State of the Loons; preseason blockbusters

 As was discussed in previous blogs, the front office brain trust in Capeside had made the decision to not waste Eichel's prime and go all in. Millions were spent in free agency and now future assets have been sent out through trades. There has been a flurry of deals but three big deals have reshaped the roster. Brock Nelson was penciled in to be 2C, but in a three team trade Nelson ultimately turned into a 2026 2nd rounder and a 2027 first. First line LW Cole Caufield was then sent out of town for Logan Cooley, replacing Nelson at 2C but leaving a gaping hole on the top line. It's no secret that Capeside has been drooling over the thought of adding two Americans for a long time. In order to avoid tampering charges we will refer to these players as Grady Upchuck and Shaq Chews. Multiple offers have been made for each over the years but due to both of their franchises being competitive deals for prospects have been rejected over and over. So an alternative plan was formulated.

The Loons put together their best future package containing future star Frank Nazar, top prospect Isaac Howard and multiple firsts and shopped it around to the CCHL. For once the Loons were in the right place at the right time and were able to catch the Falcons still riding high off of their Kehler Cup win and relaxed after a long European vacation. Mitch Marner seemingly had fallen out of favor in Ft. Erie and as the late Owen Hart used to say - It was time for a change.

As this blog is being sent out for publishing Marner has yet to be formally introduced to Capeside's fans and media creating speculation that Marner could be had in a deal for either Jack... I mean Shaq or Grady. Long known for being highly emotional, no one knows how Mitchy will do in an all American locker room but there are many in Capeside who are daydreaming of what Eichel and Mitch can do together. Preseason kicks off in roughly 45 days and either way the Loons should finally be realistic Kehler Cup contenders.

Millers Musings Late Summer edition

 Looking at the clubs latest trade…

8/3/24 -CHP trades P. Grubauer, V. Puustinen, Vojtech Port-p & Garin Bjorklund-p to GEO for C. Ingram & M. Joseph…

Yet another trade with Chippewa. This one gives the Millers a slight (yet hugely expensive) upgrade in their 3rd goalie spot and introduces a low-risk sleeper forward and a couple of interesting if flawed prospects. 

Regarding the 2 dealt away, Ingram was instrumental in bringing the club out of it’s early season slump with some outstanding performances in goal before slumping and ceding time to Cam Talbot and Jake Allen down the stretch. Ingram is currently in the NHL’s Player Assistance program and is unlikely to play in 2025-26. Ingram’s lone season in Georgetown sees him post an .882 Save % and a 25-12-1 record in 41 games plus a 1-2, .874 showing in the playoffs. 

Joseph was brought in late last season in hopes that his physical, speedy and decently skilled game would mesh well with more offensively-inclined teammates. That did not happen and Joseph even struggled in a 4th line role ( 7 points and a -8 in 20 games) and was scoreless and a -2 in 2 playoff games. Joseph had fallen way down the forward depth chart after the Millers offseason moves and was unlikely to see any ice-time this coming season.

Grubauer comes to central Kentucky from Chippewa by way of Parry Sound, where last year he posted a 12-6-4 record with a .886 Save %. His $6.49 million salary for the next 2 years is extravagant for a 3rd string goalie but Georgetown management figured it was worth the risk for a couple of reasons: if his game rebounds and becomes at least league average again he could be moved or possibly replace Allen next year as Lukas Dostal’s backup. If he continues to struggle his NHL team could bury the cap hit in the minors and he won’t have enough games to qualify for the league next season, leaving the Millers on the hook for just 15 % of his cap hit. 

The other veteran acquired is 26-year old winger Valtteri Puustinen. After a decent age 24 season in the NHL (20 pts in 52 games as a bottom 6 wing) the Finn spent all but 13 games last season in the minors. He’s on a rebuilding Penguins club and if they are successful in moving out some vet wingers he could find himself in a top 9 role at minimum. If he can’t break through this year his NHL career will essentially be over. It’s a low-risk lottery ticket. 

Garin Bjorklund is a 23 year-old Goaltender who broke out in the ECHL last season and is expected to split time as an AHL starter this coming year. The 6’2 Alberta native is likely a 3rd goalie/NHL Backup long-term but the Capitals have good success in developing netminders so he is worth taking a flyer on. 

Vojtech Port is a 20-year old Defenseman from Czechia, drafted in the 6th round in 2023. The Ducks chose not to offer him a contract and he will be playing in his homeland this coming season, hoping to earn an NHL contract as a free agent. The scouting reports focus on his skating and passing ability and as a very good rush defender, with a need to add muscle and jam to his listed 6’2, 174 lb frame. Though not a huge point producer in his 2 years in the WHL he is lauded for his ability to carry the puck out and make a good first pass. Georgetown is hopeful that his game will grow by playing against men the next couple of years and he can find his way to the league as a bottom-pair or depth defender. He’s another lottery ticket.