THE dust has barely settled on the Elite Ice Hockey League campaign, the bruises not yet healed from the punishment taken by some at the weekend's play-off finals.

Yet already Ryan Finnerty's thoughts have begun to wander to what could be next season for Braehead Clan, and what tools he will have at his disposal to achieve more success.

The Glasgow club capped off a first appearance in the end-of-season play-off showpiece in Nottingham with a third-place finish as a reward for the Canadian's first season in charge.

But there are doubts over a number of last season's team, with the main worry revolving around Joel Champagne.

"Unfortunately there are some who will want to test the European market, people like Joel," said the coach, who is also unsure over the future of Lee Esders.

"It would be a big signing if we could get him back, but we'll see. He's young and has had a great year and he deserves to move up.

"But Joel is a guy who enjoyed his time in Braehead and while it is definitely not a no, I think he will probably go and look around a bit and see what is out there for him."

More fuel was added to the fire yesterday when Champagne tweeted: "Time to leave Scotland ... I would like to thank all the fans for the support this year!"

However, it is thought this immediate departure is more on a holiday basis back home than anything long-term.

On the future of Esders, Finnerty said: "I'm not sure what he is looking to do. I've had him for three years now so it will be interesting to see what happens."

It is not all doom and gloom, however. Finnerty has had informal chats with some members of the squad he wishes to hold on to, with more talks due to take place.

And GB head coach Doug Christiansen has called Clan forward Matt Haywood into his squad ahead of this weekend's matches against Netherlands at Ice Sheffield on Saturday (7.30pm) and in the Skydome in Coventry the following day (5.15pm).