RAFTIS’ CARDS
To the joy of Greyhound fans, after reading Peter Ruicci’s article in the Greyhound Gazette, it is confirmed that Kyle Raftis is planning to make a trade or two to “improve this team”. While Raftis never shows his cards to the media, I think that we can assume he is going to go after some of the OHL’s biggest names this trade deadline. In my opinion, the most interesting point of discussion was the current draft capital that the Greyhounds have. In a simple breakdown the Greyhounds have: three 2nd’s, two 3rd’s and seven 4th’s. So not quite optimal for going after some big names, however the Greyhounds also have some young players that may be worth something to other teams. In addition, the point about inter conference trading is also very important. This will affect multiple teams in the West, which is playing to the favour of the Greyhounds at the present time. In honour of this exciting time of year, in this post, I’m going to discuss some trade options for the Greyhounds, my opinions of said trade options and how it may actually be possible to swing it.
TRADE TARGETS
So this biggest question is, who would/should Kyle Raftis be targeting this deadline? Who in fact would be a factor in improving this team? Let’s take a look at where the Greyhounds needs are at this point:
Goaltending: I think the strides Charlie has taken this season gives him the right to the net for the rest of this run. However, the risk is ever present with a 16 year old backup. A Schenkel injury would leave the net in huge question. Jacob Oster (Oshawa) or Mason Vacciari (Kingston) are a few names that come to mind that would simply just be an upgrade from Miller in the sense that they are 18 & 19 years old. But there is no point in making a trade just for that reason, in my opinion. Also, with the little draft capital available, you’re most likely looking at nothing above a 4th to offer for these players. In conclusion, in looking at the possible market for goalies this New Year I would consider one of these trades unlikely but not impossible.
Forward - Experience: It isn’t much secret that, to win in the OHL you need an older roster. Based on my observations of the Greyhounds this year, it is truthfully tough to find a weakness for them on forward and defence, skillwise. In my opinion, the coaching decisions to build this team around a younger core was has spawned the success of this year. So why change?
Aside from the 3 overagers on forward the Greyhounds have just two regular playing 04 (19 year old) forwards (Owen Allard and Bryce McConnell Barker), compared to 2018 when the Greyhounds had five and reached the OHL final. (I left out Fantino as an 04 because before all of the injuries, he was not dressing every game). Now, on the contrary, the 2018 roster only included one overage forward (Hayden Verbeek) while this roster has three. Not to mention a completely different roster make-up, among other things (I could go on all day but for simplicity):
I don’t like to compare teams like this because unlike the NHL, the OHL differs so much from year to year but the overall thought process is more what I wish to convey (the age/experience factor). In taking all of these factors into account, to have a similar age gap on this team, the Hounds are in need of ONE additional 04 forward to give them 6 19-20 year old forwards. I’ll give my opinions on who that should be and why in a bit.
Defence - Experience: Again, we’re going to go with the experience piece. This team is already strong, fast and skilled when they play their game. It isn’t a matter of how can we “score more goals” or “get better”, it’s more how can we further strengthen the player group we already have with some more experienced players. For this reason, an upgrade on defence from a 16 year old 6th defenceman to an 18 or 19 year old shut down player partnered with the already 3 NHL draft picks would make the sky the limit for the defence corps.
POSSIBLE TRADES
To SSM: To PBO
Owen Beck 3 2nds
Konnor Smith 2 3rds
1-3 4ths
Christopher Brown
Spencer Evans
The first option, which I think is the one Raftis will be chasing as #1 (as will other contenders) is Owen Beck. I mean he’s already playing on a line with Allard at the World Juniors and finding some chemistry, what better fit could there be? Beck’s faceoff winning ability, defensive capabilities and overall leadership/experience would be a massive boost to this Greyhounds lineup. He would play a pivotal role in an already offensively skilled lineup. A trade with the Peterborough Petes would also give the Hounds the opportunity to add Anaheim Ducks prospect Konnor Smith. Smith played a huge role in shutting down the Knights and allowed the Petes to win the OHL championship last year. He is 6’5 and would add size and toughness to the defence corps. In return I believe all 2nds and 3rds would be included and my choice of players in return would be Brown and Evans. Although it might take an Alex Kostov and or Matthew Virgilio, which would make me sad! But in return it is Owen Beck so…
To SSM: To FLNT:
Gavin Hayes 3 2nds
Tristan Bertucci 2 3rds
1-3 4ths
Christopher Brown
Spencer Evans
Option #2 also makes quite a bit of sense. Let’s get Travis’ brother Gavin! We could also receive defenceman Tristan Bertucci in the package deal. He brings the same kind of game as Konnor Smith, he also has 25 points on the year which isn’t too shabby. Again I’m afraid it’s all 3 seconds going as well as two young players. I am once again starting negotiations with Brown and Evans but who knows what it would evolve to? Virgilio and Kostov once again could be considered.
These are just mock trades, the market will determine the real price. If the market favours buyers there will be lots of sellers selling for a bit cheaper. If there are only a few sellers, it will take a lot more for their star players. I used last years’ trades as a base: For reference the Petes gave up 2 rookies, 2 2nds and a 3rd for Beck. Ottawa gave up 3 2nds and 4 3rds for Mintyukov.
THIS IS WHERE THE FUN BEGINS
I’ll finish off with a quote from Anakin Skywalker to end this one. Both of the trades I offer here check the boxes where the Greyhounds seem to be in most need. January is pretty much the last month where I’m not a giant stress ball about the Hounds, moving into February/March and playoffs. At the end of the day I think no matter what, the Greyhounds will give us a good show the rest of the way and they already have something to be proud of. Showing the Memorial Cup committee that they deserved better. Happy New Year everyone! And enjoy the ride!