Status Quo For Now?

Status Quo For Now?

The front running Moncton Wildcats would appear that status quo is the way to go entering the final few days of the QMJHL trade period.

Wildcats GM Taylor MacDougall did make one move that some people would deem “minor” with the acquisition of Maxime Cote. Cote’s addition isn’t minor by any means and addressed exactly what the Cats needed when it comes to a skilled gritty presence.

Cote’s ability to play up and down the lineup provides Head Coach Gardiner MacDougall even more options with his forward group.

Are the Cats good enough right now to stay status quo and potentially go where they want to go?

That’s where things get very complicated or clear depending on your point of view.

While other top contending teams across the QMJHL seem to making a ton of moves, Taylor MacDougall and his staff have quietly gone about their business assessing and evaluating their group and other teams.

If a MacDougall was to make a splash in the final hours of the trade period what areas would he have to address? What holes do that Cats need to fill?

Well, the backend is solid and well positioned, but there’s no question depth in that area needs to be addressed heading into the second half. The Cats have prospects and some depth back there, but they don’t boast a ton of Q experience with their depth. It would make sense for them to go acquire another veteran defender at this time to ensure they have some options back there in case of injuries coming down the stretch.

As far as their forward group is concerned it’s stacked, but how stacked do you want it to be or require to be?

As I’ve written previously, MacDougall spots his fourth line very sparingly so to go out and acquire another forward right now means that another player is potentially being moved down in the lineup.

Again, all signs point to Taylor MacDougall not making a big splash or drastic move right now, so that means they really like their group.

Are the Wildcats stacked?…..Yes

How do the Wildcats stack up against other top contenders?….That remains to be seen?

There are so many variables right now that all the top teams have to consider, so the only thing they can do is try to add as many pieces to their team that they think they need to ensure the best possible chance of success.

Teams are trying to leave nothing up to chance, but in the game of hockey anything can happen.

Status quo is potentially the way the Wildcats are going to go, but anything can happen in the waning moments of the QMJHL trade period.