Winterhawks Weekly: See You Next Fall!

With the Memorial Cup tournament wrapped up, the Portland Winterhawks didn't come away with the ultimate prize, but the journey in getting there is one that won't soon be forgotten.  So, what are they to do in the hope of making it back-to-back-to-back-to-back as Western Conference champions and repeat as Ed Chynoweth Trophy winners?  Let's look at the roster this year and where each is expected to be next year.

Goaltenders:

Mac Carruth-overager who will definitely start in the Chicago Blackhawks' farm system.
Brendan Burke-Eligible for the 2013 Draft, and is expected back as the starter.  Started this season slowly, but gained confidence as the season went on, which bodes well for his development.
Jarrod Schamerhorn-Did not see the ice at all, as both Carruth and Burke logged much of the ice time in goal.  Will be a backup next season.

Defensemen:

Troy Rutkowski-overager who will start in the Ottawa Senators' farm system.
Seth Jones-Likely top three pick in this year's draft and probably played his last junior league game on Sunday.
Josh Hanson-Will return and could have a larger role next season.
Shaun MacPherson-Is likely to have a larger role next season with three of the top defensemen likely headed to the pros, played pretty well when given a chance.
Tyler Wotherspoon-Probably headed to the pros, since Calgary needs help on the blue line.  Could also end up in the minors for further seasoning.
Kiril Vorobev-Another player who could see significant ice time next season.
Layne Viveiros-Will benefit from more playing time, as the Winterhawks will need someone to step into a top-four spot.
Keoni Texeira-first round pick in last year's Bantam Draft, is expected to challenge for a spot in the top two pairings.  Reported to have a big shot from the blue line, which will be welcomed.
Derrick Pouliot-The radio personalities who cover the Winterhawks have him returning, and it makes sense on some level, since the Penguins (the team that holds his rights) have a glut of defensemen in the pipeline.  I would not be surprised if he starts the season in Wilkes-Barre (the Penguins' AHL affiliate), as the Penguins should get a look at where he is in the development.

Forwards:

Paul Bittner-Will return, and is likely headed to a larger role on the team.
Ty Rattie-All-time leading scorer in the playoffs for the Winterhawks is heading to the pros, with the Blues being a possible destination.
Chase De Leo-Expected to be a bigger contributor on offense next year.
Adam De Champlain-Third line duty is in his future, and will be expected to provide the grit to compliment the offensive weapons.
Presten Kopeck-Headed to a bigger role next season if his hand heals from the Edmonton series.
Keegan Iverson-Bigger role awaits him.
Joey Baker-Could be one of three overagers on the team next season.
Nic Petan-Eligible for this year's NHL Draft, and is expected to return.  Questionable if he duplicates this year's numbers.
Taylor Leier-Put up good numbers, but it's possible the Flyers could look to develop him in the team's minor league system next season.
Alex Schoenborn-Headed to a larger role after getting into limited action this year.
Dominic Turgeon-The son of Pierre will be expected to seize a larger role next year.
Joe Mahon-Expected to return and provide a physical presence for the team.
Taylor Peters-Headed to the Dallas Stars' minor league affiliate next season.
Oliver Bjorkstrand-Expected back even though he's eligible for the 2013 Draft.  Comparisons to Sven Baertschi will be tested next season, as he steps into a top line role.
Brendan Leipsic-Could return, but the Predators signed him to an entry level contract recently, so he could be headed to Milwaukee of the AHL to start.