Analysis: Next Moves for Cardiff Devils
A Speculative Report on Potential Announcements Before The Devils Summit
Prior to the announcement of Pete Russell joining the Cardiff Devils, even before his farewell to Ravensburg Towerstars, I had written a piece for a post-season article, entitled ‘The Dupont Debate’ which, ultimately went unpublished, due the expected and unsurprising announcement of the new Devils coach. (of course, now ported).
How the future will look now, is sewn with even more optimism and renewed expectation, as opposed to trepidation, mixed with soul searching and loss.
For a Cardiff Devils fan, we now have an identity.
This could only mean that the team itself would have something to buy in too as well, except for just knowing that success and championships are expected – there is now a philosophy, belief, steely determination, and drive to prove they are the best.
Also, a demanding culture of accountability, which has been sorely missed since returning from the pandemic.
The cherry to top the icing for this cake, starts with the coach. That is his focus. He has something to prove, in his own words during his welcome interview and now, he has the perfect platform to build it.
The coach has a broad insight to this team, as by his latest interview, he has seen the good, the bad and ugly of the Devils last season, including key areas for speciality.
He already expressed ‘areas to improve’ and that although some of the group played well enough to look to Europe, if they do come back, they will be properly coached.
Again, the selling point for recruitment is the coach. He knows what needs to be done and importantly, how to get it done.
To note, I do not consider re-signings of long-term players ‘signings’ – they would have already committed to a new season. This is about announcements right now for the Devils front office – get the fans whipped up to maintain interest and engagement, then announce the real deals.
Return of the Jedi-Martin, Centre
Last Season; 56 pts 53GP – EIHL
It came as no surprise, that the first official roster announcement was Joey ‘The Goat’ Martin. The Great 88. After all, each partnership announcement for the season ahead, featured the wily EIHL import-veteran, inked in for an 8th season.
The announcement of The Goat should also signal that the top line centre role is scratched off the to-do list for Pete Russell, unless as by Martin’s own words, ‘staying on top of your game, at your highest level, to your best ability’, could also mean, he accepts a new role, such as a 2nd line centre.
One would think that even with his maturity, he still has it. Given his overall production of 1.18 PPG and the chemistry with a dynamic duo he clearly loved to play with, this should, should cement his role as top line centre. So, who would take 2nd?
Jake Coughler, Centre
Last Season; 23 pts, 31GP – EIHL
Coughler is still a fan favourite and has connected well in the organisation, however, we are yet to see a full season, uninterrupted with the best dressed stud in South Wales. My thoughts would be a final throw at it but limited to a 2nd line role.
However, if the goat would take that role for a new signing, this could mean departure or less ice time for a very promising player. His broken playing time got hammered by a horrible injury, being a concussion and skull fracture, yet when he returned it was like he never left.
The defence set up is likely an area that would take the biggest changes. Expect the captain back, then adding Mosey, as he is preferred at D by the coach, which would leave open 4 big slots.
Mark Richardson, Defence
Last Season; 14pts, 53GP
The next would likely be the ironman captain himself, Mark Richardson. With 2 weeks until ST renewals timescale ends, it will be a busy time for announcements to get bums on seats.
Evan Mosey, 2-way Defence
Last Season; 14pts, 39GP – EIHL
The Devils ‘Brit Core’ is ageing, so a factor of potential import size change for the league, could be crucial. Also, the coach himself carries merit. He had stated that he wants to ‘add to the current core and to build upon it’. This could feature very highly, Evan Mosey, despite his age.
Mosey still carries affection throughout the fanbase and is highly regarded for his personality, ability and all out raucous nature. His energy with Duggan has been noted by MD Todd Kelman, who seems to have rued not re-signing the 2-way, though British, he is classed as an import.
This could work well, with taking future league decisions into account, that are yet to be made concrete and official. Mosey would add to depth, loves Pete Russell and is well connected to the club. He would slot right into the championship potential they intend to build.
(Not forgetting, the chance for European competition would out-weigh an offer from Sheffield, so unless a better offer comes from elsewhere in Europe, Mosey should be a cert. So, thank you, Peter Kay).
Marcus Crawford, Defence
Last Season; 57pts, 54GP – EIHL
Enter Marcus Crawford, who had an inaugural season as good as Hotham’s. 57 points in regular season, you can’t leave a player like that out of your plans. Defensively, there only some smaller areas to tweak and improve such as positioning, clearing, timing passes and line communication, which would be light work for the coach. Crows’ ceiling is massive, he could potentially go on to win the same accolades as legends before him.
All just in time for the ST renewal drive to conclude and anticipation for the Annual Summit.
Justin Crandall, Right Wing
Last Season; 36pts, 54GP – EIHL
I would add in a player who absolutely wanted more from the last season, with a passion for the club you cannot ignore. Justin Crandall. Crandall was the engine for the 2nd line being the anchor point. He played more defensively but was there for the rush too.
I would expect him to return, as he is constantly relentless, something that appeals to Coach Russell.
Josh MacDonald, Winger
Last Season; 43pts, 50GP (Playoffs; 18pts, 17GP) – DEL 2
Who could join the line for Crandall and Coughler might be a question on some minds? If not Waller, then who? One idea could be a winger than can play both sides of the ice, who also played under the new coach, in Josh MacDonald, as Sam Herr has already signed a contract extension with Ravensburg, however, anything can happen with the right ingredients.
The Rise of Team GB
Logic would allow the next batch of signings to be announced as ‘The Brit Core’, buoyed by the fact their new head coach, also lead with immense success, their international team. The individual who knows how to get the best out of them, including the perfect insight to future Brits.
Joshua Waller, Left Wing
Last Season; 29pts, 54GP – EIHL
You would have to expect Joshua Waller to return, though it is entirely possible he could go to Europe. With a good resume and no doubt great references, the GB coach could be the staying factor if other teams started calling.
Sam Duggan, Right Wing/Centre
Last Season; 13pts, 54GP – EIHL
You couldn’t have a team that would potentially have Mosey, the Team GB coach and a core group of Brits, without Sam Duggan. He would have to really play his best out there to put a stamp on his future, as it is fair to say, he dropped an egg this past campaign.
For a player like Duggan, harmony, consistency and cohesion are what makes him tick. You bring Mosey in, you get the best from Duggan. Also, the ‘Dusey Clap’.
Two-Way Futures – Reece Kelly, Defence
Last Season; 1pts, 8GP (30pts, 51GP) – EIHL, (NIHL)
My next take is to expect at least 2 newer Brit player signings. Of those 2 Brit signings, I would expect a change of 2-way status from affiliates Bristol Pitbulls. Ed Bradley, all things considered, has another career route in mind (unofficially) and Reece Kelly has impressed.
The announcement of Reece Cochrane to the Pitbulls, could signal a new opportunity for Kelly, potentially joining Cardiff Devils full time.
Cameron Pound, Defence
Last Season; 6pts, 29GP – USports
The next could be an opportunity for the Pitbulls, Cameron Pound. He is by far the most exciting British Defenceman that is soon to be looking for a new destination post-College career in USports.
His playing connections include Joshua Waller and Liam Kirk, as well as our coveted 2-ways at GB level. He also played at SMU Huskies, same as Jake Coughler (including Brett Neumann, Stephen Johnson and Hunter Garlent – one of the most exciting imports in Europe right now, not to forget a Devils Legend, Andrew Hotham).
The university has produced some very good names, so a move back to the UK would be great for him to continue professional development.
The Rogue Ones
Chad Pietroniro, Riley Brandt
These young players have enraptured the fanbase, for just playing bigger than they look and harder than anyone else. Riley Brandt and Chad Pietroniro. Both have similar styles and roles. I would say that having both players would benefit the group overall and it wouldn’t be expensive.
‘The Chad’, has a hockey IQ beyond his years and really on the point communication on ice. ‘Bubba’ is a solid hitter who holds no fear and will do anything for his team and coach. Both play intensely, fast and are completely relentless. Attributes that their new coach values from his players.
Potential Notables
Would go without saying that Ben Bowns would return as the Number 1 goalie and Ben Davies to complete the Brit Core. For another import suggestion, it could very well be Zach O’Brien.
DEL 2 experience, especially with Ravensburg, broad experience in the AHL and ECHL, easily averaging just over a point a game across those league seasons. The right shot, RW/C also has a stack of highlights over his career so far, including ECHL all-star, MVP, Kelly Cup Champion and QMJHL accolades that point to a stellar player.
His contacts for league references extend not just from Coach Russell, but Sam Jardine, JJ Piccinich, Eamon McAdam, Shane Starrett, Shane Owen, Matt O’Connor (Conti Cup vs Devils) Brett Perlini, Daniel Tedesco, Mathieu Tousignant, to name a few.
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