Signing high end centres hasn't been Fox's forte bar Watling. Frequently he gets guys who played as lower line centres to hopefully fill that role (as top two line centres) or wingers who can play at centre and most of the time it hasn't been a success.
Fox really needs to get this right this time.
A Brebant, Legue, Tessier or Norris is essential.
We can't keep relying on average centres. Our rivals will have players they can throw out for those crucial faceoffs.
I kinda wish Balmas had something more interesting to say in post-match interviews than just "Yeah like I said..." before repeating the previous answer, but not every player can be a Ciampini in that regard. Other than that minor quibble I'm very happy with that signing. Can't really complain when the league's top goals and points man re-signs.
Pleased to see Juus back, he was on my retain list, although I didn't think he was at his best last season (injury?).
I'm probably completely wrong, but I could see Balmas with Arch and a new centre on the top line.
Juus on the 2nd line.
Dowd and Jasper with a new winger on the 3rd line.
IBN, Whistle and a new import on 4th line. Although Whistle is capable of playing up the lines.
There was also mention of Cade Neilson, but I'm not sure how he'd fit in, unless we're looking at going with 6 import d in some games and we alternate between Steele and IBN sitting out unless we have injuries.
As mentioned before, quality centres are going to be a key.
Juusola was also on my retain list and I'm also pleased to see him return, although we need a season not like his last one. At his best he's a potential game changer and he's nicely in his prime at 28.
I do cringe at the 'Want to win, sign a Finn' headline from our official announcement though, we've not won owt in 2 seasons! :
No issue on Juusola being back but expect we've only got 1 more returnee max (Diffley).
Any more and we won't have progressed the squad enough imo
Diffley would be top of my list for defencemen to retain.
I wouldn't have an issue if we brought Dougherty back as well. He came with a lot of expectation and had a slow start, but by the end of the season was 3rd on our +/-, which suggests he's had a very strong 2nd half of the season (just checked his game log = +7 in 2025 and +19 in 2026.....which confirms this).
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