A hero's welcome is certain to greet Alex Pietrangelo as he makes his home return this Saturday against the Sudbury Wolves. The big defenseman, repatriated from St. Louis recently, already has 1 goal and 3 assists in his two starts. The question remains as to how long his Ice Dog tenure will be considering that trade talk has heated up with both Petro and some up and comer named John Tavares being enticing bargaining chips. It stands to reason from this vantage point that holding onto Pietrangelo would be in his and the teams best interest. Here's why:
1. GM's and other management pay close attention to the attendance gate for every home game. People are predicting an Ice Dog sell out for his home return and improved attendance going forward. If that trend rings true, then the Ice Dogs could ill afford to trade their star.
2. Related to point number one is that the Ice Dogs did a great job of making their players ambassadors for the community. Led by guys like Swift, Legein a and Caputi, the Ice Dogs became real heroes. It makes sense to have Petro as your community centrepiece. He's a high NHL pick, and more importantly is a genuinely nice guy.
3. Trade partners are limited. Right now the top four teams are London, Windsor, Brampton and Belleville. London and Windsor appear to be major players and are gunning for star power. Brampton is on a heck of a run right now, but likely waits to make a move. Belleville would be a nice fit. Imagine Petro partnered with P.K. Subban. Do they have the pieces to trade? Dave Brown likely demands a package of draft picks and one or two roster players in any deal.
4. In a middling Eastern Conference, the Ice Dogs are not that far off, having lost only two of twelve in regulation. After Brampton and Belleville, teams are bunched up. The 3rd seed brass ring is clearly up for grabs.
5. The Ice Dogs need Petro. Right now the Ice Dogs D is struggling. Fletcher, Schiestel and Josh Day have all struggled on the back end. You cannot blame the Ice Dogs' goals against average solely on young goaltending. There have been defensive breakdowns a plenty! Petro will play 30 minutes a game for the Dogs, will play in all situations and be better for it at next years St. Louis camp.
I believe the Ice Dogs will make a deal or two and a deal for Alex Pietrangelo may be too good to pass up. It is just not a guarantee that Petro will be in different colours come the New Year.
Steve Clark
TV Cogeco
1 comment:
All the "closet gm's" on the fan forum say that he should be traded for futures and a rising talent...no question. If you think otherwise, you just don't know hockey and how the OHL works.
I agree with you. If a deal is brought forth to Dave Brown, then it better be too good to pass up to be traded.
You have to be cautious here. Draft picks don't always pan out. Just because you got a 2nd or 3rd rounder doesn't mean you're set for the next few years.
I believe he will go at the trade deadline if, by then it looks like the Dogs are going nowhere.
Unless, of course, somebody drops a "no brainer" on Brown before that.
My 2 cents.
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