Who Are The Big Fish?

The Junior 'A' trade deadline is coming up at midnight on Saturday (Saturday night/Sunday morning)... and as always, fans (and radio guys) are waiting for that big splash.

As far as the SJHL goes, there are a lot of guys out there that other SJHL teams would love to have... but with the standings so close, I'm wondering how busy January 10th will be.

Regardless, some teams will be busier on the phone than others, whether they're the ones dialing or answering the phones. Here's a quick list of guys I'm thinking will generate a lot of phone calls, whether or not they actually get moved.

Remember, this is ONLY MY OPINION. This isn't based on anything I've been told or think may happen... just an unbiased list that anyone who follows the league could create.

Rylan Schwartz, 1990 F, Notre Dame Hounds

Had to put this guy first. He's only 18, but is off to Colorado College (NCAA) next season and is in his last season of Junior 'A' Hockey. Schwartz leads the league in points per game, and if he wasn't representing Western Canada at the World Junior 'A' Challenge in Camrose, AB in November, he'd be leading the SJHL in points. Despite missing 8 games, the Wilcox product still leads the league in goals (27), and is second in points (57), 2 behind Humboldt defenseman Brady Wacker (59). He would turn a middle-of-the-pack team into an instant contender. But... Notre Dame's only 8 points behind Estevan for the Sherwood's final playoff spot... and Rylan's tearing it up in his hometown with his younger brother Jaden... maybe he'd like to finish his Junior 'A' career right where he is. On the other hand GM Mike Vandenberge can demand the world in return, and probably get it.

Torrie Dyck, 1988 F, Nipawin Hawks

This guy's getting all the hype on the (mostly bull$h!t) SJHL Message Board, but I really don't think he's going anywhere. The Hawks are now tied for third in the Itech, with Melfort, with 2 games in hand. They're also 8-and-3 since December 1st. No doubt, the Hawks could get a lot in return for Dyck, and/or fellow 20-year-old sniper Brent Ottmann, but with those two men in their lineup, the Hawks could be a dark horse this post season. I predict Torrie Dyck stays in Nipawin Hawk colours after January 10th, but I'm far from being a Junior Hockey General Manager. As far as the numbers go, Dyck leads his team in goals (19) and points (42). P.S. I read the Message Board everyday and have no personal beefs with anyone on there. It's a fine place to discuss the league... I just wouldn't take anything I read there to the bank.

Everette Lerner, 1988 F, La Ronge Ice Wolves

Not the flashiest 20 year old scorer available, but Lerner could be that piece that rounds out a contending team's top 9. He's tied for the Ice Wolves' lead in goals (13) and assists (17), and has their out-right lead with 30 points in 39 games. La Ronge, like Notre Dame, are far from out of the playoff picture, which could make Coach/GM Bob Beatty hesitant to sell the farm. They're 2 points out, but have played 2 games more than 5th place Battleford. The Ice Wolves also have a pair of solid 20 year old defenseman in Casey Dion (3-14-17) and Joel Belair (0-6-6) who could also be on the market if they go the "sell" route. Dustin Stevenson (12-16-28) is one of those "stud" D-men who can run a powerplay. I'm sure teams will be calling about his services and offering more than they would for the two 20 year olds, but Stevenson's only 19, and eligible to return next year. Scratch 20 year old goalie John Jobin off the list... the Wolves moved him to B.C. last week. I was wondering to myself if a team like Humboldt might go after him. The Broncos' 18 year old tandem of Andrew Bodnarchuk and Jeff Holloway have proven themselves worthy most nights, but as the top team in the league standings, and an RBC threat (AGAIN!), could the Broncos be looking for experience in goal? Only Dean Brockman knows, and given the dynasty he's built, I won't question him if he does, or does not get a goalie.

Tommy Brown, 1989 D, Melfort Mustangs

Alas, it's that puck-moving, powerplay defenseman that EVERYONE always wants! And he just might be available. Brown's only 19, but is essentially 20 with him joining Michigan Tech (NCAA) next season. Brown would be a #1 D on most teams, and after a bit of a slow start has lifted his numbers with 3-goals and 21-points in 34-games.

Kyle Fraser, 1988 F, Melfort Mustangs

Another Mustang who could be on the market come January 10th. Fraser missed a chunk of games at the start of the year but is at exactly a point-per-game, registering 12-goals and 18-assists for 30-points in as many games. Add to the point totals his team-high 117 PIMs. He's the proto-typical power forward and any playoff team would love him in their lineup. However, Melfort's going to be a playoff team themselves, and they're already young, with snipers Deven Stillar, Blake Hietala and company all back next season. Do they really have to trade their vets to get EVEN younger? Or should they keep Fraser and Brown and see if they can't make some noise right now? Not sure why, but I just have a feeling Darrell Mann will either trade both of them, or neither one.

Anyone else?
Battleford is that other "bubble team" in the north... but they don't really have that "impact" 20 year old that teams are drooling over. 19 year old defenseman Jesse Lebreton will probably make the phones ring though. Doesn't mean he's going anywhere. And this might belong up at the top with Rylan Schwartz, but with 17 year old Hounds' forward John Esposito off to Cornell (NCAA) next season, maybe he's available too...?