Deep Thoughts

Deep ThoughtsAnother hockey season is upon us and with the OHL season about to start, I thought I’d take a quick look at each Team and some questions and Players to keep an eye out for:Eastern ConferenceCentral DivisionNorth Bay Battalion: The Battalion have executed a classic “re-build” and as a Franchise, continue to understand when to sell and when to buy. They sold off the top scoring line in the OHL last year to acquire young assets and are poised for a big couple years.Projected Central Division Finish: 1st PlacePlayer to Watch: Nathan McIvor; GThe Battalion continue to have a long string of excellent goaltending and McIvor will be important with a young group ahead of himBurning Question: Are the Battalion too young to win the Central this year or will the young talent step up? Niagara Icedogs: There was turnover on and off the ice with the Icedogs this summer with Kris Barch taking over as the Head Coach and Frank Evola going in as the GM and several players were moved out. This Team has excellent personnel so it will be interesting to see if everything can gel this year.Projected Central Division Finish: 2ndPlacePlayer to Watch: Ryan Roobroeck; LWThe big Winger is up for the 2026 NHL Draft and should easily be a top 10 pick and may slip into the top 5.Burning Question: Can Kris Barch (former NHL Player) and his Coaching staff harness this talented group of Players despite none of them having coached a single game in the OHL except Goaltending Coach Ryan Ludzigturnover that includes nobody on the bench with 1 game of OHL Coaching? Barrie Colts: The Barrie Colts have dominated the Central Division for a few years now and they took a hit with Players graduating and moving on, they will still challenge for the Division championship. Marty Williamson is the 7th winningest Coach of all time but his decision to leave the bench to focus on his GM duties means they have turned it over to one of the brightest young Coaches in the game in Dylan SmoskowitzProjected Central Division Finish: 3rd PlacePlayer to Watch: Ben Hrebik, GoaltenderThe excellence behind the bench in Barrie will continue with the underrated Ben Hrebik and NHL Teams will regret not selecting him in the 2025 NHL DraftBurning Question: Can the Colts score enough to make up for the loss of the Players that generated over 125 goals last year?Sudbury Wolves: In contrast to North Bay, Sudbury added at the 2025 Trade Deadline and kept Quinton Musty and added Henry Mews and Noah Roberts and they took their shot which is admirable but they delayed their rebuild. They still have the star duo Nathan Villeneuve and Kieron Walton up front and Scott Barney and his Staff showed last October (before Musty returned) how well they could play with a structured, hard working approach so we will see if they can match those results for the whole year.Projected Central Division Finish: 4th PlacePlayer to Watch: Luca Blonda; RDThe first Defenseman selected in the 2024 OHL Priority selection has shown flashes of brilliance and reminds me of a former star Wolves defenseman, Kyle CopabiancoBurning Question: Can the Wolves get reliable goaltending from their current group or do they have to go out and find a solution from outside the Organization?Brampton: The Steelheads have been the hardest hit of any of the CHL Teams with regard to the NCAA changes and Players leaving for southern Schools. Porter Martone had a chance to be the League MVP and Jack Ivancovic could have challenged Carter George for top Goaltender in the League but their loss to Schools in Michigan combined with traditional graduations of Players like Carter Rehkopf, Luke Misa and Angus MacDonnel mean it could be a tough season for the Fish.Projected Central Division Finish: 5th PlacePlayer to Watch: Matei Stankoven; LCThe 38th Player taken in the Import Draft will be a key offensive catalyst for the gritty Steelheads & will make Teams that passed on him regret their decisionBurning Question: Can James Richmond find the pieces to rebuild the Steelheads on the fly and can his ability to make Players better through his Coaching be enough to get them into the playoffs?East DivisionBrantford Bulldogs: The Bulldogs surprised many by leading the Eastern Conference in points last year despite remaining relatively quiet at the Trade Deadline and the squad this year is the beneficiary of that patience because they have a fantastic Roster and a lot of assets to add moreProjected Eastern Division Finish: 1st PlacePlayer to Watch:  Caleb Malhotra; LCThe Son of former NHL’er, Manny Malhotra (and nephew of NBA HOF’er Steve Nash) is highly touted for the 2026 NHL Draft and should have a big impactBurning Question: The Bulldogs had a solid Roster and added star players like Sam McCue, Adam Benak, Caleb Maholtra and Vladimir Dravecky so how can they get everyone enough icetime? Peterborough Petes: The Petes have struggled the last few years after shocking the League with a Championship in 2023 but they have stockpiled some good young talent and should make a big jump in the standings this yearProjected Finish: 2nd Place; Eastern DivisionPlayer to Watch:  Adam Novotny; LWNovotny is a highly touted Prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft and should inject some offense and excitement into Rob Wilson’s crewBurning Question: After trading away one of the best Goaltenders in Zach Bowen, can Easton Rye become a quality starter with a talented team in front of him?Oshawa Generals: The Generals are back to back Eastern Conference champions and still likely will have Ben Danford and Beckett Sennecke come back as 19 year olds but this could become a transition year for the Generals. If they6 move Danford and Sennecke, they will recoup huge assets and the Gens will be on their way to building another powerhouse.Projected Eastern Division Finish: 3rd PlacePlayer to Watch:  Brooks Rogowski; RWThe massive Winger was drafted out of High School hockey in Michigan and has the potential to be a Top 20 selection in the 2026 NHL Entry DraftBurning Question: How long do they hang on to Danford and Sennecke before they send them to a contender or do they hang on to them and take another run in the East?Ottawa 67’s: The 67’s are in the middle of a rebuild and have a lot of good young talent for Dave Cameron and Norm Milley to coach but it is tough to win in the OHL with young Players.Projected Eastern Division Finish: 4th PlacePlayer to Watch:  Kohyn Eshkawkogan; RDThe 2008 born, young stud Defenseman from Manitoulin Island was an invite to Team Canada’s Gretzky/Hlinka Camp and although he isn’t eligible to be drafted until 2027, he will be a huge part of the 67’s team this year.Burning Question: TCan the Northern Ontario heagvily influenced Team with Cooper Foster, Eshkawkogan and 1st rounder Brock Chitaroni continue to get better and scare some Teams by the time the Playoffs roll around?Kingston Frontenacs: Kory Cooper is the reigning GM of the Year in the OHL after making a number of shrewd moves last year but the graduation of stars like Quinton Burns, Ethan Hay, Joey Willis and Tomas Uronen mean that the burden will fall to young stars like Toronto Maple Leaf Draft pick, Tyler Hopkins and Calgary Flames Jacob Battaglia to try and help the Fronts return to the playoffsProjected Eastern Division Finish: 5th PlacePlayer to Watch:  Jacob Battaglia; LWThe Calgary Flame 2nd round pick could break the century mark in points and may be very attractive for a team looking to add at the deadline.Burning Question: Troy Mann is one of the best Coaches in the OHL but can he establish enough structure to get the Fronts into the Playoffs after going all in last year?Western ConferenceMidwest DivisionKitchener Rangers: The Rangers are the favorites to win the bid to host the 2027 Memorial Cup and they are poised to have a big year with a lot of young talent that can return in 26/27 to host the National ChampionshipProjected Midwest Division Finish: 1st PlacePlayer to Watch: Evan Headrick; RWThe Garden River product missed most of his rookie season with an injury but the Rangers are excited to see whaqt this offensive magician can create in his sophomore seasonBurning Question: How much do the Rangers try to add this year if they are contending in the West if they expect to host the Memorial Cup in 2027? London Knights: It isn’t a typo that I expect the Knights to fail in their quest to win another Midwest title but even the mighty Knights have to re-tool at some point but don’t expect them to fall too farProjected Midwest Division Finish: 2nd PlacePlayer to Watch: Logan Hawery; LCThe next in line of stars to come out of London will be Logan Hawery. Despite his size, the combination of his skill and the proven record of development by the Knights should see Hawery have a big yearBurning Question: Mark Hunter chose to go after some older Free Agents from the newly created NCAA path which counters what a lot of Teams did by going after young stars so will it work?Guelph Storm: The Storm had a long season in 24/25 but they have some exciting young stars that Cory Stillman can work with to jump back into the playoff picture in the WestProjected Midwest Division Finish: 3rd PlacePlayer to Watch: Jett Luchanko; RCLuchanko shocked the hockey world by sticking with the Philadelphia Flyers for the start of the 24/25 season but if he returns to the Storm, he has a chance to be the best Player in the OHLBurning Question: How much can Cory Stillman get out of the young Storm team that is littered with 16 and 17 year olds in the very tough Western Conference? Owen Sound Attack: The Attack have North Bay native Scott Wray behind the bench and the best trio of Goaltending Prospects in the OHL but the lack of Roster depth will be a challenge unless they add some playersProjected Midwest Division Finish: 4th PlacePlayer to Watch: Carter George; GThe best Goalie outside of the NHL will star for Canada at the World Junior Championships but he will have to be a star every night for the overmatched AttackBurning Question: Does Dale Degray wait until the Trade Deadline to move Carter George and risk injury or does he move him sooner, like he did with Colby Barlow last year and open up the net for young stars Trenten Bennett and Matthew Koprowski?Midwest DivisionKitchener Rangers: The Rangers are the favorites to win the bid to host the 2027 Memorial Cup and they are poised to have a big year with a lot of young talent that can return in 26/27 to host the National ChampionshipProjected Midwest Division Finish: 1st PlacePlayer to Watch: Evan Headrick; RWThe Garden River product missed most of his rookie season with an injury but the Rangers are excited to see what this offensive magician can create in his sophomore seasonBurning Question: How much do the Rangers try to add this year if they are contending in the West if they expect to host the Memorial Cup in 2027?

Deep Thoughts with Mark Seidel The 2025 version of the World Junior Hockey Championships begins on Boxing Day after the 2024 event saw the United States of America break Canada’s 2-year grip on the Championship and these two teams should battle in the Gold Medal game again. Here is a preview of the Teams, a Star to Watch, an NHL Draft Prospect to watch & my predictions: Team Canada Star to Watch: Easton Cowan (RW) - The Toronto Maple Leaf’s 1st rounder from the 2023 NHL Draft has been lighting up the OHL since the start of last season with an amazing 124 points in 74 games and along with that offense, he will be great all over the ice. 2025 Draft Prospect to Watch: Matthew Schaefer (RD) – The sophomore defender from the Erie Otters has a legitimate chance to be the first name called at the 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles. Schaefer combines excellent skating ability with very high hockey IQ and a unique ability to generate offence from the back end. Fans love to use NHL comparable to give them a better understanding of who the Prospect is reminiscent of and in this case, that comparable is the Colorado Avalanche superstar Defenseman, Cale Makar. How much opportunity he gets will be interesting to monitor because 17-year-old Defenseman haven’t usually played a lot for Gold Medal contenders but Shaefer has a chance to be the exception to that rule.     Team USA Star to Watch: Gabe Perreault – (RW) - Fans of a certain vintage will remember the offensive genius Yanic Perreault and I always said that he was born a Generation too early with the changes in the game and along comes his son, Gabe to highlight that point. A tad undersized and not the fastest skater on the ice (sound familiar), people have questioned Perreault’s NHL future but the NY Rangers ignored it all and took Perreault in the 1st round in the 2023 NHL Draft. He is currently tied for 2nd in NCAA scoring and I expect his offensive production to continue throughout the Capital region over the holidays. 2025 Draft Prospect to Watch: James Hagens (LC) – Coming into the year, Hagens was the name that most people associated with going #1 overall in the 2025 NHL Draft and Hagens has done his part in trying to maintain that position with 20 points in 16 games in the NCAA as a true Freshman. He is a Player that is electric to watch and can generate offensive chances both off the rush or on the power play. He has elite offensive instincts and projects to be a high-end scorer in the NHL so Team USA hopes he can do the same at this Tournament as I expect he will Centre the top line with Ryan Leonard & Perreault. One challenge for every Team in this short event is developing chemistry but that line will hit the ground running because they all play on the same line at Boston College.   Finland Star to Watch: Konsta Helenius (LC) – Helenius was our 9th ranked Player heading into the rather eventful 2024 NHL Draft and although it seems nothing good ever happens to the Buffalo Sabres, he fell to them at #14 overall & he has jumped right into the AHL with Rochester and put up a tidy 17 points before leaving for Ottawa. He is a slick, skilled Centreman that isn’t afraid to go into the tough areas and he will have to lead the Finn’s offensively to give them a shot at the Title. 2025 Draft Prospect to Watch: Petteri Rimpinen (G) – Rimpinen is a slightly undersized Goaltender that has had some incredible showings and despite us listing him #188 overall for last years Draft, he went unclaimed but if the Finn’s are going to compete for Gold, Rimpinen will be a key cog for them. His play in Pro this year has been exceptional and I expect him to be the #1 Goaltender for the Finn’s and give NHL guys a chance to see him and prove that they whiffed last year in not selecting him.   Sweden Star to Watch: Axel Sandin-Pellika (RD) – The young defenseman was taken by the Detroit Red Wings at #17 overall in the ’23 NHL Draft (much like Helenius in 2024, we had Sandin-Pellika at #9 overall in 2023) and has been described as a poor man’s Niklas Lidstrom which is heady praise for the Swedish star. I can guarantee that he isn’t Lidstrom but he is the reigning Top Defenseman at the 2024 World Junior championships which has the Swedes giddy about his chances of being the first defender to win the honor twice since a guy named Fetisov did it in 1978. Everything will run through him and he should be fun to watch. 2025 Draft Prospect to Watch: Viktor Eklund (RW) - Eklund is the younger brother of Quentin Musty’s future teammate in San Jose, William Eklund and has a realistic chance of being selected higher in the NHL Draft that his brother who was taken #7 overall in 2021. This Swedish Team is loaded up front so it will be interesting to see how much opportunity the 17-year-old gets but the one thing you can always count on with Eklund is that he will play every shift incredibly hard and is always a threat.     Czechia Star to Watch: Michael Hrabel (G) – Hrabel is a mountain of a kid at almost 6’7 and 219 pounds but even at that size, he will need to stand even taller to give the Czech’s a chance at the Gold Medal. His play at the University of Massachusetts has been stellar with a .917 save percentage and has justified the Arizona Coyotes making him the 2nd Goalie drafted in the 2023 NHL Draft but the Czech U20 Team lacks the necessary depth to challenge the two North American powerhouse Teams unless Hrabel is phenomenal. 2025 Draft Prospect to Watch: Vojtech Cihar (LC) – Cihar is a far less touted 2025 NHL Draft Prospect than many others I have listed but I really like the Player and I’m hoping he can get some run in this Tournament to warrant my interest. He is a good-sized LC that has shown good IQ and I thought he played well at the recent Gretzky Hlinka Tournament in August but after speaking to my Czech contact, I’m concerned that he will be out of the lineup for some games so that might limit his opportunity to impress.   Slovakia Star to Watch: Dalibor Dvorsky (LC) – Fans in Sudbury got to experience the impressive Prospect for most of the 2023/24 season and although he has graduated to the AHL, his play and production hasn’t slowed down with 21 points in 27 games. Although eligible to still play in the OHL, Dvorsky is closer to playing in the NHL than he is in Sudbury and that will make him one of the most important Players in the Tournament and the reason I think the Slovaks are a quality dark horse team. 2025 Draft Prospect to Watch: Luka Radivojevic – Fans of the OHL will remember Luka’s Dad, Branko who was a star for the Belleville Bulls from 1998 until 2001 and was a part of the Bulls Championship team in 1999. As good a Player as Branko was, Luka projects to be even better and should be a 1st round NHL pick in June of 2025. He is a “new age” defenseman that lacks size but oozes skill and great feet and he had his WJC debut last year as an Under-ager and dazzled. He has recently come over to North America to play for the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the USHL which should give Scouts more opportunities to watch him but at this Tournament, he will be counted on for power play production as well as being a 2nd pairing defender that can win matchups.   Switzerland Star to Watch: Leon Muggli (LD) – Muggli is an average sized defenseman that is better than the sum of his parts. He is very capable of making plays but he can defend exceptionally well and has a nasty side that is very much appreciated. The Washington Capitals made Muggli the 52nd Player taken at the Draft in Vegas which surprised some but his play thus far has validated that pick and the Caps have already rewarded him a contract. 2026 & 2027 Draft Prospects to Watch: Lars Steiner (RW) – Steiner is a late birth 2007 born RW’er that has come over to the QMJHL and has had such an impressive start to the season with the Rouyn Noranda Huskies that Scouts are already excited about his potential for the Draft in 18 months. It should also be noted that the 15-year-old Jonah Neuenschwander, (LW) is an already massive 6’3 power forward, will join his older brother Elijah (G) on the Team and you should get used to the name because I expect him to represent Switzerland in the next 4 World Junior Championships. The younger Neuenschwander isn’t eligible until the 2027 NHL Draft because he was born in 2009 but don’t let his birth certificate fool you because his play in the Swiss U20 League has him in the Top 20 in scoring against kids 5 years older.   Germany Star to Watch: Norwin Panocha (LD) – Panocha is a big bodied, steady defender that fell to the 7th round in 2023 before the Buffalo Sabres scooped him as a potential 3rd pairing defenseman. Nobody was expecting much at the NHL Rookie Tournament in Buffalo in September after a rather uneventful season in Chicoutimi last year but I was blown away by how well Panocha played against many older kids that were 1st and 2nd round picks. The Germans are overmatched in this event so you can expect to see a bunch of Panocha in every German game. 2025 Draft Prospect to Watch: David Lewandowski (LW) – Lewandowski is another Player that saw the benefits of coming to play in the CHL in his NHL Draft year and thus far it has paid off for both him and the Saskatoon Blades, who took him in the European Import Draft. Lewandowski was also very impressive at this summer’s Gretzky Hlinka tournament so the start to his North American career has gone well and the year should finish with him being a 3rd round NHL pick.   Kazakhstan Star to Watch: Vladimir Nikitin (G) – Well Mr. Nikitin, the good news is that you are the only NHL drafted Player on your Country’s roster but the bad news is that you may experience PTSD from the amount of rubber that is going to come at you over the next 2 weeks. The Ottawa Senators 6’5 goaltending Prospect has the requisite size and he battles for every save but it could be tough tournament for the affable young man.  2025 Draft Prospect to Watch: Roman Boldshedvorsky (LD) – The big Kazakh defender has some intriguing skills and earned a spot on our final 2024 NHL Draft rankings at #204 but he went undrafted through the full 7 rounds. We still think he has tremendous size and some nastiness that might warrant a pick in this years Draft but his play in Ottawa will have to be stellar.   Latvia Star to Watch: Eriks Mateiko (LW) – Mateiko is a large human being that Washington selected at #90 overall last year & after Saint John’s took him in the European Draft, he has started the year off on fire with 14 goals already. Mateiko is never going to dazzle anyone with his skillset but he knows how to use his big frame to his advantage and he loves to get to the dirty areas. 2025 Draft Prospect to Watch: Bruno Osmanis – Osmanis is eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft and he is a dynamic smallish Player that creates offensive chances at both ends of the ice and I’m sure there are times when he has the puck that both Head Coaches cover their eyes because anything can happen. The Latvian Team is lacking in the necessary skill or depth but watching Osmanis is worth the price of admission. 2025 WJC Predictions Gold – Canada – Canadian goaltending ends up being better than the USA and Canada captures their 3rd title in 4 years. Silver – USA – The Americans will run and gun and put up some crooked numbers in the round robin but Canada’s depth will be too much in the Final. Bronze – Sweden – The Swedes continue to get close but once again they can’t come up great in the important Playoff Round but should have enough to take home a Bronze Medal 4th – Slovakia – My “Sleeper” Team of the tournament that isn’t getting the respect they deserve and playing for a Medal should be in their future 5th- Finland – The Finnish National Program has been spinning their wheels over the last couple years and although they have some stars, getting beyond the Quarter Finals will be tough 6th – Czechia – Somebody has to fall if the Slovaks are as good as I think they are and I could see it being the Czech’s. If Michael Hrabel is as good as he can be, they will finish higher but if he is just solid throughout, I can see a Quarter Finals loss. 7th – Switzerland – The Swiss will be competitive in most games but lack the star quality to do any real damage. 8th – Latvia – The one trait that the Latvians always display is an incredible work ethic and that should be enough to beat the Germans and earn a Quarter Final beating 9th – Germany – German hockey has been continually improving but this is a down year for the Germans so I expect a battle with the Kazakhs to avoid Relegation 10th –Kazakhstan – This majority of this Team plays together all year so they should have some chemistry but unless their Goaltending is epic, I think they will be relegated. Projected All Star Team Forward - Macklin Celebrini – Canada Forward - Dalibor Dvorsky – Slovakia Forward - Ryan Leonard – USA   Defense - Axel Sandin-Pellika - Sweden Defense - Zeev Buium – USA Goaltender – Carter George - Canada

Deep ThoughtsDeep Thoughts: Welcome to another Deep Thoughts which represent my PERSONAL views & don’t reflect ANY Organization that I work with! This edition is my Final one this season & thus is LONG with many different thoughts so unfollow if you don’t want them.DT: The ’22 Draft is over so let’s get into detail. There were 5 Teams that I thought were the biggest winners of the weekend. Many Teams over the years have left the NHL Draft feeling like their future was secured & been wrong, but for me, these were the 5 that did just that:DT: I truly believe we'll look back in 5 years & see how Montreal’s trajectory changed in 2 days. Slafkovsky was the home run pick. Mesar is highly skilled. Beck is a lock to be no worse that a 3C. Lane Hutson (Adam Fox light) could QB their PP in 4 years. Oh...and Kirby Dach.DT: SEA Draft will lay groundwork for “The Build” It helps having 8 picks in Top 100 & Mesar was the fit but Wright is a helluva consolation. Firkus & Goyette can be Top 6 forwards. Nyman scores for a big kid. Kokko is a big/athletic G. Nelson/MacDonald/Jackson were great value.DT: I’ll discuss trades later but CHI had a tremendous Draft. I don’t see how Korchinski & Naxar aren’t impactful guys. Rinzel is a massive middle pairing D. Ludwinski knows what he is & will excel as a 3C. Getting 6 guys out of our Top 85 bodes well for the Blackhawks rebuildDT: The "Russian" factor was MIN gain. They got skilled (Top 10 talent) Danila Yurov at 24. At 19, they took the physical/talented Liam Ohgren. Hunter Haight was HUGE value in the 2nd. Those 3 might be a GREAT 2nd line in 5 years. Add in Milne/Lorenz/Spacek & they cleaned up.DT: Like MIN, WSH risked it & got a Top 7 talent Russian, Ivan Miroschnichenko(Who is healthy). Ryan Chesley will play 2 years at U of Minnesota & will be plug/play. Back to back Swedes in Suzdalev/Persson & HUGE value in Karabela/Gucciardi mean 4 others that have tools to play.DT: I thought Colorado & Calgary had quiet weekends but it was because of 5 picks between them but Av’s fan’s don’t care b/c they are still drinking & celebrating the Cup & Calgray fans only care about a Matthew Tkachuk contract (Will happen) & Johnny Gaudreau re-upping (Won’t happen)DT: A Team that had a full compliment of picks that I didn’t think used them effectively was BOS. I like Matt Poitras as a Player but Cole Spicer & Dans Locmelis would’ve been available later & are longshots. The Swift Current/Team Canada goalie Reid Dyck has a chance though.DT: “Trading Down” is always lauded but I’m not so sure. SJ had the #11 pick with potential “Stars” available & they traded down to get 2 extra 2nds. They got Filip Bystedt, Cameron Lund & Mattias Havelid with the picks. None of the 3 locks & in fact Havelid might be the best.DT: I can't fathom how the SJ Staff made it through the week with the loss of Bryan Marchment. Mush was a leader on SJ staff, a bigger-than-life character & loved by everyone he ever met (off the ice). It's so tragic & I hope his family can find solace knowing how loved he was.DT: 2 more on SJ. I LOVE the hiring of Mike Grier as GM & it has NOTHING to do with race. Since Mike retired, he's worked hard & learned without fanfare. He scouted, coached, did Hockey Ops & kept grinding & deserves the job. BTW, I think getting Kunin was a sneaky great trade.DT: The trades of Alex Debrincat & Kirby Dach are astounding to me. They are obviously in a rebuild. A '97 pure scorer & an '01 huge Centreman should be the cornerstones. There HAS to be something else at play. I LOVED their Draft but it seems like 2 steps back & 1 step forward.DT: Joe Sakic looked at it carefully & decided that Darcy Kuemper wasn’t worth the money he’d get on the market so he traded 3 picks for Georgiev. I like the move & who can question Joe at this point. Colorado will need the money to pay some of their other core.DT: As for Trades to ditch bad contracts, I like Dubas dropping 13 spots to get rid of Mrazeks contract to correct his own mistake better than the price it cost EDM to move Kassian. Dropping 3 sports plus a 2nd & a 3rd was pricey.DT: The Flyers acquiring Tony De’Angelo & a 7th for a 2nd, 3rd and 4th is good business for Fletcher/Briere. I don’t care about his politics & he showed that he can be very useful this year with Carolina at almost a point per game. Kudos to Carolina for the foresight to sign him.DT: I see hand wringing over MA Fleury signing & potential signing of Jack Campbell. Both are TREMENDOUS teammates & guys that teammates would die for. You wouldn’t understand unless you’ve built a Team how VITAL & rare those guys are. They will both get extra $$$ b/c of it.DT: As usual, some very good OHL players didn’t get selected in MTL but got Camp invites which pleases me. These include Beau Jelsma, Owen Allard, Spencer Sova, Evan Vierling, Declan McDonnell, Samuel Mayer, Logan Morrison, Max Namestnikov, Mitchell Martin & Brady Stonehouse.DT: Furthermore, on the FA invites, don’t be shocked if a couple guys don’t get Contracts like Thornton & Kressler last year. Maybe I missed them but I’m surprised Kocha Delic, Luca D’Amato, Evan Konyen & Owen Van Steensel didn't get invites. Keep grinding & get drafted next yearDT: Anyone that follows me regularly knows that I rail against “Cut & Pasters” WAY too often but in fairness, I should point out some people that do a great job @ChrisPeters @CoreyPronman @BrockOtten @Mckeens @Dobber & the Legend, @BobMckenzieDT: I’m very happy that Boston has hired Jim Montgomery as their new Head Coach. Jim obviously made a few mistakes & came to terms with his addiction & was given a deserved 2nd chance. As somebody who has also come through addiction, I can attest to how hard it is but it can be done.DT: Lastly, I’m very happy for Darren Dedobbelaer & his wife & The Great One on purchasing the @NiagaraIcedogs. I like Darren a lot & having Wayne involved will only help our League going forward. And how about those numerous trades Niagara has already made. They are MUCH better.

Deep Thoughts With Mark Seidel The NHL Draft is upon us this week so I thought I would discuss some of the players & storylines that you will be hearing about on Thursday & Friday.   Is Shane the “Wright” pick for the Habs? Shane Wright was only the fifth player ever to be granted “Exceptional Status” into the OHL which allowed him to play in the League as a 15-year-old and thus he has been projected to be the #1 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft for a couple of years, but will the Montreal Canadians do it? In my opinion, there are three other players with a higher upside and potential (Juraj Slafkovsky, Logan Cooley and Sion Nemec) but they also have a much greater chance of being a bust. To complicate matters even more, being the first overall pick in Montreal comes with its own set of pressures and challenges so the mental toughness of the player must be taken into consideration. Does the new Montreal GM, Kent Hughes select the “safe” pick in Shane Wright, or does he swing for the fences with either Slafkovsky or Cooley? I know two things about Kent Hughes. Firstly, he has a son that is elite and is in this age group (potential first rounder Jack Hughes) so he knows this age group as well as any Scout on the planet. Secondly, Kent and Executive VP, Jeff Gordon are NOT afraid. The easy and safe choice would be for them to step up to the microphone in Montreal, in front of a packed Molson Centre, and announce the popular Wright to kick off the Draft but I have a feeling that they may go in another direction and try to hit a home run. For me, this Draft is eerily reminiscent of the 2014 NHL Draft where the “OHL Exceptional Status” player Aaron Ekblad (Shane Wright) was projected to be the top pick for 2 years but as the Draft approached, a high scoring forward, Sam Reinhart (Logan Cooley) & the big unknown European, Leon Draisaitl (Juraj Slafkovsky) made it a 3 horse race with the popular choice Ekblad being taken 1st. In hindsight, the European is clearly the best player in that Draft & I think we will look back on this Draft & Slafkovsky will be that guy.     Will there be a lot of Trades? With a number of high-profile players such as Jacob Chychrun, Alex Debrincat, JT Miller, Mark Scheifele, Tyler Bertuzzi and John Gibson being involved in trade talks since April, we could see a wild 2 days at the Draft. Teams have been discussing these type of big trades for months and some would involve 2022 Draft picks, so the Draft is a suitable place to consummate these deals. I expect to see a couple big deals over the week and even more smaller deals during the Draft so buckle up because it could be an interesting week. Local Connections for the Draft There are a number of local connections with the 2022 NHL Draft including: Cutter Gauthier; The USA National Team member is the son of Sean Gauthier, the Sudbury native who had himself a long professional career as a Goaltender. Cutter will be selected in the Top 10 and is a classic Power Forward with a lot of offensive potential David Goyette; The Sudbury Wolves Centreman has a chance to be a first-round pick on Thursday, but it is more likely that he goes early on Day 2 in the 2nd round. The skilled forward was an offensive catalyst for the Wolves and some Teams are privately hoping he falls but I cannot see it happening. Michael Buchinger; The young blueliner for the Guelph Storm burst onto the hockey scene this year by putting up forty-four points in his rookie year. Buchinger is a proud member of the Wikwemikong First Nation & returns back to the Island every summer with family to spend time with relatives. The talented Buchinger should be a 2nd or 3rd round pick on Friday. Jake Karabela; Karabela had a tremendous rookie season for the Guelph Storm this past year & was arguably the MVP of the CHL Top Prospects game in Kitchener this year. His Stepfather, Brian Murphy is an Espanola resident that moved to Guelph to pursue a law enforcement career, but he still has many friends and family in the area. Mitchell Martin; Having been bypassed last year, Mitchell is an ’03 birthdate that possesses a lot of the skills that you want in a Prospect including size, pro shot, willingness to go into the dirty areas & huge improvement from the beginning of the year until the end. Martin was exceptional for Kitchener with 12 points in 12 games as they upset the London Knights & battled the League Finalists, the Windsor Spitfires in the Western Conference Semi Finals. Zach Giroux; What more could the feisty ’03 Sudbury native have done than end up Centering the Flint Firebirds top line with Brendan Othmann riding shotgun. Between the playoffs and the regular season, Zach accumulated 20 goals and 59 points while playing more than 18 minutes a night as a true rookie. Being a smaller Centerman, the compete level has to be extraordinary & Giroux has followed in his older brother Damian’s shoes in exhibiting that & just to prove it, he was 2nd on his team in the playoffs in penalty minutes. Zander Veccia; A personal favorite of mine, Veccia is the Son of Copper Cliff/Sudbury boy, Rob Veccia. Rob had a good OHL career, and his son is following in his footsteps and has a chance to be selected on Friday. The feisty winger is not the biggest kid, but he plays incredibly hard & carved out a very valuable role on a good Mississauga Steelheads team this year. Evan Konyen, Kocha Delic & Nolan Collins; The Sudbury Wolves trio have all had some interest during the year from NHL teams and each has the potential to hear their name called on Friday. My personal favorite of the three is Konyen because of his overall talent, sneaky offensive abilities & willingness to compete but the short seven round Draft & worldwide talent makes it tough to be sure if they will get selected.        

Deep ThoughtsDeep Thoughts: Welcome to another Deep Thoughts which represent my PERSONAL views & don’t reflect ANY Organization that I work with! This edition is LONG with many different thoughts so unfollow if you don’t want them.DT: Here is our Top 32 for the '22 NHL Draft: 1.Wright 2.Slafkovsky 3.Cooley 4.Kemmel 5.Savoie 6.Nemec 7.Geekie 8.Jiricek 9.Gauthier 10.Snuggerud 11.Kaspar 12.Mintyukov 13.Lekkerimaki 14.Yorov 15.Lamoureaux 16.Miroshnichenko 17.Rinzel 18.Hughes 19.Lambert 20.BichselDT: 21. McGroarty  22.Luneau 23.Nazar 24.Firkus 25.Korchinski 26.Beck 27.Ohgtren 28.Mateychuk 29.Leinonen 30.Howard 31.Hutson 32.GoyetteDT: Lesser known Draft Prospects. First up is Jiri Kulich. He had a solid but unspectacular year & his character was attractive but he LIT UP the U18’s & was named MVP. Still not a 1st for us because the body of work doesn’t warrant it but that is a hell of a last impression!DT: Sam Rinzel. We have always been reluctant to have High School players rated high (with the odd exception) but Rinzel has us VERY excited. He was exceptional for Chaska & solid for Waterloo in USHL but he jumps off the tape I’ve watched on InStat. Very intriguing.DT: Reid Schaefer, The SEA TBirds were down 3-1 to Portland & the big LW Reid Schaefer helped lead them back to 3 straight wins & a Game 7 win w/ 3 pts. Even before playoffs, we've loved his size, ability to move & average of 1 point per game. Lots of tools & his ceiling is highDT: Paul Ludwinski, The energetic Centreman that plays with pace & has a very good north-south game has impressed us all year long. I’m not sure he will score a lot in the NHL but he is a very low risk Prospect that will be a very effective middle 6 guy. Excellent on the PK too.DT:DT: I’ve always hated the idea of having Ovechkin passing Gretzky. Maybe its Generational or National Pride but I’m to the point where I’m OK with it now. If he scores another 125 goals, he deserves it. To watch him drag his team into the fight in the playoffs was amazing.DT: I have a ton of respect for Kelly McCrimmon but this LV Merry-go-Round has to stop. They fire the great Gerard Gallant because they see Pete Deboer is available & now they fire Pete b/c Barry Trotz is available. The in & out of players ruins team chemistry & it’s continuing,DT: My Leafs Post Mortem is as follows: Any opinion to remove Shanahan, Dubas or Keefe is asinine. They had the best regular season in Team history & lost in Game 7 by 1 goal to the Cup Champions. The Stars were Stars, the goaltending was very good & they competed until the end.DT: Leafs con’t…I’d move Nylander. Hugetalent & great Contract would see 2 pieces back. I don’t think you can win 4 rounds with him b/c effort can’t be conditional. Re-sign Campbell b/c he earned it & teammates Love/will fight for him. Give up a 2nd or 3rd to get rid of Mrazek..DT: Leafs con’t…Sign Giordano & Lyubushkin if price is right. Mikheyev & Blackwell will price themselves out. Decide who you like more; Liljegrin or Sandin. Kase & Engvall can kick stones. The Pro Scouts have found cheap gems & the amateur Staff has done very well w/ few picks.DT: People can talk about the Battle of Alberta & it'll be good but the Battle of Florida will be epic. Both Series will be awesome with the physical, nasty play & every inch of ice will be contested. I like CGY(Markstrom) over EDM & TB is tough but it’s the Panthers time.DT: We FINALLY got one right with our love for Moritz Seider & a lot of that was based on how well he played for GER in in the World Championships so keep an eye on Nemec, Slafkovsky, Jiricek & Kaspar b/c Scouts final viewings at a Men's event can go a long way in guys jumping.DT: Many years ago in a Deep Thoughts, I raved about how much I enjoyed watching Marian Hossa play (People mocked me...Like I care) b/c he did everything right. My newest guy to fill that role is Elias Lindholm. He doesn’t get a ton of press but he is SO GOOD for Calgary.DT: How good have our N. Ont kids been in OHL Playoffs! Ben Gaudreau was best player in Series & kept Sarnia in it. Max McCue with a hat trick & hitting everything including Mutter. Mitchell Martin had a point per game & almost a goal per game for KIT in the 2nd round.DT: N. Ont kids cont… Zach Giroux leading Flint into the 3rd round & Centering Othmann. Chase Stillman & Josh Kavanaugh were injured but battled Hamilton HARD in the 1st round. Jack Matier was the anchor on the 67’s blueline & Tyler Dunbar is a rock on the Muskegon blueline!

Deep ThoughtswithMark SeidelDeep Thoughts: Welcome to another Deep Thoughts which represent my PERSONAL views & don’t reflect ANY Organization that I work with! This edition is LONG with many different thoughts so unfollow if you don’t want them.DT: I know I’m late to the party on this but with all of the good that Gary Bettman has done, why does he insist on Arizona being the hill he will die on? How do you ask 31 other Owners to Revenue Share with a team that seats 5K? How do they retain Players or excite a Top 5 pick?DT: @JeffMarek has been talking about Hall of Fame worthy players that aren’t in & 500 goal scorers that should be close. For me, guys like Turgeon, Bondra & Marleau aren’t HOF worthy but guys like Roenick, Tkachuk, Verbeek should be in b/c they scored AND brought other "skills".DT: Olympic hockey has been tough to watch. CAN-USA Women are fun to watch but I see enough bad hockey that double digit blowouts don’t do it for me. I support the weaker nations playing & competing against CAN or USA b/c its important but I just don’t find it compelling TV.DT: Watching the Gold Medal game, it was nice to see 2 players from Sudbury competing. Abby Roque (Wahnapitae First Nation) & Rebecca Johnson played hard & played well & represented the area well. FYI, the Sudbury Lady Wolves U18A team coached by Jason Stos is #2 in the country.DT: Men's Hockey? I know a few of the players & I’m happy they got the opportunity so I don’t want diminish them but it’s been tough. The kids were fun but I spend EVERY day immersed in players & there were DOZENS playing that I’ve never heard of so that speaks to the quality.DT: On the topic of Olympic hockey coverage, I have been REALLY impressed with @hailey_salvian during the games. You can tell she lives & breathes the game & puts in the work & will be a star. I don’t think she played at a high level but I almost like that about her more.DT: Which leads me to another observation: Why does almost EVERY female hockey Analyst have to be a former Olympian? Players have a unique perspective & can bring value but so can non-players like Hailey. @FriedgeHNIC & @TSNBobMcKenzie didn’t play & they are two of the best ever.DT: DT: At our Jan. 17th meeting, we moved Shane Wright down to #3 overall & there has been no shortage of people ripping us for it. To Wright’s credit, he has 22 points in the 13 games since & is a +9 with 53 shots. FYI, rankings are a fluid entity with changes constantly occurring.DT: Players have the right to play better & move up in the rankings and Wright has certainly been making his case as the best Player in the Draft lately but it is a process. For example, based on the last 10 days, you could certainly argue Juraj Slafkovsky is the best Prospect.DT: On the topic of Independent Rankings, Twitter allows EVERYONE to put out a list but how many of these people have actually seen the player Live or on Video? I’m 31 years in with guys around the world, tools like InStat/SportsLogiq & a vast network & it is STILL some guessworkDT: The Kubota CHL Top Prospect game Rosters came out this week & I know it is tough but I think a few Players didn’t get invited & they should have. Guys we have in our Top 40 CHL players are Beau Jelsma, Tnias Mathurin, Brayden Schuurman, Evan Konyen & Jeremy Langlois.DT: With last year being lost in the OHL, I think you will see more OA Free Agent signings than usual. Florida scooped Mack Guzda but players like Lucas Edmonds, Tye Kartye, Mitchell Weeks, Robert Calisti, Nathan Staios &  Nate Allenson should garner interest & sign contractsDT: A note to young people moving up in the game. You can’t have revisionist history with the Internet or people with long memories like myself. Not in rankings. Not in your “claimed” successes. Not in your prior employment. Just be honest & credible & work hard b/c we remember.DT: Update on Sudbury creating one AAA Association for elite players. A group put in hundreds of hours to create the framework for it to happen. I credit NCHA for investigating & agreeing to it but “shockingly” Sudbury Minor Hockey torpedoed it while slandering people. #BeBetter

Deep ThoughtswithMark SeidelDeep Thoughts: Welcome to another Deep Thoughts which represent my PERSONAL views & don’t reflect ANY Organization that I work with! This edition is LONG with many different thoughts so unfollow if you don’t want them.DT: Here is our Top 32 for the 2022 NHL Draft: 1.Wright 2.Miroshnichenko 3.Cooley 4.Savoie 5.Lambert 6.Yurov 7.Kemell 8.Slafkovsky 9.Nemec 10.McGroarty 11.Geekie 12.Chesley 13.Howard 14.Mesar 15.Salomonsson 16.Mateychuk 17.Casey 18.Hughes 19.Jiricek 20.Repcik 21.GauthierDT: 22.Koromyslov 23.Hutson 24.Gaucher 25.Luneau 26.Lekkerimaki 27.Nelson 28.Korchinski 29.Haight 30.Verreault 31.Lisowsky 32.NasarDT: Some thoughts: The slow start of Wright is on no concern to me. Miroshnichenko also started slowly but his upsize is massive. Yurov lit up the MHL but his usage in the KHL has been puzzling. Cutter Gauthier is significantly underrated on a stacked team.DT: Continued Draft Thoughts: It has taken some time for me to believe in Ty Nelson, but I’m onboard. He competes, skates very well, defends & has a bomb. Hunter Haight has all of the tools & will take off in 2nd half. Frankie Nazar is worth the price of admission.DT: For those who ripped on Buffalo for selecting Jack Quinn in 2021, please note that he is currently leading the AHL in scoring. That is the American Hockey League…Against men…When he isn’t injured, he is a stud.DT: Best TV Characters EVER!Beth Dutton – Kelly Reilly - YellowstoneJay Kulina – Jonathon Tucker – KingdomOmar Little – Michael K. Williams – The WireColin Sweeney – Dylan Baker – The Good WifeGemma Teller – Katey Segal – The Sons of AnarchyDr. Johnny Fever – Howard HessemanVic Mackey – Michael Chiklis – The ShieldTony Soprano – The Sopranos – James GandolfiniCharlie Runkel – Evan Handler – Californication Ari Huswari – Rudolf Martin – NCIS

DEEP THOUGHTSThe 2021 NHL Entry DraftThe 2020/21 hockey season has ended & it has been unlike any other one in history but we are finishing it off with the 2021 NHL Entry Draft on Friday night and Saturday morning. The 2003 group in Northern Ontario is a special group along with some players that came north to play hockey and I wanted to highlight my thoughts on some of the potential picks. I was fortunate enough to be the Director of Operations for the 2003 Team NOHA, along with the coaching staff of Kyle Brick, Miguel Beaudry & Alex Cruise so I know many of these kids & they all deserve success this weekend.Chase Stillman – The son of 2-time Stanley Cup champion Cory Stillman & a star for the Sudbury Wolves should be a 2nd round pick on Saturday morning. His willingness to do everything like block shots, fight, finish checks & play hard has endeared him to teams across the NHL. He also has some offensive ability that will allow him to play up and down an NHL lineup. Players like this help teams win Stanley Cups as evidenced by the Tampa Bay Lightning.Benjamin Gaudreau – The Corbeil resident was a 1st round pick of the Sarnia Sting and recently backstopped Team Canada to the Gold Medal at the World Under 18 championships in Plano, Texas. His mental strength, technical ability & athleticism should see him selected in the 2nd round of the Draft. Both Jesper Wallstedt & Sebastian Cossa will go before him, I’m not convinced that Gaudreau doesn’t end up being better. He has all of the tools to become an NHL starter & those guys don’t grow on trees.Red Savage – The son of former NHL star & Sudbury native, Brian Savage, Red is a prototypical 2-way Centreman that has tremendous leadership qualities. He recently captained Team USA at the World Under 18 Championships & played well for the undermanned Americans. He projects to be a perfect 3rd line Centre in the NHL & he will have time to develop as he is headed to his Dad’s alma mater at the University of Miami/Ohio with his older brother Ryan. Bloodlines, character & hockey IQ make him a very low risk selection.Max McCue – The Sudbury born & raised McCue was a 2nd round pick of the Knights & like every other first year player in London, he didn’t play much at all but Mark/Dale Hunter love the kid & expect big things when the OHL returns to play in October. He has an edge to him that is paired with skill and reminds me of a bigger Brendan Gallagher. I think he will be a 3rd/4th round pick on Saturday but if he slips to the 5th round, I expect the Toronto Maple Leafs to scoop him up. I love the player because that physical presence & hockey IQ are hard to find. Just ask the Detroit Red Wings about Tyler Bertuzzi.Jack Matier – The SSM native was taken in the 1st round by the Ottawa 67’s & didn’t get much opportunity in the 19/20 season because of the veteran laden blueline they iced but his play at the recent World Under 18’s raised a few eyebrows. He is a physical specimen with his 6’06 218 lb. frame & his excellent defensive play are the traits that NHL teams know they need to win in the playoffs. Like McCue, I expect him to go in the 3rd or 4th round with the possibility of sliding into the 5th. A tremendous young man that will get every ounce out of his potential.Jacob Holmes – The Soo Greyhounds 1st round pick in 2019 was the reliable defender with some offensive upside, Jacob Holmes. He showed the ability to make plays & defend well in his pandemic shortened rookie season in the Soo. Those traits combined with good skating and a 6’02 frame are all things that excite teams & I’d expect him to be a 4th round selection.Joe Vrbetic – The North Bay Battalion goaltender strikes an imposing figure in the net at 6’6 and a quickness that is usually found in smaller goalies. He started his junior career with the Powasson Voodoo of the NOJHL & brought that League to its knees before moving on to the Battalion. It only takes 1 team to like him but I’d expect he is a 4th/5th round pick on Saturday.The Rest – There are a number of players that have northern connections that I really hope are selected but because of the cancelled season in 20/21, it will be tough because of a lack of exposure. If they are not selected, I fully expect them to have BIG seasons in the OHL this year & get the NHL Scouts attention for the 2022 Draft. These players include:Mitchell Martin(Kitchener Rangers), a big kid with sneaky hands and a pro shot that dominated goalies in the NOJHL;Landon McCallum(Sudbury Wolves), Wolves 1st round pick in 2019 that plays hard, isn’t afraid & competes on every shift;Oliver Smith(Barrie Colts), a hard-working 2 way player that scored a lot in Rayside but really impressed in his 5 game callup to BarrieNick Degrazia(Rayside Balfour), really got the Scouts attention at the 2019 World Junior A Championships for Team Canada EastMarc Boudreau(Soo Greyhounds), a prototypical power forward that kept getting better before the season ended in March 2020Josh Kavanaugh(Peterborough Petes), an offensive defenseman that impressed when he was called up by the Petes in 2020Zach Giroux(Flint Firebirds), the brother of Minnesota Wild prospect Damian Giroux is small but very crafty & skilled offensivelyUPDATE: The State of AAA Hockey – The feedback from my last article about ways to improve AAA hockey in Sudbury was overwhelming. I got so many calls, texts, emails & encouragement that I am very reassured that there is an appetite in this City to do things better as we go forward. The morning after the article was printed, I was contacted by both Nickel City Hockey Association & the Sudbury Minor Hockey Association & both agreed that this City can do better. Unfortunately, that was the last contact I’ve had with either group & in the interim, they’ve named all of their AAA coaches & the status quo has remained. We are only months away from the 2021/22 season and to expect massive changes quickly is not realistic so I remain hopeful that the groups can get together to improve the situation for the players going forward. Change is hard to accept and slow to implement but I think everyone knows it is needed.“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.― John F. Kennedy; June 26, 1963Those are my Deep Thoughts for July…Mark Seidel

Deep ThoughtswithMark SeidelDeep Thoughts: Welcome to another Deep Thoughts which represent my PERSONAL views & don’t reflect ANY Organization that I work with! This edition is LONG with many different thoughts so unfollow if you don’t want them.DT: Just a reminder that our Final Rankings can be viewed at https://thepuckauthority.com/north-american-independent-central-scouting-final-2021-rankings/  The next few DT’s will list some guys that I think are criminally underrated:DT: McTavish(4)- Good size/strength that plays hard & will score with a Pro shot. Should go in Top 5. Sillinger(8)- Love everything about his game. Lit up WHL AND USHL Coronato(10)- Absolutely torched the USHL & couldn’t be stopped offensively. Harvard next year? Seems oddDT: Zellweger(17)– Small but highly skilled/high character D that will go much lower but will QB the PP. Boucher(21)– Everybody wants character/toughness to win in playoffs. This kid has it despite being hurt. I don’t think he gets out of Round 1DT: Martino(23)- Prolific offensive guy that would be a surefire 1st rounder if he played in CHL. Olausson(24) Very underappreciated scorer that would show it with Foerster in BAR. Stillman(28)- Middle 6 guy that plays hard, fights, hits & has some scoring touch. Tom Wilson liteDT: Behrens(29)- Offensive D that drove that U18 offense with skills. Can skate the puck & is a new age D. He has a chance to be Adam Fox lite. Poltapov(32)- High end offensive skills. Dangerous with the puck & although he has some warts, you can’t teach that skill. KHL concerns.DT: Gallagher(49)- Broke Cam York’s goals record for a defenceman at the NTDP. Will play the PP & is smart. Savage(52)-Captain of U18s that Coaches LOVE. At worst he's a great 3C that wins draws & is so smart. Koivunen(72)- Rookie of the year in Finland & was great in U18s.DT: Winterton(74)- Big body that showed value in U18s. McCue(75) Typical LDN rookie, played tiny minutes. Has a hard edge that can play up & down in the lineup & it'll show in LDN 21/22. Frasca(77)- Perfect 3C with big body, defensive awareness & high IQ that takes pride in role.DT: Cajan(97)- Czech goaltender that I’ve always liked a lot. Good size/athleticism. Cardwell(100)- A crime he wasn’t taken in '20. If you like smart, offensive creators, he’s your guy. Kressler(130)- Loved him in U16 & didn’t get much run in Flint but will surprise people.DT: DT: We know that we are the outlier that has the 2 top ranked goaltenders much lower than most. We have Cossa(30) & Wallstedt(37) & I know both will go much higher but we aren’t convinced they are superstars. The gap between them & Gaudreau(44) is tiny & Ben might become better.DT: Quick Mock Draft . 1.Buf-Power. Goes back to Michigan for 1 year2.SEA-Beniers. Francis drafts a better skating but much less offensive version of himself.3.ANA-McTavish-Big, strong down the middle wins.4-NJ-Guenther- Hughes to Guenther will be fun to watch for yearsDT: 5-CBJ-Eklund- Need goals? Eklund to Laine. Boom6.DET-Clarke- Pair Seider/Clarke for the next decade.7.SJS-Hughes- Great feet & almost no risk8.LAK-Edvinsson- Big kid that can skate fills a need9.VAN-Johnson- If those D are gone I could see them trading down or taking BPADT: 10.OTT-Lucius- Too high for G so go for pure sniper11.CHI-Corronato- Played in their back yard with high end skill 12.CAL-Sillinger- Does it all & plays right way13.-PHI-Othmann- They LOVE OHL players & they like his ceiling 14.DAL-Chibrikov- Russians don’t scare the StarsDT: 15-NYR-Lysall- More skill/speed for great young group16.STL-Lambos- Best D available17.WIN-Svechkov- Highest ceiling of anyone left18.NSH- Ceulmans- Not sexy but will play19.EDM-Wallstedt- can he be their savior goaltender?20.BOS-L’Heureux- They love gritty in BeantownDT: The Logan Mailloux story is tough. He took himself out of the Draft (which was smart) because I don’t think a team could draft him in todays climate. His actions were awful & immature & I hope he can use it to grow. A very good player but he will never be on our Draft list.DT: This brings back Mitchell Miller & his incident with a special needs classmate at 14. He was dropped by Arizona & N Dakota & we totally excluded him on our list (we knew the story & I HATE bullying). He didn’t play hockey this year & I’m wondering, will he get a 2nd chance?DT: There's been a lot of buzz about Carey Price/Seattle. People seem convinced that the Kraken will select him but I don’t see it. The story is good & he would be a marquee name but I’m betting Ron Francis sees the Cap flexibility as much more vital to build the franchise.DT: Hockey is a very funny game. If the Leafs got a bounce in game 5 or 6 OT, nobody would opine about Seattle taking Price. No bounce + playoff run & here we are. He is the best goalie of this Generation & I love him for his commitment to his Indigenous roots but he'll be a HabDT: If the Kraken do take Alex Kerfoot from the Leafs & they’ve replaced him with Jared McCann, I think that is a HUGE upgrade. We LOVED McCann & had him at #8 overall in 2014 & although his game has taken some time to evolve, he has a chance to be a really good player.DT: People are whining about LV & Seattle getting better players than MIN or CBJ did when they had an expansion draft. SEA paid $650 million so they BETTER get good players. Minnesota paid $80 million, took their lumps & the franchise is now worth $800 million. Cry me a river.DT: I’m ecstatic for Luke Prokop for being comfortable enough to come out just like Bayne Pettinger & Yanic Duplessis did. Nobody should feel a burden for who they are. I’m proud of the hockey world for the support. Some want to crucify this sport but it’s shown its true coloursDT: People are screaming about the contract Barclay Goodrow is about to sign or the money that Zach Hyman is going to get paid but fans STILL don’t appreciate how valuable those type of players are to a franchise. Tampa doesn’t win Cups without guys like Goodrow, Gourde & Killorn

DEEP THOUGHTSWithMark SeidelIt is time to fix the AAA Hockey SystemWe just completed another OHL Priority Selection & the OHL Under 18 Drafts and a total of 2 kids from the Sudbury area were selected. The Hamilton Bulldogs selected Alex Pharand at 11 overall & he will become a big part of their future. In the 7th round, Sam McCue was selected by the Peterborough Petes, and he has a chance to be an impactful player in the OHL. This follows the 2020 OHL Priority Selection & OHL Under 18 Drafts where one player from Sudbury, Noah Beaulne was selected by the Kingston Frontenacs in the 15th round. That is all folks. Three players in 2 years.As a comparison, in these same 4 drafts, the City of Sault Ste. Marie has had eight draft picks, including three 1st round picks while the City of North Bay has had 7 players selected. Historically, this city has produced three draft picks in ONE ROUND but those days are gone.Does anyone really believe that these sister cities have better hockey players? I can guarantee you that the answer is no.Is it because this city has stopped producing players with the ability to play at the next level? Absolutely not!Have there been players that should have been selected but got bypassed? Absolutely!The problem is that our AAA system is severely broken, and it needs to be fixedFor those unaware, we have 2 Minor Hockey associations in this City and each has a AAA hockey program. Furthermore, people may know that there was a AAA Co-Operation Committee that was formed ago to try and alleviate some of these issues (Full Disclosure: I, along with a number of dedicated hockey people made up this Committee) and it had advanced to the point where we began to develop and write a Constitution/Terms of Reference so that the group could have autonomy to correct the myriad of issues confronting our AAA Teams. Unfortunately, a combination of emboldened/upset Parents and some Board Members swooped in and eliminated the Co-Operation Committee so that AAA hockey was back in their hands and making decisions based on what was good for their Associations.Let me break the news to everybody. This ISN’T working.One of the ramifications of this disfunction is that families are choosing to send their kids to play in the south and leave our city when they are 14 or 15 years old. Think about that. Smart, intelligent parents who love their children dearly are opting to have them move south, live with a billet, go to a different school & leave their friends and family just so they can participate in a AAA Program that gives their kids the best opportunity for success. Just this year, Pharand started the year in Barrie while McCue chose to play all year for the Colts. That has been a trend lately with players like Oliver Smith, Sam Assinewai and Wilson Farrow all moving away and becoming OHL Draft picks. I have spent my career trying to fight against kids leaving because I do not think it is the right choice but at some point, I feel like we are swimming upstream because people have lost faith in the system and the results.These 2 Minor Hockey associations in this city do yeoman’s work with House League/A/AA hockey and as I said, they each have historically run their own AAA hockey programs. I know and revere many of the people on both Boards and I admire their commitment and appreciate their willingness to get involved but having to deal with all the issues these days with House League, A and AA hockey ALONG with the complexities and nuances of AAA hockey is too much to demand from these volunteer community members.With all that anecdotal evidence, I would ask that the Sudbury Minor Hockey Association & the Nickel City Minor Hockey Association look at taking the following steps:Look at jointly creating a separate Board that deals exclusively with the AAA issues & works toward improving the AAA experience in this city. Let us call it the “AAA Co-Operation Committee”This Board should have 7 members with each Association getting 1 spot each. The remaining 5 spots should be filled by volunteers from the community with some interest & experience in AAA/Elite hockey/Junior hockey. An important caveat is that no parents with kids in AAA hockey should be permitted to serve on the Committee. This will ensure impartialness and the potential for a conflict of interest.This Committee should be tasked with creating a Terms of Reference and Constitution to lay out a roadmap for the operation of the Committee.This Committee has complete autonomy over the AAA Teams in the city and is tasked with improving all facets of the AAA experience, including reducing the costs, player promotion & helping the elite players reach their ceiling.Part of the mandate of this Committee would be provide more support and tools for the Coaches such as Skill Development, Positional Specialists & Off-Ice training.It would be up to the Committee, but I feel strongly that we need to eliminate having 2 AAA teams in each division up to midget because it prevents all the best players from playing with each other & research has shown that elite players need to practice and play with other elite players for them to reach their maximum ceiling. The elimination of these AAA teams will improve & enhance the A/AA teams in this city. As a bonus, the players that have been at the bottom of a AAA roster can gain confidence by being given the opportunity to improve and reach their ceiling.We should have AAA starting in Minor Atom with 1 team all the way up, including Major Midget. Players that show passion, ability and strive to be elite should begin that process in Minor Atom and be allowed to compete against the best in Ontario at that age.I am a fiercely proud Sudburian who has been working in hockey for 29 years & to see what has happened to the elite players in this city is disheartening but I truly feel that we can improve things with these simple changes. We have bent over backwards (rightfully so) to keep the casual/recreational player in the game & improve their experiences and I think its time that we put that same effort into improving the experience and outcomes for the AAA players. The mantra of Minor Hockey Associations on every decision should ALWAYS be “Is this for the betterment of the youth/players?” and if the SMHA and NCHA Associations ask themselves that question, I truly feel that the answer will be a resounding yes.Those are my Deep Thoughts for June…Mark Seidel

Deep ThoughtsWithMark SeidelDT: I’ve said for months that Clarke Brandt is the best defenseman in this Draft & this tournament proves it. Phenomenal IQ & feel for the game. MacTavish is showing why he might be a Top 10 pick in this event. We knew he could score but his compete & overall game has been great.DT: Ben Gaudreau is showing why we have always said that he is the best ’03 Goaltender in Canada. The kid doesn’t feel pressure, doesn’t give the shooter much, handles the puck great & his teammates really want to play for him. Milic was good in his game but 6’ goaltenders scare teams.DT: I think Chase Stillman helped himself with his physical presence & showed that he can play up & down the lineup. I see a lot of Ridley Greig in him. Jack Matier showed he can make a good 1st pass & his really big body will be an asset for whichever team drafts him.DT: Renee Zellweger was awesome in Jerry McGuire/Bridget Jones but Olen Zellwegger was a real pleasant surprise in this event. He showed a lot of the offensive instincts that teams want in their defensemen these days & he significantly helped himself.DT: I expected more from Dylan Guenther & Brendan Othmann. They have had good tournaments but they haven’t been exceptional. They’ve been given every opportunity to showcase themselves & it hasn’t happened consistently enough. Maybe they’ll do it against Russia.DT: Nothing more that needs to be said about Connor Bedard/Shane Wright. Future NHL Superstars. That’s it. Last thing on CAN is how impressed I am with guys buying into their roles. Ryan Winterton, Wyatt Johnson, Brett Harrison & Connor Roulette did a great job with limited ice.DT: Fabian Lysell showed why the Swedish scouts are so high on him. Everything at high pace & he was very tricky. On the other hand, Isak Rosen didn’t live up to his play from Sweden this year. He was underwhelming even though he got 2 today.DT: Edvinsson got better as the tournament went on & his skillset is why everyone is excited but we feel confident in his ranking at 9. We were high on Anton Olsson going into the tourney & he started wrong but his play tailed off.DT: Everyone had injuries/missing players but most affected was the USA. No sympathy from me though b/c their Team plays together for 2 years & thus they usually dominate the tourney. Red Savage tried to carry this team with his leadership but in the end, they didn't have enough.DT: I still don’t love Pastujov’s feet & jam but he certainly showed the offensive touch. Dylan Duke showed why he is a favorite b/c he loves the dirty areas & plays hard. The young guys like Hutson, Cooley & McGroarty showed they will be a force next year.DT: I thought Gibson Homer really struggled but as a late ’03, he’ll have 14 months to correct it. Roman Schmidt has the tools but I was honestly shocked at his play. Way too soft & provided no physical pushback. He is falling but I can see him in Kitchener in September.DT: Michkov showed why he will challenge Bedard in 2023 & it will be close. A couple other ’22 eligibles in Miroschnchenko & Yurov were magical throughout the event. Chibrikov, Poltapov & Svechkov showed why they will hear their names on Friday night of the draft.DT: Brad Lambert got hurt in the event & his effectiveness fell off but this kid has all of the tools to become a star. I thought Joakim Kemell ‘22, Samu Tuomala (fringe of 1st round in ’21) & Ville Koivunen (3rd/4th Round in ’21) helped themselves in this fortnight.DT: The Czech’s played hard & were a tough out but I thought Martin Rysavy & David Jiricek were the two guys that I really liked. Rysavy was a bit of revelation for me & Jiricek will be a big name for ’22. Stanislov Svozil is still a favorite but his production was underwhelming.DT: Some other guys that I think helped themselves are the following: The Belarussian Danila Klimovich came out of nowhere & made the Belarus team very difficult to play. I also like the defenseman Arseni Sazanovich. He will be in next years Draft but I honestly knew nothing about him.DT: Been a really good tournament & the 2 best teams are facing off tonight. Special Teams will be HUGE tonight & both sets of defensemen will have their work cut out for them. Expect an offensive barrage & both goaltenders to be very busy throughout the game!DT: Lastly, congrats to Sudbury on winning the OHL Draft lottery but you could make the case that Barrie won the night despite picking last in the 1st round. As a result, the Colts pick 19,24 & 25 but more importantly, they have the 1st OHL pick in the Import Draft (3rd overall)

Deep ThoughtsWithMark SeidelDT: Deep Thoughts: Welcome to Deep Thoughts which represent my PERSONAL views & don’t reflect ANY Organization that I work with! I’ve become much more “sensitive” to other’s feelings but if you are easily offended, unfollow if you don’t want them.DT: I love the idea of the OHL doing a Lottery for the Priority Selection combined with the “Snake” format. It creates a ton of excitement in all 20 cities & it'll be chaos all in the 2nd & 3rd round with all the traded picks. You could easily see a Top team with 2 top 25 picks.DT: Although far from ideal, there have been plenty of chances for Teams to see ‘05s this year. The Teams that have been really grinding since September will be rewarded while those that didn’t attend practices, scrimmages, etc. will be in serious trouble.DT: It goes without saying that a lot of good players will fall through the cracks this year but it just means that they can use the 21/22 season to shove it up a team’s ass & showed they made a mistake this year. Remember, it’s a marathon & not a sprint.DT: A lot of people are shocked by the seasons of guys like Darnell Nurse, Jacob Chychrun, Adam Fox & Thomas Chabot. As we’ve said for years, the hardest position to learn is Defense & it takes them a little longer to figure it out & these kids are the latest example of that.DT: Using those players as examples, lets remember that when you crucify kids like Rasmus Dahlin, Eric Brannstrom, Conor Timmins, Timothy Liljegren & Evan Bouchard. As they mature & get stronger, they too will become studs on the back end. Some get it early but most take time.DT: Alex Lafreniere has been really coming on, Tim Steutzle has been phenomenal all year & Quinton Byfield is making his NHL debut tonight after starting to light up the AHL. Before anyone makes any judgements about who won the 2020 NHL Draft lottery, lets take a breath & wait for a few years.DT: #DeepThoughts readers know how big a fan of Nick Foligno I am but I don’t think anyone can under-estimate the perfect fit between Foligno & the Leaf needs. He has character, leadership, grit, toughness & a willingness to do anything to win. Kyle saw a need & addressed it.DT: David Savard has struggled in his early time in Tampa Bay but his true value will be when the playoffs start. This guy is a warrior that will eat up big minutes in Tampa & he will be a force that teams have to deal with if they are going to un-seat the Champs.DT: It is the 2 most under-rated superstars play on the same team in Florida. Barkov & Huberdeau are so good but overlooked & it is scary. Huberdeau has turned Sam Bennett into the player that they hoped he could be. AC Andrew Brunette has also had a huge effect on that team.DT: I wish Jonathon Drouin the best as he takes some time to address some issues. His NHL production has been slower than most thought be but he is still young. When he returns, I’d love to see him play with the passion, excitement & fun that he showed during his Halifax days.DT: The World Championships will be a great opportunity for Gerard Gallant to show how great of a coach he is. For my money, he is the best Coach not in the NHL right now & I think Seattle makes the most sense but someone should hire this guy.DT: Unlike a lot of people, I’m not convinced that the 2021 NHL Draft is exceptionally strong. It has been tough through the pandemic but I only see a couple superstars & a lot of solid NHL’ers. Now the 2022 Draft with Wright, Lambert & Savoie & others will be something to behold.DT: Early U18's thoughts: You can already see that Red Savage will be a great shutdown Centreman with character/leadership. People are sleeping on Sean Behrens because he is better than most think. Ty Gallagher set the NTDP record for goals by a Defenseman, which is impressive!DT: I’ve said for a while that Brandt Clarke is better than Simon Edvinsson & I’ll die on that hill. Fyodor Svechkov is the real deal for Russia & should be a Top 15 pick. Chase Stillman is the most physical player in the event & his added strength means that he hits to hurt.DT: It is early but the goaltending in the Exhibition Games & start of the U18’s has been fairly poor. Canada has been spared from that but the USA, Russia & Sweden are expected to be in the Final 4. This kind of goaltending can lead to a quarterfinal loss, in a hurry.DT: Some of the most impressive players thus far have been 04’s. Shane Wright, Ivan Miroschnichenko, Matvey Michkov, Brad Lambert & Logan Cooley have been great thus far. Don’t sleep on the 05 on Canada either as he will be better than the 1st 2 games. #YouthIsServed #2022DraftDT: As much as the 04’s have been really good, and in particular Shane Wright, I get it but I would have really liked to see Canada go with only Draft eligible players in this Under 18. It has been a brutal year for these kids & I’d like to see a few of them given a chance.

Deep ThoughtsWithMark SeidelDT: Deep Thoughts: Welcome to Deep Thoughts which represent my PERSONAL views & don’t reflect ANY Organization that I work with! I’ve become much more “sensitive” to other’s feelings but if you are easily offended, unfollow if you don’t want them.DT: There is a huge push to get the OHL season rolling & I’m as anxious as anyone but I know Dave Branch/Ted Baker are doing EVERYTHING that they can do to reach an agreement with the Ford government. It’s a tricky situation fraught with issues but the League will succeed & play.DT: I found it very interesting that Lisa MacLeod announced investment in the Arts https://twitter.com/MacLeodLisa/status/1367128607466934272 & I think the case could certainly be made that the OHL & hockey in Ontario deserves similar support. It's a tricky political situation but I honestly have faith in everyoneDT: Anyone that was surprised by the opening weekend of Dylan Guenther (2 games/8 points) didn’t pay attention last year. This kid is a stud & will be a Top 10 pick. You will see many high end prospects come FLYING out of the gate in the OHL/WHL when they get going.DT: I've been in the Independent Scouting business as long as anyone & I understand Groups need to get rankings out to create revenue/content but it’s impossible to properly evaluate kids who haven’t played in 1 year Vs guys playing in low European divisions. #WeWillWaitThankYouDT: Last points on rankings. You know it is an impossible task at this stage because the NHL CSB hasn’t put anything out except the Finders List & they have a fulltime staff across the world. Just the body type changes in 1 year are impossible to estimate until we see them play.DT: There's momentum to have the NHL Draft moved back but I don’t see it happening. Agents, who are a big power structure in the game, aren’t keen on it & the complications outweigh the benefits so I don’t see it being moved. Plus, every League will get some type of season in.DT: The Pittsburgh Penguins duo combo of Brian Burke & Ron Hextall will be very interesting. In some ways, both of their biggest strengths are their ability to be patient & make key moves later. Brian is perceived as a “Headline Maker” & he always takes his time in a new job but...DT: Time is ticking in Pittsburgh. I don’t think they love their goaltending & Sid is aching for another Cup run. Ownership wants Malkin to retire a Penguin so he’s out but they could use picks/prospects to upgrade. I think their patience takes a back seat & moves are coming.DT: Rich Tocchet was one of my favorite players growing up & I still think he is a good coach but I think he is running out of runway in Arizona. His shelf like is waning after 3 1/2 years & I’d fully expect to see Cory Stillman take over as the HC sooner rather than later.DT: Having said that, it shouldn’t be lost on people that Owners are going to be VERY hesitant to replace Coaches and pay them to sit on the sidelines & pay someone else during this pandemic. Montreal, Nashville & Arizona will be exceptions & not the rule, in my opinion.DT: The Buffalo Sabres are a trainwreck & I feel bad for the fans. For people looking for changes, Krueger runs the show in Buffalo & I don’t think he’s going anywhere. How they aren’t putting Skinner in a position to succeed & at least increase his value is bizarre to me.DT: It's no secret that I’m a huge fan of the First Family of Sudbury Hockey, the Folignos but I don’t think that Marcus gets enough credit. He is in the small group of players like Tom Wilson that can really play & scares his opponents. BTW, support HeartsPlaybook.comDT: Speaking of character & toughness. Just imagine what kind of a package a team would have to offer to get either one of the Tkachuk’s away from their team or Tom Wilson. They aren't the most talented guys on their team but character/toughness w/ skill are so hard to find.DT: It's good to see @SheldonKeefe get some credit as an elite coach in the NHL lately. He's been successful everywhere b/c of his tactical mind & ability to relate to players. It further illustrates how important it is for the GM & Coach to be working in unison to create successDT: Furthermore, @KyleDubas will be graded on how his team performs in the playoffs & that is fair but for a guy who has taken his share of arrows, people should give credit where it is due. He has brought in key pieces & they look very strong through the 1st half of the season.DT: I love the concept of supporting small businesses that help their communities during the pandemic so here are a couple shoutouts from me. Anyone looking for amazing Golf Tourney Welcome Gifts for the summer, check out @TowelTag Their product will blow you away! Next up is ...DT: Thomas Milne is a Junior A hockey legend & he has a great new store that features unique & beautiful gifts for the sports fan. Along with the great products, Tom’s group is an incredible community supporter. Check out his store at Bestseatinthehouse.ca or @fans_best_seat

Deep Thoughts With Mark Seidel   DT: Deep Thoughts: Welcome to Deep Thoughts which represent my PERSONAL views & don’t reflect ANY Organization that I work with! I’ve become much more “sensitive” to other’s feelings but if you are easily offended, unfollow if you don’t want them.   DT: The trade by Marc Bergevin in the summer to ship out Max Domi for Josh Anderson has proven to be genius. Some questioned giving up the skill of Domi for a more rugged player like Anderson but I think the Habs won it. Domi is good but the heavy game in playoffs suits Anderson.   DT: This leads me into my theory on Willy Nylander. He is extremely gifted and will be a proficient scorer throughout his career but I still think the Leafs should move him for a guy who will help grind out wins in the playoffs. Finding that guy is tough but Nylander has big value.   DT: The troubles in OTT are apparent but rumblings about changing Coaches is ridiculous. DJ Smith is a great coach & J. Capuano/B.Jones are great Assistants. Everyone knew this young group would take time & the kids are improving. If they stick to the plan, the future's bright.   DT: The development of the young OTT players is a result of the great work by the Staff in Belleville. Troy Mann & his group have done a phenomenal job & I think that any teams with coaching vacancies would be crazy not to hire Mann. Even in the NHL, development is a key! DT: Lastly about OTT, I truly believe that Joey Daccord is their best option in net. His play in Belleville last year was incredible. The major issue is that someone off the roster will have to be waived for him to play. The Taxi Squad players aren’t on the Active Roster.   DT: Somebody needs to explain to me volume of trades in the QMJHL. There is no guarantee of a Memorial Cup but a team like Val D’or has gone ALL IN & mortgaged their future to load up for this year. With no fans and the potential of a championship, I’m confused by the moves.   DT: The “Glass Half Full” thought about those moves is the QMJHL must know something that the rest of us don’t about this season. They obviously feel strongly there'll be play in all 3 Leagues & ultimately a Championship at the end because otherwise, it's a waste of resources.   DT: I’m asked about whether the OHL Priority Selection will be pushed back a year & I don’t think there is ANY chance of that happening. It may not take place until August but I guarantee a Draft before the 21/22 season. The League may have to set up showcases but it'll fly.   DT: Twitter is incredibly powerful. Roberto Luongo is a great person/beloved teammate but his interaction through Twitter has endeared himself to every hockey fan. His appointment to Team Canada is smart but his Twitter work has made him beloved like Alex Trebek/Dolly Parton.     DT: As for Olympics, everyone should pray the NHL Players participate? The rosters will be incredible & games will be epic. Canada with Crosby/McDavid/MacKinnon. USA with Matthews/Eichel/Kane & the Tkachuks. Russia with Kucherov/Panarin/Svechnikov. Inject it right into my veins.   DT: If I’m Team USA, I'd find a way to get @NickFoligno on my team. He might be the best Captain in the League & can play down in the lineup without any issue. Remember, it isn’t an All-Star team with 12 skilled forwards because it takes a balanced team to win #CharacterCounts.   DT: With the Laine-Dubois trade, I absolutely LOVE what the Jets did. They got a phenomenal 2 way Centre that can score & a 3rd round pick for an unhappy Laine & Roslovic (was never going to return to WIN). If you're inclined to bet, you may want to throw some rubles on the Jets.   DT: The DeAngelo situation is very interesting. He's a 25 year old D that had 53 points last year & despite some of his public statements, I believe he's highly coveted by NHL teams. The SJW crowd will scream wherever he goes but if he can help a team win, he'll be accepted.   DT: As I look around, would the TOR trade Dermott for him if NYR ate some contract? Keefe/Dubas know him well from SSM. Wouldn’t EDM investigate so that he could run their power play? Could ANA add him to their blueline? The Rangers will have to eat salary but he’ll get moved.   DT: From a scouting standpoint, I have to pray that the World Under 18’s can operate in Plymouth, MI. A bubble would guarantee safety & it would be critical for Teams to make Draft decisions. If the CHL is playing at that time, do they let the players go? It could be interesting.  

DEEP THOUGHTS withMark Seidel2021 World Junior Hockey Championships PreviewAs we head into the most wonderful time of the year without our usual fill of hockey, the 2021 World Junior Championships are about to begin & I thought I’d preview the Tournament with some Key Players to Watch, Team Questions & some story lines.GROUP ATeam CanadaPlayers to Watch:Kirby Dach, (CHI) – Played in Chicago last year & had his coming out party in the playoff bubble. Should dominate this tournament.Bowen Byram, (COL) – Byram should be the stud on Canada’s blueline & will play 22 minutes a nightDylan Cozens, (BUF) – Should play on the wing with Dach on the 1st line but can also play CentreKey Question: Can the goaltending be good enough on this massive stage because they are loaded up front and on the back end?Team FinlandPlayers to Watch:Ville Heinola, (WIN) – Started Last year in Winnipeg and had 5 points in 7 gamesAnton Lundell (FLA) – 12th overall pick in 2019 missed all of last year’s tournamentBrad Lambert (2022 Draft) – The just turned 17 year old Finnish/Canadian citizen will be a Top 3 pick in 2022 DraftKey Question: Can their feistiness, character & speed be enough to overcome the depth of the superpower teams?Team GermanyPlayers to Watch:Tim Steutzle (OTT) – 3rd overall pick in last years draft will carry this team with speed and skillJJ Peterka (BUF) – He is a scorer with a great shot and led Germany in goals last yearKey Question: Having been locked in quarantine until December 24th and without some of their top players like Moritz Seider & Lukas Reichel, can the lessened roster beat Solvakia & Switzerland?Team SwitzerlandPlayers to Watch:Simon Knak (2021 Draft) – One of Switzerland’s best players in last years tournament will have to be an offensive catalystLorenzo Canonica (2021 Draft) – An under rated prospect for the ’21 Draft could have his coming out party in EdmontonKey Question: The Swiss program is continually improving but can the weak back end play well enough to get to the Medal Round?Team SlovakiaPlayers to Watch:Samuel Hlavaj (2021 Draft) – Hlavaj will be the starter in net & he has a lot of talent but he will need to be greatSamual Knazko (CBJ) – Offensive defenseman that will generate offense and QB their power playMartin Chromiak (LAK) – Chromiak came into Kingston last year & had instant chemistry with wonderkid Shane Wright with his offensive skillsKey Question:  Can Hlavaj the goaltender who should have been an NHL draft pick last year, show the scouts they made a mistake in passing on him? GROUP B Team USAPlayers to Watch:Cole Caufield (MON) – A pure scorer that has really high IQ, should put up some big numbers in this tourneyCam York (PHI) – The leader on the back end is very good in both ends & will likely QB the PPSpencer Knight (FLA) – The Former 13th overall pick can steal games & will be tough to beat throughout the tournamentKey Question:  The Americans should score a lot and be great in goal but will the young but skilled defense core be able to handle the other powerful teams?Team SwedenPlayers to Watch:Alexander Holtz (NJD) – A very gifted goal scorer that can be streaky will need to prove why he was a Top 10 pickLucas Raymond (DET) – 4th overall pick in last years draft is smooth, smart & dangerous & will drive the Swedish offensePhilip Broberg (EDM) – The big, smooth skating defender will be a part of the back end on this Team, which will be its strengthKey Question:  The pre-tournament COVID cases cost the Swedes their Head Coach & numerous key players so can the Swedes be resilient enough to make a push?Team RussiaPlayers to Watch:Yaroslav Askarov (NSH) The best goaltender in this event struggled last year but expect him to dominate with extra year of maturityRodion Amirov (TOR)  – The Leafs used their 1st round pick on this dynamic offensive star and he should prove fun to watchYegor Chinakhov (CBJ) – Columbus shocked the scouting world by taking him at #21 overall but his play thus far in the KHL is showing it may have been a great pickKey Question:  The goaltender, Askarov has played exceptionally well in every international tournament except last year’s WJC so can he bounce back with a young defense group in front of him?Team Czech RepublicPlayers to Watch:Jan Mysak (MON) Mysak will be the offensive leader on this team as he bounces back from a season ending injury last yearJaromir Pitlyk (NJD) The SOO Greyhounds star has been continually improving but he will have to play a big role on this teamStanislav Svozil (2021 Draft) – A personal favorite that is young but should be a key on the blueline for the Czech’sKey Question:  The Czech Republic opted to go with an older group this year but they haven’t had success in this tournament lately so we will see if they can change that.Team AustriaPlayers to Watch:Marco Rossi (MIN) – The OHL scoring leader last year will try to put this team on his back & try to carry them into the playoff roundKey Question:  Austria got into the 2021 tournament by beating Slovenia but without some miraculous performances, can they win a game?PredictionsGold: CanadaSilver: RussiaBronze: USA4th Place: Finland5th Place: Sweden6th Place: Germany7th Place: Switzerland8th Place: Czech Republic9th Place: Slovakia10th Place: Austria

Deep ThoughtsWithMark SeidelDT: Deep Thoughts: Welcome to Deep Thoughts which represent my PERSONAL views & don’t reflect ANY Organization that I work with! I’ve become much more “sensitive” to other’s feelings but if you are easily offended, unfollow if you don’t want them.DT: I absolutely love the Bayne Pettinger story. This kid worked his bag off & became an important fixture at both @HockeyCanada & now @CAAHockey He is also gay. In a great story in @TheAthletic, he announced it publicly & received incredible support. https://theathletic.com/2178746/2020/11/05/nhl-player-agent-comes-out/DT: I love it is because Bayne is happy & he will be a great role model for kids. The other part is how supportive some of the biggest names in our game are with him. Our sport needs to do better but I’m sick of the SJW’s that try to tear this great game down & the people in it.DT: Hockey, like many aspects in sports & life, needs to be better but Bayne & the reactions to his story prove my contention that hockey is filled with great people who want to do the right thing. Sure we should get rid of the bad apples but I see a lot of good apples in this barrel.DT: The concept of an All-Canadian division in the NHL should get fans very excited. One of the reasons that the playoffs are so great is that seeing the same guy across the ice from you night after night builds up emotion & passion. That is what we will get on a regular basis.DT: Add to that watching McDavid Vs. Matthews, Tkachuk Vs Pettersson, Laine Vs. Kotkaniemi, Markstrom Vs. Murray, Montreal Vs. Toronto, Edmonton Calgary, etc. There is a lot to like & I really think fans should be excited whenever they start up.DT: The export of young players to Europe is understandable but I’m not a huge fan. Agents & families obviously feel it’s a good move but the idea of young kids moving a Continent away, where Covid is also spiking, just doesn’t sit well with me unless a parent is with them.DT: We aren’t prepared to release our 2022 rankings because we think it's insincere to put a list out without a majority of the kids playing yet this season. Our work through video continues but we'll wait until we have enough viewings of players to put our reputation on the lineDT: We will however list the highest ranking OHL Players from 2019/20. Alphabetically: Beck, Burroughs, Chayka, Clarke, Del Mastro, Enright, Frasca, Gaudreau, Goure, Harrison, Kressler, Lennox, McCue, Mctavish, Othmann, Pinelli, Sirozzotti, Stillman, Vrbetic, Winterton #OHLDT: If there is a CHL season, we have to still determine the Memorial Cup hosts. I happen to believe that either the Soo or Oshawa would be fantastic but I have to think the difference in Covid cases between the 2 cities has to give the Soo the decided edge. Good luck to both!DT: The World Juniors will get the high rankings because of the shortage of hockey to watch & I think it'll be a captivating tournament. Countries will have access to almost every available player so the competition will be very high caliber. It won’t be 2005 but it'll be close.DT: Canada will be stacked, as usual, but the biggest question mark will be in goal. They have some very quality candidates but none have proven it on the big stage like Spencer Knight (USA) or Yaroslav Askarov (RUS).DT: One of the biggest advantages that Team Canada will have over the other countries is Andre Tourigny behind the bench. I have never seen a guy in Junior Hockey better at making changes/adjustments on the fly or between periods. His team will be fully prepared & will adapt accordingly.DT: The Theo Epstein resignation from the Cubs wasn’t a surprise but his statements about Analytics ruining Baseball was interesting. He's always been a HUGE proponent of Analytics & his changing views & introspection should be noted across all sports. https://www.outkick.com/theo-epstein-wants-to-help-fix-the-game-of-baseball-his-analytics-helped-break/DT: Hockey hasn’t been as adversely affected by analytics as much as Baseball but it does cause me to wonder if Teams will take pause to consider if all of the analytic work they are doing is proving helpful. The games & uses are different but when the Messiah speaks...  DT: I've had a greater appreciation of Analytics over the past few years but it will always remain “a tool in the toolbox”, just like live viewings, anecdotal research, background checks, etc. Critical analysis is essential in all business & I’m wondering if Teams are doing it.

Deep ThoughtsWithMark SeidelThere has been a lot of activity upon the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals with the Draft, Free Agency & Trades. I have got some Deep Thoughts about the past 4 weeks & I have decided to give the Canadian Teams grades on both the Draft and other acquisitions they have made as we wait to start the 20/21 NHL season.Calgary FlamesDraft Grade: ADraft Comments: Todd Button & his scouts had a very good few days. Connor Zary can play any way you want, Yan Kuznetsov is a big kid that played against 25 year old men in the NCAA and did well while the super-skilled Jeremie Poirier might have been the biggest steal of the weekend. Furthermore, they got Ryan Francis & Rory Kerins late which were excellent value. Although I do not think any of their picks will become superstars, it was a very solid performance that should yield key components to a winning team down the road.Acquisitions through Trades & Signings Grade: BAcquisitions Comments: I liked the roster of the Calgary Flames at the end of last year so I didn’t expect a lot of change, but they did get the hottest goalie on the market, Jacob Markstrom for 6 years. They also stole the quietly effective Chris Tanev from the Vancouver Canucks & he will help replace TJ Brodie.Edmonton OilersDraft Grade: B-Draft Comments: When a staff only has 1 pick in the top 100 & 2 picks in the top 125, it makes it incredibly hard. Dylan Holloway will play down the road, but I do not see him being a star. Ty Tullio was a brilliant pick at #126 because his combination of skill & grit is hard to find in the 5th round. The skilled Carter Savoie will go play at the University of Denver for a few years to round out his game but not selecting a single defenseman throughout the draft was perplexing.Acquisitions through Trades & Signings Grade: CAcquisitions Comments: The Oilers have 2 Hart Trophy winners in Connor McDavid & Leon Draisaitl so you would think players would be chomping at the bit to sign in Edmonton, but it has not happened yet. They did sign Tyson Barrie who is coming off a disappointing season in Toronto & they brought in Kyle Turris to help up front. I fully expect Jesse Puljujarvi to return from Finland & show why he was a Top 5 pick but I have to admit that I’m disappointed they chose to stick with the aging Mike Smith & Mikko Koskinen in net with so many quality goalies on the market. Ken Holland is a legend, but this off-season has been underwhelming thus far.Montreal CanadiansDraft Grade: ADraft Comments: I liked the Canadians draft overall. They chose Kaiden Guhle in the 1st round who will make them harder to play against down the road. I thought they got really good value in the 2nd & 4th rounds with the picks of Alex Tuch’s brother, Luke, the late rising Jan Mysak, Sean Farrell & Blake Biondi. They also took a flyer on the massive Re-Entry goaltender, Jakub Dobes. My only concern is they only took 1 defenseman throughout the Draft which can affect organizational balance. I thought Trevor Timmins & his crew did a very good adding to an improving prospect base.Acquisitions through Trades & Signings Grade: A+Acquisitions Comments: The Habs have brought in Jake Allen to provide a solid back-up, traded for heavy defenseman Joel Edmundson, acquired the power forward Josh Anderson & signed the proven scorer, Tyler Toffoli. I am a fan of Max Domi, but it was time to move on & they maximized their return. It is really difficult to not be impressed by the work that Marc Bergevin and his staff have done over the past month.Ottawa SenatorsDraft Grade: A+Draft Comments: When you have 6 picks within the Top 61 in a very strong draft, you had better come away with a haul & Trent Mann & his staff did just that. Stutzle is a lock & Sanderson will become a key part of this team while Ridley Greig is a feisty kid that will find a way to contribute. They certainly got some major size with Jarventie, Kleven & Sokolov & each brings a different aspect to the team. Jarventie is an up & down winger, Kleven is a physical beast & Sokolov has tremendous goal scoring ability. They took some swings late but a number of those first 6 players will become a part of a winning Ottawa Senators team.Acquisitions through Trades & Signings Grade: AAcquisitions Comments: The Sens have gotten much harder to play against with the acquisition of defensemen Eric Gudbranson, Josh Brown and the gritty Austin Watson. They also finally solidified their goaltending position with the trade for Matt Murray & signed the under-appreciated Evgenii Dadanov from the Florida Panthers. It may also have been addition by subtraction is letting the perennial headache, Anthony Duclair. Pierre Dorion did a good job, but fans should not lose sight of the fact that the Sens winning days are still a year away when their young prospects can step in.Toronto Maple LeafsDraft Grade: BDraft Comments: If I were grading the Draft on which team acquired the most skill, the Leafs would win in a landslide. Almost every player that John Lilley & his staff took has very good skill but at some point, I think you must mix it up with some different elements. Individually, it is hard to argue about several their picks & I particularly liked the Amirov, Niemela, Miettinen & Rindell picks but how many small, skilled forwards & slick offensive defensemen can you dress every night? I know that there were not any picks that were going to add grit & sandpaper to this Leafs team in the next 2 years but what about in 5 years? The Dubas Plan has been to draft skill & acquire grit/sandpaper so they are certainly sticking to that plan.Acquisitions through Trades & Signings Grade: AAcquisitions Comments: As everyone knows, the Leafs were tight to the Salary Cap so Kyle Dubas would have to be very creative in his overhaul of the roster. It is no secret they were not happy with their playoff performance so out went Kasperi Kapanen, Cody Ceci, Tyson Barrie & Andreas Johnsson, who all under-performed in the bubble. In came TJ Brodie, Wayne Simmonds, Zach Bogosian & the legend Joe Thornton with exceptionally affordable contracts. Dubas admitted in an interview that he wanted to get more character & grit and those signings certainly accomplish that.Vancouver CanucksDraft Grade: CDraft Comments: Like other teams, the Canucks had traded away their first 2 picks, but I was not overly impressed with the guys they took when they did get to draft. Joni Jurmo is a big defenseman that has great feet, but I am not sure how much defense he wants to play. Jackson Kunz still has a year before he goes to North Dakota so he will have time to get better. My favorite pick of the draft for Vancouver is Dmitri Zlodeyev. He is more than the sum of his parts & is incredibly competitive which is a bonus in the 6th round.  It turned out to be just an OK draft for this up & coming team.Acquisitions through Trades & Signings Grade: B-Acquisitions Comments: The offseason is generally about a team brings in but in the Canucks case, it has been more about who has left. They had a great year last year but the loss of Jacob Markstrom, Chris Tanev, Troy Stecher & Tyler Toffoli really takes a bite out of that squad. The Canucks were also close to acquiring Oliver Ekman Larsson from Arizona but that fell apart at the last second. They have brought in Stanley Cup winner Braden Holtby to replace Markstrom & one of my favorite players in the NHL, Nate Schmidt, but the net result is that this exciting young team now has some holes to fill.Winnipeg JetsDraft Grade: BDraft Comments: When you only have 2 picks in the first 132 picks & 4 in total, it is hard to markedly improve your prospect pool, but they did very well with their top 2 picks. Perfetti fell into their laps & once he gets stronger, he will really help them a lot. Torgersson is a prototypical power forward that will play heavy for them. Bauer adds some snarl on the back end so I think Mark Hillier & his group did the best they could with so few picks.Acquisitions through Trades & Signings Grade: CAcquisitions Comments: The Jets have been very quiet since the end of the season except for the trade to acquire Paul Stastny from the Vegas Golden Knights. He will help solidify their forward group, but the big issue has been the back end & they have not addressed it yet. I am a big fan of Dylan Demelo & they re-signed him, but they still have some holes back there that they must address.

Deep ThoughtsWithMark SeidelDeep Thoughts: Welcome to a special Deep Thoughts which represent my PERSONAL views & don’t reflect ANY Organization that I work with! I’ve become much more “sensitive” to other’s feelings but if you are easily offended, unfollow if you don’t want them.DT: I see that Pierre McGuire has made comments that this could be the best Draft EVER & that there is depth all the way to the 7th round. It is funny because I spent a lot of time in rinks & Scouts rooms in 19/20 & NEVER saw Pierre once! We must have different travel schedules.DT: As a guy who puts in the time, it is frustrating to have people all over the Media & Twitter putting out rankings & talking about players despite having never watched these kids play. I understand it but it doesn’t mean I have to like the significant de-valuing of the industry.DT: I haven’t said much since Dale’s passing b/c I thought the appropriate people made incredible statements about him but I’d urge you to support @HawerchukStrong if Dale touched you in ANY way. Eric & group are doing incredible things & could use support. His legacy deserves itDT: I'm shocked that some writers who cover this game EVERYDAY didn’t have Connor McDavid or Nathan McKinnon in their Top 5 for the Hart trophy. I understand it is based on this year & Draisatl deserved it but EVERY GM in the NHL would vote those 2 the best players in the League.DT: We have taken criticism in the past for having Defensemen ahead of forwards at the top of our rankings ie. Hedman over Tavares, Jones over Mackinnon, Dahlin over Svechnikov, Ekblad over Draisaitl. Mixed results but we still feel franchise Defenders are THE most valuable.DT: I love Roman Josi & he is a key for the Preds but nobody will convince me that Victor Hedman isn’t the best defenseman on the planet. Please don’t throw the “recency bias” stupidity at me either. This guy was the best defenseman in the NHL this year & it wasn’t close.DT: I have to commend the @ontariohockeyleague for the diligence & patience that they've shown in trying to navigate this Return to Play. I’m sure it was tempting to try & rush back like the QMJHL to create some revenues for teams but the long, slow play has been the right play.DT: As for Minor Hockey, I understand the hesitancy to start back immediately but I’m confused about the heavy handedness that the Organizations are using on individuals running clinics/camps/leagues/tournaments. As long as they meet their local requirements, what is the issue?DT: Indigenous Issue 997: An Indigenous Player from Sudbury wants a residential move down south & has been denied while countless white players in last 4 years from the north have been granted the request. I’m sure it’ll get corrected but I have to ask why the double standard?DT: One thing that is particularly odd is the time, effort & resources that TSN puts into the Draft with @CraigJButton & @TSNBobMcKenzie Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the coverage but it seems odd they promote the Draft for 364 days but then @Sportsnet hosts it & reaps the benefits.DT: The NHL Scouting business is brutal. One day your GM is in good shape & your future looks set & the next he is fired & you soon follow. These guys have lives & families & futures & it is tough. I’m thinking of the guys that were in Buffalo, Florida, Arizona & Minnesota.DT: It can’t be overstated how important both Head Scouts, Al Murray & Joe McDonnell were to their teams reaching the Cup Finals. In the Cap Era, you HAVE to continually replenish with young, cheap talent & create assets. Two of the best guys in the business did a phenomenal job.DT: We've partnered again with @PuckAuthority1 to let our fans see our Top 145 for the Draft. We publish ONLY the Top 145 w/o reports for everyone to see & create a public record that people can review years from now. Our rankings are here https://thepuckauthority.com/north-american-central-scouting-2020-nhl-draft-rankings/ #CredibilityDT: Some explanation on particular players: Byfield-2 Big Franchise Centreman that are rare; Askarov-6 Franchise Goalie that has physical & mental excellence; Quinn-10 One of the best pure finishers in the Draft; Mercer-11 Combination of skill & grit & underrated;DT: Foerster-16 Think Nick Robertson in 2019. Underrated scorer that will flourish; Lapierre-17 Boom or Bust depending on his health; Brisson-19 Does everything right & understands game; Greig-23 Criminally underrated; Bourque-35 Very slick & creative; Cormier-39 New age DefenderDT: Vierling-43 Showed his true game in Barrie; Daws-44 What more does he need to do?; Tullio-52 Skilled ball of hate; Rolston-63 Grew up in the game/high IQ; Sokolov-80 Re-Entry but huge/skilled; Hardie-92 Heavy feet but all he does is score; Biakabutuka-100 Great frame & upsideDT: Educated Mock Draft (1 Week Out) NYR- LafreniereLA- ByfieldOTT- StutzleDET- RossiOTT- SandersonANA- RaymondNJ- AskarovBUF- PerfettiMIN- DrysdaleWIN- QuinnNSH-HoltzFLA-LundellCAR-Lapierre EDM-Jarvis  TOR-MercerMON- ZaryCHI-SchneiderNJ- GuhleCAL-Bourque

Deep Thoughts with Mark SeidelYou would, literally, have to be living in a bubble to not notice the turbulent political & racial times in the United States and to a lesser extent, in Canada. My perspective in this column is on sports so I am going to try and stay in my lane about hockey but I do have some overall thoughts as well.It was with great interest that I saw that the Hockey Diversity Alliance was formed because I thought that there are numerous issues we can improve in the game and this was a good first step. Having been scouting for 29 years, I have seen and heard a lot about non-white players & I think a lot of that has to stop and has no place in the game. I have a ton of respect for almost everyone on that Alliance and the work they have done however, I was very disappointed when I saw the “Hockey Diversity Alliance Pledge” and carefully went through all of demands that they have made to improve the game. I found a number of quota’s for “Black executives” and “Black hockey-related personnel” and “Black non-hockey related personnel” but nowhere in the document do I see any such requests for Indigenous people. If diversity in off-ice positions is so important(and it is), why no demands for people from First Nations? Canada has 42% of the players in the NHL and a terrible track record in its treatment of Indigenous People & yet they seem to get lip service with this pledge and I don’t think it is right. Throughout my scouting career, no race has been slighted more than Indigenous players and to have no voice or inclusion in the HDA is a shame. Do you think Jonathon Cheechoo or Jordin Tootoo or Ethan Bear or Carey Price or Chris Simon or Craig Berube or Denny Lambert have any thoughts on how we can improve the game & the experiences for their people? I’m betting they do and to not be included in that movement reflects badly on the HDA. Furthermore, I watch a lot of the entitled, sanctimonious , holier than thou Canadian “Social Justice Warrior” mouthpieces on Social Media ripping into the USA for their treatment of African Americans in the US but I never hear a peep out of them about the historically abysmal record that Canada has in its treatment of its First Nations people. Perhaps those people should have the same outrage about the conditions in First Nation Communities or the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women before they lecture the USA about their record. This is a very personal matter for me and I’m tired of the neglect & the white washing of history of the First Nations people. The game of hockey is a great sport and everyone within it is working to make it better and more inclusive. To make substantial change, it will take time, effort and everyone pulling in the same direction but to not include and consult with Indigenous People significantly diminishes the work this group is doing.

Deep ThoughtsWithMark SeidelOne of the biggest aggravations to me is the premise that the North doesn’t produce great players anymore because we continue to see very good players every year. This, in spite of the ridiculousness of the City of Sudbury still not having one AAA Association but rather two full Associations (Sudbury Minor Hockey & Nickel City Minor Hockey) that splits the best players up. We were on the verge of having one Association before some people with Agendas chopped it off at the knees but I’m hopeful  the concept will be revitalized soon.The point of this column however is that despite our challenges, the North has a long list of successful Players and I wanted to highlight a few very young players who don’t get a lot of publicity.Dario Beljo – Komoka Kings(GOJHL)  Beljo is a London Knights draft pick who is tearing up the GOJHL while playing in Southwestern Ontario. Beljo is leading his team in scoring with 47 points in 37 games while being very responsible defensively despite just being 17 years old. It is still yet to be determined whether his future lies in the OHL or the NCAA but either way, he has a very bright futureMax McCue – London Knights(OHL) Max was selected in the 2nd round of the 2019 OHL Draft by the powerful London Knights & has already played 25 games for them. It is very rare for a 16-year-old, 2nd rounder to play at all in London but Mark Hunter is very pleased with Max’s growth this year. Max has made the most of his opportunities & has already scored his 1st goal & is being touted as a solid selection in the 2021 NHL Draft.Chase Lammi – Kemptville 73’s(CCHL) Chase spent last year playing in the NOJHL where he secured an NCAA Scholarship to St. Lawrence & has since moved to play in the Ottawa Junior League. After watching him play a couple weeks ago, I can tell you that nobody will ever outwork him & the Coaches in Kemptville are very encouraged about his offensive upside. Lammi recently played in the CJHL Top Prospects game.Chase Stillman – Sudbury Wolves(OHL) Although Stillman played his whole Minor Hockey career in Peterborough, we will still claim him because he played his most formative year in Sudbury as a Minor Midget. Stillman has put up great numbers with the Wolves & has played much higher in the lineup than most expected for a 16-year-old. His secondary scoring for the Wolves has been a blessing & he will be a solid selection in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.Zach Giroux – Rayside Balfour Canadians(NOJHL)  Zach was selected by the Flint Firebirds in the 3rd round in 2019 & he has played very well for both Rayside & Flint over the 1st half. The younger brother of Saginaw star, Damien Giroux, Zach has shown an ability to put up points & compete on every shift. He will be a full time Firebird next year & they expect him to become an offensive catalyst for them.Bradley Brunet – Espanola Express(NOJHL)  Brunet was a selection in the 2019 OHL Draft by the Niagara Icedogs & after a very impressive Training Camp, he decided to play in the NOJHL in Espanola. Bradley is a physical specimen with an ability to score & despite the Express being an older team, he has fit in nicely & scored some big goals. Niagara is in a full rebuild so Brunet should go into next year’s camp with a spot open for him for the 2020/21 season.Hunter Brazier – Kemptville 73’s(CCHL) Much like Lammi, Brazier had a great rookie season in the NOJHL last year & is now playing in the CCHL. His offensive instincts have been very impressive & he is a key scoring option for the 73’s. Hunter has had some NHL Draft interest & recently played in the CJHL Top Prospects game & played very well.Cameron Walker – Espanola Express(NOJHL)  Walker was a 9th round selection by Kingston in the 2019 OHL Draft & he has jumped right into junior hockey & made a great impression. His ability to skate and work tirelessly while still contributing offensively is something that the Frontenac’s have taken notice of. Like others on this list, he is only 16 but has shown that the OHL or the NCAA should be in his future.Jack Matier – Ottawa 67’s(OHL)  Matier is a SSM kid that was taken by the Ottawa 67’s in the 1st round of last year’s OHL Draft. The big right shot defenseman has played in every game for the 67’s & despite the veteran-laden back end for the powerful 67’s, he is fitting in & continuing to get better. Ottawa will be graduating 5 Defensemen next year so Jack will have a great opportunity to showcase himself for the 2021 NHL Draft.Oliver Smith - Rayside Balfour Canadians(NOJHL)  Oliver was drafted in the 9th round by Barrie in 2019 & he has already proven to be of great value for the Colts. Having only played his allowable 5 games, he has made a huge impression on the Colts management because of his early play in the OHL & his exceptional performances with Rayside. The 16-year-old has already hit 20 goals in the NOJHL & will be a big part of Rayside’s playoff run this year & Barrie’s future starting in 2020/21.AJ Favot – Espanola Express(NOJHL) AJ was a selection by the Niagara Icedogs in the 2018 OHL Draft & he is showing why that was a good pick with his play in Espanola. Most 17-year-old Defensemen struggle against 20-year old’s in the NOJHL but AJ has not only been a stalwart for the Express, they have also made him an Assistant Captain which speaks to his character, poise & ability. As mentioned earlier, Niagara is rebuilding & a defender like Favot should interest them next year.Josh Kavanagh – Peterborough Petes(ETAHL)  Kavanagh was a key defenseman for last year’s Sudbury Minor Midgets & despite a broken wrist, he was selected by the Peterborough Petes in the 5th round & it is already paying dividends. The Petes encouraged Kavanagh to play Major Midget in Peterborough while practicing with the OHL squad & it has been a recipe for success. Josh has already played in 7 OHL games & has scouts interested for next year’s NHL Entry Draft.Mitchell Martin – Rayside Balfour Canadians(NOJHL)  Mitchell was a 4th round pick by Kitchener last year & has become a key player for the surging Rayside Balfour team. Blessed with great size and skill, Mitchell is averaging over a point a game in the feisty NOJHL & his overall game has really improved and thus I expect he will be playing in the OHL next year as a regular for the Rangers.Ben Gaudreau – Sarnia Sting(OHL)  Gaudreau is a North Bay kid that went 7th overall to the Sarnia Sting & has had a number of phenomenal performances for the Sting. The OHL has proven to be extremely challenging for 16-year-old Goalies over the years but Ben has shown why he is the future in Sarnia & a Top Prospect for the 2020 NHL Draft.Devon Savignac – Blind River Beavers(NOJHL)  Savignac was an 9th round selection by North Bay in the OHL Draft last year & thus was heavily recruited by the Blind River Beavers after a strong OHL Training Camp. Savignac has stepped into the powerful Beavers lineup & become a reliable scorer with 21 goals already. Along with his finish, he is an electric skater that should be part of the rebuilding Battalion next year.I’m sure I’ve missed a few Players but I wanted to highlight a few of those that are playing around the province & excelling while still having Northern Ontario roots. As I mentioned earlier, I think the AAA system has to be rectified in Sudbury but in spite of that, this list shows that we still produce elite hockey talent in God’s country.Those are my Deep Thoughts…

Deep ThoughtsWithMark SeidelDeep Thoughts: Welcome to a special Sunday Night Deep Thoughts which represent my PERSONAL views & don’t reflect ANY Organization that I work with! I’ve become much more “sensitive” to others feelings but if you are easily offended, unfollow if you don’t want them.DT: A LOT of things bug me on a daily basis but right at the top of the list are people who have NO idea about Junior hockey for 48 weeks a year but during the WJC’s, they become experts. They opine about who should play for Canada, whine about who was cut & generally embarrass themselvesDT: Exhibit A: This guy @IanGraph decides to write that the Hunter brothers are 2 of the most overrated hockey minds. Firstly, I’m going to need some evidence from this “expert”. They’ve built a model franchise in London & constantly produce & promote quality NHL players. con't..DT: They selected the youngest Can. WJC Team in history & won Gold in Europe. Yes they have faults like we all do but your fancy graphs/stats need fine tuning before you say such mindless things. #SometimesItIsBestToKeepYourMouthShutAndBeThoughtAFoolInsteadOfOpeningItAndProvingItDT: My motto for 25 years with the WJC’s is that a Draft Eligible can’t hurt themselves in the event but they can certainly help themselves. Alex Lafreniere helped himself a lot as the tournament MVP & most dangerous offensive player on the ice at all times.DT: People want to jump on Quinton Byfield for his performance for Team Canada & think he falls in the Draft but that is foolish. He had a very limited role & didn’t do anything with the opportunities he was given but he is still one of the Top 2 players in the Draft.DT: For me, the Draft Eligible’s that really impressed were Tim Steutzle(So slick/confident) & JJ Peterka(Pro shot) from Germany, Jamie Drysdale(Skates like Coffey) from Canada, Jan Mysak(Dangerous in offensive zone) from the Czech’s, Simon Knak(Always involved) with SUI.DT: I watched Riley Stillman in Ottawa last week for Florida & he was phenomenal. It was good to see a kid work his way though the OHL and then the AHL until he becomes a solid Pro. Riley has done that & his pairing with Aaron Ekblad was too much for the Sens to handle.DT: Random thought about 3 on 3 Overtime. Goalies should ALWAYS try to negate an icing by playing the puck. It is all about possession & why teams would let an icing occur for a 50/50 face-off makes no sense. I’d have my goalie play the odd one in 5 on 5 too.#PossessThePuckDT: It doesn’t matter your politics but you had to love @RickyGervais monologues at the Golden Globes. To call out the phony & shallow & lecturing & condescending elite in Hollywood was brilliant. No holds barred & worth the watch if you haven’t seen it. https://twitter.com/i/status/1214063372494344192DT: As for OHL Trade Deadline, I’m a bit biased but I LOVED what the @Barriecolts did. To move out older assets for really good young players & also get seven 2nds and three 3rds is a phenomenal haul & the foundation for a League Champion has been laid.DT: I also liked what Peterborough, Oshawa & North Bay did. PBO got the WJC hero in Akil Thomas while Oshawa got Tomasino who will be the best player in the League next year & North Bay managed their limited assets very well for good value while adding Bulitka & Winslow.DT: As for Akil Thomas & Phil Tomasino, I’m proud to have been part of the @OHLIcedogs Scouting Group that drafted these 2 kids. Not only were they great for the IceDogs but both kids are phenomenal human beings. The Icedogs used them to re-stock Draft Picks but they won’t be forgotten.DT: The Mississauga Steelheads seem to fly under the radar with both Fans and Scouts but 2 hidden gems that they have for the 2020 NHL draft are James Hardie & Ole Bjorgvik-Holm. Hardie will end up with 35 goals & plays hard & OBH just gets better every game with his poise & size.DT: It never fails to amaze me how many “Scouts” don’t spend any time watching the League they're scouting. Example, Minor Midget scouts HAVE to watch OHL games to fully understand how previous players fit in versus what you projected. Same philosophy applies for NHL Scouts too.DT: Let me be clear. I love Matthew Tkachuk & he could play for me anytime but they can’t have it both ways. If he wants to lay predatory hits, he needs to stand up and be accounted for. He clearly targeted Kassian but then bailed on answering the bell. He’ll learn but it’s a bad look.DT: Hey @HockeyCanada @NOHAHockey @HEOhockey @GTHLHockey Can we get clarity about whether Northern Ontario/Ottawa kids will be able to play in the OHL Cup? We are in the middle of January & still no answer about whether these kids will get some exposure! #ItsAboutTheKidsThough

Deep Thoughts WithMark SeidelThe Battle for #1 OverallAs we are at the dawn of the 2020 World Junior Hockey Championships & hockey fans gather around their televisions to watch teenagers from across this country battle against other nations top players, there will be one interesting sub plot to the whole event. The battle to be the 1st overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft has ostensibly come down to 2 kids and they are teammates on Team Canada. Alexis Lafreniere and Quinton Byfield have separated themselves from the pack and thus every move they make, interview they give & play they make on the ice will be scrutinized by fans and scouts alike. Throughout the tournament, you will hear names like Lundell, Askarov, Stuetzle, Raymond, Rossi & Holtz as the “experts” discuss the top picks for the Draft but make no mistake, this battle is between Lafreniere & Byfield. As the tournament begins, I fully expect that you will see Alexis Lafreniere featured a lot more than Quinton Byfield for the simple fact that he played for Team Canada last year & he is almost 1 year older. He will be one of the offensive focal points after putting up a staggering 70 points in 32 games in the QMJHL this season. As a rookie on this team, Byfield will be lower in the lineup & be asked to play more of a role because of the incredible depth to his game, his ability to play Centre or Left Wing & his tremendous skating ability. Based on how this tournament should unfold and  their individual roles, a lot of fans and pundits will reach the end of fortnight and deem Lafreniere the top player for the Draft in June. But should they? Firstly, as I mentioned earlier, Quinton Byfield is almost a full year younger and that development window is hugely important. Secondly, he plays the Centre position with a 6’4 frame and has incredible skating ability. He also has a more complete game away from the puck than Lafreniere does & he still has to really fill in physically. I see him in the NHL in 5 years as a cross between Alexander Barkov & Anze Kopitar. On the other hand, there is no doubt in my mind that Lafreniere is the better player at this time and his ability to generate offense is breathtaking. He has a pro shot & is extremely underrated as a playmaker. Furthermore, his leadership is impressive & his hockey IQ is elite for any player inside the NHL or outside of it. When Lafreniere reaches his ceiling in the NHL I think he will be a cross between Pat Lafontaine & Jonathon Huberdeau. In the scouting world we have to make hard decisions & forecast what a player will be like when they are 25 years old & thus the question becomes “Who would you take 1st overall in the 2020 Draft at this moment”? There is still 6 months to go before the Draft in Montreal and a lot can change but contrary to most Pundits & Scouts, my choice would be Quinton Byfield from the Sudbury Wolves. Alexis Lafreniere is going to be an offensive catalyst in the NHL but Byfield will become the big, stud Centreman that every team highly covets. I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas & a prosperous & Happy New Year! Those are my Deep Thoughts. – Mark Seidel

Deep ThoughtsWithMark SeidelDeep Thoughts: Welcome to another Deep Thoughts which represent my PERSONAL views & don’t reflect ANY Organization that I work with! This edition has many different thoughts so unfollow if you don’t want them but don’t complain about the content if you stay.DT: For everyone out there that is thinking Kyle Dubas is on the hot seat, you couldn’t be further from the truth. VERY rarely is a GM fired without being able to hire his own Coach. Kyle will be afforded the opportunity at some point, to bring his own guy in.DT: All of this talk of back to back games for NHL Players being so difficult is utterly ridiculous. The private planes, the chef prepared meals, the 5+ star hotels, the massage therapy, the lack of physical play & so much more should afford no player or team an excuse.DT: I made this rant before & I’m sure my Analytic friends will shoot it down but not having Goalies play on consecutive nights is ridiculous. We fully expect Forwards & Defensemen who play 25 minutes a night while blocking shots & endure some physical play to gear up & “tenders get a pass.DT: More Analytic fodder. Players like Ryan Reaves, Austin Watson & Tom Wilson are HIGHLY coveted by most GM’s in the League despite the average fan thinking they can’t play. It can’t be quantified by numbers but skilled Teams need that presence to make everyone more comfortable.DT: The Nick Foligno suspension is completely unfair. He got a piece of Bellemare’s head & that's unfortunate but a player with Foligno’s track record has to be taken into account. He’s played every shift incredibly hard & never once been suspended. Things happen at high speeds.DT: The Don Cherry firing was very predictable for so many reasons but like most things, it came down to money. Sportsnet wanted to part ways this summer when they purged great people but the advertising revenue was too attractive for Coach’s Corner so they retained him.DT: His comments started a firestorm & advertisers knew that they would be targeted if they stuck with him so they bailed & Sportsnet responded. For all the moral indignation & weak apologies out there about his comments, it came down to money & not some moral line in the sand.DT: On the topic of Remembrance Day & the National Anthem, could people at sporting events show a little class & pay respect to these traditions. I’m not sure if it’s a millennial thing or self-absorbed people but it sickens me the way people react when these honourable practices take place.DT: George Burnette has been around the OHL for a very long time but I think his finest work has been done over the past few years in Guelph. He really loaded up & got his team to the Memorial Cup last year & has bounced back this year with another quality team.DT: We are now into November & teams are starting to figure out whether they are buyers or sellers so I’d suggest to those teams that are selling, they should do it sooner rather than later. I see a lot of potential Sellers so the market will get flooded very quickly.DT: As I often do, I go back & review our previous rankings to see where we missed or hit & it appears that our rankings of Arthur Kaliyev(17) & Nick Roberston(19) look pretty good so far since both were 2nd rounders. Both have lit the OHL up this season & appear destined for great things.DT: Tyson Foerster is a player that a bunch of NHL Scouts want to talk to me about quietly. Some question his skating but I’m telling you that his high hockey IQ, feel for the game, finishing skills & ability to make others better will transfer to the NHL so people shouldn’t sleep on him.DT: Some players at the recent Under 17 Championships that impressed are as follows: Cole Sillinger, Corson Ceulemans, Simon Edvinsson, Brandt Clarke, Prokhor Poltapov, Danny Zhilkin, Dylan Guenther, Nikita Chibrikov, Chaz Lucius & Sean Behrens.DT: The Under-age kids that were impossible to ignore & most notable of those was the incredible Brad Lambert. It will be a good year to finish last in the OHL this year because you can draft Lambert 1st overall in the Import Draft & Adam Fantilli 1st in the Priority Selection.DT: I will say I was very pleased with the performance of the Northern Ontario kids at the Under 17’s as well. Ben Gaudreau, Max McCue & Chase Stillman all showed why they will be high NHL Draft picks in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

Deep ThoughtsWithMark SeidelDeep Thoughts: Welcome to another Deep Thoughts which represent my PERSONAL views & don’t reflect ANY Organization that I work with! This edition is LONG with many different thoughts so unfollow if you don’t want them.DT: I saw that the QMJHL has decided to retire #87 for all teams in the League and they should be commended because the Kid is a legend & deserves all of the commendation for not only his play on the ice but also his comportment off of it.DT: It reminds me of how lucky we are that all of our All-Time greats are phenomenal people. Gretzky, Orr, Lemieux, Howe, Beliveau, Crosby were all not only amazing on the ice but off of it too. The 3 other major sports could only wish the same for their greats.DT: Now that Patrik Laine has re-signed in Winnipeg, we will see how he adapts his behaviors to regain respect from his leadership group with the Jets. It is no secret that Scheifele & his lieutenants have had concerns but Jets fans can only hope he matures.DT: People can criticize Dubas & Leafs about the deals but they chose long term control with cost certainty. Buying Free Agents years is costly. The “Bridge” deals look good now but in 4 years with a much bigger Cap, $11M may look good (Exception: Not as good as Rantanen though!)DT: When you have that much Cap tied up in 4 guys, you obviously have to fill in the roster with cheaper Players & it seems to me they’ve done a good job. That and huge Drafting value (Sandin #29, Robertson #53, Durzi #52 & Dermott #34) allow you to have flexibility.DT: Lastly on the Leafs, I have to believe they would love to claim Casey DeSmith on waivers to back up Frederic Anderson instead of Michael Hutchinson but the cap constraints are so tight that I’m not sure how they can do it. Paging Brandon Pridham…DT: This wave of RFA’s & the big dollars signings is a progressing trend that is only going to get more prevalent. Obviously, the talent in this year’s group is unique & whether it was a Bridge Deal or a Long Term extension, this is going to become the norm. Because…DT: The amount of young players being “promoted” to play in the NHL at such a young age with Entry level contracts to help to alleviate cap issues is creating opportunities & stats that generate RFA leverage. In the old days, these kids were in the AHL & 2nd contracts were easierDT: I’m on an Island here but I expect Buffalo to be vastly improved this year. Ralph Krueger is a smart guy that has some really unique ideas that I think will get a lot more out of those players. I'm wary in net but I expect we’ll see Luukkonen fairly soon #CarterHartModelDT: I REALLY love what DJ Smith is doing in Ottawa. Obviously, they are in a full re-build but people will learn that he is an exceptional Coach & his teams will NEVER take shortcuts. It will be long & tedious but these lessons Smith puts in now will bear fruit in years to come.DT: There are not many people in this game that are universally liked by EVERYBODY but Dale Hawerchuk is one of those outliers. He has treated everyone with class & respect over the years & although he is temporarily off the bench in Barrie, we are all thinking of him.DT:DT:DT:DT: Quinton Byfield has been unbelievable & the improvement from last year is breath taking. He can simply do what he wants on the ice and there isn’t much anyone can do to stop it. He has moved ahead of a great crop of prospects, including Lafreniere into the #1 spot overall.DT: One of the biggest reasons he’s jumped the others is that this his 2nd year in Major Junior (compared to Lafreniere’s 3rd year), he is a 6’4 Centreman that can skate and handle the puck like a much smaller player. Last guy that I saw like this was Joe Thornton.DT: That shouldn’t be taken as a slight to Lafreniere because I think he will dominate the QMJHL this year & be a part of the World Junior team. He is an exceptional player & will become a star in the NHL but the big Centreman that Byfield is noses him out for now.DT: This draft has everything & will go down as a great Draft. You want slick scoring wingers, you can have Perfetti or Raymond or Holtz. Franchise goalie? Askarov. Defenseman to build around? Drysdale or Barron. Patrice Bergeron Jr? Hendrix Lapierre. It’s a buffet!DT: Our NACS October rankings for the 2020 NHL Draft: 1.Q.Byfield  2.A.Lafreniere  3.L.Raymond  4.Y.Askerov  5.C.Perfetti  6.A.Holtz  7.H.Lapierre  8.J.Drysdale  9.M.Rossi  10.A.Lundell  11.B.Schneider  11.J.Barron  12.S.Mukhamadullin  13.J.Poirier  14.D.Holloway  15.K.GuhleDT: NACS Top 31 Con’t… 16.R.O’Rourke  11.B.Schneider  18.N.Gunler 19.B.Schneider 20.A.Stranges  21.L.Cormier  22.W.Cuyle  23.J.Sanderson  24.JL.Foudy 25.T.Klevin  26.D.Hunt  27.C.Zary  28.J.Mysak  29.T.Stutzle  30.R.Amirov  31.L.Tuch DT: Some other names to watch throughout this year for the ’20 Draft include Jaromir Pytlik, Jake Neighbors, Mavrik Bourque, Seth Jarvis, Theo Rochette, Ryder Rolston, William Villeneuve, Martin Chromiak, Rubin Rafkin, Roni Hirvonen & Tyson Foerster.DT: I have to acknowledge John Winstanley for his handling of Adam Fantilli situation. IMO Fantilli is good enough to be in the OHL this year & would have made JRC the clear favorites but Winstanley did the admirable thing & put family choice over personal success. That's rare.DT: The Evander Kane incident last night is a great example of how Officials have gone overboard in trying to break up issues. Kane will be punished for his shove of the Linesman (& should be) but ever since the Kevin Collins days, some linesmen try to be a hero & worsen things.

Deep ThoughtsWithMark SeidelDeep Thoughts: Welcome to another Deep Thoughts which represent my PERSONAL views & don’t reflect ANY Organization that I work with! This edition is LONG with Draft Grades & thoughts so unfollow if you don’t want them.DT: I’ll give a Draft Grade for every team along with listing 1 guy that they took that I like & why. People who don’t like Draft Grades can kiss my ass. If we do rankings, we should step up & grade teams based on OUR evaluations & not be afraid to publish them.DT: Those grades are then part of your history & can be reviewed in the years to come by everyone so that people can determine who should have credibility & who shouldn’t. If you don’t like ‘em, don’t read ‘em. If you’re scared, buy a dog.DT: Anaheim – Grade A - 5 of 7 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Jackson Lacombe; Shattuck – Good sized defenseman that was under-valued but has a really high ceiling.DT: Arizona – Grade B Minus - 5 of 9 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Valentin Nussbaumer; Biel – To get Nussbaumer (in the 7th round) who is a very slick Centreman that has a lot of offensive ability so late is a steal.DT: Boston - Grade B - 3 of 5 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: John Beecher; US-NTDP – Beecher was overshadowed all year & he has more offense than most think. He is a big body that can play 200 feet & heavy.DT: Buffalo - Grade C - 2 of 6 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Dylan Cozens; Lethbridge – Buffalo was fortunate that the Cozens fell to them because I liked him more than Dach & they’ve got a long term solution at Centre.DT: Calgary - Grade A - 4 of 5 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Ilya Nikolaev; Yaroslavl – Kid has all of the tools you want including skill, hockey IQ, vision & compete. His feet will get better as he goes forward.DT: Carolina - Grade A+ - 10 of 12 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Jamieson Rees; Sarnia – This kid plays fast with character & grit & has plenty of skill to play in the NHL. Nothing not to like about this player.DT: Chicago - Grade B - 5 of 6 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Alex Vlasic; US-NTDP – Vlasic has a huge frame & he showed throughout the year that he could play a key role on the dominant US-NTDP team.DT: Colorado - Grade A - 6 of 8 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Bowen Byram; Vancouver – They got ANOTHER stud defenseman to match up with current prospects & it came from the Matt Duschene deal.DT: Columbus - Grade D - 0 of 3 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick:Eric Hjorth; Linkoping – When you only have 3 picks & the first isn’t until #104, its tough be happy but Hjorth is a big, mobile Defenseman that has some offense.DT: Dallas - Grade B-  - 3 of 4 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Ben Brinkman; Edina High - The skilled defender wrapped up his career at Edina High & is headed to the University of Minnesota where he will have 4 years to mature his game with the GophersDT: Detroit - Grade A - 6 of 11 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Albin Grewe; Djurgarden - We had Seider at #5 overall so its hard to pass on that but Albin Grewe in the 3rd round might was the best pick of Saturday. He will be loved by teammates & despised by everyone else.DT: Edmonton - Grade A-   - 2 of 6 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Phillip Broberg; AIK – There was a lot of angst with this pick & I have no idea why. Broberg is a big kid that can fly & handles the puck pretty well. Don’t overthink it.DT: Florida - Grade B-  - 4 of 9 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Vladislav Kolyachonok; Flint – Entered the year as a probable 1st rounder & although it took a while to adjust to North America, the kid might have played a solid 26 minutes a night in Flint.DT: Los Angeles - Grade A - 5 of 9 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Arthur Kaliyev; Hamilton – Anytime you can get a mid 1st round talent in the 2nd round, you run to the stage. Work ethic, away from the puck, skating, blah, blah, blah…The kid can & will score.DT: Minnesota - Grade C+ - 6 of 8 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Marshall Warren; US-NTDP – We told anyone that would listen that Warren would fall but to get a kid with that skillset in the 6th round is good work. Needs a lot of work but he’ll have 4 years at BC to improve.DT: Montreal - Grade C+ - 2 of 10 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Cole Caufield; US-NTDP – The dimunitive scorer became the underdog that everyone can cheer for but the kidis a pure goal scorer. Can really fire it & a character kid. #PocketDynamiteDT: Nashville - Grade B - 4 of 8 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Phil Tomasino; Niagara – When you get our top ranked OHL’er late in the 1st, you have done well. Speed, skill & character made this an easy pick& teams will kick themselves for passing.DT: New Jersey - Grade  - 7 of 11 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Nikita Okhotyuk; Ottawa – Its hard not to name Hughes but the rugged rearguard from Russia reminds me of Vladislav Konstantinov. Everyone keeps their head up when he is on the ice & great work ethic.DT: New York Islanders - Grade D - 2 of 5 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Samuel Bolduc; Blainville Boisbriand – The big LS Defenseman will never wow anyone with his skills but he has size & plays a very clean game.DT: New York Rangers - Grade  - 5 of 8 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Leevi Aaltonen; KalPa – For the Rangers to get a player like Aaltonen in the 5th round who can absolutely fly. Will never produce big NHL points but can play on their 3rd/4th line.DT: Ottawa - Grade B+ - 4 of 6 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Mads Sogaard; Medicine Hat – When you can find a 6’8 goalie with athleticism, you should always jump at the chance. Has a chance to be an NHL starterDT: Philadelphia - Grade B+ - 3 of 7 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Bobby Brink; Sioux City – The knock on this kid is his skating but I think his stride will get better. What they do get is a kid that dominated the USHL & jumped right into the US18 team & made a difference.DT: Pittsburgh - Grade C+ - 3 of 5 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Nathan Legare; Baie Comeau – Legare was a stud for Baie Comeau all year by scoring & playing hard & then he went to the Under 18’s & played hard & scored. #PatternDT: San Jose - Grade C - 3 of 5 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Yegor Spirodonov; Magnitigorsk – I don’t think Spirodonov will be an offensive catalyst but he is a workhorse Centreman that plays heavy & hard. Will fit right into the Sharks.DT: St. Louis - Grade B - 3 of 5 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Keean Washkurak; Mississauga – The best value pick in the draft & it isn’t close. This kid will find a way & will make every team better. Tough, character, sneaky IQ. I love him.DT: Tampa Bay - Grade C - 4 of 7 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Maxim Cajkovic; Saint John – Came into the year as a potential 1st rounder who never seemed to get comfortable but I can’t forget the skill & upside this kid showed last year.DT: Toronto - Grade A-  - 3 of 5 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Nick Robertson; Peterborough – His brother led the OHL in scoring & he has those same offensive instincts. Did I mention he skates WAY better too. Perfect fit for the small, skilled Leafs.DT: Vancouver - Grade B - 3 of 9 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Vasili Podkolzin; St. Petersburg – It is a risky pick but if this kid gets his consistency fixed he can have a big impact on the coast. Skill but a worker & high IQ make him attractive #BoomOrBustDT: Vegas - Grade A-  - 8 of 8 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Donovan Ryder; Duluth – We’ve learned to be wary of Minnesota high school kids but this kid has all the tools as a 2 wat Centreman. Headed to Wisconsin for 4 years or less.DT: Washington - Grade B+ - 4 of 4 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Alexei Protas; Prince Albert – The massive Centreman was overshadowed all year by Brett Leason but he just kept getting better every month. Was effective at the Memorial Cup.DT: Winnipeg - Grade B-  - 4 of 5 were on our Top 170  Favorite Pick: Henri Nikkanen; Jukurit – Nikkanen had a really tough year because of injuries but when he played, he was good. Solid size & good feet will give him a chance.DT: Some of the guys that didn’t get drafted that I was shocked were Daniel Gutik, Billy Constantineau, Vojtech Strondala, Oleg Zaitsev, Keegan Stevenson, Taylor Gauthier & Brayden Guy. Teams made mistakes on these kids but it’s a long road.DT: You have to give it to Kyle Dubas. He has a plan & a philosophy on the way the game should be played & how to win & he isn’t varying from it. His scouts keep getting him the players he wants so now we’ll see if it works.DT: PK Subban is one of the most charitable, generous, community building guys in the NHL & the cities he has played in are better for having him but he drives teammates crazy & he is on his 3rd team because of it. He ain’t changing so New Jersey should get ready. Good & bad.DT: I was one of the dumb guys who had Jesse Pulujarvi at #3 in his draft year & I truly think that Edmonton has to move on. They’re going to get 40 cents on the dollar but the relationship isn’t salvageable. Cut your losses & move on & it won't break Connor's heart.DT: IT drives me nuts every time a YOUNG player gets signed to a long term deal for good money & people lose their minds. History tells us that there will be a few bad deals but primarily, those deals look way better in 3 years.DT: If ANYONE thinks that Mitch Marner is signing for less than a 29 year old Erik Karlsson who has had injury issues, they need their head examined. The kid has done everything right thus far & he is only 22 so the number will blow people away.DT: I know Marner would love to stay in Toronto & play in his hometown & that will be his dilemma but if people think Ferris/Marner are going to give a big hometown discount, it won’t happen. They think they should write their own ticket but Dubas will push back. #NoEasySolutionDT: I agree that it was a historic year with the US-U18 squad this year & they had 17 players drafted but can we pump the brakes on the US starting to dominate hockey. They picked the best 20 players in 1 birth year in a country of 327 million & played together for 2 years con'tDT: In, what most agree is an average year in Canada, there would have been (12) 1st Round Picks, (3) 2nd round picks, (3) 3rd round picks, a 4th round pick & a 7th round pick. 

Deep ThoughtsWithMark SeidelDeep Thoughts: Welcome to another Deep Thoughts which represent my PERSONAL views & don’t reflect ANY Organization that I work with! This edition will have thoughts from all around the hockey world among other things & it is LONG so unfollow if you don’t want them.DT: Everyone else is weighing in on the Hughes-Kakko debate so why not join the fray. I've said all year the gap is significant but that has changed because of how good Kakko has been. Jack Hughes is still my #1 but Kakko's play has to make NJ think long & hard until late June.DT: These 2 remind me of the battle between Matthews & Laine. USA born Matthews was the clear cut favorite all year but the Finn, Laine kept getting better & lit the World Championships up. Both are NHL superstars now & these 2 will be as well.DT: Anyone that doesn’t think Bowen Byram isn’t the 3rd best Prospect heading into the Draft wasn’t paying attention to the WHL Playoffs. This kid did things that very few have ever done & teams want players that are always getting better & Byram is precisely that.DT: If we stick with the theme of the '16 Draft, who's going to become the Jesse Puljujarvi of this class? There are candidates but I could see Podkolzin becoming that guy. All kinds of talent but indifferent at times & inability to keep getting better might catch up with him.DT: Another kid blossoming at the end of the year is Cole Caufield & his goal scoring. My question is if Arthur Kaliyev was on that team & riding shotgun, how many goals would he get? Both are guys that have warts but are pure goal scorers & those are gold in the NHL.DT: Caufield had 72 goals playing against USHL & International teams this year while Kaliyev had 51 playing in the OHL. Kaliyev is bigger but Caufield has more passion. Kaliyev had 51 assists while Caufield had 28. Kaliyev played on an average team & Caufield had a powerhouse.DT: Neither Caufield or Kaliyev are great skaters & defensively they both lack some intensity so in my mind, it’s a coin toss. By their very nature, they have to be ranked close to each other but guys that have 20 spots between them are being fooled by the U18’s.DT: With the huge success of the US-NTDP U18’s, some guys won’t get the credit they deserve. I happen to think that Cam York is one of those guys. He obviously had a great U18’s but he has been a catalyst all year for them on the back end & is perfect for the new NHL.DT: On the flip side of that coin, we will all look back & be amazed at some players on the US-NTDP were over valued at the Draft. For me, that candidate is Marshall Warren. I LOVED him in Minor Midget & thought he’d be a GREAT junior but I’m not sure it translates to the NHL.DT: Eric Ciccolini who I have had a love/not love relationship in my evaluation of him throughout the year has now signed his Letter of Commitment with Michigan. He dominated the OJHL at times this year & going to school will help him get stronger for a few years down the road.DT: I have to admit that I didn’t see Guelph winning the OHL title. Down 3-0 to LDN 7 2-0 to OTT, I never foresaw this happening. I’ve been critical of George Burnett in the past but he deserves an A+ for the GM & Coaching job he’s done with this group. VERY happy for Jake Grimes too!DT: I constantly see guys going from Major Junior or the NCAA to the NHL & sometimes they make sense but can someone explain to me how an NHL Team hasn’t jumped all over @HDBrownie2000 This guy built a powerhouse in Erie & is reloading it again for another run!DT: Around the OHL, it would appear that Mason Mctavish is making plans to go play in Switzerland this upcoming season because he won’t go to Peterborough. I’m not sure it happens but it does give them leverage on where he will be traded to (Sarnia??) on September 1st.DT: The other interesting OHL 1st rounder that has said he won’t report is Wyatt Johnston in Windsor. It was no secret that the Hamilton Bulldogs loved the player so that could be a destination in September with the possibility of Tag Bertuzzi coming back, closer to home.DT: All of the hand wringing about the sale of Windsor Spitfires to Azim Parekh is becoming a little much. He drafted his ’03 Son in the 5th round & his older Son in the un-important U18 Draft. That puts him in the same category as dozens of other owners over the past 20 years!DT: The real test will be if he demands that the kids play on the team and if so, how much? As far as I know, the youngest son Isa is set to play Major Midget in Toronto this winter so perhaps we can hold off on the condemnation & innuendo until we see how it plays out.DT: I’m not going to grade the OHL Draft but I really did love the selections of @SpiritHockey I thought they mixed in 4 or 5 kids that will play with some potential home run Americans. Recruiting is a tough business but Dave Drinkill has done it before w/ Wilde, Jenkins, etc..DT: The other team that I thought did a very good job was the @KingstonFronts  Obviously Shane Wright will be a superstar but they added a bunch of pieces that will grow together as that team tries to rebuild from the misguided run in 2018 that emptied the cupboards.DT: I know I’ve said this before but I’m absolutely AMAZED that an NHL Team hasn’t come knocking on Sheldon Keefe’s door & offered him the keys to the Kingdom. All this guy does is win & develop players. Those are 2 pretty important traits that I’d want in my coach!DT: Players for the ’19 NHL Draft that are really moving up are Moritz Seider, Patrik Puistola, Keegan Stevenson, Ryder Donovan, Jamieson Rees, Albin Grewe, Bobby Brink, Keean Washkurak, Yegor Spirodonov, Graeme Clarke, Cole Moberg & Leevi Aaltonen.DT: Lastly, it appears that Aaron Nagy has left Newport Sports as an Agent to work in a different field & I’d like to acknowledge him. He has always been a great kid that has worked hard, served his clients & done a great job & I wish him well in his new path.

Deep ThoughtsWithMark SeidelFor this edition of Deep Thoughts, I decided to take a look at the upcoming OHL Priority Selection on Saturday & gave some names to watch for early in the Draft. There will be significant local content with quite a few players from the Sudbury Minor Midget Wolves being selected but below are some of the top players eligible with a few Americans that may make things interesting.Shane Wright – Don Mills – RC – 6’0  183 lbs. – Shane Wright was granted Exceptional Status to enter the OHL a year early & is only the 5th player to be granted the status (John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad, Connor McDavid & Sean Day). He was the best player in Minor Midget this year despite being a year younger & will bring speed and skill to Kingston & will have to carry the franchise.Brandt Clarke – Don Mills – RD – 6’01 174 lbs. – The best defenseman in the Draft is the younger brother of the Ottawa 67’s star, Graeme Clark. Brandt has a very high hockey IQ with a low panic threshold who can make plays & generate offense from the back end. If Erie doesn’t take him than I can’t see Barrie passing on him.Brendan Othmann – Don Mills – LW – 5’11 161 lbs. – Othmann was a key player for Team Ontario at the Canada Winter Games & is a scoring machine. He has a pro shot & a nose for the net that has a lot of similarities to Jason Robertson, the OHL scoring leader in Niagara. A very likely pick to Flint at #2 overall.Mason McTavish – Pembroke – LC – 6’01  196 lbs. – The son of Dale McTavish, a high scoring winger for the Peterborough Petes back in the early 90’s. Mason can play the game any way the opposition wants with a physical edge & arguably the best stick skills in the draft.Roman Schmidt – Don Mills – RD – 6’05 209 lbs. – The massive defender from the Don Mills Flyer powerhouse, Schmidt has accepted a scholarship to Boston University but it will be interesting to see if the smooth skating defender with a big shot from the point comes to the OHL or not.Connor Lockhart – Kanata - RC – 5’09 161 lbs. – Lockhart isn’t very big but he is lightning quick to get to loose pucks & distributes the puck really well. The slick RC put up 2 points a game in the Ottawa U18 AAA Midget League & he was a key contributor on Team Ontario at the Canada Winter games.Francesco Pinelli – Toronto Red Wings – LC – 6’0  176 lbs. – Pinelli helped lead his Toronto Red Wing team all year in the competitive GTHL as an effective Centreman that showed that he can play the game in all 3 zones while scoring. He combined with the underage superstar Adam Fantilli to push Don Mills to overtime in the OHL Cup final.Danny Zhilkin – Toronto Marlboros – LC – 6’01 185 lbs. – Zhilkin is a smooth skating centreman that is always a scoring threat when he is on the ice. In my opinion he is underrated for the Draft & a Boston University commitment may see him fall but I’m betting he will become a star in the OHL.Ben Gaudreau – North Bay – G – 6’02 165 lbs. – The North Bay product has the perfect combination of athletic ability, technical expertise & the mindset to become a star in the OHL & beyond. He is best Minor Midget goaltender that I’ve ever seen in the Draft & I’ll be shocked if he doesn’t get taken in the 1st round.Chase Stillman – Sudbury – RC – 5’10 174 lbs. – The son of Sudbury Wolves Coach Cory Stillman & the grandson of OHL legend Bud Stefanski, Chase Stillman has accepted a scholarship to Providence College but there will be significant OHL interest in him because of his work with Team Ontario & as a stellar call-up with the Rayside Balfour Canadians of the NOJHLIsaac Enright – Pembroke – RD – 6’0 170 lbs. – Enright is a mobile defender that has a very complete game. He has shown that he has offensive upside while being a reliable defender in his own end & thus can play in all situations. A little underrated but will become a big piece for a team.Luke Hughes – Detroit Little Caesars – LD – 6’00 150 lbs. – The youngest brother of both Quinn(VAN) & Jack Hughes(NHL 1st Overall 2019), the slick defender isn’t as polished as his acclaimed brothers yet but he still very good with a high ceiling. He is committed to the University of Michigan so I expect he will fall in the draft but he will be worth the risk later in the Draft.Colby Saganiuk – Pittsburgh – RC – 5’05  150 lbs. – The grandson of the former Toronto Maple Leaf, Rocky is a very slick, smart & skilled Centreman. He has yet to receive an NCAA commitment but he does have an offer from the US U17 Program. I expected him to be in the OHL next year & to become a tremendous offensive player but we will see how it plays out.Red Savage – Compuware – LC/W – 5’10 161 lbs. – The son of former NHL’er & Sudbury local, Brian Savage, Red continues to get better each month & is always a threat on the ice. He has a full scholarship offer to Brian’s alma mater, Miami University & he has been accepted into the USA Hockey NTDP Under 17 program but if the right situation presented itself, I still think he may end up in the OHL.Sasha Pastujov – Compuware – LW – 5’11 175 lbs. – The brother of NCAA standouts Nick & Michael, Sasha has an offer to join Notre Dame in the NCAA after a tremendous year in Compuware playing for Ryan Barnes & the aforementioned Brian Savage by putting up points & dominating games at times. He is the one commitment that I think is a lock to go the NCAA route.

Deep Thoughts: Welcome to another Deep Thoughts which represent my PERSONAL views & don’t reflect ANY Organization that I work with! This edition will have thoughts from all around the hockey world among other things & it is LONG so unfollow if you don’t want them.DT: In complete transparency, I have to re-visit my pre-season predictions for the OHL & discuss my errors. These were my thoughts on the West on August 28th.1. London 2. Saginaw 3. Kitchener 4. Windsor 5. Owen Sound 6. Guelph 7. Sault Ste. Marie 8. Sarnia 9. Erie 10. FlintDT: In the East, these were my opinions before pre-season, warts and all: Eastern Conference 1. Niagara 2. Ottawa 3. Oshawa 4. Hamilton 5. Barrie 6. Peterborough 7. Sudbury 8. North Bay 9. Mississauga 10. Kingston  https://www.thesudburystar.com/sports/local-sports/seidel-top-storylines-heading-into-the-ohl-seasonDT: The biggest mistake that I made was with the Soo Greyhounds. I completely under-estimated the group that Kyle Raftis put together & the great job that John Dean has done. I expected them to sell off Hollowell, Frost, Howdeshell & Villalta & I was wrong.DT: You would think I would know the Sudbury Wolves pretty well but I was dead wrong on a 7th place finish. I knew Ukko Pekka Luukonen was a good prospect but I completely whiffed on how good he would be & Cory Stillman made them the hardest working team in the League.DT: I thought that Barrie would be much better than they finished up because I’m a huge fan of Dale Hawerchuk as a coach & I expected Maksim Zhukov to really solidify their goaltending. They moved Zhukov out & it turned out well b/c it gave Jet Greaves a chance to shine.DT: Windsor was disappointing for me because I completely expected all of their young players to take the next step this year & it really didn’t happen. I will say that I knew Will Culye would be great but I never foresaw the incredible future of Jean-Luc Foudy.DT: James Richmond did an incredible job in Mississauga despite selling off McLeod & Tippett & I would never have expected a 5th place finish with that group but guys like Washkurak, Schwindt & Carter did a great job & the coaches were a big part of that.DT: I’m happy that my expectations were met for Saginaw & Ottawa. I could never have foresaw the moves that both the Spirit & the 67’s would make but I had faith in both GM’s, James Boyd & Dave Drinkill to piece it together for great seasons.DT: I have to be completely honest in Deep Thoughts & I’d love to raise a controversy in my OHL playoff predictions but I can’t go against any of the favorites because of the disparity in points & the newer trend of top teams loading up & lower teams selling. Maybe in the 2nd round!DT: I read/listen to a lot of CHL coverage & I have to ask. Where's the probing, agitating & critical journalist gone? Today it's mostly propaganda pieces without any hard questions/legitimate Inquiry or criticism. Maybe the Paul Fixter-Peter Riucci blowup ended it but its needed!DT: I’m not looking for Geraldo Rivera-type investigative reports from local broadcasters & media but simply the willingness to challenge teams. Why didn’t a trade work out? Why can’t the team get out of a rut? Something…but instead we get pom pom’s and fanboys…SighDT: Many hockey vets expect that Kyle Dubas will acquiesce to Babcock if the Leaf’s go out early this year. I’m telling you that it won't happen. Kyle is open to new ideas but he believes in his vision of how to win a Cup & that isn’t changing. Babcock will be gone before Dubas.DT: Shane Wright put on a clinic at the OHL Cup & is certainly justified to gain Exceptional Status because he will be a star in Kingston but I really wish Adam Fantilli had applied as well. This kid is 11 months younger than Wright & I’m excited to watch them compete in the years to come.DT: It seems that Fantilli may be going to Shattuck St. Mary’s next year which will bring every NCAA school into the picture just like the denial of Exceptional Status for Matthew Savoie has seen him commit to the University of Denver but I expect both to still play in the CHL.DT: I don't want to discuss @NOHAHockey players b/c of the @OHLGoldCup but I will say our 2 Goaltenders were amazing. Jake Marois was outstanding & was a star vs.. Kitchener. For me, Ben Gaudreau is the best Minor Midget goaltending prospect that I’ve seen in 26 years. Period.DT: Don’t sleep on Luke Hughes from Little Caesars. He doesn’t have the hype or the refined game yet that his brothers had but this kid has the tools to become very special. He is committed to the U of M but I’d be making the calls. #JimandEllenNeedMoreKidsDT: Some other kids that really jumped up in the OHL Cup include Lawson Sherk(HAL), Daniel Michaud(QRD), Alex Atwill(TBK), Justin Ertel(TRW), Edward Moskowitz(DMF), Nolan Dann(TRW), Griffin Jurecki(DLC), Justin Wu(MIS) & Josh Rosenzsweig(TRW)DT: OHL Award Winners In My Opinion Outstanding Player: UP Luukonen – Led his team to a 4th place finish after being 20th last year & their record without him shows how valuable he was. Top Defenseman: Bode Wilde– A 2000 birthdate that jumped in & led the Spirit from the back endDT: Top Goalie: UP Luukonen–See Above. Top Rookie: Cole Perfetti–Led the league in rookie scoring & edged out Marco Rossi but was an offensive catalyst. Top Coach: Andre Tourigney–This 67’s team was built for next year but led them to dominate league. Best in game adjustments.DT: Top Overager: Justin Brazeau – He scored 61 goals & 2nd in scoring in a defensive system. Top GM: James Boyd – Got deals done without taking off his roster or the future. Top NHL Draft Prospect: Phil Tomasino – Fast, skilled, offensive & is rising in rankings like a rocketDT: Not sure about shakeups in staff in the OHL but I expect a few. There may be a couple teams sold which would mix things up, a few guys will go pro & a few owners are rumbling about making changes because of poor performance. #TheCarouselSpinsDT: Pay attention to some of the NCAA signings that have happened or will happen including Joel Farabee, Dante Fabbro, Cole Makar, Chad Krys, Jake Oettinger & Joseph Woll because the Goalies will go to the AHL next year but I expect the skaters to jump right into the NHLDT: I understand that there is a huge amount of attention paid to the undrafted NCAA Free Agents but I can never get too excited because I’ve seen these players get signed & become non-impactful. There are exceptions but generally they become small pieces to the puzzle.DT: I love my home city of Greater Sudbury b/c it has the best people in the world but these potholes are EMBARRASSING. I travel to a lot of cities both north & south of Sudbury & they don’t have anywhere close to this problem. #GetItRight #DontBlameTheColdWeather

Deep ThoughtsWithMark SeidelDeep Thoughts: Welcome to another Deep Thoughts which represent my PERSONAL views & don’t reflect ANY Organization that I work with! This edition will have thoughts from all around the hockey world among other things & it is LONG so unfollow if you don’t want them.DT: Remove Gerard Gallant in LVGK & the other 9 Head Coaches in the NHL Western Conference Top 10 have played a total of 48 NHL games. The idea that you have to have played in the NHL to coach today is dead. Communication, tactics & ability to adjust are necessary in today’s NHL.DT: AM34 is going to sign his new ticket soon so if anyone thinks Marner is coming in under $9M just doesn’t get it. Darren Ferris doesn’t play around while Mitch & his family have faced doubters every step of the way. A big ticket will validate he is one of the best in the NHL.DT: Full disclosure that we had Pulijarvi at #3 overall in 2016 ahead of Dubois, Tkachuk & Keller b/c we believed his frame & IQ were impressive. He still has time but EDM should move him as the fit isn’t there & McDavid’s body language indicates he doesn’t want to play with him.DT: If you want more proof that the NHL has changed forever. 5 of the current Top 7 scorers in the NHL are 6’0 or smaller. It’s not a secret the game is small & skilled these days but teams & scouts better change their bias against smaller players or they will miss the boat.DT:  Just like every year, Armchair Scouts & the Media want to try & create a huge debate about who is #1 in the 2019 NHL Draft. Let me be clear when I say that it is Jack Hughes. Kakko played well at the WJC’s & very well since but Hughes has the higher upside & stays at #1.DT: The dismissal of Todd Gill in Owen Sound is a bit strange as he’s a good guy & done a fine job but what most people are missing is the emergence of Joey Hishon & an expected bigger role. Hishon is a rising star in the game & has had multiple offers from teams so keep an eye out.DT: Andre Tourigny of the Ottawa 67’s is getting a lot of attention & I’m betting he's in the NHL in 19/20. If so, a name to keep in mind to replace him is David Bell. Currently an assistant in the AHL & former HC in Niagara, he is one of Brian Kilrea’s favorite former players.DT: The move of the Kootenay Ice from Cranbrook to Winnipeg is sad but an unfortunate sign of the times. The attendance in Cranbrook was very poor & the opportunity to go to a lucrative market was too much to ignore. The Ice have struggled but they do have some great young pieces.DT: I saw @FriedgeHNIC put a note in his 31 Thoughts about 3 @USportsca players that NHL teams are looking at. Those 3 are hot right now but NHL teams are more interested in that level than ever before. If you are a hockey fan, get out to see a game b/c it’s phenomenal hockey!DT: Speaking of 31 Thoughts, I’m not a shill for anyone but the podcast with @jeffMarek & @FriedgeHNIC is the best in the game. If you don’t listen, you should because it sounds like you are eavesdropping while those 2 & their guest just chat casually. #MustListenDT: Our Top 35 has really jumbled up in the last 45 days with guys moving up rapidly while some have dropped off. Here is our February Top 31: 1.Hughes  2.Kakko 3.Cozens 4.Turcotte5.Broberg 6.Dach 7. Zegras 8.Byram 9.Podkolzin 10.Boldy 11.N.Robertson 12.KrebsDT: 13.Kaliyev 14.M.Robertson 15.Harley 16.Caufield 17.Newhook 18.Foote 19.McMichael 20.Seider 21.Knight 22.York 23.Lavoie 24.Honka 25.Suzuki 26.Kokkonen 27.Leason 28.Tomasino 29.Bjornfoot 30.Beecher 31.Soderstrom 32.Rees 33.Pelletier 34.Kolyachonok 35.NikolaevDT: Some Prospect Thoughts: The USA U18 team is killing it with 8 in our Top 35; Last year we pumped Ty Dellandrea & people thought we were nuts so this year it’s Nick Robertson; Spencer Knight is the best goaltending prospect in a long timeDT: Some more Prospect Thoughts: Don’t sleep on the big German Moritz Seider; Brett Leason is the real deal despite being 2 years older than most; Suzuki & Honka both have Top 10 ability but they need to bring it every night; Tomasino & McMichael are really comingDT: In OHL Draft news, Team Ontario is prepping for the Canada Winter games & I like their team. I could quibble with a few picks but @DarrellWoodley1 has put a lot of work in & I’d suggest they are the heavy favorites to win gold but it’s always a challengeDT: Some guys I really like for the OHL Draft; Mason Mctavish(Favorite player in the draft) Red Savage, Landon Cato, Zach Betts, Roman Schmidt, Kobe Tallman, Ethan Larmand, Jon-Randall Avon, Daniel Michaud, Danny Zhilkin, Ryan Winterton, Braden Hache & Connor LockhartDT: Naturally, I didn’t name any of my players from Team @NOHAhockey for the OHL Cup b/c like my own children, I love them all equally. I will say that I expect a minimum of 10 to be drafted in April so we are going to make some noise & shock some people. #RISETogetherDT: Lastly, I’m going to start linking a former article or rankings that we have put together in each #DeepThoughts just to show how smart (or usually stupid) we have been in years past. Today’s is from our friends @LeafsHub prior to 2016 NHL Draft http://leafshub.com/draft-day-with-mark-seidel-2016-nhl-entry-draft-qa/

Deep Thoughts with Mark SeidelWorld Junior PreviewThe World Junior Hockey Championships are some hockey fan’s favorite time of the year. TSN has turned this tournament into a huge viewing spectacle and it showcases the best Junior players in the world for fans through the holiday season. Here is my prediction for the order of finish in the tournament and a few notes on some of the teams and players to watch.CanadaUSASwedenFinlandRussiaCzech RepublicCanada: The goaltending duo of Dipietro(VAN) & Scott(TOR) are the best pair in the tournament, however they will have to play well because of the inexperience on the Canadian blue line. They have studs like Evan Bouchard(EDM) and Noah Dobson(NYI) back there but the group as a whole is pretty raw. Up front, they have tremendous depth and skill with Maxime Comtois(ANA) leading the way with scoring machines like Frost(PHI), Tippett(FLA) and Suzuki(MTL) to back him up and make Canada’s powerplay very dangerous.USA: This team will also be exciting to watch with Quinton Hughes (VAN) and his younger brother Jack (2019 Eligible) lighting it up with a lot of offensive firepower and tremendous skill but the remaining back end will be this team’s achilles heel if they disappoint. It is my opinion that they will score a lot of goals but their defense and goaltending isn’t up to Canada’s level and the gold will elude them.Sweden: The Swedes come into the tournament with the best defense core in the tournament and quite frankly, it isn’t close. Their offense will be pushed from the back end with guys like Rasmus Sandin(TOR), Erik Brannstrom (LA), Adam Boqvist(CHI) and Nils Lundkvist(NYR) who can all skate and make plays. Up front, they lack a lot of firepower so it will be scoring by Committee but you can never count out a team with a defenseman like that. The Swedes won’t have their starting goaltender for a key opening night matchup against their rivals from Finland but I think they will right the ship and end up with Bronze.Finland: The Finns are a solid but unspectacular team from top to bottom but with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen(BUF) in net, Henri Jokiharju(CHI) playing defense and Eeli Tolvanen(NSH) up front, they certainly have a puncher’s shot once this gets into the playoffs. Luukkonen has been outstanding for the Sudbury Wolves and is going into the tournament brimming with confidence. Jokiharju has been phenomenal in Chicago this year and Tolvanen is the best pure scorer outside of the NHL so the aggressive and feisty Finns will not be an easy out.Russia: Russia missed the podium last year and I’m not sure they will get there this year with a better overall team than they have had in a few years but they lack the superstars they usually have. Daniil Tarasov(CBJ) will have to be great in net and Vitali Kravstov(NYR), Klim Kostin(PHI) & Vasili Podkolzin(2019 Draft Eligible) will try to score enough to will the Russians to the gold but unless others step up, I can’t see it.Czech Republic: The Czech’s are the biggest wildcard in the whole tournament because they feature 2 of the best forwards competing, Martin Necas(CAR) and Filip Zadina(DET). Both kids have shown they can play in the NHL and contribute and I expect them to be all over the scoresheet in this tournament but like most years, the Czech’s lack the depth to hang with the big boys.Movements away from one AAA Hockey AssociationIt was brought to my attention in mid-December that the Nickel City Hockey Association (NCHA) voted to stop participating in the process of creating one AAA Association within Greater Sudbury with the Sudbury Minor Hockey Association(SMHA). This is a path that both Associations, including myself, have been working very hard toward for 3 years and now it is essentially dead. SMHA opted to bring the concept to their AGM this summer and it was overwhelmingly approved by the membership which was a very positive step. Two weeks ago, the NCHA Board, by a vote of 4-1, passed a motion that they will be icing AAA teams in all divisions next year, including a potential Midget team instead of agreeing to continue building the framework for the single AAA Association and bringing that to their next AGM where all members can have a voice in approving or stopping the process. In short, four individuals killed this whole pathway to a singular AAA Association for their own reasons and as a result, Greater Sudbury will continue this charade that we have enough legitimate AAA players to fill two teams in each division. This will force the best players in each age group to play on separate teams and thus hamper the development of each age group as a whole. It’s about the kids though!Trade Deadline in OHLThe OHL Trade deadline is quickly approaching on January 10th and the northern teams have some interesting dilemmas coming up.Firstly, the Sudbury Wolves who have had a great 1st half have to decide whether to add at the deadline. Although they are in the rebuild mode, it cannot be forgotten that they have one of the Top 5 goaltenders in the entire CHL but he won’t be back next year as he jumps into the Pro ranks. The Wolves haven’t had success in a long time and a couple rounds in the playoffs would greatly help this franchise for the next few years so I expect them to add 1 forward and 1 Defenseman before the clock strikes midnight to help push them towards a playoff run.The Soo Greyhounds are in a unique situation because they fully expected to trade their superstars like Morgan Frost, Matt Villalta and Mac Hollowell to recoup young assets and draft picks that they gave up last year in their run to the League Final. New coach John Dean has done a great job and the Hounds sit 2nd in the Western Conference and 3rd overall so selling becomes more difficult for the organization because of the lofty expectations by the fans in the Lock City. If it was me, I’d bite the bullet and sell to ensure a very bright future going forward with the return for those players but it wouldn’t be an easy decision.The North Bay Battalion are still in a full rebuild and they have one of the most coveted players in the League in Justin Brazeau. The New Liskeard native is tearing up the League with 63 points in 34 games and will garner a tremendous return if Stan Butler decides to move him. Mathew Struthers and local product, Brad Chenier would also help acquire assets but Stan Butler has always proved reticent to sell hard at the deadline so I don’t expect a lot of moves.

Deep ThoughtsWithMark SeidelDeep Thoughts: Welcome to another Deep Thoughts which represent my PERSONAL views & don’t reflect ANY Organization that I work with! This edition will have Annual Santa Seids gifts for teams among other things & it is LONG so unfollow if you don’t want them.DT: I have ZERO issue with the Nylander deal b/c if it was another team & the same player, people would say it is a great deal. It will cause cap problems because the Leaf’s have too many good players but that is a good spot to be in. Assets can be dealt as they move forward.DT: The only issue I have was the public no-trade guarantee that Dubas gave Nylander. IMO, you can’t paint yourself into that corner.  It won’t happen but WHAT IF VAN offered Pettersson or LA/Doughty or TB/Sergachev for Nylander, Dubas would have to break his word.DT: I said it on @NHLXM with Boomer Gordon last week but I expect Canada to win another WJC. Best tandem in net, lots of firepower & a mobile back end. USA will have trouble defending & RUS, SWE & FIN all lack the overall depth of Canada.DT: Some early story lines for the WJC’s: The Alexis Lafreniere Coming out Party, The Hughes brothers will be making magic, Sweden’s back end will be amazing, Crowds out west will be amazing & Brett Leason will be this year’s Drake BathersonDT: If you haven’t been to a hockey game in Seattle, you have no idea how successful this new NHL team will be. They have boatloads of cash, a rabid hockey culture & Dave Tippett/Tim Liewicke heading the ship for the next couple years so it will be well done.DT: Kiril Niznihkov has left Sudbury to return to Russia & in return Barrie got Tyson Foerster, a 5th this year & 2nd’s in ’21 & ’23. This further illustrates my point that I’ve said for years but keeps falling on deaf ears amongst GM’s for trading with Barrie…con’t…DT: If Hawerchuk has a skilled offensive player & he wants to trade him to your team, HANG UP the phone. He wants to play an attacking game that gives more opportunities for offensive skill to shine & he covets those players so if that type of player can’t play for him, be wary!DT: @Mirtle & I haven’t always agreed on topics but he deserves a ton of praise for the work he has done with @TheAthletic He has revolutionized the industry & has scooped up all the best writers & thus they cover the game from every possible angle & I think it’s a must read.DT: The Annual tradition of Santa Seids is back with gifts for the hockey world. Firstly, Santa would like to give a gift to all hockey fans & have the Friday Hockey Central w/ @Burkie2020 @JeffMarek & Doug Mclean on every day because it’s the best hour of hockey viewing all week.DT: I’d like the Xmas season to bring the Barrie Colts a good return for some veteran players like Lucas Chiodo & Joey Keane so that they can take a run next year. I’m a big fan of Jack York & their overall group is young so a couple more pieces will be nice.DT: Santa Seids is going to give my buddy @HDbrownie2000 a tremendous return for Kyle Maksimovich. The Otters are still rebuilding (but not for long) after those big years & Maksimovich is one of the least talked about great players in the OHL & he should fetch a fortune.DT: Ahhhh Flint, my little Firebird friends. The wish list is long & the workload is heavy but there some young pieces to build around so my gift to Flint is better health & that the fans hang in there b/c brighter days are ahead. Oh & don’t take any more calls from Hunts.DT: My old buddy, “the Grinch” George Burnett has assembled a great roster so my gift is adding a couple pieces for a deep run. Hopefully Tag Bertuzzi gets a fresh start because he has a very high ceiling. Oh & Merkley, keep giving both benches grey hair every night! #FunToWatchDT: 2 of my favorite people in the game are Dave Matsos & Ian Meagher from Hamilton so I hope they get a great return on some of their 19-year old’s like Entwistle, Strome & Saigeon to load up for another run. Few buyers & lots of sellers make these deals tougher.DT: In Kingston, everyone knew the rebuild would be tough but with Darren Keilly in charge, I’m sure it’ll be fine. The return & subsequent trade of Vilardi would be a huge boost & they might have to swallow hard & move Neumann but adding @billyc0068 was a GREAT move to start.DT: Santa Seids likes the Kitchener's younger group & he assumes they are going to sell a bit but with only GUE & LDN adding at this point, the gift is wisdom for Mike McKenzie. With six ‘99’s probably back next year, he could get good value for a couple of those 2-year guys.DT: London is loaded with a great roster & a bundle of picks so the Hunter brothers get…a card with money in it. Oops, I mean CARDS Santa… CARDS! Math isn’t Santa Seids strong suit but by our count, they only have 2 cards left so they might only be able to add a couple Players.DT: Mississauga get at least one shiny new 2002 birthdate from the team that they decide to sell Tippett or McLeod to. They too have a good young core & are building for the future so SURELY… JR will sell this year…right? Is this thing on? Oh & Harley getting some Draft respect.DT: Ahhh, my old flame, the @OHLIcedogs  Xmas came early with the acquisition of Jason Robertson & his play has been outstanding so Santa will bring the Icedogs good fortune at the scouting table. They’ve drafted VERY well but with loss of…Draft Picks, it will get tougher.DT: Under the Xmas tree in North Bay would be some good health for Stanley Butler & a big bright NHL Contract for Justin Brazeau. Brazeau has emerged as the hardest player to contain in the OHL with a combination of size and stick skills & a lucky NHL team will sign him soon.DT: Santa knows EXACTLY what he is getting the Oshawa Generals & although it’s 17 months early, he is granting the 2019 Memorial Cup to the Durham Region!!! With that in mind, Santa's going to give them a good return on Studnika if they opt to move him to help build next year.DT: Santa brought the Ottawa 67's an early gift named Mikey Dipietro so if a team has too many riches, Santa Seids has to take one away. He’d like to take AGM @jan_egert away & make him a GM in the League because Egert is one of the brightest but least known minds in the game.DT: Another Ex-GF of Santa Seids is the OS Attack. The Attack have one of the best overall rosters in the OHL so I’d like to give them the gift of a couple high end players to challenge the West but the likeable & smart GM Dale Degray may pass on that gift & build for the future.DT: Santa Seids likes to think he's smart but he has NO CLUE about what Peterborough wants for XMas. A few years ago Santa gave GM Mike Oke the gift of longevity so with a good coach/good roster, Santa will put a couple new Players & a round or two in the playoffs under the tree.DT: The Saginaw Spirit just added a veteran, tough character D in Justin Murray so we can cross that off the list but we will give them the gift of continuing to find good Players in Northern Ontario. Giroux, Katic, Porco, Baber & Lamour are great finds from the wintry North.DT: Sarnia is kind of in a holding pattern & Santa loved the return for Anthony Salinitri but he thinks like KIT, they are heavy with potential returning 99’s so Santa will give them the gift of an enviable position of selling off a few for a solid return. Oh & health for the potential superstar Jamison Rees.DT: Santa watched the SSM Greyhounds lots in November & figured out this gift early. Santa’s gives GM Kyle Raftis some much needed respect. The SOO might have 6 more NHL Draft picks this year which means 12 NHL picks in the last 3 years with a bunch of 1st & 2nd rounders!DT: Sudbury should hope Santa brings them continued health for Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen & his phenomenal play. If listing my 5 MVP candidates right now, UPL would be one of them. His play combined with the work ethic & physicality of the Wolves has helped them have a great 1st half!DT: Under the tree, Windsor gets Mr. Egor Afanasyev whom they acquired in the Dipietro deal with OTT & fans in Windsor should get excited. He’s a highly skilled kid that only adds to the young core of the Spits b/c Santa Seids can’t see Michigan State in Egor’s academic future.

Deep ThoughtsWithMark SeidelDeep Thoughts: Welcome to another Deep Thoughts which represent my PERSONAL views & don’t reflect ANY Organization that I work with! For the record, I HATE this 280 character change but in a few of these, I use them all. I’m a weak man. #WhenInRomeDT: Let me begin with my thoughts on the Nylander/Dubas front. The Leafs & Kyle Dubas have a number in mind & he will sign that bridge Contract or they will trade him. It will be a player(s) that play the way that Dubas & his group have determined fit their long term vision.DT: @KyleDubas is a kind & generous person but he has an operating plan & strict principles that he WILL NOT stray from. This has been his path to success & he reached this lofty position as GM of the Leafs by operating this way & William or Michael Nylander will not change it.DT: In other Leafs news, I’m shocked that both DJ Smith & @SheldonKeefe are still in the Organization because I have expected both to be Head Coaches in the NHL by now. I FULLY expect that both will be Head Coaches in the NHL in a year from now.DT: Another coaching shocker for me was that Mike Stothers wasn’t promoted in LA to take over for the fired John Stevens. Him & his staff have done miracles in Ontario & I was very surprised they didn’t follow Chicago’s pattern & promote the very qualified AHL Head Coach.DT: AS a viewer of hockey on television, can we please get more @Burkie2020 He is a treasure to listen to & I think he helps the average fan understand the thinking & thought processes in Organizations. His stories are legendary & he just makes the whole broadcast better.DT: I watched the 2003 Don Mills Flyers on Saturday again. They’re one of the most impressive teams I’ve seen in a while but the OHL Cup playoffs are “One & Done” and thus the one team they should be wary of is Team @NOHAHockey #RISE #Together #2019OHLPrioritySelectionDT: There are a LOT of high end Americans in the OHL Priority Selection this year & thus I expect more games than ever about reporting to certain teams. In fact we are starting to hear it with a bunch of Ontario kids too so it is a problem that will be a major factor going forwardDT: Just to be clear, I have ZERO problem with a kid getting a legitimate commitment to a US College as a fallback if things don’t go well in their OHL plans. Teams have contingency plans if a Draft Pick doesn’t pan out down the road but families should be honest about it.DT: Organizations have to do a better job if they want better players to report. Running a gongshow & expecting high end kids to report “Because its an honour to play in the OHL” won’t work. Elite players want to go to elite Organizations & the whispers of money is SO overblown!DT: It sounds like Akil Thomas should be returning to Niagara by the end of the month. It seems that surgery is not in play at this time & rigorous rehabilitation should allow him to come back sooner than expected. He is a tough kid & the Icedogs will benefit from his return.DT: I can’t give out all of the details but fans in Barrie should expect a big boost to their lineup in the near future. He is a former draft pick that has decided to leave the USA & come to play for the remarkable coach, Dale Hawerchuk. It’s a messy tangle but it’ll get worked out.DT: I went to watch Eric Ciccolini (Very slick & highly skilled) from JRC against St. Mikes on Friday & I was BLOWN away by Ayrton Martino. The late birth ’02 is a SUPERSTAR that Clarkson has locked up. Guelph took him in the 12th round & I’d expect that George is putting on the full court press.DT: Kingston acquired Lucas Rowe today & there’ll be much discussion about the cost & return on him but I want to focus on the player. Rowe was 1st round pick that’s played 36 games & is on his 3rd team. It’s time the Player/Family look in the mirror & justify teams faith in him.DT: The OHL Standings are as compacted at this time of the year as I’ve ever seen them. 5 points separates 2nd to 9th in the East & 9 points separate 2nd to 9th in the West. Things will shake out a bit over the next month but this scenario is creating headaches for some General Managers.DT: Teams that were expected to sell like SSM, Mississauga, NB & Hamilton are now in a position to get into the playoffs so it creates a unique decision of what to do with Tippett, McLeod, Brazeau, Strome, Entwistle & potentially Frost & Villalta. #ShortTermGainLongTermPainDT: High end players like Maksimovich & Robertson will be highly coveted but the interesting one is Ty Dellandrea. Does Flint try to build around him as a 2000 or do they look to move him & get an incredible return of picks & players that they can use to build for the future. #ToughCallDT: I’m sure most of you are aware of them but I can’t survive without listening to 31 Thoughts with @Jeff Marek & @FriedgeHNIC as well as  @spittinchiclets with @BizNasty2point0 & @ryanwhitney6  Both are phenomenal with stories, characters & information!

Deep ThoughtswithMark Seidel… The Pilon TwinsEveryone in the OHL knows about the Pilon twins in Sudbury & the impact they have had on the League & that franchise but I have some thoughts on them. As some may know, they advanced to the Minnesota Wild’s main NHL Training Camp this year which is a huge accomplishment for 2 undrafted free agents. The fact they got there is a huge accomplishment but even bigger is how they got there. 4 years ago, at this time, they were 2 kids that couldn’t find a Junior A team to sign them so they decided to play for Denny Lambert in the CIHL Outlaw League. Denny took this pair under his wing & worked tirelessly with them to make them better & by the end of the year, Denny was a tireless advocate for them. He spoke to a few teams who weren’t interested but Blaine Smith, the Wolves GM, had a relationship with Denny & put his faith in Denny’s opinion & the twins potential. Although they didn’t make the OHL club that Fall, they went back to the Soo to play Junior A for the NOJHL Thunderbirds & kept getting better. When that season ended, I asked them to play for me in a Summer Junior Tourney & they accepted. I can unequivocally say that I have never been impressed by 2 kids more than I was that pair during the weekend. In fact, David Bell; Head Coach of the Niagara Icedogs & I discussed trading for them if they didn’t make the Wolves that Fall. The Wolves kept them & the rest has been history in the Nickel City since & they have become fan favorites due to their style of play, aggressiveness & personality. It should be noted the incredible impact that their mother Teri has had on the boys by making them accountable, hardworking, passionate & good people. Darian & Drake deserve so much credit for believing in their dreams, working towards them & never giving up & although the final story of the twin’s career has a long way to go before it is written, without Denny Lambert, Teri Pilon & Blaine Smith, their future wouldn’t be nearly as bright. The NHL SeasonWith the new NHL season upon us, I thought I’d lay out some bullet predictions that I have:-       The Toronto Maple Leaf’s will be the most exciting & interesting team to watch this year & I expect them to trade for a high-end defenseman to solidify that back end. Kyle Dubas has put his stamp on that team & despite the weighty expectations, it will be a great year in Hogtown.-       If you think you have seen the best of Connor McDavid, stay tuned because he is going to explode this year & he will carry the Oilers on his back into the playoffs-       I think Rasmus Dahlin is going to be a superstar in the NHL for a long time but I expect Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks to be the Rookie of the Year-       San Jose plays out west so it is hard to see them a lot but they will be the best team in the Western Conference. Their depth at the forward position & a back end that features Brent Burns, Erik Karlsson & Marc-Edouard Vlasic will be fun to watch all year-       It is easy to pick apart Pierre Dorion & the Ottawa Senators but, in my opinion, the fans & the media are going after the wrong guy. The SOLE problem in Ottawa is Eugene Melnyk who has demolished that franchise & Pierre Dorion, a smart hockey man who is also a good person, is taking the heat for it.-       The chase to next June’s NHL Draft has begun & the “winner” will get the special talent, Jack Hughes. He has a lot of McDavid qualities to his game & he will revolutionize whatever franchise gets him immediately.-       Look for Carolina, Arizona, Florida & Dallas to be much better this year while Colorado, NY Islanders, Los Angeles & Anaheim will slide. Lastly, I expect the Final 4 next spring to be Toronto, Winnipeg, Tampa Bay & San Jose.   Derek MacKenzieWith Derek Mackenzie heading into his final year in the NHL, I believe that more people should be aware of the example he should be too ALL young players. The Sudbury native started out as an unheralded 4th round pick to the Wolves & quickly became a great Junior player & ultimately represented Canada at the 2000 World Junior championships. Having that pedigree & exposure, you would assume that Derek would have jumped to the NHL in a couple years & enjoyed a long NHL career but that isn’t how it happened. Instead, he basically kept grinding in the AHL for the next 9 years while getting the occasional call-up to the NHL. 99% of players in that situation would have settled in & accepted that they were going to be career AHL players but the gritty Mackenzie never did & beginning in 2010/11, he became a key part of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Although he has never been a prolific offensive producer, his importance to every team he has ever played for has been immense through his character, IQ, commitment to team & a willingness to do whatever it takes. In Florida, after signing as a Free Agent, he immediately became an Assistant Captain for 2 years before being named the Captain in 2016/2017 and has remained in that capacity until recently when he passed it on to the young superstar, Alexander Barkov in a remarkable display of awareness, acceptance & class by Mackenzie. There are numerous lessons for young players to get out of his story which include a burning passion to never give up, a willingness to do other things for a hockey club to help it win & how far character & leadership can take you. All of Sudbury should be proud of him as he exits the NHL gracefully Those are my Deep Thoughts…  Mark Seidel

Deep ThoughtsWithMark SeidelDeep Thoughts: Welcome to another Deep Thoughts which represent my PERSONAL views & don’t reflect ANY Organization that I work with! We are in the home stretch of the Summer & the Seasons are going to start so Lets Go!DT: The Hlinka/Gretzky U18’s last week was a spectacular gathering of players for the next couple of Drafts & scouts appreciate that it was in Canada but can we find a smaller Host City that will attend with enthusiasm & have some atmosphere?DT: Having it in the middle of August is tough because of the weather but smaller Centre’s like Kingston or Charlottetown would jam the building to watch International hockey. The hosts did a good job under tough circumstances but its time to get back to the roots.DT: I gave some comments last week about Alexis Lafreniere but I want to re-iterate what a special player this kid is. He will become a franchise player and a superstar in the League because of his skill, vision, competitiveness & leadership & it will be a pleasure to watch him.DT: The other two 2020 Draft Eligible’s in the event that jumped off the ice were Alexander Holtz & Lucas Raymond. These 2 forwards would be 1st round picks if they were eligible in this year’s draft so I can’t to see them for 2 more years. I thought they were 2 of Sweden’s best players.DT: As for the 2019 NHL Draft, I’m betting their will be a lot of air miles earned by scouts in heading to the WHL this winter. With Cozens, Byram, Krebs, Dach, Foote, Newhook, Williams, Mutalla & Robertson all being in our Top 31, there will be plenty to watch!DT: Although there were only 4 OHL’ers on the Gold Medal winning U18’s, we still have 7 players in our Top 31 including Kaliyev, Suzuki, Robertson, Bertuzzi, Murray, Tomasino & Clarke.DT: The Americans have every right to be upset about the Semi Final finish but I was so impressed with the calm, measured & adult way that USA Coach Cory Laylin handled it. It would have been frustrating as hell but he was pure class & a great example.DT: The Maple Leafs announced they hired Chris Roque as a full time scout & it was the perfect choice. Chris has worked his bag off, helped build those Soo Greyhound teams & is a phenomenal evaluator so Leaf fans can add that to the list of good things that happened this summer in Leafland.DT: It was announced today that the Sudbury Wolves have hired Bud Stefanski as their new Assistant Coach. I love Bud and I’m very happy he is getting back into the OHL as we’ve missed him for a few years. He’ll be coaching with his Son-in-Law Cory Stillman so it will be fun.DT: The recent trade that saw Steve Staois get a 2nd, a 3rd and a 4th for Jack Hanley was very impressive. Hanley was part of that group that led Hamilton to the Memorial Cup & is a tremendous kid with character but 3 picks seems a little rich for me.DT: Mississauga got a 5th round pick from Flint for Emmanual Vella who will go in there and battle Like Cavallin for the starters role. I’m a huge fan of Cavallin so I think Vella will be in tough but Barclay Branch wanted a veteran presence and paid for it.DT: Niagara was able to get Ivan Lodnia out of Erie for Damiel Singer & a 5th which should be good for the Icedogs. Lodnia is a more complete offensive player but don’t discount the skills of Singer. He had more goals than Lodnia last year & will be the trigger man in Erie.DT: People don’t want to hear this but London may be unstoppable this year. They brought back a very good group & have added Boquvist, Stranges & Guskov & I believe that Tkachuk will be added to the mix. That will be a fun team to watch but a nightmare to match up with.DT: It will be interesting to see how Kyle Raftis handles the year because everything says he should sell off & recoup a bunch of young players & picks for the rebuild but I love John Dean as a coach & they have enough talent to be Top 4 in the West at the trade deadline.DT: Mikey DiPietro may be too good & it may end up hurting Windsor. In an ideal world, Warren Rychel would keep him until January & flip him to a contender for a huge return but I’m hearing rumblings the Canucks are seriously contemplating keeping him in the NHL if he has a good camp.DT: In other goaltending news, the Sudbury Wolves got the 19 year old Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to sign so that will really help that young defense core. I’m assuming that means Jake McGrath will be moving on & I’ll be interested to see the return on the 19 year old goaltender.DT: Having just completed the Under 15 POE in Sudbury as the Director of Operations for Team NOHA, I can let the world know that this 2003 group in Northern Ontario is the deepest for the OHL Draft in at least 15 years. There are some stars & great depth!DT: I saw that Daren Millard was leaving Sportsnet & it’s a great loss for that group. I only met him a few times but he was very nice & courteous so I wish him the best. I’m assuming that this will mean an increase in @JeffMarek on the air? Hello, is this thing on…DT: I am very pleased to announce that North American Central Scouting has added 3 new members to our staff. Kevin Clancy, Jason Maslakow & Austin Lubhoff have joined us to add to our scouting coverage & increase our use of analytics in our player evaluations.DT: Jason & Kevin will both focus on evaluating players for the NHL Draft as well as the OHL Priority Selection. Austin will be in charge of the Draft/Player Analytics & we will combine the 2 disciplines to maintain our reputation as one of the best Independent Scouting Services in the market.

Deep ThoughtswithMark SeidelDT: It is Back to Back weeks for Deep Thoughts! This edition will grade every NHL Team & highlight some thoughts on each team’s draft picks. At the end, there will be some overall thoughts about the Draft & hockey.DT: ANA - Grade B: The Isaac Lundestrom pick was a sneaky good pick. In this Draft where there weren’t a lot of superstars past 12, Lundestrom is a solid pick that will be a 3C at worst. Good value in Mclaughlin/Groulx & Dostal may prove to be one of the best goaltenders down the road & we will see if he comes to the CHL.DT: ARI - Grade B-: The Coyotes stuck to their guns and loved Barret Hayton, so they took him at #5. I didn’t have him nearly that high, but I trust their staff, so we will see. Kevin Bahl is a personal favorite & he fell to them at #55 so GREAT value. Emberson & Busby were solid picks but I didn’t like the Callahan & Prosvetov picks coming out of Youngstown.DT: BOS - Grade C-: The Bruins only had 5 picks and no first rounder so it was tough. Anderson & Lauko were taken too high but I liked the Hall pick & I applaud them for taking a shot with McFaul who played Junior A in Pickering.DT: BUF – Grade A – When you start the weekend off by selecting the best defensive prospect since 2009 (Victor Hedman), you know it’s going to be a great Draft. They also got the big & reliable defender Mattias Samuelsson & the great USHL rookie Matej Pekar who both have a chance.DT: CAL – Grade B-: You'll get a lower grade when you trade your picks & don’t select until the 4th but I loved their selection of Martin Pospisil. He's a big kid that has some skill but plays with HEAVY “truculence” as Burkie says. Roman & Zavgorodniy were value picks.DT: CAR – Grade B+: Picking 2nd and getting Svechnikov means things are good but they had some sneaky picks later. Drury & Henman might have been early but both are quality players. It was the Killinen pick that I loved. It’s a homerun swing in the 6th & I like it.DT: CHI – Grade A-: I would have taken Dobson or Bouchard ahead of Boqvist but he has huge potential. Furthermore, I thought Beaudin was a little early but then the Hawks began to roll. They got Wise, Nordgren, Kurashev & Gravel later on & they were among the best available each time they picked.DT: COL – Grade B+: I thought the Martin Kaut selection was high but their Docs must feel comfortable with the heart issue. They then went on a run of 4 good picks with Annunen, Ranta, Weiss & Saigeon. The 1st 3 have a lot of upside & Saigeon has played like he was possessedDT: CBJ – Grade B: Taking Liam Foudy shows that they believe his last 3 months is the tip of the iceberg & Marchenko has a huge skillset. I didn’t like the Karlsberg & Berni picks but they got Vehvilainen, whom we've been touting for 3 years now since his original draft yearDT: DAL – Grade A+: Ty Dellandrea is one of my favorite players & the Stars agreed & took him at #13. They then got Eriksson who has size/skill & followed up with 5 good prospects in Back, Mascherin, Douglas & Damiani & don’t sleep on the Loewen pick in the 7th.DT: DET – Grade A+: To get Zadina, Veleno, Berggren & McIsaac with your first 4 picks was phenomenal. I expect all 4 to play in the NHL in a few years. They followed that up with Regula, Barton, O’Reilly & Brattstrom which may make this a phenomenal draft class for the Wings.DT: EDM – Grade A-: The Oilers got 3 good ones & a long term project with the 4th. Bouchard is a lock to patrol that blueline for years while McLeod will push the pace when he gets there. Rodrique gave them the best goaltender in the draft & Kesselring might be worth waiting for.DT: FLA – Grade C+: The Cats had 2 great picks early in Denisenko & Noel. I think Noel is a lock to play & Denisenko has that Top 6 quality that you want. Hutsko is a good player & is worth watching but the last 3 were unimpressiveDT: LAK – Grade A+: The Kings got the slick, quick Kupari at #20 & then got another 1st round talent who led the OHL in Draft eligible scoring & fell for no reason in Akil Thomas. Shafigullin & Dudas & were tremendous value & Ingham might have been the best pick in the 6th round.DT: MIN – Grade C+ - I didn’t love the overall Wild draft but there were players that I got that I think were phenomenal. Jack McBain at #61 was smart & Khovanov was wise at #86 but their real prize was getting the underrated Damien Giroux at #155.DT: MON – Grade B: The Habs wanted Centremen & they got 6 including the skilled Kotkaniemi (Who I don't like) & high IQ Cameron Hillis. They also got Ylonen & Romanov who are built for this new NHL & they mixed in solid selections like McShane, Olofsson & Fonstad.DT: NSH – Grade D: The Preds only had 4 picks & none until #111 but they didn’t do much with them. Kondelik suffered by not playing in Sudbury & hasn’t gotten better while Yeremenko was their only solid piece that has NHL upside.DT: NJ – Grade B-: The Devils had one pick in the top 110 & they got the smart skilled defender in Ty Smith. After that, Xavier Bernard was a good pick at #110 but Mitchell Hoelscher was the best player left at #172 & will be one of the surprises out of the 2018 Draft.DT: NYI – Grade A+: The Islanders were the winners of the Draft by getting Wahlstrom & Dobson while following it up with Wilde, Ishakov, Skarek, Pivonka & Jenkins. The 1st 3 will play for sure & I’d bet 3 of those other 4 end up playing NHL games.DT: NYR – Grade C: The Rangers used 2 of their 1st round picks on Kravstov & Miller which were very good but they didn’t maximize the 3rd by taking Lundkvist. They got some value in Keane & Kjellberg in the middle rounds but they could have done more.DT: OTT – Grade A: The Sens got the ultimate games in Tkachuk & although I thought they reached for Bernard-Docker at #26, he does have serious potential. Tychonick, Gruden, Mandolese & Novak are all solid picks & thus the rebuild in Ottawa has begun.DT: PHI – Grade D – After Farabee, the Flyers seemed to reach on every pick to take guys they could have gotten later. Farabee is a very good prospect but O’Brian, Ginning, St. Ivany & Wylie were all taken a round too high in my opinion.DT: PIT – Grade D+: The Pens only had 4 picks all weekend but the only player that I really loved was Calen Addision. The fact they got him at #53 was remarkable & really like Almeida but I don’t see an NHL future for the other 2.DT: SJ – Grade D+: The Merkley pick was just simply too high & unless they can do something nobody else has done, it will be a tough road. Karlsson is a good player but both Weatherby & Leonard are 98’s & Emond struggled at times this year.DT: STL – Grade B: The Blues took advantage of Dominik Bokk falling & got the highly skilled German. They also got the slick NCAA defender Scott Perunivich & the hard-nosed Tyler Tucker late but the middle rounds were underwhelming.DT: TBL – Grade C: The best drafting team threw me for a loop in taking Gabriel Fortier in the 2nd & getting Semykin in the 3rd. I had the two reversed but without a pick until late in the 2nd, they did OK. I actually liked their 7th’s better than their mid round selections.DT: TOR – Grade B+: Dubas is driving the ship towards a skilled, quick & smart team & this weekend just accentuated that effort because Sandin & Durzi were great picks in that mold. I’m not sold on SDE but every other pick fit that design & Bouthillier was a steal in the 7th.DT: VAN – Grade B: Vancouver also seems to be following that possession model & started the weekend with super-skilled Quinton Hughes. The Canucks opted for speed & skill over size with guys like Madden/Utunen/Manyukyan so we'll see but they got great value with Woo & Thiessen.DT: VGK – Grade B: The Knights had 1 pick in the first 98 but they got the ultra-talented Morozov who has unlimited potential. I didn’t like a lot of their middle picks but despite having a poor year, I love the Xavier Bouchard pick in the 6th & Jordan Kooy was well worth a 7thDT: WAS – Grade A-: The Caps started with the safe, steady D in Alexeyev which was smart. Fehervary was a little high but I love Kody Clark in the 2nd and Riley Sutter in the 3rd. Mitchell Gibson just toyed with teams in the NAHL & was a smart 4th round pick.DT: WPG – Grade C: The Jets were in tough not picking until #60 but I thought they could've done more. Gustafsson & Smith weren't overly impressive but the Jets got better in 5th/6th with Chisholm, Vallati & Moe. They closed with my favorite human wrecking ball, Austin Wong.DT: Independent Scouts refusing to grade teams is silly. Of course the Grades will be my perception of who we had rated & where they went. It’s why we do rankings. It gives fans insight into our opinions of their teams & they can look back a few years to determine credibility.DT: The USHL (UNITED STATES Hockey League has claimed that they had the “Most players drafted out of any League this year with 45”. I hate to be the stickler for facts but the CHL (CANADIAN Hockey League) had 78. USHL was impressive but CHL says hold my beer! #FakeNewsDT: Speaking of the USHL, the path there isn’t always golden. 2 years ago, Christian Sbaraglia was one of North America’s best 2001 goaltenders but one year after sitting in the stands/on the bench in Omaha, he wasn’t even a consideration for the Hlinka/Gretzky Camp. #HaveToPlayDT: The game is changing. Exhibit A: There were 21 Defensemen taken in the Draft that are 5’11 or shorter. Compare that to 2010 when there were 6. Teams want smart, puck moving defensemen that can get go get the puck & move it.DT: The game is changing. Exhibit B: There were 9 Defensemen taken in the 1st round that are 5’11 or shorter. In 2011 there were only 7 short Defensemen drafted at all & only two in the first 2 rounds!DT: Just to be clear, at NACS, we didn’t provide comments or scouting reports to anybody EXCEPT our Pro Hockey clients so we knew our comments weren’t in the public domain but seeing newspapers & websites use non-scouting entities for scouting reports on players was sad.DT: @Sportsnet had their ticker filled with comments from Writers, Sites & Publications I’ve never heard of. No disrespect but why wouldn’t they primarily use ISS, Mckeens, Redline, Draft Analyst & FC is beyond me. They are my competitors but they have history & credibility.  DT: I’ve said it before in DT’s but I’ll say it again on the day they announce the HHOF. How in the hell is Don Cherry not in the HHOF. Is he controversial & absurb at times? Sure but very few in the history of the game have promoted the game better?DT: Theoren Fleury should be too. He had issues but he was one of the best in the NHL for a period of time & his work lately on behalf of Survivors has been great. Lastly, Cassie Campbell Pascal captained 2 Olympic Gold Medal teams & helped grow the girls/women’s game immeasurably.DT: I’m not here to be the defender of all things Kyle Dubas but would the incessant criticism from guys like Damian Cox stop. The kid has earned this chance & smart people have determined him qualified so sit back & see what he does AND THEN criticize him if its justified.DT: I don’t know John Tavares but I’ve been around long enough to know that ELITE players at this stage in his career are worried about legacy. Where can play with great teammates where he win a Cup. The money will be similar so I think his decision will be based on winning.

Deep ThoughtsWithMark SeidelDeep Thoughts: Welcome to another Deep Thoughts which represent my PERSONAL views & don’t reflect ANY Organization that I work with!DT: Since it is Draft Week, I thought I’d share some thoughts on the Draft while announcing that we've partnered again with @LeafsHub to list our Top 200. It isn’t the Guide we sell to NHL teams w/ comprehensive Scouting Reports, etc. but I’ll tweet out the link when it's posted.DT: Just a note before I begin about the hundreds of Independent Scouting Services out there putting out rankings. Some are great and some are awful but be aware of who is doing the work, their experience & their credentials. Lots of Cut & Paste lists out there! #JustSayinDT: A note to media people out there. This is our biggest week of the year for Media Requests & we love to do it but if you want us to contribute to your radio show/podcast/blog/article, send a note and we will schedule it in.DT: I’m not going to go through our entire list but I thought I’d give a few thoughts on why we have certain guys ranked where we do. Remember, I DON”T CARE where they go this weekend but rather our list is based on where WE rank them as if we were the 32nd team. #ReviewIn5YearsDT: Jesperi Kotkaniemi(4) has created a lot of buzz lately but guys in the League know him well & were hoping he'd fall. No chance after U18s. He reminds me of Scheifele, Karlsson & Laine in that he got SO much better as the year went on & capped it off with great final viewings!DT: Noah  Dobson (5) has captivated us with his play but also his personality, maturity and poise. He is the kind of kid that teams see as a rock on the back end & a potential captain. We fully agree & he should be the 1st Canadian taken. #GoodPeopleComeFromTheEastCoastDT: It is odd that a potential American superstar like Oliver Wahlstrom (6) seems to get overlooked a bit but his offensive ceiling is VERY high. He has all the tools to become a consistent offensive threat in the NHL & thus he won’t be waiting long on Friday.DT: Serron Noel (8) is a personal favorite of mine & I don’t think we have seen the tip of the iceberg on this kid. He has better skills than anyone gives him credit for and he can become a cross between Tom Wilson & Blake Wheeler.DT: Ty Dellandrea (11) has the skills (60+ points), the character and the consistent improvement that Teams covet. I’m sure he won’t go #11 on Friday but I feel very secure that we will look back in 5 years and realize he should have. Remember when Mike Richards fell to Philly? Underappreciated but became a GREAT pick.DT: Adam Boqvist (13) has scared us for 2 years because he has phenomenal skills & is built for the new NHL but his decision making can be scary. I’m sure a team will jump on him in the Top 10 but he has some warts. From 10-15 he is good value IMHO.DT: Gregori Denisenko (18) has everyone trying to figure him out. A lot of nights he was Top 10 skilled but then stretches where he would disappear have caused concern. The KHL loves him too which adds to the risk level.DT: Bode Wilde (20) reminds me of Cam Fowler with the potential to fall for no reason. Bode has enough natural ability to go into an NHL Training Camp & really impress everyone but this NCAA decision needs to be re-examined. He should be in the CHL based on his style, skill set & to answer questions about his ability to dominate against the best.DT: I know that Sean Durzi (21) has already been through a Draft but this kid made the biggest strides this year of ANY player in the Draft. His skill and offensive ability will fit in perfect in the new NHL & although he won’t go until Saturday, he is a blue chip prospect.DT: Many people will be aghast that we have Barret Hayton (24) so low but I’ve personally seen him play so many times that I think this is where he fits. He’ll go higher and I hope he proves me wrong because he is a great kid that does a lot of things right but we’ll see.DT: Akil Thomas (30) has all of the tools to play any way you want and he actually reminds me of Jordan Kyrou in his draft year. Kyrou fell a little bit because there was a slight concern he didn’t play hard all the time. Cerebral players sometimes look like that & Thomas is cerebral like Kyrou & both will have great NHL careers.DT: With the Import Draft coming on June 28th & the change to allow goaltenders back in, I believe that we'll see 14 goaltenders taken in the first 31 picks & I commend the CHL for the change. The best Development League in the world should have access to all the best players.DT: Las Vegas has great people involved so I was hoping that they'd win but the reaction of the Caps & Ovechkin has been so refreshing that I’m very happy they won the Cup. The unbridled joy & excitement has been great & it's why we keep grinding to eventually get our piece of itDT: Speaking of Championships, I was happy to see The Toronto Marlies win the Calder Cup. It was the result of all of the work of the players & the staff but it also validated the vision that Kyle Dubas & Sheldon Keefe had about how the game should be played. They started it in the Soo & finished it at the Ricoh.DT: I’ve been asked a lot about @KyleDubas & @ SheldonKeefe lately & here is my response. Kyle is one of the best human beings & hardest workers I know & has earned this job & will do well. It was 2011 when I tweeted and told people that Sheldon was a superstar coach & I feel his best coaching is yet to come in the NHL!DT: The Hoffman/Karlsson story is troubling on so many levels that it is tough to grasp them all. I know the Hoffman’s have denied it all but if it comes out as a true account, how does a team trade for Mike Hoffman if he continues to stand by his girlfriend? Con’t…DT: People forget that Players have outside lives & for a team to bring this mix in to the facility is tough. I’m not sure any teams want that & his value will be rock bottom for a good player. Just another headache for good guy Pierre Dorion during these past 90 days.DT: People anxiously waiting to see where Mark Hunter goes could be in for a long wait. He loves working with the Knights & thus he will be patient for the right opportunity. BTW, I’ve always said that Mark’s best skill is as a Coach so I’m surprised he hasn’t gone down that roadDT: As for the Draft, Montreal is talking to EVERYBODY about their 1st round pick. There are guys there that they like but the opportunity to move down and acquire more assets to help rebuild the franchise is very tempting for them. I fully expect that by Friday night, another team will be picking in the #3 spot.DT: I really have to commend Cole Perfetti & the Saginaw Spirit for coming together & having him sign. The player deserves credit for keeping an open mind & a willingness to change routes while Saginaw deserves credit for the courage to take him & then recruit the hell out of him!DT: I’m not sure if Will Culye ever ends up at Penn State but I know that his style fits in the OHL. He is big and rugged & may be a Top 20 NHL pick so waiting for school for a few years doesn’t make sense to me. I expect him to be traded before the season starts.DT: As for the OHL Draft, the team that won the lottery that day were the Niagara IceDogs. How he fell to #12 is difficult to comprehend because he was going to Flint before Vierling committed but the teams 3 thru 11 went in different directions & the ‘Dogs got the superstar!DT: Rumours of James Richmond & John Gruden potentially going to the NHL are still out there but the lack of news over the past 4 weeks is starting to make me think that both might be staying in place. We’ve seen late OHL departures but July 1st is the general rule.DT: Drew Bannister deserved to get the call to jump into the AHL because he did a very good job in the Soo but more importantly, he did it the right way. He was a loyal Assistant in Owen Sound, took over the Hounds & never made it about him & had success. Plus he is a Sudbury guy!DT: Don’t forget to check out our Top 200 Rankings as part of @LeafsHub draft coverage over the next few days! Have a great Draft week and always let me know your thoughts, opinions, disagreements & ideas!

Deep ThoughtsWithMark SeidelDeep Thoughts: Welcome to another Deep Thoughts which represent my PERSONAL views & don’t reflect ANY Organization that I work with!DT: Some post OHL Trade Deadline comments about the various moves made. Firstly, give Darren Keilly credit in Kingston. It takes balls to go ALL IN & he certainly did that. Their future may be questionable but at least they are taking their shot!DT: Barrie started all of the festivities by getting Luchuk but the price was enormous and then they really didn’t do much accept flip Lipanov for Sokolov. I’m sure the arms race of Kingston & Hamilton tempered moves but you can’t suck & blow.DT: Warren Rychel once again served as an example that every GM in the league should look at. He realized this year was tough, he shipped out everyone he could for a run in 2 years. He now has twelve 00’s & 01’s in his lineup. That is the making of a Championship squad!DT: I fully understand that Barclay Branch is in the middle of a teardown & they have some really good young kids but I’m surprised they didn’t move Smereck. It was a blessing to get him back & he would have fetched a lot with his resume.DT: DT: The @OHLHoundPower & Krazy Kyle Raftis inproved a dominant team in the CHL by adding 2 huge pieces. Fowler & picks was plenty to give but in the end, Raddysh is a high profile star but people are sleeping on how good Jordan Sambrook is. He will be a big piece in the playoffs.DT: Steve Staois brought in some real firepower at the deadline & set the Bulldogs up for a long playoff run. Getting Thomas, Stillman & earlier with moore & Caamano, they are ready. I thought a fit with Dmitri Sokolov existed b/c of the Matsos relationship but it didn’t happen.DT: My old buddy James Richmond had a phenomenal (but underachieving) roster heading into the deadline but the additions of Foget & O’Grady confused me. They gave up a LOT & I’m not convinced that these 2 will make the Steelheads reach their potential.DT: @OHLIcedogs are clearly taking a run at the Championship in 2019 but the Miletic addition was interesting. He’ll help in the room, gives Akil Thomas a great linemate & will help them gain playoff experience. A high price but compared to Luchuk it was better than that deal.DT: The lack of depth in goaltending around the League caused the prices of the two sought after ‘tenders (Dipietro/Wells) to escalate to silly heights. I never thought that WSR would move Dipietro b/c he will help get them in playoffs & next years return will be huge for him.DT: Kitchener & Owen Sound both have clubs that could make some damage in the playoffs but both are left with questionable goaltending. OS has tried everything & Kitchener is relying on Mario Culina. It creates opportunities but we will see if it pays off.DT: Peterborough fired Jody Hull after a disappointing 1st half & moved Jonathon Ang. I really thought Mike Oke would move Wells, Timms & Denoble out to open up ice for the kids & get the big returns but he is hoping the team can turn it around for the Eastern Playoffs.DT: Rob Papineau did a good job on tearing it down for the Wolves & the return for O’Grady, Lajeunesse, Culina & Pezzetta was very impressive. Peter Stratis has to take the next step & the Sokolov deal was a lateral move for another Russian.DT: How about Vince Dunn getting the OT winner last night. OHL veterans will remember this smooth skating kid that came in the League but had no concept of structure or how to play. Vince, the @OHLIcedogs, M.Williamson & D.Bell deserve a lot of credit! #BillyConstantineauIsNextDT: Can @RyanSavage49 get some love with regard to the 2018 NHL Draft. All the kid did was win the MVP at the 2018 USHL Prospect game & score two in the CCM All American Prospects game in September. Good bloodlines from a dad @savey49 who was a late bloomer. Wake up Scouts!DT: Our January Rankings for the 2018 NHL Draft are as follows: 1.Dahlin 2. ]Zadina 3.Svechnikov 4.Dobson 5.Bouchard 6.Tkachuk 7.Boqvist 8.McIsaac 9.Wilde 10.Wahlstrom 11.Smith 12.Hughes 13.Denisenko 14.Veleno 15.Groulx 16.Kupari 17.Noel 18.Khovanov 19.OlofssonDT: 20.Dellandrea 21.Woo 22.Thomas 23.Lundestrom 24.Sandin 25.Bouchard 26.Hayton 27.McLeod 28.Wernblom 29.Kotkaniemi 30.Hrabik 31.Farabee 32.McShane 33.Sutter 34.Hillis 35.Damiani 36. McBain 37. Ylonen 38. Durzi 39.Roman 40.Merkley 41.Alexeyev 42. Ranta 43. Kurashev 44.BahlDT: Guys on the rise include Nando Eggenberger, Blade Jenkins, Curtis Hall, Curtis Douglas, Tyler Madden, Jonathon Tychonick, Ryan Savage, Kirill Marchenko, Luka Burzan, Vladislav Kotkov, Eric Florchuk & Riley Sutter.

Deep Thoughts WithMark SeidelThe OHL Scouting Process This version of my “Deep Thoughts” is going to try and educate everyone on the OHL scouting process and answer some frequently asked questions.Who makes up an OHL Scouting Staff?Every team in Major Junior will have a Head Scout/Player Personnel person that will head up the team’s staff of scouts. Under their direction of that person, teams will generally have scouts in the various geographic regions as outlined below:Northern OntarioGTA - GTHLOttawa - CCHLKitchener/London/Windsor – AllianceHamilton/Niagara Falls – SCTAUSA – Michigan/Illinois/New York & other States At what age do OHL Scouts start evaluating players?Teams will do some cursory evaluations of Major Bantams (14 years old) to get an idea on the prospects for the following year but primarily the scouting occurs at the start of the Minor Midget year (15/16-year olds). Anybody that claims that legitimate scouts or OHL teams are making lists or creating rankings prior to the Minor Midget year is simply wrong.The ProcessScouts will begin watching players from the beginning of the year in their respective areas and the whole staff will generally converge at the Whitby Silver Stick in November to see players from other areas and to have the first initial scouting meeting. This meeting usually consists of identifying the Top 100-150 players as determined by the staff at that time.Scouts then return to their areas & evaluate the players in their geographic territory. Most staffs will then gather at the Toronto Marlboro Holiday Classic for another opportunity to observe players from other areas. A second meeting is generally scheduled for late January/early February to refine the list and make the appropriate adjustments on players that have demonstrated improvement or are struggling.The last major tournament of the year is the OHL Cup which takes place during the March Break and everyone again congregates to evaluate players from outside their area.The Draft is the first weekend in April and each OHL team’s staff meet in their respective cities for final meetings on the Friday prior to the Draft to finalize their lists in preparation for the Draft on Saturday morning.Why doesn’t the North produce as many great OHL players?Northern Ontario still produces its share of talented players but the numbers have dropped from 20 years ago because of many factors. Firstly, the specialization of the game has become a huge factor.  This specialization includes skating coaches, skill coaches, mental coaches & positional experts and although we have a lot of great people up here doing this, the sheer volume of facilities and expertise in larger urban centers creates an uneven playing field. Combine the cost of specialization coaches and the soaring costs of playing elite hockey and the pool gets narrowed even more. The game has become a rich person’s sport and it is eliminating kids from an early age that do not have the financial resources to keep up with their peers. Thirdly, I think the lack of outdoor rink utilization in Northern Ontario has robbed players of their creativity, quick decision-making and enjoyment of the game. Those factors hurt Northern Ontario but I am proud to say that OHL teams LOVE to draft players from Northern Ontario because almost without exception, the kids are eager for the opportunity, humble, hardworking, respectful and great teammates. The same cannot be said for kids from some other areas of Ontario or the United States.Should OHL Teams draft more local kids?The obvious answer is to say yes but it isn’t quite that simple. Obviously if a player is very talented or highly ranked, it is smart for an OHL team to select those players from their geographic area because those players bring in more fans, create more excitement, can live at home and create a local “buzz”. You also must consider that 19 other OHL teams know that the player is very good and nobody is going to pass on a great player simply so that his local team can take him. It does however get a little dicey as you get into the later rounds because to simply take local players to give them an opportunity can become detrimental. Every team has multiple examples of taking a local kid and then having to cut him 2, 3 or 4 years in a row. This creates ill will between the families and friends because they resent that the player is being told repeatedly that he isn’t good enough and it creates backlash and frustration.Do players have to go south to get noticed?The scouting world has become very small so it isn’t like there are players in Northern Ontario that teams don’t know about it. The Great North Midget League has done an amazing job for players for over 30 years and the introduction of the Minor Midget division has only improved that. Furthermore, the NOJHL is developing and producing more players that can move on to the OHL or the NCAA than ever before. The NOJHL has become respected around the hockey world and the players are reaping the rewards.Those are my Deep Thoughts but if you have any questions, feel free to email me at nacs@persona.ca or follow me on twitter @MarkSeidelMark Seidel

Deep ThoughtsWithMark SeidelDeep Thoughts: Welcome to another Deep Thoughts which represent my PERSONAL views & don’t reflect ANY Organization that I work with!DT: It’s that special holiday season so in the annual tradition, we have some Deep Thoughts Xmas/Hanukah gifts for each team:DT: Barrie – I’d like to give the gift of the quirky Leo Lazarev to keep playing well. The decision to move Propp raised eyebrows but Dale & Jason Ford have proven to be right!DT: Erie – We give @HDBrownie a HUGE return to re-stock the cupboards for his big pieces like Taylor Raddysh, Jordan Sambrook, Owen Headrick & even possibly Kyle Maksimovich. Also, Santa wants to give some love to unheralded rookie Maxim Golov!DT: Flint – We’d love to give the phenomenal fans in Flint some more wins because they deserve success. Barclay already traded his presents to Hamilton so maybe he can turn the surprising return of Jalen Smereck into more young assets.DT: Guelph – The Storm get a much-needed dose of consistency. This team looks like a great young team some nights but awful the next. Merkley & Lalonde need to step it up & let’s face it, George got his Xmas present this summer by getting Cam Hillis.DT: Hamilton – I’d really like to give Hamilton a new rink to play out of because the First Ontario Centre/Copps Coliseum is too cavernous to create an atmosphere but that is down the road. I’ll give them good luck in the playoffs for a quality coaching/management group.DT: Kingston – Kingston’s GM Darren Keilly (an occasional nemesis) gets the gift of wisdom to decide if this team should become buyers or hang on to their youth because next year should be their year to take a run. Either way, the future looks good in the Limestone City.DT: Kitchener – The Rangers get the gift of loading up and going ALL IN! They need to add some big pieces to compete for the Western title, but I think the young GM, Mike McKenzie will have the stones to do it!DT: London – London usually gets nothing from DT Santa but this year is different because they lost Mete & Joulevi. We are going to give them a healthy Victor Mete after the World Juniors & maybe Brady Tkachuk. If they get those 2 then they get nothing from us for years to come!DT: Mississauga – Ahhhh Mississauga…So many gifts left from the James Boyd/Jan Egert regime but they need the gift of a playoff spot & the understanding that solo rushes by stars…over and over… don’t work in this League.DT: Niagara – The Icedogs get the gift of respect from the rest of the hockey world. Billy Burke & his staff have done a good job taking over from Dave Bell & Joey Burke has shown that he can deal with anybody & do well ie. Maksimov & Paquette deals. Stephen Dhillon should also get some respect from NHL clubs for all his work!DT: North Bay – We are going to give Stan Butler the gift of a 2001 first rounder and a bunch of assets/picks if he decides to move Cam Dineen & Brett McKenzie. Stanley has never been a bigtime deadline seller & the recent wins make it tougher but the return for those 2 would be tempting.DT: Oshawa – The most important gift of all we can give is to have a healthy Bob Jones back behind the bench after his horrible health scares. After that, it is all gravy but we’d like to give some draft love for Serron Noel & William Ennis!DT: Ottawa – Like Guelph, their best present came in the summer with the hiring of Andre Tourigny as the Head Coach. We were going to give them the gift of a goaltender, but they opened that present early & got Noah Battaglia from Milton!DT: The most obvious present in this holiday season is the gift of goaltending in Owen Sound. The second most obvious might be a mulligan for Dale so he could have kept Christian Propp instead of flipping him to North Bay, but we have faith in Degray to find a solution before January 11th.DT: Peterborough – The Petes get the gift of putting it all together & playing well because the roster is way better than the results. We will also give them some help on the back end to solidify things, but a lot of guys have under achieved but they have 3 months to turn it on.DT: Saginaw – Dave Drinkill & his group got the Xmas Miracle on Johnson Street with their massive comeback against Sarnia so that is one present down & they got 2 of 3 gifts from last years DT Xmas list (Jenkins & Goldowski) so they get some ’18 NHL Draft love for Everett, Giroux, Jenkins, Katic & Grondin!DT: Sarnia – Nick Sinclair & Derian Hatcher have put together a great year thus far but we shall gift them a couple high impact pieces before the deadline. In a perfect world, they would get a high impact scoring forward & more importantly, a bigtime defenceman to help them push for a western title.DT: Sault Ste. Marie – The team that takes the puck & won’t give it back get the gift of some jam & grit. They play a very unique possession game but if we give them a couple guys that are hard to play against & a Colton White return, it should be a great spring in the Soo.DT: Sudbury – I’d like to give the Wolves the gift of health because they have been decimated by injuries to some of their key players but I’ll give them the wisdom & patience to get full return on guys like Sokolov & some of their vets as we get to the trade deadline.DT: Windsor – The Spits don’t really need anything from DT Xmas because they won the Memorial Cup & they are going to get huge returns for some moveable assets like Brown, Luchuk, Day & others. What I will give is the guarantee that Michael Dipietro isn’t going anywhere this year.DT: Since I’m in the giving mood, I’m going to give the Acadie-Bathurst the Flyers 2nd rounder, Pascal Laberge. Laberge will provide some help for the Titan down the stretch.DT: I’d like to give Quebec City some love for Xmas as well because the NHL isn’t giving them any. Am I the only one that thinks Quebec City would be an enormous success as opposed to Houston? I remember the Nordiques/Habs rivalry & I want it back.DT: I’d like to send some love to a top 2002 goaltender, Christian Sbaraglia who is playing well in Omaha of the USHL. It was a crime that he wasn’t invited to the Under 17 tournament because we think he is one of the best ‘tenders in that whole age group in Canada. I just hope Hockey Canada didn’t hold it against him that he is playing in the USHL.DT: Scouting travel Pet Peeve: Why the hell do people on a single lane highway drive 80 KM/Hour until the passing lane & then speed up to 120KM/Hour so that nobody can pass them???!!DT: In closing, a lot of us are privileged to work in this game & tens of thousands of people would love to get an opportunity so we should all be thankful. Have a safe & happy holiday season & enjoy the World Junior Championships & the Trade Deadlines!

Deep ThoughtsWithMark SeidelDeep Thoughts: Welcome to another Deep Thoughts which represent my PERSONAL views & don’t reflect ANY Organization that I work with! For the record, I HATE this 280 character change but in a few of these, I use them all. I’m a weak man. #WhenInRomeDT: I’m still shocked that Don Cherry isn’t in the Hall of Fame. He is rough around the edges but not many have done more to help Canadian hockey, promote the game, inspire young people AND be a media sensation!DT: A concept that has bothered me for years is that starting goaltenders need to sit for 20 games a season. Why? A star Defenceman plays 22 minutes a night, gets smashed around, blocks shots & skates miles while playing every game ...Con't...DT: The goaltender doesn’t skate a lot, never gets touched & the equipment is so good that they rarely take it in a soft spot and they are arguably, your most important player! In the grueling NHL playoffs, they play generally every 2nd day for 2 months but with only 1 goalie!DT: Sean Durzi of Owen Sound is the most improved player in all of the CHL. The coaching change allowed him to release the shackles & become dominant. He will be a selection in the 2018 Draft despite being a 98 birthdate.DT: Can Aaron Luchuk get some love? This kid has scored 20 & we haven’t hit the American Thanksgiving. A 13th round pick, he got coached up in his first year bigtime under Bill Bowler in Lasalle & got better & was patient. Every year since he keeps improving. #MarathonNotASprintDT: I thought last summer that Brady Tkachuk would be in London but I was wrong & he went to B.U but the constant chatter is that he may end up in London after all. He’ll be a Top 5 pick in June & sign a contract so if it happens(and I’m convinced it will), it makes sense.DT: Jay Varady, the new Coach in Kingston has done a very good job. He has paid his dues and learned the ropes over 17 years & he is doing a masterful job in Kingston. The roster isn’t great but him & his staff have made them a very tough out that plays with structure and poise.DT: It will be interesting to see which teams decide to go all in as we head toward the OHL Trade Deadline. I’m assuming SSM, Sarnia, Mississauga, Owen Sound, London(yes London…add Tkachuk & look at their core) & Peterborough but each have some holes to fill so the deadline should be fun!DT: Barrie is in an interesting situation because they are playing great & they likely won’t get Svechnikov back next year so maybe they add big pieces but the rest of that core is young & will be even better next year when all of their young guys should take a step forward!DT: Teams like Ottawa, Niagara, Oshawa, Hamilton &  Guelph are all supposed to be very good next year so they might be patient but it will certainly be tempting to add some pieces and take a shot this year to get some playoff experience for a major run next year.DT: Speaking of Barrie, the owner, management & coaching staff should take a bow & other teams should take a lesson in rebuilding. They knew they weren’t good last year & ACCEPTED it, so they sold older guys, utilized Euro picks, opened up spots for younger guys & made their kids better! #ItsNotRocketScienceDT: Another team that is in a tough spot are the Sudbury Wolves. Cory Stillman has them playing as hard as anyone in the League but they have been absolutely decimated by injuries so do they wait until those guys return to see what they have or do they move older guys with an eye to the future.DT: At the Under 17’s, the team with the most talent was arguably the Russians. They have some high end players but in the playoffs, they lost to the struggling Czech’s. We’ve seen this movie before. #IndividualNotTeamDT: The 3 Canadian teams put on a good showing but can we please revert back to geographic teams. IF they want 3 teams (Which I don’t), they should have a Western, Central & Eastern Team so that there is a CHANCE those teams might have chemistry.DT: The early favorite for the 2019 NHL Draft is Jack Hughes. His brother, Quinton, will be a Top 10 pick in this year’s draft & Jack is even better. He lit up the Under 17 and is built for the new NHL with skill, speed and creativity. That Draft is still 20 months away but Jack Hughes is the clubhouse leader now.DT: As for this year, here is our new Top 35: 1.R.Dahlin 2.A.Svechnikov 3.B.Tkachuk 4.F. Zadina 5.Q.Hughes 6.A.Boqvist 7.J.McIsaac 8.J.Veleno 9.B.Wilde 10.T. Smith 11.O.Wahlstrom 12.J.Olofsson 13.J.Kotkaniemi 14. BO.Groulx 15.N.Dobson 16.R.Kupari 17.B.HaytonDT: 18.A.McShane 19.G.Denisenko 20.T.Dellandrea 21.R.Sandin 22.C.Hillis 23.A.Khovanov 24.J.Mcbain 25.A.Thomas 26.S.Noel 27.I.Lundestrom 28.R.Damiani 29.R.Mcleod 30.L.Wernblom 31.E.Bouchard 32.J.Farabee 33.K.Hrabik 34.J.Woo 35.K.BahlDT: Some guys that are racing up the list include Milos Roman, Mattias Samuelsson, Kody Clark, Damien Giroux, Alex Gravel, Sean Durzi, Nando Eggenberger,  Carter Robertson & Dmitri Zavgorodny.DT: I wrote an article on Minor Hockey in Sudbury & the response has been dramatic with hundreds of calls, texts & emails but unless something gets done to improve things, it will all be for naught. Let your voices be heard! http://www.thesudburystar.com/2017/10/30/seidel-minor-hockey-structure-hurting-kids