As the season just ticks past the halfway point, teams are starting to load-up or sell-off in hopes of a better future.
The Falcons have decided to go all-in this season, acquiring Steven Stamkos from rival Niagara Falls and Puis Suter from the Crawdads.
Fort Erie gave up promising prospects Sam O'Reilly and Emil Hemming, along with Peyton Kreb and Barclay Goodrow. It is said Fort Erie also sent $3.5 million dollars to the cash-strapped Niagara Falls Thunder in the deal as well.
Stamkos, an unrestricted free agent this upcoming offseason, is unlikely to re-sign with the Falcons and only approved the move to Fort Erie because he can stay in his Niagara Falls home for the rest of the season. The former Thunder Captain is said to be excited about the opportunity to win a championship in Fort Erie, as the Falcons have an impressive roster.
It has not all been roses for the team or Stamkos though. Through three games with the Falcons, Stamkos has yet to hit the scoresheet but did have some limited ice time issues early as he battled some fatigue issues from his days with the Thunder.
Stamkos' addition allows Fort Erie to have a first powerplay unit of Draisaitl, Matthews, Marner, Stamkos and Adam Fox - perhaps the most dangerous five-man unit there could be on a powerplay in the CCHL. It is only a matter of time until the former 50 goal scorer starts hitting the sheet with his new linemates.
The Falcons weren't done there either, obtaining Pius Suter in a deal this weekend. Suter's role will be more defined next season but for now he provides great fourth-line insurance and depth for the remainder of the season.
Fort Erie may not be done yet either. While Mark Giordano has been great as the sixth defenceman, team officials worry about his ability to handle a long playoff run at his 40 plus years of age. The team is said to be looking to acquire a veteran defenceman with an 85 or more defensive rating.
The Falcons could be looking to move on from Mikael Granlund as he hasn't quite found his place within the club. An excellent defensive and scoring player, he is probably better suited to play center but that's not an opportunity he'll get on the north side of the Buffalo border. His 82 defensive rating would make him one of the better two way centers in the CCHL if he has that opportunity, but the shift to right wing hasn't paid off for the Finnish star in Fort Erie.
The Falcons are looking to get some draft picks, prospects or even a defenceman back in exchange but nothing has materialized to date - though the phone has rang plenty about Vincent Trocheck who doesn't appear destined to leave.
We shall see what the week ahead holds for the Falcons as the team gets ready for the small Christmas break.
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