management group. Turns out every scout except 1 had left the team, as well as their entire coaching staff and GM.
The Broncos are essentially an expansion team without any high draft selections. Their losses are incredible and some of the highest amount of losses I've ever seen. They also sold all of their higher quality prospects. Next season they had a very poor draft position ( their 15yr old draft class) which means very little support coming next year. In 2018 the Broncos have very poor pick selections again, which means the Broncos won't get any new support until the 2019 draft.
The rule the WHL just introduced making it Illegal to trade 16/17's unless they request a trade is designed to stop another Swift Current from happening. While they won the league last season they will pay for it quite heavily. I feel they will be very hard pressed to make the playoffs and will be in the basement for likely upwards of 7 seasons which is mind-boggling.
Next Up
Overall Overview of the East Wednesday or Thursday
7 comments:
Jacson Alexander traded to Edmonton this morning.
Looking at the Tigers training camp roster. No Truman or Meerman. I know Truman was thinking of NCAA but for him to not be at camp seems like he's made his decision.
Both guys were at orrientation camp in May.
Also 18 year old Jaxon Steele will be at camp so it looks like he's going to get one more crack at making the team.
I've heard Truman is playing for the Drumheller Dragons of the AJHL this year along with his older brother, I haven't confirmed though. Anybody else hear this? It's a big blow in my opinion.
I don't have any sources I'm just going with what I heard a while back. There isn't really room on the roster for him this year but I agree with you he's a huge loss for the future.
Anytime your 2nd round pick doesn't report to camp is a big loss.
(Meerman was the 5th round pick)
That will hurt the Tigers especially since they had the 21st position in the draft and took a goaltender with the first pick. Unless they can find some gems in the later round when that group is 18/19 there may be some holes in the roster.
In terms of Truman's' overall development, he would be wise to go to the AJHL. Even if there was room with the Tigers he would be getting 4th line/healthy scratched type minutes and rare action.
This way he keeps his NCAA eligibility and receives more ice-time in a lower caliber league which is more suitable for 16yr olds.
---
In terms of the Tigers its not good for them, but perhaps being in Lethbridge and being aware that younger players don't receive much ice went into his decision making.
Him playing Junior A would be very beneficial to his development. Maybe he still decides to come next year but the fact that he isnt in camp scares me.
With our first round pick being Bjorklund, I agree we better find some gems in the late rounds because as it looks now Watson, Danielson and maybe Chabot are the only guys who look to have a future with the team. It's not like any of those guys are really highly touted either.
Very sad to hear to Truman is not going to play, if he is not on the roster I would think he has made his decision. Too bad, he clearly dominated at the rookie camp earlier on. Big loss. Like losing an Ennis or Valk.
Excited for camp to start. I am hoping that we see Bjorklund in net. Really want to see the tigers get back to drafting and playing our goalies.
Post a Comment