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From usual accounts on X:

Lucas Brine - 2 way with the Dogs
Cade Neilson
Cooper Zech
Bode Wilde

All to Steelers

Balmas and Diffley to re-sign as well.

ginger wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 24, 2026 1:05 pm

From usual accounts on X:

Lucas Brine - 2 way with the Dogs
Cade Neilson
Cooper Zech
Bode Wilde

All to Steelers

Balmas and Diffley to re-sign as well.

Who wouldn’t be delighted about Balmas ! As for Diffley, I think his stats suggest strongly that he should be returning. Not sure why so many are less sure.

Bryan wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 24, 2026 7:12 pm

ginger wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 24, 2026 1:05 pm

From usual accounts on X:

Lucas Brine - 2 way with the Dogs
Cade Neilson
Cooper Zech
Bode Wilde

All to Steelers

Balmas and Diffley to re-sign as well.

Who wouldn’t be delighted about Balmas ! As for Diffley, I think his stats suggest strongly that he should be returning. Not sure why so many are less sure.

The only rumour I don't really like in that lot is Zech. The Cade one is interesting as would suggest we are either scratching a brit each night or running 2 import goalies on the game sheet.

Bode Wilde is a huge upgrade on Southorn if true. Would mean we have 2 elite offensive D with him and Cormier. Diffley + Tansey replacement to partner them, then I'd be looking at a more defensive minded D with decent puck moving skills to partner Steele.

Of course, all rumours till confirmed

ginger wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 24, 2026 1:05 pm

From usual accounts on X:

Lucas Brine - 2 way with the Dogs
Cade Neilson
Cooper Zech
Bode Wilde

All to Steelers

Balmas and Diffley to re-sign as well.

I'd be delighted to get Balmas and Diffley back. That would mean we'd retained more or less all the players I wanted back.

Of the other players, I can't say I've strong feelings one way or the other. I think they'd be OK, but nothing more than that.

I would have felt stronger for Neilson had Whistle not returned, but now he has, I don't see the need for Neilson unless Fox intends playing 6 import d in the tougher fixtures.

Bode Wilde looks like he's had a good season in DEL 2. He's put up good numbers and his +/- hasn't suffered. In Cardiff his +/- was quite poor, but he was quite young and probably still improving. I think he'd be a decent signing.

Cooper Zech is an interesting one. I've seen a few criticisms of him from Panthers supporters, but he did finish 4th on their +/- and he's still at a good age. I wouldn't be disappointed if we signed him.

Regards

Doom

Lack of production from D was a big issue this year - Wilde would absolutely fill that hole. 4th highest scoring Dman in DEL2 this season, just under a ppg when he was at Cardiff.

I also wondered about the 6 import D for bigger games, but not sure. It feels like there is a definite plan given the signings announced, and we appear to have rectified at least one issue in terms of Brit depth. With the rumours there looks to be a definite view of improving D production. The bit that's unclear is how the forwards will look and the more defensive minded D.

Balmas obviously huge if he comes back. Need to give him a top quality centre to play with. Not on any rumour accounts yet but there does seem to be a few in the Nottingham fanbase who've heard we are after Pearson. Could be a very interesting option to play with Balmas but obviously not even close to being a strong rumour yet

I really wouldn't like Pearson, he's an obnoxious individual with far more ego than talent, which is saying something because he is a talented player, this is a team game and he's all about himself, that might suit Nottingham who have a history of that kind of player but not Sheffield.

Interesting turn of phrase used by Brandon Whistle in the Yorkshire Post article…

“It was nice to come to Belfast this year and get the win with my brother, but we’re really excited to be back in Sheffield next year,” said Whistle.

mark wrote: ↑

Sat Apr 25, 2026 10:21 am

I really wouldn't like Pearson, he's an obnoxious individual with far more ego than talent, which is saying something because he is a talented player, this is a team game and he's all about himself, that might suit Nottingham who have a history of that kind of player but not Sheffield.

Not for me either. Not sure what all the fuss was about him to be honest. I’ve certainly not been thinking I’d like to see him in orange when I’ve seen him play.

Stats wise he wasn’t even in the top 10 players in the league. 18th to be exact, with just less than a point a game. Same points as Harper, who I also wouldn’t want to return for us.

Pearson played less games due to injury which likely meant he played a few games still not at 100% and hit a PPG.

He might not have it his absolute best form against us, but watched some other games this year and he's quality. Space cadet? Sure. Doesn't seem like a bad team mate though. And we've had plenty of big egos in Sheffield before, and had no issues (remember Brendan Connolly was apparently locker room cancer before he came here)

Creative, great puck control along the boards, and can score. He's certainly not the only option but I'm not sure there's much to dislike in his game

I'd take Pearson.

He didn't hit the goal production i expected, but his output was still around 25 goal a season level, which is better than everybody other than Balmas on our team.

If he was also playing unfit, then it's certainly impressive.

His numbers from previous seasons are absolutely outstanding.

If he's not after silly money, I'd rather he be playing for us than against us.

Regards

Doom