Big loss to Sheffield. Yes it means they will have more money to spend a top of the range import (or 2) but it leaves a big whole in their team.
For me, Sheffield won the title last season due to their strength in depth. They were able to sacrifice a 6th import forward for a 4th import defenceman, knowing that Tait and Phillips were both as good as an import. I doubt they knew in advance that Dowd would have the same effect - but he too was just as good as an import.
It meant that as well as having the best defence in the league - they also had 3 strong lines that could all score goals. If someone had an off night, there were still 2 lines out there scoring.
Now, it leaves Matsos with a tough decision. Does he try and find another brit forward and keep the 4 imports on defence. Or does he lose an import defenceman so that he keeps the strength in depth up front?
I can't think of any british players who are likely to be able to fill the forward or defensive role.
That's now Nottingham and Sheffield who have had a drop in the quality of their brits, and maybe even Belfast too. Where as Coventry and Cardiff seem to have increased theirs.
Not only am I getting more excited about our chances with each of our signings, I am also when I hear of other teams missing out on players. I can imagine Sheffield signing a quality sniper who will score 40+ goals. But if they sign two more forwards (which they must surely?) their defence will be weaker.
