Spits GM cuts two players from roster

Kozhevnikov, Kalec free up space for possible additions

You get the feeling Windsor Spitfires general manager Warren Rychel isn’t quite done tinkering with his roster.

With hours left until Wednesday ’s noon Ontario Hockey League trade deadline, Rychel cleared some roster space on Monday by releasing centre Adam Kadlec and Russian left winger Kirill Kozhevnikov, who had both cleared waivers.

“We just have to move on,” Rychel said of the decision. “Kadlec is going home to play in Chicago in the USHL and Kozy just never got in a rhythm or found a role.”

The 18-year-old Kadlec started the season with Oshawa, but was picked up by Windsor after two games. In 23 games with the Spitfires, he had three assists.

The 18-year-old Kozhevnikov was Windsor’s first pick in June’s Canadian Hockey League Import Draft. The Spitfires had high hopes for Kozhevnikov, who attended prospects camp with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but he produced just three goals and seven points in 33 games.

“I wish them all the best, but now we’re going young,” said Rychel, who has traded veterans Logan Stanley, Aaron Luchuk, Sean Day, Gabriel Vilardi, Logan Brown and Austin McEneny.

The overage trade deadline was noon on Tuesday, and Rychel has an open roster spot for one as well as an import player while the final deadline is Wednesday.

“We’ve got a couple of cards left,” Rychel said. “Maybe there’s some things to do. The overage spot, we can claim somebody off waivers, if he can help our team, but I’d like to give the ice time to the kids.”

All of Windsor’s main trade chips have been played. The lone player of major consequence left is goaltender Mikey DiPietro.

Rychel said he’s taken phone calls in regards to DiPietro, who still has another year of junior hockey left. While some of the offers have been staggering, it sounds as though he’s not interested in moving the Amherstburg native.

“Mikey’s not going anywhere,” Rychel said. “There’s been a lot of talk and I can’t say there hasn’t been crazy offers, but I think we have to take maybe the MVP of the Ontario Hockey League through the last 30 games, help our young guys and start next year with Mikey being the best goalie in the CHL and wearing a Spitfire uniform.”

For DiPietro, who has played a big role in putting a young Windsor team in contention to play for home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs, it’s welcome news.

“Thank goodness,” DiPietro said of Rychel’s words. “It’s a relief. It’s not (truly) a relief until Wednesday, but it’s adding that reassurance.”

The is the first time the 18-yearold DiPietro has had to personally deal with trade rumours.

“I know there might come a day when I’m not wearing this jersey, but somewhere down the road,” DiPietro said. “Not this road. Hopefully, this road has greener pastures. Like I said, my heart’s in Windsor.”