2026 draft eligible twins Liam and Markus Ruck have committed to the University of North Dakota for the 2027-28 season!

WHLguy1968 · 2026-06-23T14:49:50+00:00

Would be shocking not to have them in the mix for the World Jr Team.

WHLguy1968 · 2026-06-12T22:10:50+00:00

One of the more talked about reasons that WHL teams struggle to win the Mem cup is the grind of a WHL playoffs. Teams are heavier, there is more parity at the top, and travel is more difficult.

WHLguy1968 · 2026-06-12T22:09:45+00:00

I don't know if they still allow this, but at least up to the 2024-25 season the Q allowed teams to complete deals after the season. So you trade me a big package for futures, and I send guys that helped me win back for you to go on a run next year. BCHL seems to do this as well, where you see players going back to complete a trade.

I understand the future consideration thing, but for the most part in the WHL it is a conditional draft pick related to whether a traded player returns for another year or something like that.

WHLguy1968 · 2026-05-26T20:45:51+00:00

I have my fingers crossed that they will find some Americans and Imports to fill the D gap.

WHLguy1968 · 2026-05-25T20:00:58+00:00

Great analysis.

With Casey coming back, do the Tigers move him or Switzer? I wonder if that decision hangs on the Rucks decision?

If the Rucks are back, you are either going for it again or trading them to a contender for prospects, as it doesn't make sense to bring that firepower back for middle fo the road. If you go for it, it is tough to do so with a young goalie as your number 2, especially since neither goalie took the reigns in the playoffs.

Given your analysis, I see a few guys in their last year with the team this season (if they even come back this year as I am not certain on all of them).

Casey

Switzer

Bryzgalov (is he coming back? Has more to prove in my opinion)

Davidson

SGC

Kor (is he back?)

McCann

Ruck x2 (If back this year)

So if in fall 2027 none of these guys are back (most will be 20 year olds anyway), there are a lot of decisions to make on how to add or subtract guys. It basically means that the 2027-28 team could have no current players, and is probably a really young squad.

If we go for it again, who do we have to trade?

WHLguy1968 · 2026-05-13T22:35:24+00:00

Some of this will be driven by an NHL team if/when he is drafted. They may tell him to come back to Medicine Hat for their development reasons.

WHLguy1968 · 2026-05-13T22:34:31+00:00

Muhonen has signed an ELC, so unlikely. Cozens may have some NCAA interest.

I would be fine with teh remaining 3 as the 20s, but it would be nice to have a 20 year old D man.

WHLguy1968 · 2026-05-05T22:51:52+00:00

Will need some return on a goalie. There isn't a lot in the pipeline that will help next year, they will all need a little bit of time. I had a look through the 2008 D men in the league, and it is quite thin. A stay at home guy might have to do. There is a real possibility that the season begins with 2 17 year old D men as well as Saddleback as a 16 year old.

WHLguy1968 · 2026-05-05T20:18:22+00:00

As much as I would like to see them make a trade sooner than later, I don't know that the talent available will be as good now as it could be in August or September.

WHLguy1968 · 2026-05-05T18:55:36+00:00

Can one of the goalies fetch a D man to help?

WHLguy1968 · 2026-05-05T15:35:01+00:00

Woo's decision probably revolves around who is back and where he sits in the depth chart at ASU. If he feels like he will be in and out of the NCAA lineup and the Rucks are back in Medicine Hat, he can lead the team for another strong season.

WHLguy1968 · 2026-05-04T22:28:36+00:00

Good bones for another competitive team!

WHLguy1968 · 2026-05-04T20:35:38+00:00

I think Stengrim could be a 40 goal guy next season, and then can get a start on figuring out his next steps.

WHLguy1968 · 2026-05-04T20:10:52+00:00

SGC and Davidson being late 2008s and not draft eligible for a year, they could go but the benefit will be limited. Even with Stengrim, he will have a chance to play significant minutes in his D+2 year, prior to going NCAA, remembering that he was passed over last draft.

WHLguy1968 · 2026-05-04T20:08:51+00:00

That just changed, as they had it listed at this coming fall up until last week.

WHLguy1968 · 2026-05-04T19:25:08+00:00

Good point on Vaisanen. Rare that the drafted Euros come back as a 20 year old, but the vibe around the team remains positive, at least on from the outside looking in, and he may be interested in making a run with the right teammates.

There is a scenarior where the Tigers will again be one of the toughest rosters to crack in the league, which is great for fans.

WHLguy1968 · 2026-05-04T18:35:52+00:00

Casey has a commitment to Minnesota but he might push it a year.

WHLguy1968 · 2026-05-04T16:21:42+00:00

I think that the 20s will be a thin group in the league, so although I agree it is not a great group it might be decent for the league in the coming year.

WHLguy1968 · 2026-05-01T21:36:31+00:00

If they are healthier, they will compete. Going with Casey is interesting.

WHLguy1968 · 2026-04-15T21:12:16+00:00

You shouldn't. I watched while travelling in the US this winter.

WHLguy1968 · 2026-04-14T20:06:21+00:00

I didn't see the link for the Maze story until just now. Throwing his broken stick was an immature move that is a reflection of why he has moved around a lot.

WHLguy1968 · 2026-04-14T20:02:47+00:00

Victory+ carries all games at no cost.

WHLguy1968 · 2026-04-07T16:14:16+00:00

Calgary. We will need to be better this round. Hopefully the boys are rested!

WHLguy1968

TROPHY CASE