Player signings thread - Sheffield...

[paul johnston]

If Dowd continues at centre, and Tremblay signed as a centre, presumably that will mean the end of Simpson at the club?
If we have a new 1C, not sure Dowd 2C, Simpson 3C with Tremblay at 4C brings a big enough upgrade down the middle. On Fox's interview sounds like Watling talks still ongoing and not definitely signed elsewhere. So maybe could see-
1C new guy
2C Watling
3C Dowd
4C Tremblay

Could go with that. Rate Tremblay as a good bottom 6 guy, Doom I'd rate him a lot higher/better than Brandt.

[Doom]

Could go with that. Rate Tremblay as a good bottom 6 guy, Doom I'd rate him a lot higher/better than Brandt.

I agree he brings much more to the table, but I made the comparison because they're both realtively high energy players who finish their hits and are happy to stir things up.

Tremblay has a higher level of skill and output though.

Just had a quick check and Tremblay was at 56% in the faceoff circle, which is very good.

Happy to see Tremblay in our bottom 6, I wouldn't want Brandt down there

Note: Tremblay is a bit taller than I thought. According to EP he's 5'11".

Regards

Doom

[ginger]

If Dowd continues at centre, and Tremblay signed as a centre, presumably that will mean the end of Simpson at the club?
If we have a new 1C, not sure Dowd 2C, Simpson 3C with Tremblay at 4C brings a big enough upgrade down the middle. On Fox's interview sounds like Watling talks still ongoing and not definitely signed elsewhere. So maybe could see-
1C new guy
2C Watling
3C Dowd
4C Tremblay

Could go with that. Rate Tremblay as a good bottom 6 guy, Doom I'd rate him a lot higher/better than Brandt.

I think Fox has Dowd at wing, but also gives you a RH draw taker.

Could still see Simpson back, but I think a lot depends on what happens with Whistle. If Whistle is back, I suspect Simpson isn't. Watling obviously as well is not nailed on returning, so could be quite a bit of change.

Roughly, assuming Balmas + Golod do re-sign, I think we will look something like

Golod - New - Balmas
Juusola - Watling/New - Tait
New - Simpson/Whistle - Dowd
Shudra - Tremblay - Neilson

Lines might be a bit different but still some questions marks on Simpson/Whistle/Watling.

[Doom]

If Dowd continues at centre, and Tremblay signed as a centre, presumably that will mean the end of Simpson at the club?
If we have a new 1C, not sure Dowd 2C, Simpson 3C with Tremblay at 4C brings a big enough upgrade down the middle. On Fox's interview sounds like Watling talks still ongoing and not definitely signed elsewhere. So maybe could see-
1C new guy
2C Watling
3C Dowd
4C Tremblay

Could go with that. Rate Tremblay as a good bottom 6 guy, Doom I'd rate him a lot higher/better than Brandt.

I think Fox has Dowd at wing, but also gives you a RH draw taker.

Could still see Simpson back, but I think a lot depends on what happens with Whistle. If Whistle is back, I suspect Simpson isn't. Watling obviously as well is not nailed on returning, so could be quite a bit of change.

Roughly, assuming Balmas + Golod do re-sign, I think we will look something like

Golod - New - Balmas
Juusola - Watling/New - Tait
New - Simpson/Whistle - Dowd
Shudra - Tremblay - Neilson

Lines might be a bit different but still some questions marks on Simpson/Whistle/Watling.

That looks good to me if that 1st line C is strong at faceoffs and good for 25 goals.

Watling just scraped over the line on our annual retain/release list, so I'd be happy to see him back, but hopefully the 23/24 version, because he wasn't as influential last season (maybe down to injuries as suggested).

Regards

Doom

[southernsteeler]

Derek Gentile signs for Steelers

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/2 ... ek-gentile

Looking on his Twitter, he seems to have reposted a few goals by Balmas in the past 6 months - maybe MB is staying and has brought a friend along for the ride...?!

[Jayboy]

Welcome to Sheffield Steelers Derek Gentile.



https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/2 ... ek-gentile

https://www.sheffieldsteelers.co.uk/der ... -steelers/

A great player with legendary references as Balmas & Allison give their sign of approval!

When a Grand Slammer from 2001 says “sign this guy” and that is backed up by a Grand Slammer of 2024, then you know we have signed a good one, as head coach Aaron Fox confirms the signing of Derek Gentile.

Gentile was first suggested to the Steelers by 2001 Grand Slammer Scott Allison as Gentile plays with his son Ben at St Mary’s University. Gentile is also very well known to 2024 Grand Slammer Mitchell Balmas, they have know each other and played alongside each other on and off for 20 years.

I remember thinking then “how good would it be to play pro here” so with Scott and then Mitchell just saying the best things about the team, the organisation, the city and the fans this was a no brainer for me

Head coach Aaron Fox: Derek is coming in after a year of leading all of USports in scoring and winning the MVP (Kelly award).
He’s an offensively gifted player that plays the game with a high hockey IQ and the puck seems to always be on his stick. Derek’s got a great release and should be a guy who helps our PP as well as he can play multiple spots. He’s excited to get in and help us compete for trophies.

Jayboy

[ginger]

Not one I expected but digging in to stats, he was the top scorer in USports last season across all players, whilst playing on an average/slightly above average team.

Not the easiest translation of stats but he should score well

[smbmetal]

Could be a great pickup. Good to see some young blood coming in.

Lets hope he makes a positive impact, especially on the PP!

Welcome to Sheffield Derek!

[ginger]

Just as a comparison, a number of the guys who were just behind him in the scoring charts have signed in ICEHL and Allsvenskan so it would suggest good quality at the top end of USports

[ginger]

Also, couple of extra points - he's big mates with Balmas, and he's wearing 77.

Unfortunately I think that probably suggests Golod isn't returning (unless we get a number change), but suggests more likely Balmas is back.