FTC Budapest: What Influence Does Orban's Removal Have?

Squad Highlights

While the core of the Hungarian squad isn't comparable to that of the league's top teams, it is still serviceable. Some players reached their limits during the season and subsequently moved to the Hungarian-Romanian Erste Bank Liga.

In return, four players with national team experience arrived, of whom defender Tamas Ortenszky – who spent a long time in Switzerland – should be the biggest immediate help.

Ramus Bengtsson and Jesper Lindgren, two defenders who logged a lot of ice time last season and were on the ice in all situations, (late) extended their contracts. Bengtsson, with his composure, could have helped other ICE teams as well.

With defender Paavo Tyni (long-term injured) and forwards Topi Rönni, Jussi Tammela, and Aku Kestilä, four other foreign players remained, along with coach Timo Saarikoski. Therefore, there should be no long adjustment period to the now familiar ICE league.

Joining Ortenzsky are Zeteny Hadobas, Milan Horvath, and three proven foreign players – the defense isn't necessarily an ICE showpiece, but it should still allow for some close games, as it did last season.

Squad Question Marks

Until about halfway through last year's regular season, the goaltending looked passable – backup Kristof Nagy even briefly established himself as the number one, while Bence Balizs performed better than expected.

When Nagy then regressed and only Balizs was available, things went south – the 36-year-old conceded a multitude of questionable goals, especially on low shots. FTC enters the season with the same duo; an improvement in form would be surprising.

With Brady Shaw, Tyler Coulter, and late signing Gordie Green, a total of 48 goals were lost over the summer. In return, two new North Americans signed: center David Silye and winger Carter Savoie. Faceoff specialist Silye was at least an AHL regular for the past two years, albeit on the fourth line with corresponding scoring numbers. Can he rediscover his offensive game from college?

Savoie, on the other hand, is considered a mobile sniper, which he also proved in Slovakia. Of course, there's no guarantee, but they offer hope.

Upon entering the league, the management (as with every candidate) raved about the newcomer's economic potential. However, they are still waiting for new league sponsors from Hungary, and the removal of Viktor Orban doesn't bode well generally for sports and for all departments of Ferencvaros. Salaries for the search for foreign players had to be adjusted accordingly.

Areas for Reinforcement

One foreign player spot is still open, and new foreign players often only arrive on a game day in Budapest. Late signings or trades during the season would not be surprising.