|
Post by paulmcswain on Oct 25, 2009 0:52:09 GMT -4
First post in a long time for me. No longer being a Halifax resident I don't see the team too much anymore. But I stil lfollow the team regularly so have an idea what is going on. While this is no doubt looking to be a painful season, I must say that Cam Russell has done a phenomenal job as GM of this team. When he took over the team was an absolute mess. We were in the unfortunate predicament of having no high draft picks, and no veteran talent to acquire any. Yet Russell has set this team up to be in great looking shape going forward for the next 4-5 years. Things are going to get better starting next year, and we should only get better from there. Looking at next years team, we already have in place the following:
Forward: Randall (19) Grant * (20) Gelinas (18) Bety *(20) Desjardins (18) Lemieux (18) Bernard (19) Andrews (17) Pelletier (19) Boudreau(17)
Defense: Amyot (20) Clarke (18) Albetshauser (18) Gillard (18) Hannay (18) Lewis (17) Bishop (17)
Goal Corbeil (19) Grondin (18)
To add into that cast we can pencil in a high euro pick (really looking like number 3 overall, who should be insant impact, and a top 2 midget pick. Looking at our D, you can probably assume these two wil lbe forwards. For the year after, we will only be losing Grant, Bety, Amyot, and Corbeil off that list, as well as probably Pelletier who doesn`t look like he will be a good 20. Our D in 2 years could be dominant. And our forward group could be very good as well. We have 10 picks over the first three rounds in the next two drafts (not quite sure how that happened!) Provided we can draft solidly, that sets the team up well beyond the next two years.
Now obviously a lot wil lplay out between now and then, and the roster won`t look exactly like I have it. But I don`t care what anyone says. Russell has done an outstanding job assembling a young roster with some talent, as well as stock piling picks, in a very short time frame. In January would anyone have predicted we would look like this. This young group is outshooting teams on a regulkar basis, and while it would be very easy to be discouraged, that doesn`t seem to be happening. I for one am excited about this new approach....now Russell has made all the right moves as GM, but the jury is still out on his coaching. To me that is the key, as he has done everything he could as a GM given the crap pile Patenaude left him with.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 25, 2009 1:54:41 GMT -4
First post in a long time for me. No longer being a Halifax resident I don't see the team too much anymore. But I stil lfollow the team regularly so have an idea what is going on. While this is no doubt looking to be a painful season, I must say that Cam Russell has done a phenomenal job as GM of this team. When he took over the team was an absolute mess. We were in the unfortunate predicament of having no high draft picks, and no veteran talent to acquire any. Yet Russell has set this team up to be in great looking shape going forward for the next 4-5 years. Things are going to get better starting next year, and we should only get better from there. Looking at next years team, we already have in place the following: Forward: Randall (19) Grant * (20) Gelinas (18) Bety *(20) Desjardins (18) Lemieux (18) Bernard (19) Andrews (17) Pelletier (19) Boudreau(17) Defense: Amyot (20) Clarke (18) Albetshauser (18) Gillard (18) Hannay (18) Lewis (17) Bishop (17) Goal Corbeil (19) Grondin (18) To add into that cast we can pencil in a high euro pick (really looking like number 3 overall, who should be insant impact, and a top 2 midget pick. Looking at our D, you can probably assume these two wil lbe forwards. For the year after, we will only be losing Grant, Bety, Amyot, and Corbeil off that list, as well as probably Pelletier who doesn`t look like he will be a good 20. Our D in 2 years could be dominant. And our forward group could be very good as well. We have 10 picks over the first three rounds in the next two drafts (not quite sure how that happened!) Provided we can draft solidly, that sets the team up well beyond the next two years. Now obviously a lot wil lplay out between now and then, and the roster won`t look exactly like I have it. But I don`t care what anyone says. Russell has done an outstanding job assembling a young roster with some talent, as well as stock piling picks, in a very short time frame. In January would anyone have predicted we would look like this. This young group is outshooting teams on a regulkar basis, and while it would be very easy to be discouraged, that doesn`t seem to be happening. I for one am excited about this new approach....now Russell has made all the right moves as GM, but the jury is still out on his coaching. To me that is the key, as he has done everything he could as a GM given the crap pile Patenaude left him with. Not to be too picky but you omitted Dimitruk as an overage defenceman for next year- otherwise I agree with your assessment of the job Cam has done as GM. I don't think that Cam's job as a coach can be reasonably graded until the second half of this season and more into next season when we have more talent.
|
|
|
Post by freddy on Oct 25, 2009 7:24:47 GMT -4
I too was going to say add Dimitruk as a defenseman next season and let Betty go in June Draft.. I also agree with most of your post and I can see Cam getting about 18 wins in the next 51 games about 30 % of those games will be vistories if this team keeps up their wonderful game efforts..Really enjoy going to games now and watching our team up against teams like Saint John who maybe the best in Q we lose 4-0 but even to the end the boys were still in there..Great wonderful experience to watch these players develop they are maybe 20 % better then training camp already...The next few seasons will be wonderful times in Metro Center...
|
|
|
Post by CrazyJoeDavola on Oct 25, 2009 10:37:47 GMT -4
I agree I like where we are headed... and I like our base of players. Adding another pick or two between now and the draft would be good also. Two potentially impact/bluechip players could be added at the draft through euro and midget draft.
Things are frustrating now, but its encouraging seeing them play teams as tough as they are. The next 3 years or so are starting to look much brighter. It's never looked as bleak as it did after that 2008 season. Good to see the cupboards being re-stocked.
|
|
|
Post by howitzer on Oct 25, 2009 17:06:29 GMT -4
Yep I agree with your post 100%.
It's frustrating to not see results so far, but it's a long process and it's going to take time. The thing right now is, overall the team is playing well, we just can't score. If we could pot a couple goals, especially early in some games, then the confidence and momentum you gain, could easliy turn some losses into wins. It's tough playing catch-up hockey all the time.
And I agree with your comments on our defense. They absolutely have the potential to be a dominant group. Cam made defense one of his priorites, and in less then a year, he has given this team enough depth and talent to get us through the next 2-3 years. Abeltshauser, Gillard, Clarke, Lewis, Bishop all have the ability to be impact defencemen in this league. Add to that the toughness factor Hannay can bring, and this group has a lot of potential. Sure they may get walked around, and turned inside out a few times this year, but that won't last for long. Plus with the up coming drafts, we could add to that core. Cam will probably opt for offense with most high picks, but it must be nice for him to know he has that core group back there to rely on in the coming years.
|
|
|
Post by lalalaprise on Oct 25, 2009 19:17:14 GMT -4
Also, the good thing about haveing a lot of good young players + a lot of picks, it allows Halifax some flexibility. Draft Picks can be used as a commodity on draft day, and Halifax hasnt had that sort of flexibility for a while.
Also with so many good young players and Picks, it allows Cam and the scouts to take more risks and go for that high reward talent, instead of safe bets to play in the league.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 25, 2009 19:25:06 GMT -4
It has been frustrating to watch the losses mount this year..........and I am sure is a lot more frustrating for the team then us. But we have been in just about every game this year. I watch us dominate then the other team gets a quick break and a goal.
Our secondary scoring,which is what we are expecting from Gelinas ,Desjardins,Lemieux, Bernard and Andrews for the most part has not been there.
There all young, with good teaching they should improve. My only worry is that I do not think that Donnelly and Russell can teach offense.
The D has been exciting to watch.........they are young and will make some mistakes. The defense seems to have a plan. Game after game I have seen great puck movement out of our zone, good defensive plays on the opossing teams breaks.
Cam has assembled a defensive core that will be, if not the best than damm close, unbelievable over the next 2 years. Clarke is playing top 2 minutes and is playing like a 20 year old (other than the few youthful mistakes).
I am really happy what Cam has done as a GM.
Question.....If Cam had Clem Joudoin running the team would we have more then 1 win?
|
|
|
Post by howitzer on Oct 25, 2009 20:06:26 GMT -4
I like the flexability of the picks as well. More options the better. I think with this year being "Yr 1" of the re-build, we'll use most, if not all of our picks. It's a deep draft, so why not take advantage. It's the 2011 picks ( ex 3rd from Bathurst for Cheremetiev) that could come in handy. We'll have a pretty good handle on things but then, some of this youth will have matured, and so the option to picks players or move the picks for veteran players will be a refreshing experience for this team.
What are the chances Cam swings some deals to squeeze anpther 1st rd pick from a team this year? It would be aweful nice to insert 2 blue chippers into the line-up for next year. It may be wishful thinking as our current assets might not garner a return of a 1st round pick, and teams may not be willing to part wtih their 1st's with it being a good draft. But you can't help but think how nice it would be if Cam could swing it.
|
|
|
Post by lalalaprise on Oct 25, 2009 20:40:59 GMT -4
I like the flexability of the picks as well. More options the better. I think with this year being "Yr 1" of the re-build, we'll use most, if not all of our picks. It's a deep draft, so why not take advantage. It's the 2011 picks ( ex 3rd from Bathurst for Cheremetiev) that could come in handy. We'll have a pretty good handle on things but then, some of this youth will have matured, and so the option to picks players or move the picks for veteran players will be a refreshing experience for this team. What are the chances Cam swings some deals to squeeze anpther 1st rd pick from a team this year? It would be aweful nice to insert 2 blue chippers into the line-up for next year. It may be wishful thinking as our current assets might not garner a return of a 1st round pick, and teams may not be willing to part wtih their 1st's with it being a good draft. But you can't help but think how nice it would be if Cam could swing it. I know its early but if Halifax ends up with something like 8 picks in the first 4 rounds, they may look at dealing a 3rd in 2010 for a 2nd in 2011 and trades of that nature where they move up a round for droping back a year. Lets face it, Halifax's entire team is coming back, we have 3 16 year olds in AAA who will all make the team next year and if Halifax drafts something like 8 players in the first 4 rounds it could be a scenario like Moncton where they have TOO many players.
|
|
|
Post by howitzer on Oct 25, 2009 20:53:53 GMT -4
I like the flexability of the picks as well. More options the better. I think with this year being "Yr 1" of the re-build, we'll use most, if not all of our picks. It's a deep draft, so why not take advantage. It's the 2011 picks ( ex 3rd from Bathurst for Cheremetiev) that could come in handy. We'll have a pretty good handle on things but then, some of this youth will have matured, and so the option to picks players or move the picks for veteran players will be a refreshing experience for this team. What are the chances Cam swings some deals to squeeze anpther 1st rd pick from a team this year? It would be aweful nice to insert 2 blue chippers into the line-up for next year. It may be wishful thinking as our current assets might not garner a return of a 1st round pick, and teams may not be willing to part wtih their 1st's with it being a good draft. But you can't help but think how nice it would be if Cam could swing it. I know its early but if Halifax ends up with something like 8 picks in the first 4 rounds, they may look at dealing a 3rd in 2010 for a 2nd in 2011 and trades of that nature where they move up a round for droping back a year. Lets face it, Halifax's entire team is coming back, we have 3 16 year olds in AAA who will all make the team next year and if Halifax drafts something like 8 players in the first 4 rounds it could be a scenario like Moncton where they have TOO many players. Yea, I hope Russell manages the quantity vs quality balance. That's partly what got me thinking about the possibility of somehow moving up or dealing for another 1st this year. IMO it would speed up the process a bit here if Russell could maneouvre (sp?) an additional top pick. All the picks are nice, but with the lack of goal scoring we've seen thus far, and the lack of that true star player up front (perhaps aside from Andrews), we could potentially plug 2 of them in, with not only our own 1st, but another one as well.
|
|
|
Post by nibs on Oct 25, 2009 20:58:10 GMT -4
McSwain who?
Geez, good to hear from you.
Like all other I agree with your post, with one exception.
I know this will open a pandora's box, but I believe your comment about Patenaude leaving Cam a mess is only partially correct. I believe most casual observers recognized that it was Smith who instructed Patenaude to go get Marchand. From that ensued the mess that we are now living with; so, I don;t think it is, or was, all Patenaude's mess.
In fact I would applaud any GM who has Patenaude's record.
All that said, I must agree with others. Russell has one an incredible job as GM, considering what assets he had to work with.
Like others, I too will question his ability as a coach. But my jury is already in - he can't coach at the level required to be successful.
|
|
|
Post by defresh101 on Oct 25, 2009 21:42:13 GMT -4
Guess Cam would have to fire himself over his performance. But if Cam is not a great coach is it really worth gettig rid of him, as if we did grab us a elite Jr coach we then have a new problem of now a coach being told what to do by a GM. Seems to be a neverending circle. Not that Cam is a real crazy doctatimg GM, but be difficult to find a coach that excepts the GMs input longterm.
|
|
|
Post by qmaniac on Oct 25, 2009 21:48:41 GMT -4
What are the chances Cam swings some deals to squeeze anpther 1st rd pick from a team this year? It would be aweful nice to insert 2 blue chippers into the line-up for next year. It may be wishful thinking as our current assets might not garner a return of a 1st round pick, and teams may not be willing to part wtih their 1st's with it being a good draft. But you can't help but think how nice it would be if Cam could swing it. An extremely high European pick should allow us to add two blue chippers anyway. More the merrier.
|
|
|
Post by MikeC on Oct 25, 2009 23:26:35 GMT -4
I know its early but if Halifax ends up with something like 8 picks in the first 4 rounds, they may look at dealing a 3rd in 2010 for a 2nd in 2011 and trades of that nature where they move up a round for droping back a year. Lets face it, Halifax's entire team is coming back, we have 3 16 year olds in AAA who will all make the team next year and if Halifax drafts something like 8 players in the first 4 rounds it could be a scenario like Moncton where they have TOO many players. If Halifax stays in last, they will have 5 of the top 37 picks in the draft.
|
|
|
Post by canbeer on Oct 26, 2009 0:30:45 GMT -4
I know its early but if Halifax ends up with something like 8 picks in the first 4 rounds, they may look at dealing a 3rd in 2010 for a 2nd in 2011 and trades of that nature where they move up a round for droping back a year. Lets face it, Halifax's entire team is coming back, we have 3 16 year olds in AAA who will all make the team next year and if Halifax drafts something like 8 players in the first 4 rounds it could be a scenario like Moncton where they have TOO many players. Yea, I hope Russell manages the quantity vs quality balance. That's partly what got me thinking about the possibility of somehow moving up or dealing for another 1st this year. IMO it would speed up the process a bit here if Russell could maneouvre (sp?) an additional top pick. All the picks are nice, but with the lack of goal scoring we've seen thus far, and the lack of that true star player up front (perhaps aside from Andrews), we could potentially plug 2 of them in, with not only our own 1st, but another one as well. Yeah that's one thing that I keep looking at is quality vs. quantity. They kind of have both right now when it comes to the start of the youth movements and in 2010/2011 picks... with that solid base I think the focus can be really moved towards quality as they have the numbers already. For example if they move Knotek they don't need to go after a 16-17 year old that may be a solid 2nd line player, a second rd pick and some 18 year old throw in... they don't need to focus on the depth, instead go after the 17 year old future top end forward and if there needs to be a pick leaving it's no big deal. The talk of flexibility and ability to take risk is great... I mean if they have their bases covered with returning players and lots of good picks it gives them lots of options. There were lots of good picks this last year but two that I liked to see were the 11th and 12 rd picks in Gillard and Orr. They now afford to make more of those type picks as well with their late rounders as they can swing for the fence (Gillard) instead of trying to find depth (MacDonald, Matheson). Lala... that Ashley kid that's the leading Jr. A scorer, what's his story? Much/Any chance he comes to the Q? And Lala, I think the dealing a 3rd '10 for a 2nd '11 is exactly how they can keep this trend going beyond this cycle and Russell has already been open to this type of move which is great. I mean this year Russell took the 33rd pick and turned it into two third rd picks... one of them was Boudreau and one of them was moved for a 2nd rd pick into 2010 which will end up being better then the 33rd pick they moved in the first place. A couple trades this year and moves like that and having 5 picks in the top 2 round in the next two drafts is entirely possible.
|
|