By Jeff D'Andrea

And then there were 4; Raiders overage update

Sep 20, 2014 | 11:44 AM

The Prince Albert Raiders are a lot closer to determining their three 20-year-olds for the season than they were in the offseason.

However, they still have one more difficult decision they’ll eventually have to make.

The Raiders will likely start the year juggling around four 20-year-olds in defenceman Sawyer Lange, and forwards Dakota Conroy, Calder Brooks and Jayden Hart.

One of those fine players will eventually have to go, either by a trade or otherwise.

“I don’t think anyone’s getting nervous or anything like that,” said Conroy. “Everyone knows someone’s got to go, and no one really knows what’s going on. ”

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“At this point, everybody is doing their best and practicing as hard as they can. We got some games this weekend, and we’re just trying to make this team. ”

The Raiders may continue to be patient with the situation. Dale Derkatch, Raiders director of player personnel, has said it’s quite possible the Raiders could wait until the Oct. 10 deadline to get down to three.

“If we have to, we will,” said Derkatch back in training camp Aug. 25. “Something might come up before that with a trade; maybe somebody will want one of the guys. ”

Based on offensive production, Conroy and Lange would be the two favourites to return.

With the exception of Leon Draisaitl, Conroy was the team’s only 30 goal scorer last season, with 30 goals and 61 points in 66 games last season.

In fact, Conroy has 62 career goals almost has as many as Jayden Hart and Calder Brooks combined for a total of 66. Proven goal scorers are tough to acquire in this league, so it’s likely the Raiders would hold onto Conroy.

Lange had a breakout year last year, scoring 51 points as a defenceman last year and was quietly ranked 13th in scoring among WHL defencemen. With the possible departure of last year’s captain Josh Morrissey, Lange’s offensive presence on the backend could prove even more important. He’s also a Prince Albert born player, which could work in his favour.

Hart and Brooks are the interesting players to look at. Hart has produced more, 42 points last year to Brooks’ 31, and 105 career points in 179 games to Brooks’ 66 in 142.

Hart also has more size at 6’2, 209 to Brooks’ 6’, 185 pound frame.

But Brooks is a much quicker skater, better in the faceoff circle and is a more natural two-way center.

He’s also the healthier option at the moment. Hart missed all of training camp and did not participate in any of the Raiders’ six preseason games as he’s recovering from a groin injury. He has skated this week with the team in non-contact drills.

Regardless, both would be assets to the Raiders or another team that acquires them.

The Raiders entered the offseason with seven 20 year olds eligible to return, but have whittled that number down to four.

They traded Chance Braid to Prince George in the Jordan Tkatch trade, Shane Danyluk was waived so he could play Junior A with his hometown Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the BCHL, and Carson Perreaux announced his retirement from hockey.

jdandrea@panow.com

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea