The Greater Sudbury Cubs might not yet be full scale Dudley Hewitt Cup contenders, but they have certainly signalled a willingness to try and make some noise in 2021-2022 post-season NOJHL play.

Last week, the local juniors shipped out forwards Atley Gringorten and Pineshish Whiteduck, obtaining the services of veterans Josh Boucher (forward) and Nicholas Toffoli (defenceman) from the Espanola Express.

In trading a 2004 (Gringorten) along with a 2001 (Whiteduck) for a 2001 (Boucher) and 2002 (Toffoli), the team made a move that suggests the time is now to take a potential run at the division-leading Soo Thunderbirds (40 pts), with both the Soo Eagles (31) and Blind River Beavers (30) standing between the Cubs (26) and the front-runners.

"In the first half of the season, we evaluated from game to game, identifying some team needs," noted general manager Jeff Forsyth. "This is a deal that presented itself and addressed some of those needs."

Though Boucher was a mainstay with many Nickel City rep teams in his youth, the 2018-2019 campaign would see him cross-over to the high-school ranks, helping lead a surprising Lo-Ellen Park Knights' team to a city title.

Armed with additional confidence, Boucher would take advantage of his opportunities in making the jump to Espanola the following year, racking up 26 points in 55 games and then averaging almost a point a game in the pandemic-reduced campaign.

"Josh has evolved as a player, he's developed," said Forsyth. "Going to Espanola provided him the opportunity to develop and I firmly believe that Atley (5 pts in 20 games) will have that same development time that Josh had."

Early signs would suggest that the GM may not be wrong, with Gringorten (3 pts in two games) off to a strong start with the Express. Boucher comes to Sudbury with four goals and 11 assists in 22 games while Toffoli added 1G/8A from the back-end for the Express.

With a current roster that is running a little tight on numbers, Forsyth does not expect to be moving many more bodies out. "I would say that at some point, we will be adding some more pieces before the (January 10th) deadline," he said.

"Will we be moving anyone? At 12(F)-6(D)-3(G), I don't think so. We still have hopes that Owen Perala will re-join our hockey team at some point in the new year."

Perala, a 19 year old native of Nipigon, left the team for personal reasons after being named team captain and posting three points in the opening four contests.

Forced to take an unscheduled break this month due to a positive Covid test, the Cubs are set to host the Elliot Lake Red Wings Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. at the Gerry McCrory Countryside Sports Complex, though there is some talk that this game will be moved to Elliot Lake.