The CPL has released its annual roster tracker, and it reveals a lot of information regarding Forge's roster, who have been pretty quiet this off-season.

16 players are under contract for the 2023 season

16 players are confirmed to be returning to Hamilton for the 5th CPL season: Defenders Dominic Samuel, Garven Metusala, Malik Owolabi-Belewu, Ashtone Morgan, Rezart Rama & Kwasi Poku. Midfielders Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson, Alessandro Hojabrpour, Aboubacar Sissoko & Noah Jensen. Forwards David Choinière, Terran Campbell, Jordan Hamilton, Sebastian Castello, Tristan Borges & Woobens Pacius. That's 8 out of the 11 players from last year's starting XI in the final.

Forge's front 3 is pretty much set for next year, with Tristan Borges on the left flank, Choinière on the right, and Pacius up top. They've also got Jordan Hamilton, Terran Campbell & Sebastian Castello as depth options. Having the CPL all-time top scorer as an option on the bench, not bad, eh?

In the midfield, there's a key player missing, and that's Kyle Bekker, who's out of contract but still in negotiations with the club. Keeping Hojabrpour and Sissoko will be HUGE for the club, should Bekker not sign a new contract. Jensen could fill in at midfield for Kyle, with Hojabrpour as the defensive midfielder and Sissoko on the right side of the midfield. Of course, should the center-back roles have enough players, Achinioti-Jönsson could always go to his natural #6 role.

At the back, Forge will have little to no issues replacing Krutzen, as they did that for almost the entirety of the 2022 season, usually having Metusala replacing the Dutch center-back who's now a Phoenix Rising player. Rama will stay at right-back, though he can play at center-back which is less likely with Grant leaving. Morgan and Poku can play at the left-back position, while Malik Owolabi-Belewu, Metusala, and of course Achinioti-Jönsson can play at center-back. Forge will likely look to sign a new CB in this off-season.

5 players are out of contract but in negotiations

That includes Bekker, as stated above. The 4 other players are goalkeeper Triston Henry, defender Cale Loughrey, midfielder Kyle Bekker & forwards Chris Nanco & Emery Welshman.

Could Bekker leave Forge? The midfielder, arguably one of the best players in CPL history, plays a huge role in the Forge midfield, and it would be a big loss for the Hamilton side should he leave.

4 players are confirmed to be leaving the club

Goalkeeper Christopher Kalongo, defenders Jonathan Grant & Daniel Krutzen, and midfielder Shamit Shome, who signed with Cavalry.

What does this mean for Forge?

Well, they need a goalkeeper, and maybe even two if Henry leaves. They also need a center-back, and should Bekker leave, a midfielder. Forge retained a big part of their roster, so they won't need to make as many signings as the other teams. As it stands, 8 of the 11 players from last year's starting XI are on the roster, with a possible 2 more re-signing.