Expansion Draft

[Maxim]

Probably very early to ask this question, but anyone have any idea what fighters might be available in the expansion draft for Saint John and St.John's?

These teams probably won't be very good to start off, so they might try to load up on fighters to create some excitement.

[CatatonicMoose]

Originally Posted by Maxim

Probably very early to ask this question, but anyone have any idea what fighters might be available in the expansion draft for Saint John and St.John's?

These teams probably won't be very good to start off, so they might try to load up on fighters to create some excitement.

It depends on what stance the GMs of the other teams take. Each of the other teams can only protect 16 players so I'd think if anyone will be available someone on the deep tough teams will be left unprotected - the likes of B-C, Gatineau and PEI in particular will leave some of their tough playes unprotected in preference of looking to keep hold of more skilled guys.

The new teams can carry 5 20s so it may depend if they are looking to use one of those spots on someone who can fight but that would also be someone who can play a bit. Someone like a Nick Fugere might be the best bet for them in toughness.

Let's take a look at who i roughly consider the top 10 now.

1. Cormier (18) - Not available. Halifax WILL protect him.
2. Bonneau (19) - May go pro but a good chance on a return and i think PEI would consider him as a 20 so will probably be protected.
3. Neilson (20) - Graduation
4. Hand (19) - May return. Possibly will be left unprotected as he's a #5-6 dman on on a contender but depends how deep BC are, could be a help for their young kids on the blueline.
5. Doyle (19) - Don't think he will be protected as teams rarely use a 20 on an out and out enforcer. Will be available but again do you want to waste a 20 on a goon?
6. Tidball (19) - I don't think Qc will protect him but he's a weak player so i honestly cant seem him being taken by expansion.
7. Starenky (19) - Again similar to Hand, but he could be taken but will use up overage spot. If they want to use a 20 as a tough guy he could be a good option.
8. Saunders (19) - There is no way Moncton leaves him unprotected. Best stay home d-man in the league.
9. Richards (19) - Doesn't bring enough to the table to be protected IMO. Will be available.
10. Nickerson (19) - Most likely will go pro. Big tough d-man who will throw down when called on. tough call on protecting him with the possibility of pro. If he is unprotected worth a gamble taking him in the draft.

Others fighters and ages this year:

Leblond (19)
Vachon (19)
Fugere (19)
Wathier (20)
Wenzel (20)
Legault (18) - Almost certain to be protected with Wenzel graduating.
Davidson (18) - Bathurst may protect him because he's all they got.
Simard (17) - Think B-C will protect him
Aubin - (19)
Potoschnick - (18)
Piche (18)

Fugere mayl be left unprotected as a 20 so can be picked up and he adds another dimension than just fighting.

So in round up there will be plenty of 20 year old fighters avaialble if they want to use up one of their five overage spots on a tough guy.

I think there will be a few 19s fighters available. Not sure if Potoschnick would be protected. ILB would know more about that in terms of what assests PEI would protect. Piche maybe would too on a not so deep Val D'Or team.

[the tough]

Originally Posted by Maxim

Probably very early to ask this question, but anyone have any idea what fighters might be available in the expansion draft for Saint John and St.John's?

These teams probably won't be very good to start off, so they might try to load up on fighters to create some excitement.

Brandon Tidball is the fan favorite in Qc and for sure the number 3-4 in the league right now, If Qc Remparts don't protect him(I will be surprised) it could be a great guys for St-John's! He is a lot enthusiastic, capable to bring a team together, a great team player...

[CatatonicMoose]

the tough - What type of team will Quebec have next year? With Tidball being 19 do you think they would use him as an overager next year?

[the tough]

Nickerson have big problem with his mobility..not really reliable..could be available..same thing with Ryan Hand, often criticized by his coach in B-C..Starenky didn't make the cut and was K.O by Mineault with Qc at the beginning of the season but show some pride with Gat.. Tidball is not a weak player like Catatonic moose described him..not a 2-3 line guy but take some place in front of the net and have some speed..It will be interesting to see if Doyle is gonna protected..

[the tough]

Originally Posted by CatatonicMoose

the tough - What type of team will Quebec have next year? With Tidball being 19 do you think they would use him as an overager next year?

The lack of toughness is the reason why Qc will keep Tidball..Last year a lot of fans criticized the team because of that..That's the reason why I'm pretty sure Qc will protect Tidball, he's not only a fan favorite, he is also a Roy favorite!

[CatatonicMoose]

Originally Posted by the tough

Nickerson have big problem with his mobility..not really reliable..could be available..same thing with Ryan Hand, often criticized by his coach in B-C..Starenky didn't make the cut and was K.O by Mineault with Qc at the beginning of the season but show some pride with Gat.. Tidball is not a weak player like Catatonic moose described him..not a 2-3 line guy but take some place in front of the net and have some speed..It will be interesting to see if Doyle is gonna protected..

ther tough - actually Starenky KO'd Mineault. I have the video clip of that one. Mineault was winning the fight quite easily till Starneky put him down. I'd be surprised if Tidball is protected as a 20. Who would Quebec's other 20s be? Enforcer rarely return as 20s. they are often reserved for major impact players. the only enforcers i expect to be protected would be 18/19 yo ones.

[the tough]

Originally Posted by CatatonicMoose

ther tough - actually Starenky KO'd Mineault. I have the video clip of that one. Mineault was winning the fight till Starneky put him down. I'd be surprised if Tidball is protected as a 20. Who would Quebec's other 20s be? Enforcer rarely return as 20s. they are often reserved for major impact players. the only enforcers i expect to be protected would be 18/19 yo ones.

In the training camp Mosse...I saw the video, Starenky ko Mineault in his rematch

[CatatonicMoose]

Originally Posted by the tough

In the training camp Mosse...I saw the video, Starenky ko Mineault in his rematch

Oh sorry, I didnt realise Starenky tried out for Quebec. I thought you were talking about that season game!

[the tough]

Moose like I said, the lack of toughness is the reason why...I'm pretty sure he will be protect but not sure if he's gonna play on regular basis..

[the tough]

We only have Mineault for real enforcer next year and he is not the next Cormier...Showed some great potential but not like a real heavyweight..

[CatatonicMoose]

Originally Posted by the tough

We only have Mineault for real enforcer next year and he is not the next Cormier...Showed some great potential but not like a real heavyweight..

How old is joey ryan he seems to fight a bit??

Wow how many US players do Qc have?? you better hope they dont bring in that 1 US player per team rule!!

Coughlin and Veilleux could sharte out some of the load on fighting next year.

[CatatonicMoose]

Which 16 do you think Quebec will protect?

[BoNNo]

I think if he last the rest of the season with PEI Ennaffati and im sure Bonneau will come back as a 20 year old because he is a huge fan favorite here on PEI...people were saying that Ennaffati will most likely be goin back to quebec but it was said today that he is goign to be kept on for the rest of the year as an 8th d'man / 14th or 15th forward...also said that PEI is trying to turn him into a huge inforcer...so he is most likely workign with Bonneau every day at practice tryin to emprove his balance..i think if the kid can get better at that then he can become a force..he already has the muscle...you can tell by looking at him when he dosent have his uniform on

[the tough]

Originally Posted by CatatonicMoose

How old is joey ryan he seems to fight a bit??

Wow how many US players do Qc have?? you better hope they dont bring in that 1 US player per team rule!!

Joey Ryan is only 17, have a big potential to become a great heavyweight but he's not enough mean..The organization see him like a Jonathan Paiement type..Already 2 concussions this year(car accident and puck) I think that's the reason he's not fighting much.. It's a fact that the Remparts have 4-5 americans..and Ihope the league don't bring the rules of 1 by team..