Deep Thoughts - Twitter - March 4th 2021

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: 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 everyone
DT: 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. #WeWillWaitThankYou
DT: 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.com
DT: 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 success
DT: 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 - Twitter - March 4th 2021 - Coming out of Covid