State of the Loons; Pre Deadling Edition

The CCHL season is now 2/3 of the way through for Capeside, and remarkably the Loons are still on top in the Corfield division. Capeside is lucky, they entered into the CCHL while the league was going through changes and all the teams are trying to adapt. Capeside has been able to find the right combination of players. The Loons lack the superstars that other CCHL teams have but they are winning with depth and chemistry. However, that does not mean that GM Czepiel isn't always looking at ways to improve the roster.

The trade deadline is now 7 games away for most teams, somehow 11 for the Musicmen. Over the past few days Czepiel has made a flurry of deals. Rick Nash, Jake Debrusk and Viktor Arvidsson were acquired to strengthen the Loon's offense this year and for the future. Cam Fowler was dealt away to Springfield in order to bring in Arvidsson and has left a hole on the blueline for the Loons. Czepiel will no doubt be searching for a replacement in the next few days. Rumors are that Czepiel will also be looking for a a goaltender that will be under contract beyond this year. Both Rask and Halak are both UFA and Capeside will have to outbid 21 other teams in order to bring either back next year as Czepiel has already committed to resigning Matt Niskanen.

Arvidsson will see his first action for the Loons tonight in the marquee matchup against the Norsemen. Arvidsson is the second star that Czepiel has traded for this year. The Claude Giroux trade did not work out and Giroux was traded away to Hamilton soon after. Arvidsson being only 25 year old will be given more of a leash to fit in. Czepiel's philosophy has been to improve the roster not just for this year but for the future, but that may change with the deadline approaching and Capeside still on top of the Corfield conference. It may be time for Capeside to go all in.