What will the Spitfires do?
Will he or won’t he? Does Spitfires general manager Billy Bowler make a major move ahead of the looming January 10 Ontario Hockey League trade deadline or does he stay the course with what he has?
As the Soo Greyhounds have moved into contender status by way of the recent trade additions of standout 2006 birth year defenseman Lukas Fischer from the Sarnia Sting and 2008 birth year forward and former first rounder Colin Fitzgerald from the Peterborough Petes, the race for Western Conference supremacy has further tightened.
To be sure, the unexpected, unforeseen Flint Firebirds seem as though they are authentic and then there are perennial top level teams such as the London Knights and Kitchener Rangers who are once again dangerous opponents for Windsor, which has been on the top floor of the Western Conference since the start of the season.
Flint, like the Soo, has been free wheeling in player swaps as the ’25-26 season has progressed but thus far all has been rather still in Windsor, not to mention London and Kitchener.
If aforementioned Spitfires GM Billy Bowler has anything in the works, he isn’t saying. While there are rumours out there as to who the Spitfires may be pursuing, keep in mind that Bowler has clearly stated in past messages to Hockey News Windsor that he does not respond to scuttlebutt, tittle-tattle or gossip.
If Bowler adds a player or players via trade, one can be assured that it will be a careful, well thought out decision. Calculated — and at times, complex — person that he is, Bowler is not one to panic or be rushed into being reactive.
As is, Windsor is a really good team throughout the lineup. It has a top flight overage goalie in Joey Costanzo, a quartet of highly experienced defensemen in overage Wyatt Kennedy, point producers Carson Woodall and Anthony Cristoforo and a steady, sizeable presence in Conor Walton. And up front, the Spitfires have ammunition aplenty led by captain Liam Greentree and high ranking soldiers such as Cole Davis, Jack Nesbitt, A.J. Spellacy, Ethan Belchetz, J.C. Lemieux et al.
On the subject of overages and what the Spitfires already have in Costanzo and Kennedy, Windsor does have room for one more 2005 birth player on its roster.
As for depth, the Spitfires are in good position whether they stand pat or make a trade. Any potential trade could not only include a few stock piled draft picks but younger reserve players who are already on the Windsor roster and would be able to step into more of a role with another team.
At any rate, what will the Spitfires do leading up to the January 10 trade deadline? It is a decision to be made by their resolute, unwavering, steely eyed general manager.
If it is or isn’t to be, it is totally up to Billy B.
above photo of Billy Bowler by Windsor Star
What you think about “What will the Spitfires do?”
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In my opinion, Greentree is working, but not producing like previous years. If any one has to go I think it should be Liam.
We should have done some deals a month ago so yes bowler get moving on this. Greentree is good trade bait to start with
Think second highest scorer with 8 less games played is a keeper in my opinion. Especially when Greentree is breaking team records.Did I also mention he is a captain that leads by example.
Agree, 100 per cent.