For the Rochester Knighthawks, not too many changes from last year’s roster should be expected when it comes to the Free Agents that they resign. The key to the team may be to keep it as similar to the past few years as possible. But, with the reduced roster size, they are going to be looking to make very strategic decisions when it comes to who they resign.
Paul Dawson: The Knighthawks have a very strong defense and may not have a need to sign him again, especially with the downsized roster.
Craig Point: As one of the players who was on the team when they won back-to-back championships, it would be surprising if he did not get signed again. He is one of the players who takes face-offs for the Knighthawks and if they are not going to get a player who specializes in face-offs, they really don’t want to get rid of what they do have in the one place that is somewhat lacking on the field for them.
Dylan Evans: He is another player from the back-to-back Championship team who can most likely look forward to getting signed again by the Knighthawks. He was named their most improved player of the year in 2012. He is young but has 4 seasons under his belt. His time with the Knighthawks is not up yet.
Sid Smith: As the captain of the team last season and his outstanding performance, there is no doubt that the Knighthawks will sign him to the team again. He was their strongest defensive player last season.
Joe Walters: Since Walters lives in Rochester and works for the Knighthawks front office, getting resigned would be extremely cost-efficient for the Knighthawks. He is also a lefty shooter on a team that is heavier on the right side. Though the Knighthawks are not in dire need to acquire lefty shooters (they have Jamieson and Powless, both strong players), signing Walters is pretty much a no-brainer.
Unrestricted:
Dan Dawson: He was crucial to the team’s Championship win last season. If the Knighthawks were to not resign a righty shooter, he would not be the one they get rid of.
Mike Accursi: Given Accursi is 38 years old, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Knighthawks did not sign him again and he just retired. An older player poses a high risk of injury and that’s something that neither the player nor the team want to risk. Retiring after winning two Championships is a great way to leave a team and it makes room on the team for a younger FA to get signed.
