“I did not see that deal coming” (Saint John GM John Kenny).  It came as a surprise for many including fans of the South Esk Scotsmen that GM Shannon Goodfellow would move Matthew Tkachuk heading into unrestricted free agency.  The answer was provided by Goodfellow shortly after GM Jeff Nagle commented that the Royals had Tkachuk on their radar but opted for (Auston) Matthews instead.  

“I figured he might have been on a few teams’ radar.  I am more likely to move players like that (Tkachuk) in the offseason because it gives us flexibility at the meeting for free agency” (South Esk GM Shannon Goodfellow).

Let’s hypothesize what South Esk is likely thinking and what GM Goodfellow might be considering.  The team clearly has issues with the defensive side of their game last season and Tkachuk was a -35.  Additionally, the Scotsmen traded a lot for Barrett Hayton and Anthony Beauvillier which has both not worked as well as desired but also not given all the opportunities of playing on a top 6 forwards.  At the same time, Brady Skjei, who played in the team’s 2nd pairing, looks like he may be losing a step.  The 33-year-old blueliner is in the final year of his 5-year $24.25 M contract.  Finally, the youngest starting goalie of the ODBHL struggled to consistently perform, allowing some weaker opportunities while losing 26 of his 55 starts notching only 12 quality games (1 in 4.58 starts), half as many as many goalies with as many starts with the next lowest being Veini Vehvilainen with 18 in 60 starts (1 in 3.33 starts).  

To correct these concerns, it appears obvious, and the GM has indicated to sources this morning that the team is looking for a 2nd defensive pairing either through free agency or through trade and has had discussions with at least one team GM about a potential acquisition.  Going into the annual general managers meeting this weekend, the team will likely be looking for some way to fill that need as well as potentially a forward to slot in behind the forwards that will likely be moved forward to eat up minutes vacated by the departure of Tkachuk.  

(Also hoping it’s the last time I need to remember how to spell his last name – Shannon Goodfellow)