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From the Booth: The Monsters are back!

From the Booth: Tony Brown's All-Time Greats & the Free Agency Picture

Sep 25, 2020

Hello again Monsters fans, we’re back with another edition of “From the Booth” as the Stanley Cup Final is in full swing in Edmonton – hope you’re enjoying this interesting series as much as I am and having fun spotting all the AHL alums on both sides!

 

This week, I thought we’d take a stab at some of the questions you have submitted over the last few weeks, that’s right! It’s the “From the Booth” #MonstersMailbag edition!

 

 

Tom Borawski asks…

“Will Zac Dalpe be back this coming season?”

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Great question, Tom! On the heels of a frustrating injury-plagued season for Cleveland’s 2019-20 co-captain, the former Ohio State Buckeye remains under 2020-21 contract with the Blue Jackets for the final year of his two-way NHL/AHL deal.

 

He’ll be part of the organization, but just like every player, Zac will be doing all he can to make Columbus’ roster out of training camp. The good news is, whether it’s in Cleveland or down I-71, one of the Monsters’ all-time greats and fan favorites will be in Ohio next year and that’s a fact worth celebrating.

 

 

Thomas Doycich asks…

“Who would be on an all-time Monsters starting six in your opinion?”

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I like this one Thomas – tough question! With the caveat that I’ve only been calling Monsters games for the past five seasons and haven’t seen all these guys play in Cleveland, a glance at our well-maintained franchise record book along with some Calder Cup bias yields the following first and second-team results. I’m sure there will be serious debate on this topic – be sure to chime in on Twitter with your personal Monsters Starting 6!

 

Monsters First All-Time Team

LW: Andrew Agozzino (2012-15)

C: Alex Broadhurst (2015-19)

RW: Oliver Bjorkstrand (2015-17)

D: Cameron Gaunce (2010-13, 2017-18)

D: Stefan Elliott (2010-15)

G:  Calvin Pickard (2011-15)

 

Monsters Second All-Time Team

LW: Marc Olver (2009-14)

C: Zac Dalpe (2016-20)

RW: David van der Gulik (2010-14)

D: Adam Clendening (2018-20)

D: Karl Stollery (2012-15)

G: Anton Forsberg (2015-17)

 

 

Michael Kuper asks…

“Any word on all of the free agents and restricted free agents who may/may not leave?”

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Hey Kup - Hope you and yours are doing well amidst the pandemic! This is a difficult one to definitively answer as we’re not quite to the post-NHL Draft Free Agency period (that begins at noon on Friday, Oct. 9 as announced by the NHL on Sep. 11), but so far we know the following. Suffice it to say things could potentially look very different roster-wise for the Monsters next season.

 

  • The following key contributors for the Monsters in recent seasons are under contract with Columbus for 2020-21:
    • Nathan Gerbe, Stefan Matteau, Trey Fix-Wolansky, Zac Dalpe, Adam Clendening, Veini Vehvilainen, Eric Robinson, Andrew Peeke
  • The following key contributors for the Monsters last season/in recent seasons are restricted free agents:
    • Kevin Stenlund, Ryan MacInnis, Gabriel Carlsson, Maxime Fortier, Justin Scott, Kole Sherwood, Calvin Thurkauf, Paul Bittner, Mike Prapavessis, Ryan Collins, Matiss Kivlenieks
  • The following key contributors for the Monsters last season/in recent seasons are unrestricted free agents:
    • Doyle Somerby, Dillon Simpson
  • Sam Vigneault has signed with the Laval Rocket in his native Quebec.
  • Anton Karlsson has signed with HV71 of the SHL in his native Sweden.
  • Marko Dano has reportedly signed in Slovakia.
  • Jakob Lilja has signed with Barys Nur-Sultan in the KHL.
  • The following players from the Monsters’ 2019-20 team have seen their AHL contracts expire:
    • Derek Barach, Bryan Moore, Steve Johnson, Brad Thiessen
  • Cleveland currently has the following players under AHL contracts for 2020-21:
    • Brett Gallant, Adam Helewka, Michael Struthers, Zach Jordan, Wyatt Newpower

 

 

Submit below or Tweet any questions you may have – hockey-related or otherwise – using the #MonstersMailbag hashtag!

 

Until next time, I hope you all enjoy the NHL’s grand finale in the Edmonton bubble and please continue to wash your hands, wear your masks and avoid crowds – we’re all in this together and have lots of work left to do!

 

TB

 

 

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