[Red John]

Fun first half of the season so far.

Rockets hold a 18-11-3 record at the break, which is about expected.

Reasons for optimism: the tough part of the schedule is behind them and they have more home games in the 2nd half. They've also battled injuries and are down three top-six forwards right now so once healthy things should get better.

Reasons for pessimism: the team looks visually awful. Adam Foote's implemented a 1-3-1 trap system that never possesses the puck 5v5 so its hard watching a Memorial Cup host team chip pucks out and give possession back. There's two 40+ goal scorers up front but they don't get chances unless it's on the PP.

Moves: The Rockets have traded for Matthew Wedman, a big centreman draft pick of the Panthers. They've also acquired Jadon Joseph, a fast, smart gritty centreman. They are extremely deep down the middle now with those two and Alex Swetlikoff. On defense, they've landed Conner McDonald from Dumpsville who is an offensive puck-moving type that attended Senators camp

Thoughts:

-Wedman wasn't the right guy to get. The team desperately needs playmakers up front, not another big banger who finishes better than he distributes. It seems Bruce and Foote are all-in on trying to recreate the 2004 team that won every game 1-0 or 2-1. It's a big strong team up front now but still needs at least one more distributor that can aid in breakouts and using vision to create good looks for the finishers.

-Conner McDonald fills a massive need. He's fast, smart and sees the ice well. Kaedan Korczak might be a 2nd round pick of the Knights but he just doesn't have the DNA to run a powerplay - he overthinks and doesn't distribute quickly or comfortably enough. He also doesn't shoot enough and seems scared of not getting them through traffic. McDonald can now be the go-to guy on the PP and can actually drive offense instead of just chipping pucks out like most of the other dmen on the team.

-There'll be a decision to make when Kyle Topping comes back from injury - either him of Joseph will have to go as the extra 20. Have to think Topping will be the odd man out, perhaps there's the chance of moving him to another contender and recouping a pick to help with getting a guy like Luka Burzan.

-The Rockets have traded four 1st round picks now, as well as several 2nds and 3rds. However they haven't had to deal a single prospect, keeping that prized crop of 15s and 16s intact. They have a lot of good 18s this year that'll return next season and could be dealt to recoup those picks and actually emerge from this run relatively unscathed for the future. You hate to see a 2013 Saskatoon Blades situation where the future gets absolutely decimated just to augment a bad team for one tournament. The new trade rules preventing signed prospects and 16s/17s from being traded is probably a blessing in disguise - they've been forced to trade only picks which can be recouped. They still own their 2020 1st rounder which will undoubtedly be dangled for additional help before the 10th of January. Ideally looking for a guy like Burzan and one more depth defenseman.

-Will be happy to see Adam Foote take off after this year. Junior teams shouldn't have to play the trap. Let the kids have fun and play to score - it's better to watch as well.