The South Esk Scotsmen have had a difficult October but clinched a playoff position today.  After an extremely hot September, going 13-4-0, October has seen only 5 wins so far and 10 losses with 2 in OT as well as 1 tie.  This performance is not acceptable given the roster the Scotsmen now have, but despite this, the Scotsmen let the trade deadline come and go.

Off the ice, the Scotsmen have seen a little more success, but also still need to come to an agreement on an extension with a couple of players.  The successes include 6-year deals with Lucas Raymond and Elias Pettersson and a 5-year deal today with Alexander Alexeyev who just returned to the lineup after an injury against the Saint John Kings.  The remaining key free agents will need to be signed in the next 6-7 weeks before the offseason.

  

Some free agents unlikely to resign include Matt Murray who upon signing would trigger a clause that would cost the Scotsmen a 2nd round draft pick and is unlikely to happen for the goalie who will be 34 next season.  David Pastrnak was the one change the team made during the rental period and is ineligible for a new contract.  Several less prominent free agents are likely to be signed due to salary cap considerations including Nick Ritchie, Bo Horvat, Vincent Trocheck and some veteran players in Conception Bay.  

The core of the future team still looks strong for several seasons, but the real issue is turning the performance back around before the postseason begins.  Injuries and line juggling seem to indicate Goodfellow is still trying to find some chemistry.  Zegras has been put back on the top line to rekindle chemistry with Pettersson and Dach.  Undisciplined play seems to be a major concern and watch for Goodfellow to limit ice time for players that give up unnecessary man advantage.  That seems to be more prevalent since the acquisition of Brady Tkachuk.  Matt Murray has been getting more starts as the team looks for a hot hand to tend the twine.  Whatever happens, the rosters are set for the next several weeks and teams, including the Scotsmen will need to work with what they have.  The Scotsmen clan needs to get out and support the team, waving the tartan towels and getting behind their players to make a run at a cup.