Team has work cut out during upcoming year
It’s no secret that the Regina Pats are entering a transition year after playing host to the 2018 Memorial Cup.
Regina hasn’t yet started a wholesale rebuild, but the WHL club is not expected to be among the league’s top teams, either.
With that in mind, here are five things to watch heading into Friday’s season opener against the host Prince Albert Raiders:
1 Jake’s big break.
After spending three-plus seasons in a key support role, Jake Leschyshyn is now the team’s No. 1 centre. It’s a natural progression for the Vegas Golden Knights’ second-round pick, who had 18 goals and 40 points in 64 games last season.
“It’s time for me to step up and be more offensive,” said Leschyshyn, who will serve as Regina’s captain. “I know I’ve talked about it before but I think I’m going to get more opportunity than I have ever before. I have to take advantage of that.”
Leschyshyn will open this season between veteran sniper Nick Henry and promising rookie Sergei Alkhimov on Regina’s top unit. Henry has been named an alternate captain, along with defenceman Liam Schioler.
2 Max effort
Goaltender Max Paddock — the breakout star of the 2018 Memorial Cup — will be leaned upon heavily in his first full season as a WHL starter.
Paddock was slated to return late Thursday from training camp with the San Jose Sharks.
“You talk about building championship teams from the back end out,” noted Pats head coach Dave Struch. “Max is going to be a big part of nights when we have some difficulties in our game. He’s going to have to win some games for us, not because of a lack of work ethic but because of mistakes we might make with our building process.”
3 Working for wins
Struch has made it clear that he expects the Pats to adopt a hardworking identity to help alleviate the loss of some high-end skill.
It’s up to the players to respond accordingly and commit to playing a relentless, physically punishing style. “That’s how we’re going to win games,” said Schioler. “We don’t have those top guys like Sam (Steel) and Josh (Mahura) and Libor (Hajek). We’re going to have to really hone in on working hard every night.”
4 Trade winds
The WHL announced Thursday that teams are now prohibited from trading 15- and 16-year-olds who have signed standard player agreements.
That could be an impediment to the rebuilding process of the Pats, who are expected to be sellers at the trade deadline on Jan. 10. However, it doesn’t change the fact that Regina’s top veterans will be dealing with trade rumours as the deadline approaches.
5 Waiting game
Veteran defenceman Brady Pouteau is skating but he’s not expected back until late- October or early November due to offseason shoulder surgery.
The Pats are also awaiting word on fellow overage defender Cale Fleury, who’s still in camp with the Montreal Canadiens as he tries to earn a pro job.
Their absence leaves the defence short on experience and places the 20-year-old situation in a state of flux for the time being. Meanwhile, defenceman Parker Gavlas will miss the first five games due to suspension for a check to the head during the pre-season. Rookie forward Cole Dubinsky, who missed training camp with an ankle injury, has resumed full-contact practice and is very close to returning.
However, the Pats’ top prospect is not expected to dress Friday.