1958 ECHO Re-signing Phase

Bathurst Phantoms
For the second year in a row, the Phantoms decided not to re-sign anyone whose contract was expiring.

This means key players like goaltender Jean-Luc Giroux, promising young winger Stephen Dawson (for whom they gave up multiple picks 3 years ago), and center James Chartrand will all be heading to free agency, leaving Bathurst with significant gaps to fill.

Cape Breton Islanders
The Islanders made several key moves, first locking in goaltender David Buck on a three-year deal worth $242K per season. They also secured their blue line by re-signing defenseman Doug Willoughby ($99K per year through 1960) and Mathieu Sauriol ($41K per year through 1959).

However, wingers William Woods and Fred Twist, along with defenseman Bjorn Erikson, will not be returning and are set to test the open market.

Charlottetown Monarchs
Charlottetown prioritized their back end, re-signing star defenseman Geoffrey Jeffries to a massive $724K per year deal through 1963. They also locked in goaltender Glen Lloyd on a four-year contract worth $133K annually and extended defenseman Benoit Cote through 1961 at $40K per year.

On the other hand, the Monarchs decided not to retain centers Doug Fournier, Justin Spring, and Tom Hardcastle, as well as winger Steve Wetherell and defenseman Darren McLeish, all of whom will now hit free agency.

Fredericton Stars
Fredericton handed out three new contracts, first re-signing center Cassius Robitaille to a 5-year deal worth 817k annually, then they would hand center William Evans a new 4-year contract worth 156k per season and finally, center Cédric Dupont was brought back for another 3 years at 74k per season.

This does mean that Stanley Fraser, one of the best goaltenders in the ECHO right now, is heading to free agency, leaving the Stars with a massive hole in their net. Fredericton will also part ways with wingers Gérard Moisan and Eymeric Masson and veteran center Anatole Grenier, all of whom would now look for new teams in free agency.

Halifax Highlanders
Halifax would make a slew of re-signings. First, they would hand out new 4-year deals to center Karl Sarrazin (254k/year), wingers Antony Sinclair (68k per year), and Charlie Ellis (226k annually). Defenseman Gilbert Houle would receive a new 3-year deal worth 227k per season. Finally, the Highlanders would bring back winger Robert Mayne on a 2-year contract worth 54k per year.

Wingers Benoit Archambault and Jérémie Bonheur, along with young defenseman James Vachon, would be heading to free agency.

Moncton Generals
Moncton also gave out many new contracts. First, they brought back defenseman Bartholomé Carpentier on a four-year deal worth $307K annually, then re-signed winger Georges Héroux to a three-year contract worth $104K per year. Next, they secured goaltender Gilles Michaud for two years at $43K per season and brought back veteran defenseman Jack Galloway on a two-year, $40K per year deal.

Center Antoine Leroux, wingers Bernard Folker and Robert Bonfils, and especially young winger Jean Parmentier will head to free agency.

Montreal Beavers
On the English side of Montreal, the Beavers only made one re-signing: they brought back winger Philippe Carpentier for the next three years on a deal worth 112k per season.

However, roster spot limitations forced them to part ways with several key young players, including center Denis Fontaine, wingers Thierry Doucet and Gregg Moonberry, and highly regarded defenseman Alphonse Boudreau.

Montréal Métros
On the other side of the metropolis, the Métros weren’t messing around and locked in defenseman Julien Villeneuve for the next 5 years with a contract worth 747k per year. They also gave goalie Ray Young a new 3-year, 41k-per-year deal.

However, several notable players will depart, including veteran winger Tristan Loubier, who has been with the team since the ECHO’s inaugural season. Centers Jacques Saint-Louis and Emmanuel Gatewood, along with wingers Tyler Bourne and Murray Brissett, are also heading to free agency. Additionally, young goalie Bill Black was not retained.

Ottawa Knights
In Canada’s capital, the Knights took a conservative approach, bringing back two players on short-term deals. Winger Jacques Dubois signed a new three-year contract worth $41K annually, while winger Frank Wilson re-upped for two seasons at $44K per year.

However, several key players were not retained, including young defenseman Orphile Gobeil, one of the team’s most promising blueliners. Also heading to free agency are center Theodore Campbell, wingers Terry Gemmill (who led the team in scoring last season) and Laurent Chouinard, and defenseman Robert Warner.

Quebec Reds
The defending champions wasted no time locking in two key pieces of their championship squad, securing winger Bastian Nachtnebel on a massive five-year deal worth $989K per season and center Mathias Tardif on a four-year contract at $896K annually. Additionally, the Reds ensured that their 1952 first-overall pick, winger Nicolas Béland, will remain in Quebec for another four years at $266K per season.

However, those contract renewals mean several players will be heading to free agency, including veteran center Gabriel Caron, wingers Stephen Muller and Darren Bennett, and defenseman Anthony Campbell. Additionally, depth goaltender Hiram Paulsen was not offered a new deal.

Sherbrooke Blue Jays
The Blue Jays made just one re-signing, and it wasn’t the expected one. Instead, they chose to bring back center Ed Herring on a two-year deal worth $44K per season.

The biggest story in Sherbrooke is the departure of their best player, center Derek Hauptmann. The team’s first-ever non-expansion draft pick and supposed franchise cornerstone is out the door after his rookie deal. Following Hauptmann to free agency are center Gérard Simoneau, wingers Alexander Ross, Maxime Savard, Maximilian Frank, and goaltender Vincent Carroll.

Trois-Rivières Tigres
In Trois-Rivières, the Tigres, fresh off back-to-back first-round exits following their first-ever championship, decided to lock in multiple players. Center Timmy Overton secured a massive five-year deal worth $693K per season. The team also re-signed center David McMillan on a three-year, $201K-per-year contract and kept the "Radical Redbird" Nathaniel Cardinal for two more years at $81K annually. Finally, the Tigres brought back center Yves Duclair on a two-year deal worth $41K per season.

However, several notable players will not be returning. Winger James Martin, who famously scored the Cup-clinching goal in 1956, is on his way out, while winger Éric Renaud and defenseman Dawson Newton will also be hitting free agency. Additionally, goaltender Homer Rodgers has chosen to move on, reportedly frustrated with being stuck as Emmett O’Leary’s backup.

Top 10 Free Agents
1. C Derek Hauptmann, SHE
2. G Stanley Fraser, FRE
3. D Orphile Gobeil, OTT
4. D Alphonse Boudreau, MTB
5. D Anthony Campbell, QUE
6. G Jean-Luc Giroux, BAT
7. W Jean Parmentier, MON
8. G Homer Rodgers, TRV
9. C Justin Spring, CHA
10. W Stephen Dawson, BAT

What do you think about the re-signing phase? Where do you think all the top free agents will end up? I would appreciate your feedback and any questions you have about the ECHOverse.

1958/59 Preseason Preview (Power Rankings)

1- Quebec Reds
The defending Sound Cup champions enter the season with high expectations and a target on their backs. After an impressive championship run last season, Quebec is primed to contend again, boasting one of the most formidable center groups in the league, led by Derek Hauptmann, the 22-year-old phenom who exploded onto the scene last year. With Mathias Tardif and Hank Rodriguez providing substantial depth, the Reds will have no shortage of firepower down the middle. On the wings, Bastian Nachtnebel is coming off a breakout year and will be counted on to drive the offence alongside Jules Henry and Nicolas Béland. The defence remains solid, bolstered by Travis Jacquessonne's continued development, though Edouard Lécuyer's decline is a concern. In goal, William Parker was a difference-maker during the Reds' championship run, and as long as he remains steady, Quebec will be difficult to beat. However, the depth behind him is thin, with Patrick Bell regressing significantly and Omar Kinnard having not seen the ice since getting drafted early in 1956. Quebec's championship window is wide open, and if Hauptmann and Nachtnebel continue to dominate, there's no reason they can't repeat as champions. The biggest challenge? Dealing with the pressure that comes with being the team to beat.

Best Player: C Derek Hauptmann
Best Rookie: C John Chartrand (1-12)

2- Trois-Rivières Tigres
The Tigres enter the season with their eyes firmly set on another championship run. Two seasons removed from their incredible 1956 Sound Cup victory, the Tigres remain one of the ECHO's most formidable teams, boasting one of the league's best defences and a rock-solid goaltender in Emmett O'Leary, who continues to dominate at 28 years old. O'Leary has been the backbone of this franchise since arriving in 1952, and as long as he's in the net, Trois-Rivières will remain a serious contender. Up front, William MacDougall leads a deep and balanced forward corps, while Timmy Overton provides secondary scoring and veteran experience. On defence, Alphonse Boudreau—one of the biggest young stars in the ECHO—looks ready to take on a more significant role alongside Darby Averill, forming a strong blue-line duo. However, the Tigres do have some concerns. Their offensive firepower isn't as overwhelming as some of the other contenders, and while their defence and goaltending will keep them in games, they can't afford to rely on O'Leary to steal every win. If the forward group can step up and the young blueliners continue their development, Trois-Rivières could be right back in the Sound Cup Finals this year.

Best Player: G Emmett O'Leary
Best Rookie: D Jason Bordeaux (1-8)

3- Fredericton Stars
Fredericton enters the season with a strong two-way lineup and legitimate hopes of reclaiming the Atlantic Division crown. Cassius Robitaille continues to develop into one of the league's premier centers, and he'll be supported by veteran William Evans and exciting rookie Warwick Porter, the 7th overall pick, whose rapid development could make him a difference-maker sooner than expected. On the wings, Egidus Provencher and Gideon Irving bring scoring punch, while Gerard Cheng looks poised to take on a more significant role this season. The defence is led by Robert Leblanc, an elite shutdown defender, and he'll be counted on to steady a group that includes Hugh MacKenzie and Kevin Larkin. Free agent signing Homer Rodgers will take over as the team's starter in the net, with Victor Carbonneau as his backup. The wild card is rookie netminder Fergus MacClanahan, though it's unclear if he'll see much ice time this year. Fredericton has a deep roster, but their scoring depth remains a concern. If their young forwards can take a step forward, the Stars could make a deep playoff push this season.

Best Player: D Robert Leblanc
Best Rookie: C Warwick Porter (1-7)

4- Charlottetown Monarchs
The Charlottetown Monarchs are coming off a strong playoff run, and they enter the new season with high expectations. Their veteran leadership, led by Jacques Tremblay, provides a steady presence down the middle, while Stephen Collins remains one of the league's most dangerous scorers. Frederic St. John has shown promising development and could be a breakout player this season. Defensively, the Monarchs bolstered their blue line with the signing of Anthony Campbell, who should pair well with Geoffrey Jeffries and Roger Legault. In goal, Peter Chiasson and Glen Lloyd form a solid tandem, but neither is an elite option. Charlottetown's ceiling depends on whether their secondary scorers can step up—if they do, the Monarchs could push for a division title.

Best Player: W Stephen Collins
Best Rookie: C Alfred Jones (3-9)

5- Montréal Métros
The Montréal Métros enter the season with a strong defensive core and promising young talent, though they face questions about scoring depth and goaltending consistency. Edouard Lefebvre remains the heart of the team after his devastating collarbone injury ended his season early last year, and his health will be key to the Métros' success. Young center Hildebrand Bellavance has shown great promise, while Noël Parent, the top pick in the 1958 draft, is expected to provide a spark on the wing. On the blue line, Arthur Tremblay, Steve Lumberman, and Julien Villeneuve form a formidable trio, with Villeneuve continuing his rapid development into a true top-pairing defenseman. The biggest question is in the net, where Jean-Luc Giroux looks like a potential future star but may need time to adjust to a starter's workload in the biggest market in the ECHO. If Giroux lives up to expectations and Lefebvre stays healthy, the Métros could be a dark horse contender in the ECHO this season.

Best Player: C Edouard Lefebvre
Best Rookie: W Noël Parent (1-1)

6- Moncton Generals
Moncton enters the season as a team on the rise, thanks to their massive defensive upgrade in free agency. The biggest splash was Orphile Gobeil, a 22-year-old star defenseman who skyrocketed in development and is now among the league's best young blueliners. Moncton suddenly boasts a terrifying top pairing of Gobeil and David Veilleux that can shut down opponents while contributing offensively. Rookie Tyler Gershwin also looks like a future impact player. Up front, Moncton lacks a true superstar, but they have substantial depth, with Andrew Postl and Jean Parmentier leading the way. Parmentier is a highly skilled winger, but he needs to bounce back from a minor training camp injury. Bill Thompson is expected to center the top line, while Denis Fontaine will be relied upon to play a more prominent role after coming over from Montreal. Pierre-Édouard Perron is an intriguing young center, but he may need a year or two before he makes a significant impact. In net, Raphael Vannier remains the starter, but Gilles Michaud has developed into a strong option and might challenge for the role sooner than expected. The Generals have a real chance to take a step forward, but their lack of a game-breaking forward could hold them back. Their defensive core might be the best in the league, but they need their top forwards to produce if they want to contend for a deep playoff run.

Best Player: D Orphile Gobeil
Best Rookie: D Tyler Gershwin (1-5)

7- Halifax Highlanders
The Halifax Highlanders are entering a transitional year following their Sound Cup Finals loss and the retirement of legendary goaltender Alex Davis. Davis' departure leaves a massive void in the net. While rookie goalie Aldélius Asselin has a high ceiling, he's still a long way from being a reliable ECHO starter. Up front, Antony Sinclair remains the face of the franchise, though he's entering the twilight of his career at 32. Darren Bennett will be relied upon for top-line scoring. Justin Spring, acquired in free agency, is expected to add depth at center, but his recent struggles are a concern. Defensively, Stanley Blackwood and David Lynch remain an elite pairing, but the depth behind them is questionable. Claude Bergeron (35th overall in 1958) had a massive development leap and could be a surprise impact player. Ultimately, Halifax has too many unknowns to be considered a serious contender. They have talent, but they'll need everything to go right—and a goalie to emerge—to keep pace with the top teams.

Best Player: D Stanley Blackwood
Best Rookie: G Aldélius Asselin (1-11)

8- Bathurst Phantoms
Now in their fourth season, the Bathurst Phantoms are still searching for their first playoff appearance, but with Stanley Fraser arriving in free agency, they now have a true franchise goaltender to build around. Fraser's presence should help stabilize a young team that features center George Hamilton, who will look to build on his impressive 50-point rookie season last year. Their top rookie draft pick, winger Tobias Harrison, adds speed and scoring potential on the wing. The defence remains a work in progress, though Leonard Lefèvre and Albert Ferguson will be leaned on heavily. If the young forwards develop quickly, Bathurst could surprise teams this year, but they still feel a year or two away from being a serious contender.

Best Player: G Stanley Fraser
Best Rookie: W Tobias Harrison (1-4)

9- Ottawa Knights
The Ottawa Knights enter the season looking to regain their status as one of the ECHO's premier franchises. With Les Conner leading the forward group, the Knights boast one of the most skilled centers in the league. Their most significant offseason addition is Hugh Jefferson, a dynamic young defenseman who brings size and two-way ability to the blue line. The goaltending duo of Anthony Brown and veteran David Moreau gives them a solid foundation. Still, the offence will need secondary contributions from Karl Dupree and Carson MacDonald to keep up with the top teams. Rookie defenseman Harold Windsor, a first-round pick, could be a key piece for the future. Ottawa has the tools to make a playoff push, but they'll need consistent production beyond their top stars to return to championship contention.

Best Player: C Les Conner
Best Rookie: D Harold Windsor (1-6)


10- Montreal Beavers
The Beavers remain one of the league's most intriguing teams, blending young emerging talent with veteran experience. The biggest name in their lineup is René Gade, the top pick from the 1957 draft, who has skyrocketed in development and is shaping up to be a future superstar center. He'll have support from Claude Couture, another fast-rising young pivot, while Earl Bremner and Kurt Main provide skill on the wings. On defence, the Beavers boast a true number-one defenseman in Martin Rose, and Tom Kerouac continues to develop into a strong top-pairing option. Peter MacCrae and Noah Thompson are two young blueliners with tremendous upside, giving the Beavers a solid defensive core for the future. Zach Soloway and Dominic Beauvais will share the crease, with Beauvais showing promising improvements. The biggest question is whether the Beavers can get enough consistent offence from their deep but not elite forward group. If Gade leaps forward, this team could surprise a lot of people this season.

Best Player: D Martin Rose
Best Rookie: C Tom Harvey (1-10)

11- Cape Breton Islanders
After a nightmare collapse last season, the Islanders are desperate to rebound and return to contention in the Atlantic Division. Noah Cliffe has emerged as a legitimate top-line center, and he'll need to lead the way offensively. The Isles also boast some intriguing young wingers, including Matt Hood and Ward Wilkerson, while Blaise Jacquessonne looks ready to make an immediate impact as a rookie. Defensively, Léonce Dupond remains a stalwart veteran, and the free-agent addition of Dawson Newton bolsters the blue line. However, the most significant question mark remains goaltending—Cape Breton will rely on David Buck, who has struggled with consistency. If the Isles can shore up their defence and get steady goaltending, they could bounce back, but another slow start could spell another difficult season.

Best Player: C Noah Cliffe
Best Rookie: W Blaise Jacquessonne (1-2)


12- Sherbrooke Blue Jays
The Sherbrooke Blue Jays enter their fourth season in the ECHO with no playoff appearances and a franchise that still feels like it's trying to find its identity. After three straight losing seasons to start their ECHO tenure, their hopes of making a breakthrough took a significant hit when Derek Hauptmann—the young center who was supposed to be a franchise cornerstone—left in free agency for Quebec. While the loss stings, the Blue Jays are pivoting toward full-scale retooling, prioritizing the development of young talent. There are some bright spots. Vincent Carroll looks like a legitimate starting goaltender after a breakout year, and Yves Ouellette could emerge as a dangerous scoring threat. Will Mayo and Ed Herring will bring a steady presence on the blue line, while Ryan Bennett and Jean Jacquette have the potential to grow into reliable contributors. But without a true top-line forward to replace Hauptmann, Sherbrooke lacks the firepower to compete with the league's stronger teams. Realistically, this season is about patience and progress. The Blue Jays aren't expected to make a playoff push, but their young core will gain valuable experience. If they can find a leader up front and keep developing their defensive structure, the pieces for a turnaround could start falling into place in the coming years.

Best Player: W Ephraim Gauthier
Best Rookie: C Ryan Bennett (1-3)


Who will make the playoffs this year in the ECHO? Predictions are welcome, and I would also appreciate your feedback and any questions you have about the ECHOverse.

Last edited by Kingsfan11 (2/26/2025 12:12 am)