The biggest loss was always going to sting.
In a move that felt equal parts inevitable and emotional, Leon Draisaitl was allowed to finish his storied career where another chapter once began — back with the Saint John Kings. A former King who never won there, then a Scotsmen champion, Draisaitl exits South Esk with his legacy secure.
“That one hurt,” admitted GM Shannon Goodfellow.
“But sometimes the right hockey decision is also the human one.”
Saint John fans celebrated. South Esk fans nodded respectfully… then immediately checked the standings.
Buried on a deep, veteran-heavy blue line, Mukhamadullin needed ice time — and Riverview needed upside. The return was substantial:
1st round pick
Laurie Boschman
Jim Kyte
It was a move that screamed defending champion pragmatism.
Media Take:
“That’s how you turn a logjam into future leverage.” — ODBHL Network
If some doors closed, others blew wide open.
The breakout has arrived. Lundell’s two-way reliability and quiet production have made it impossible to send him back down. This isn’t a cameo — this is establishment.
“He plays like someone who knows he belongs,” said the coaching staff.
“Because now he does.”
A 3-year extension at $8.4M AAV sent a message to the league:
South Esk is still building around elite defense.
Byram has rewarded the deal with confident, aggressive play and has quietly become one of the team’s most trusted minutes-eaters.
If there’s one name scribbled on every opposing whiteboard, it’s Trevor Zegras.
6 years
$7M per season
Full creative freedom
“He’s the straw that stirs the drink,” one rival scout said.
“You don’t stop him. You survive him.”
Two more years. $8M per season. No drama.
Sergachev remains the emotional backbone of the roster — physical, vocal, and unflinchingly competitive. His extension stabilized everything else.
The acquisition of David Legwand flew under the radar, and South Esk prefers it that way.
He’ll develop with Conception Bay, with the organization viewing him as a future roster plug-in rather than a quick fix.
“That’s a long-view move,” said one league executive.
“Champions who plan for tomorrow stay champions.”
And then there are the questions no one can dodge.
The future Hall of Famer still produces. Still tilts playoff series. Still terrifies goalies.
But time waits for no one — not even legends.
Contract whispers around the league:
1-year deal
Heavy bonuses
Reduced regular-season workload
“One last ride” narrative
“If he wants one more shot,” a source said,
“South Esk will make room.”
If Kucherov is art, Ristolainen is warfare.
After carrying the team down the stretch last postseason, retirement rumors linger — but so does unfinished business.
Speculation:
1 year deal
Leadership-heavy role
Possible future front-office pathway
“You don’t replace what he brings,” said a teammate.
“You just hope he’s not done yet.”
“Scotsmen Still Dangerous — Even Leaner”
“Champions Adjust, Rivals Still Chasing”
Caller:
“I miss Draisaitl… but Zegras makes me forget REAL quick.”
“Byram extension = elite.”
“If Kucherov comes back, cancel the playoffs now.”
“South Esk lost stars and somehow got scarier.”
This isn’t last season’s Scotsmen.
It’s sharper. Leaner. More intentional.
The Cup hangover never came — but the bill did. And South Esk paid it carefully, refusing to panic, refusing to rebuild, refusing to fade quietly.
The question now isn’t can they repeat.
It’s whether the final chapters of Kucherov and Ristolainen will be written in tartan… one more time.
And if history has taught this league anything?
Never bet against South Esk when it matters most.
2/3/2026 - 926 words
