Preseason Prelude and Draft Day Delirium

2 hours of stress, wild card draft picks and all out pandemonium. After a long anticipated offseason, the draft came out swinging promptly at 8pm with a packed house with all GMs and Assistant GMs readying their draft boards. From the 6th pick in the first round until the very end, the draft was filled with plenty of exciting moments. Pick steals right before other GMs made their selections, a round almost fully comprised of defenseman and a GM who drafted 5 goalies sums up about how crazy the draft truly was.

When all is said and done, most General Managers enjoyed their experience and many feel incredibly confident in their teams after the draft. Once the draft was completed, Commissioner StuPastu issued a statement publicly opening the league. His opening remarks were as follows,

Message from Commissioner Stu:

“The draft was ultimately a success, and hopefully builds the foundation for years of entertainment and competitive hockey. The Seoul Skaters will be a welcome International expansion as the NHL continues to attract global attention. 

Thank you, fuck you, and have a good season everyone. 

With the deepest regards from the warmest cockles of my heart,

• Commish Stu”

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Interviews

The floodgates have opened now that all teams have all their drafted personnel. Upper management battles were fought throughout the entire draft with a rivalry between the Gold Coast Koalas and Hughes Your Daddy? As both competed for players. The two South Jersey franchises have built themselves to be possibly the most exciting rivalries in the entire league with the talent they have acquired. Most were pretty happy with the overall experience and quality of their own picks. But all of which is to be determined with a very crazy season with plenty of teams ready to surprise the league. After the draft was all said and done, many General Managers chose to stay on the draft floor to analyze and discuss their draft decisions with their peers. In this I was lucky enough to speak with GMs of the Backstrom in the USSR, The Reykjavík Robbie Rottens and the Seoul Skaters. We discussed view on their teams, draft philosophies, and feelings about certain teams going into season.

GM StuPastu – Backstrom in the USSR

“How do you feel about your team based on how your draft went?”

Stu – “I feel confident about my keepers for damn sure. When it came to actually drafting, I Ultimately did not want to be so spread out to specific categories. I am content with where I am based on post draft analysis and I will Make Due. I’m trying to win as best as I can.”

“Who do you think was the best team leaving the draft and why?”

Stu – “Jhony’s team the South Jersey Jackalopes. Their center depth is nothing to f— around with. Crosby, O’Reilly and Toews, they basically guarantee face off wins for the whole season.Their Goal Scorers are deep down the lineup so they’re pretty set.”

“Who do you think could be the most underrated team this season?”

Stu – “Underrated? The Teabags. The Damn Brits. Andy can have a crazy offense if Marner comes back hard they have tons of goal scoring and shots. His peripherals stats are weak but offense is something to be aware of when facing the Teabags.”

“Who do you think will under perform this season?”

Stu – “Hughes Your Daddy. His goaltending picks were certainly a huge risk because they can either really pay or really screw him. His power play stats and defensive stats are questionable as well.”

“Finally what was your strategy and philosophy going into the draft?”

Stu – “Spread out the categories. Prioritize specific categories. I may make changes right away but we will see. I Made some concessions based on draft order but at the end of the day I’m comfortable.”

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GM Ysako – Seoul Skaters

“How do you feel about your team based on how your draft went?”

Ysako – “I’m gonna win hits every week. It just kinda happened. Scoring worries me, especially goals but assists we can sneak by, but some teams have some top end scorers. I’m happy and I think I can get results.”

“Who do you think was the best team leaving the draft and why?”

Ysako – “Best team?  I like Jhony’s team but it’s too early to say. He’s definitely got the assets to do some work. If he gets average goaltending. He’s set.”

“Who do you think could be the most underrated team this season?”

Ysako – “Same as my best team pick. The Jackalopes could really surprise people.

“Who do you think will under perform this season?”

Ysako – “The Spokane Sharpshooters. Besides their top picks, the rest of their team is a bit of a question mark. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

“Finally what was your strategy and philosophy going into the draft?”

Ysako – “In a Keeper League, I was always thinking about improvement. I picked a lot of 1b/2a guys and I’m going to rely heavily on my defense due to experience. Auxiliary stats over scoring.”

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GM Jaime – Reykjavik Robbie Rottens

“How do you feel about your team based on how your draft went?”

Jaime – “In a League with 16 you need to take some risks. With the depth spread out you might need to take risks to get some real surprises. I Took Eichel early and his ceiling is high. I don’t value defense as much as other people and I put Center as my Strength. My Goalies scare me purely based on how Mrazek does.”

“Who do you think was the best team leaving the draft and why?”

Jaime – “The best team is probably Shiny has a solid team. Giroux along with his strong D corps and Goalies should help him. He has a really solid team throughout his lineup.”

“Who do you think could be the most underrated team this season?”

Jaime – “Underrated team is Stu. He has a lot of proven players. With a group like that they are sure to do some work.”

“Who do you think will under perform this season?”

Jaime – “Underperform? Spokane. I agree mostly with what Ysako said that we have to wait to see their in season results.”

“Finally what was your strategy and philosophy going into the draft?”

Jaime – “It was hard to stick to a strategy in a 16 team draft. There was a huge difficulty with pick gaps because of round trends. Trends of goalies, defenseman, etc. I feel like I missed on a lot. But I have some faith in my group.”

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Top 50 Draft Picks

The Top 50 players selected in the DDFHL Draft. Picks all around the draft were extraordinary to say the least, with many players shooting up in the rankings allowing some quality players to draft lower than expected. Tons of erratic and unpredictable around the board it lead to an extremely exciting draft as a whole. A full draft guide will be released soon with in depth analysis.

1st Round

1. H4X0Rman 

After not much surprise when BSN reported Stevens wanting Kucherov at 1st, the Russian Scoring Machine looks to take the by storm again with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Although dominating and achieving a career high and Art Ross winning record of 128 point season, Kucherov isn’t poised to repeat that record. But don’t count him out for he will definitely be looking to shoot for 100 points again. Solid pick and not out of the realm of possibility at First Overall.

2. Yorkshire Tea Bags 

McDavid is undoubtedly one of if not the number one player and face of the League. With three straight 100+ point season in his resume at 22 years old, he was a no brainer for Andy to pick Second Overall. Even on a struggling franchise such as the Edmonton Oilers, McDavid continues to be an unstoppable machine when it comes to cranking out points year after year.

3. Spokane Sharpshooters 

A dominant force on the ice and absolute game changer, Nathan MacKinnon was a set in stone pick from Huntsy and Yianni. Mackinnon has become a forced to be reckoned with after somewhat struggling become that top of the league talent early in his career. With two back to back 90+ point seasons and on a thriving young Avalanche squad, MacKinnon seeks to continue his all star pace. MacKinnon at Third Overall was expected but still an amazing pick.

4. MoJo’s Finest

Ovechkin is still one of the league’s most prolific goal scorers as he continues to reach and conquer Wayne Gretzky’s goal record. Ovechkin has never had a season with less than 30 goals so offense isn’t even close to a problem. Even at 34 years of age, Alex Ovechkin never remains out of the Rocket Richard Trophy voting every year. With very credible career offensive stats and the ability to lay hits, Ovechkin was the right pick at Fourth Overall for Dan.

5. Team SwedishEagle5 

Patrick Kane still remains as one of the most productive offensively skilled wingers in the league. Kane had a career year of 110 points on a Blackhawks team that began to show a need for a re-tool. Kane at Fifth was the right choice for anyone looking to insure immediate top end offensive talent when quality wingers become harder to find in a league where top centers are always at the forefront.

6. Hughes Your Daddy?  

Here is where the wildcard qualities of the DDFHL start to show. At Sixth Overall HeadHighSauce went out on a limb and boldly selected Auston Matthews. An amazingly talented center on an incredibly stacked Toronto Maple Leafs team, Matthews looks to continue is offensive prowess in his fourth season in the league. If Matthews cracks above 80 points and plays a full 82 games this season, the risk involved in picking him so high will have paid dividends.

7. Gold Coast Koalas

On an incredibly successful Lightning team, Steven Stamkos shined after earning a 98 point career season. In more recent years, when healthy, Stamkos has been a top of the league scoring talent scoring 20+ goals a season. At 29 years old, Stamkos still has some good years ahead of him but could very well start to regress soon but definitely still a 60+ point player at worst. Film picking him at Seventh was a bit of a risk, especially with some more potential to have a selected a higher rated player. But with Stamkos’s credentials there is solid basis for why Film picked the Lightning captain at Seventh.

8. Reykjavik Robbie Rottens  

Jack Eichel was the boldest pick in the entire first round by far. Centering Jeff Skinner, at the beginning of the season was poised to bring the Sabres into the playoffs with the insane numbers he brought to the table. Another guy with a career year, Eichel had 82 points in 77 games showing to the league that he might be finally taking form. Unless Eichel scores between 80 to 90 points this season, Eichel will not have been worth the Eight Overall selection. A shock on draft night but maybe a shocker to the league, Eichel at the Eight pick is certainly up for debate. 

9. Bouch’s Mom  

GM Mini drafted, for the longest time, the most underrated player in the league in Aleksander Barkov. Barkov is coming off a career 96 points last season proving himself as a jewel in the crown of the league’s most top end talent. Outside of his offensive stats, the Lady Byng Trophy winner doesn’t provide much defensive stats to the table. Besides that Mini knew he was drafting a stud in Barkov with the Ninth Overall selection.

10. South Jersey Jackalopes 

To the surprise of many, Sidney Crosby was an absolute robbery at Tenth Overall. The three time Stanley Cup Champion continues to be the bastion as the league’s most talented player at 32. Although age is getting slowly getting to him, Crosby still remains as one of the faces of the league and is no slouch in any aspect of his game period. Complete Steal for GM Jhony and Pill.

11. Backstrom in the USSR 

Coming off back-to-back 91, the 33 year old Captain of the Jets remains as one of the most consistent and underrated players in the league. With four straight 81-82 game seasons, Wheeler is a workhouse who plays a strong game throughout the entirety of the season.  His leadership on and off the ice can be surely seen throughout his stats as his game will surely jolt Stu’s offense to new heights. Underrated pick at Eleventh Overall.

12. Panarin’s Pastries, Bakery, and Bread 

Seguin is a perfect pick by GM Zoned. As the #1 man in Dallas, Seguin never ceases to wow crowds and fantasy players alike as his offensive numbers should make him a top pick in many GM’s draft boards. A 70+ point player for the past 6 seasons and an animal on the powerplay, it’s no wonder why Zoned selected Seguin at Twelfth.

13. Team WhySoSerious  

The first defenseman taken in the draft remains to be the most coveted defenseman in the league as selected at Thirteenth. Just like Ovechkin, even at 34 years of age it seems like Brent Burns is always playing his best hockey. A stalworth on the backend for the Sharks, Burns does absolutely everything a GM requires out of any player especially coming out of a defenseman. A quality pick for Team WhySoSerious towards the end of the first round.

14. Sunnyvale Shithawks  

The current Vezina trophy winner, Vasilevskiy this season proved his case as being one of the best goaltenders currently in the league. With 39 wins and a .925 save percentage, he brings up any team’s goaltending categories which are truly crucial especially in such a deep league like the DDFHL. Solidifying their crease early on, GM Dano was not messing around selecting Vasiliveskiy at Fourteen.

15. Seoul Skaters

Even though he isn’t the main star on the Avalanche, Landeskog is still a good pick at fifteen. He scored 75 points last season and had a very good physical presence with 120 hits. Landeskog does many things well and should be a solid asset for the unnamed team.

16. South Jersey ShinyFishs 

Capping of the First Round, Leon Draisaitl is a premium talent GM Shiny must’ve been glad to get after a hectic first round. The wingman to McDavid, Draisaitl is entering the season off the back of a breakout season where he scored 105 points. With his versatility as both a Center and a Left Wing, Shiny could get plenty of important usage out of him due to his highly offensive skill set. A quality pick to end the first round that may be more important than most think due to his draft position.

2nd Round

17. South Jersey ShinyFishs

To start the second round, Sergei Bobrovsky becomes the second goalie to be taken in the draft. This two time Vezina trophy winner has a fresh start after a long career with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Shiny picks up the best goalie second to only Vasilevskiy, securing the crease for the ShinyFishs. 

18. Seoul Skaters

A slightly early spot to pick this top of the line defenseman, GM team I understood the importance of securing a stud to put up points from the blue line. A quality offensive defenseman on a well rounded Capitals team, Carlson has no trouble scoring points both on and off the Power Play. He also is a premier player in blocking shots making him a reasonable pick for the second best defenseman. A safe defenseman who scored a career high 70 points who was in contention for the Norris. Carlson could most certainly repeat that performance and a great value pick at Eighteen.

19. St. Catherine’s Dart Rippers

A young winger who has asserted himself as one of the top Right Wingers currently. Being on one of the best top lines in the league, Pastrnak was the right pick due to his age and ability to score more than 30 goals a season. With two 80 point seasons in the books, Pastrnak can certainly keep the pace and a great pick for Dano.

20. Team WhySoSerious

After finally leaving Long Island, John Tavares scored a career high 88 points Centering Mitch Marner last season. Certainly one of the more bonafide veteran centers in the league, John Tavares’s career stats can only go higher in an insanely deep Leads squad. 

21. Panarin’s Pastries, Bakery and Bread

Bishop comes into this season with a season leading all goalies in Save Percentage with a .934 SV%. As the starter for the Stars who added some upgrades in the offseason, Bishop will certainly have an incredibly strong year. He obviously will not reach the same stats as he did last year, but he remains as one of the top goalies in the league. Although maybe no the 3rd best goalie, Bishop is a solid pick to lock it down between the pipes.

22. Backstrom in the USSR

A key part of one of the best lines of the season, Rantanen looks to continue his status as an allstar. An amazing Power Play producer scoring 30 plus points on it and having two 80 point seasons, Rantanen caps of the top line of the Avalanche as one of their key players. He was the top scorer for the first half of the season last year but regressed heading into the playoffs so his consistency and pace throughout the season are some things to consider.

23. South Jersey Jackalopes

One of the best defenseman in the entire league after Brent Bruns who is on the same pairing as him. Recent injuries have certainly taken a toll on Karlsson but if he returns to form he can certainly torch the league from the blueline. It took him some time to adjust after being traded to San Jose, but once he settled in after December 7th he was nearly PPG. If he’s healthy, the Jackalopes certainly have a major piece to their blueline that can be a difference maker.

24. Bouch’s Mom

Although Carey Price is getting up there in age, there is still reason to believe there is still some juice left in the tank. With an underrated team in front of him, Price is certainly going to start a lot and put up good numbers. But don’t expect him to be the Vezina tier goalie he used to be. A quality pick for a goaltender but there were certainly better options in that category still available.

25. Reykjavik Robbie Rottens 

Stanley Cup Champion Vladimir Tarasenko seeks to continue his production from the end of last season. Finding a good Right Winger isn’t the easiest task after the first 3 rounds and Tarasenko is no joke. He has had four straight seasons with 30+ goals and he is a god in producing shots. Tarasenko could certainly score anywhere between 70 to potentially 90 points and that’s hard to pass up at Twenty Five.

26. Gold Coast Koalas

An extremely consistent goaltender for the always successful Toronto Maple Leafs, Andersen is a pretty great goaltender when looking at his company. With average Save Percentage of .918 SV% and 2.63 Goals Against Average, Andersen remains a solid choice to lockdown the crease on a Leafs team more stacked than ever in the past few years.

27. Hughes Your Daddy?

Former MVP seeks to bounce back after a season that saw him out for most of the season with a knee injury. His MVP season saw him score 93 points which was a career high. In terms of production Hall is the only left winger projected to be the best Left Wing only behind Ovechkin as he should be right around a 90-point pace with lots of shots, blocks and power play points. A great pick at Twenty Seven that will be a key contributor to any offense.

28. SwedishEagle5

Hedman is one of the Top 5 defenseman in the league due to his amazing offensive skill. He’s great for point generation, but he lacks in peripheral stats compared to his peers. One of the key players in Tampa, Hedman is certainly the guy to build your defense around.

29. MoJo’s Finest

John Gibson over the past 5 years has been one of the most successful and consistent goalies with the league’s best save percentage over the last 5 years with a .921 SV%. The Ducks are certainly not a playoff team, but could surprise many this year. Gibson has started to assert himself as one of the league’s best goalies. He may not get as many wins as other options, but he’ll make up for it with a high amount of saves. An underrated pick with a high reward.

30. Spokane Sharpshooters

Fleury is a solid goaltender but I think age is going to start getting to him as he is a more athletic goalie. On a possession heavy Vegas team, Fleury will get the Wins but won’t be facing too many shots compared to his years in Pittsburgh. A great goalie but how much longer can he keep up his hopefully Hall of Fame career.

31. Yorkshire Tea Bags

After a long off season and contract negotiation, Mitch Marner is an 11 million dollar man. For the first time in his career last year he reached 90 points and alongside John Tavares it is certainly plausible. Marner is a magician of a playmaker and is by no means a slouch when it comes to scoring. If he reaches the same point total from last year he will be a steal at Thirty One.

32. H4X0Rman

Hellebuyck has been a successful netminder on a very competitive Winnipeg squad. But a shaky off-season has left the Jets defense a shell of what it used to be. He is going to face plenty of shots this season which could be a key test for Hellebuyck at a low point in his career. This pick has more risk season than any time in his career but it should pay off well.

3rd Round

33. H4X0Rman

Zibanejad is the number one center on an upgraded Rangers that features Artemi Panarin as his new linemate. He’s always been able to produce and now could thrive more than ever with Panarin and is underrated in other parts of his game. A bit of a reach but a smart pick.

34. Yorkshire Tea Bags

Rask was a monster in the playoffs but its is doubtful he will repeat that form during the regular season. Also with Halak as the backup who thrived when Rask couldn’t last season, Task will definitely not have as many starts as other starters. A good starter but don’t expect him to be a top 10 goalie. 

35. Spokane Sharpshooters

Seth Jones remains to be one of the league’s best defenseman even on a deprived Blue Jackets roster. He should have huge shot and block totals while having a good chance to eclipse 50 points. With his high amount of shots and offensive skill he should be up there for goal-scoring leaders for defenseman..

36. MoJo’s Finest 

A quality center who always manages to produce at more than a 60 point pace each year. The Jets are a lot weaker than they were when the made the Western Conference finals two seasons ago and that could affect his totals. He isn’t the best in the circle and his totals could dip but he can still be a hardworking scorer for the Jets.

37. SwedishEagle5

Holtby looks to rebound after two seasons below a .920 SV% and GAA above 2.80. The Capitals made some moves to improve this off-season, meaning it could truly help Holtby out. The team is still very strong and a division threat, making Holtby a great fantasy starter who could get over 60 games this season. The former Vezina winner will definitely be a difference maker this year and a great goaltending choice.

38. Hughes Your Daddy?

Aho was a massive reason the Hurricanes were successful and made it to the Eastern Conference Finals. He produces tons of shots at a point-per-game pace who is a safe pick in terms of having a high floor. He produced the way he did last season despite the team’s terrible power play. He definitely can score as much as he did last season and is an amazing pick here especially for the future.

39. Gold Coast Koalas

Guentzel scored 40 last season while getting little time on the top power play unit and a lesser Penguins squad. With Phil Kessel gone and Patric Hornqvist not being the player he used to be due to his physical playstyle, Guentzel will definitely play alongside Crosby. He could potentially see a big point jump as a result. He should be able to score 75 points and has dual eligibility on both wings. Versatile pick who could be key for the future.

40. Reykjavik Robbie Rottens

Huberdeau definitely has some backup with all the additions the Panthers have made in the off-season. The Left Hand Man to Barkov, Huberdeau had a career season and could potentially have a huge season if he wishes to help them reach the playoffs. He may not have another 90 point season due to his low shot totals but he is a good left winger to pick up at Forty.

41 Bouch’s Mom

Hart had promising showing with 16 wins in 31 starts with a .917 SV%. Since he is still young starter he may not start as much with Elliott in the system. A great goalie prospect for the future who has a high ceiling. If he performs at the same pace he could be a great backup to any solid starter.

42. South Jersey Jackalopes

This was a rough goaltender pick in a round where Goalies were a hot commodity. The Wild are in a re-tool and Dubnyk hasn’t been the same starter that brought the Wild to the playoffs 3 years ago. A decent starter who had a .913 SV% last season but he shouldn’t be your number one guy. Rough pick especially with the guy picked after him.

43. Backstrom in the USSR

From the ECHL to Stanley Cup Champion, Jordan Binnington has certainly taken the league by storm. He played well barring the circumstances he was in prior but it has only been one season. Hopes are high for him and he is seemingly a good starter and the new number one for the Blues. Don’t expect him to replicate last season but he is a good starter with decent risk involved.

44. Panarin’s Pastries, Bakery and Bread

At the time of this article being uploaded, Point remains without a contract and talks have stalled. Point had phenomenal 92 point season scoring 41 goals and 52 assists. Normally he would be a no brainer at this pick but I think this pick is super high risk under the current circumstances. With Point you don’t want to relive an experience like Nylander last season so hope he signs soon.

45. Team WhySoSerious

Rielly had a monster year last year but forecasted comes with regression which isn’t uncommon for defenders when scoring is a lot more common. After the acquisition of Tyson Barrie over the summer, with big power play upside meaning Rielly gets less points. The Leafs have a very strong scorer at even strength, and one of the more prolific offensive defenseman.

46. St. Catherine’s Dart Rippers

Pettersson took the league by storm with a 66 point rookie season. Everyone knows about his massive ceiling and crazy offensive ability. He should regress especially after a season with am extremely high shooting percentage. But with Boeser signed and Quinn Hughes, Pettersson has all the tools necessary to churn out points.

47. Seoul Skaters

Matt Murray had a better season after an abysmal one two years ago with a .909 SV%. The Penguins are regressing and the defense isn’t going to be aiding him as much as the one that helped him lift the Stanley Cup. A decent starter who could definitely be facing a ton of shots this season. He still is in Pittsburgh that has Crobsy and Malkin so he could steal some wins.

48. South Jersey ShinyFishs

A crafty play-maker and the last of the elite left-wingers. Johnny Gaudreau is a machine at point producing and dishes out assists better than anyone. Another 90 point season isn’t out of the realm of possibility with Sean Monahan and Elias Lindholm on the same line. 

49. South Jersey ShinyFishs

Giroux is a steal purely based on his position versatility alone. He’s the lone forward with triple eligibility this season making him a perfect lineup asset when injuries take their toll. He had an 85 point season on a mediocre Flyers team. With some key upgrades, Giroux can definitely produce more. Peripheral stats aren’t his strong suit and most of his points are assists but he does the job.

50. Seoul Skaters

Larkin is a point-per-game player who has 300 shot upside on a terrible Red Wings team who finally have some upside under Yzerman. That’s not far off from Seguin which means Larkin has some underrated value. He’s a solid first or second center for your fantasy squad. Very few will be outscoring him fantasy-wise this season. A steal at this pick and a keeper for the future.

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Team Draft Rankings

After all the analysis of the picks and GM trends I try to grade each team based on their forwards, defense and goaltending with insight from projections and past stats.

Backstrom in the USSR

Grade: A-

The Swiss army knife team with smartly drafted talent 

Forwards: (A)  Rantanen, Wheeler and Marchand are the crown jewels to this pretty well balanced offense in terms of volume of shots and point production on and off the Power Play. Johansen and Backstrom bring security in the faceoff circle while being underrated forwards in their playmaking ability. Schenn, Lee and Miller are middle tier forwards that produce key peripheral stats while still adding to the already heavy offense. 

Defense: (B-) This defense,  though it doesn’t have any fancy names besides Drew Doughty, is specialized for those crucial peripheral stats. From most of them they each easily produce over 100 hits and blocks each. Surely a defense no team should overlook if they continue to produce at that pace.

Goaltending: (A-) From last years showing, both Binnington and Lehner have on a surface level certified themselves as bonafide starts. For each goaltender their continued success or failure could dictate the success of the team. Solid picks that at their peak could be one of the league’s top tandems.

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Bouch’s Mom

Grade: B+

A brutal heavy hitting team that can certainly overwhelm you on the scoresheet.

Forwards: (B+) Barkov and Monahan are the front runners who can command in the faceoff circle and the scoresheet while DeBrincat can score to carry the brunt of the offense. But. talent slowly drops off down the roster after that. Although Tkachuk, Domi, Wilson and Coleman are great hitters, their penalty minutes could become a huge issue if they get out of hand. Another lingering concern is Power Play Production outside of the top forwards with a massive drop off  Good offense with a combined arms approach that can be dangerous (in more ways than one.)

Defense: (B-) This defense isn’t flashy nor isn’t meant to be. Dahlin and Skjej can most certainly aid in the overall team production, but this defense is focused on hits and blocks. A braun filled defense that can overwhelm a team with poor periphery stats.

Goaltending: (A) Price and Hart, the current and future goaltenders of the league. You can never go wrong with Price who is expected to have a bounceback season. Hart is supposed to be the next Carey Price and with his production especially on a mediocre Flyers team, it is certainly looking that he is on the right track. Great pair of goalies that can certainly win you games.

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Gold Coast Koalas

Grade: C+ An Uno Wildcard that when the team is hot can certainly torch their opponents.

Forwards: (C+) There are some big names on this offense but there is a lot of high hopes on the B tier players to produce more than in past seasons. Stamkos and Guentzel are sure fire producers but depending on their respective teams and ability to produce in their situation this offense could be lack luster. Hischier and Pavelski can be sleepers if they continue or exceed their production from last year. This offense is certainly a wildcard but some signs point to it being a rewarding group.

Defense: (C) When healthy, this defense does everything you want it too. But in its current shape at the time of writing, there are only 3 D men with Montour being injured. They can cover both offense and periphery stats but more defenseman are need to secure that strategy. 

Goaltending: (B+) Two veteran goaltender who when they’re playing their best hockey can be game changers. Frederik Andersen is a crucial piece on an already elite team in Toronto. Martin Jones is the real wildcard. Although on a strong Sharks team, Jones had an abysmal year with .896 save percentage and a 2.94 goals against average. If he returns to form this duo can surprise most.

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H4X0Rman

Grade: B

An offensive powerhouse that needs some trades to fix hits and blocks

Forwards: (B+) There is an undoubtedly strong amount of talent here. Kucherov and crew can put up great 5v5 numbers but even better Power Play numbers. The glaring concern is the severely low amount of hits and block not just offensively but throughout the lineup.

Defense: (B-) Continuing with the trend of heavy offense, the D core certainly adds a high offensive element that could make any opponent wish they could just stop scoring. But that defense certainly needs to add some key pieces in the hits and blocks.

Goaltending: (B-) There is Connor Hellebuyck who is known as one of the better starting goaltenders and on the Jets can certainly get wins and great stats weekly. But after him there is a large drop off. Lundqvist, Anderson and Hutton are starters but are on struggling teams and getting a lot older. They can be serviceable but also trade bait.

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Hughes Your Daddy?

Grade: A

An all performance machine that churns out offense to take down opponents

Forwards: (A) Stacked. Everyone here is a cemented forward in the league that everyone knows. Goals, Assists, Shots, you name it they’ll get ‘em. Some forwards could certainly underperform based on their chemistry with linemates or team play but an overall top of the league offense.

Defense: (A) This defense is a Jack of All Trades that could be the most versatile and balanced blue line in the league. Although if one goes down this blue line could suffer some heavy losses.

Goaltending: (B+) An exciting new starter and a bounceback veteran. Cory Schneider and David Rittich could be the most underrated tandem if they reach expectations although some doubt that.

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MoJo’s Finest

Grade: B+

A high scoring veteran forward group that plans on outscoring opponents

Forwards: (A-) Tons and tons of scoring from all the forwards in the system. Plenty of poised goal scorers with some good bounce back candidates in JVR and Pacioretty. Shots on goal and power play points are all right but none of these forwards are focused on the peripheral stats. This forward group is clearly built in putting pucks in the back of the net.

Defense: (C+) This defense is average. Besides Pietrangelo the rest of the defenseman are solid but are being betted on for breakout seasons and none really hit or block. Makar could be a massive surprise as he is one of the most promising rookies this season.

Goaltending: (A-) A highly underrated tandem with Gibson and Grubauer. Both have a chance to cement themselves as some of the best goalies in the league. A lot is riding on them this season so this goalies do come with decent risk.

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Panarin’s Pastries, Bakery and Bread

Grade: A

A well drafted group that has very few visible flaws on the surface

Forwards: (A-) A forward group that is incredibly spread out with talent and may be the most underrated forward groups in the league. Checking every box in almost every category, the only problems that surface the reliance of Seguin in the circle and Brayden Point being without a contract as of this moment. 

Defense: (A) Letang, Chabot and Ristolainen headline this blueline that really is more or less another forward group that is very strong in hits and blocks. Very good D core.

Goaltending: (A) Bishop and Kuemper on the surface looks like a pretty decent tandem. Realistically Bishop is not going to repeat his performance of last year but Kuemper brings some upside as the backup to Raanta. But there still is a possibility to underperform or be bad if Bishop’s injury history gets the best of him.

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Reykjavik Robbie Rottens

Grade: C+

A team that needs some moves to become competitive besides their offense

Forwards: (A-) A well dispersed offense that features a lot of good players especially for where he drafted. They are an incredibly dominant team in terms of power play points but they have really low peripheral stats. With his stacked forward group he could make a move and assess his hits and blocks fast.

Defense: (C+) This defense is about as minimal as it gets. It’s a good group that do decently around the board but compared to some of the other really competitive defenses in the league this one may not be able to handle the competition.

Goaltending: (C+) There is a lot of hope by this GM for both goalies in Quick and Mrazek to return to form. Both are huge risks due to their recent history but could pay dividends if they get hot.

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Seoul Skaters

Grade: B+ 

One of the most underrated sleeper teams of the goalies are up to par

Forwards: (B+) Certainly not the most star studded offense in the league but their versatility in terms of point production. Landeskog, Anderson and Brady Tkachuk are the key players that exemplify this team’s philosophy of hit em and score. 

Defense: (B+) With 6 solid defenseman it’s really hard to put this blueline on the backburner. With Ekblad, Carlson and Parayko with big years ahead of them and their super high block stats, this isn’t a blue line to scoff at.

Goaltending: (B-) Murray is decent but this season is crucial for him to assert is image as a great starter than a league average one on the Penguins. Blackwood from last season on a horrid Devils squad showed potential and hopefully can build upon those stats he had before.

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South Jersey Jackalopes

Grade: A

One of the premier offenses at teams in the league but goal tending may be their downfall

Forwards: (A+) Stellar forward group. With Crosby at 10 a complete steal alongside Toews and O’Reilly they will never lose faceoffs. Even outside of their centers. Kessel, Teravainen and Gallagher are super talented forwards that are expected to have great seasons. Definitely the stronger offense of the South Jersey Rivalry.

Defense: (B+) With Karlsson and Ellis coming off of injury recovery seasons the expectation is that they are both ready to start off strong season. With Yandle and Hagg as great support pieces this is a rock solid defense when healthy. Otherwise they could run into some real issues.

Goaltending: (C+) Here’s where they fall apart. Unless they plan on winning every other category and throw the goalie stats, they need to fix it. Dubnyk on a team this good shouldn’t be the starter but the that doesn’t mean they should move him. 

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South Jersey ShinyFishs

Grade: A 

The original other half of the South Jersey Rivalry that can still steamroll their opponenets

Forwards: (A-) Giroux has returned to the franchise with a boosted offense that features Brock Boeser and Leon Draisaitl. A great all around offense that should put this team in the top of the standings as long as their depth forwards keep up with the elite talent.

Defense: (B+) Filled with offensive potential and headed by young guns Werenski and McAvoy they don’t do much else but put up points. That said they’re all pretty damn good at it. 

Goaltending: (A+) This could be the best goalie tandem in the league. Bobrovsky has a fresh start on a newly revitalized Florida squad and Raanta pre injury last season was one of the best in the league. If they’re hot you might as well give up goalie stats. 

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Spokane Sharpshooters

Grade: B+

A complete team that could certainly surprise many teams this season

Forwards: (A-) A well drafted group with plenty of players expected to perform even on some poor teams. Mantha and Kreider although on different ends of the age spectrum, both proved last year their worth. Stone and Couturier are amazing defensively capping off this top tier offense.

Defense: (B+) Jones by himself can carry this Blue line. Dougie Hamilton performed last year that the trade proved beneficial to his career. Gostisbehere looks to rebound off from last year with some upgrades coming to the Flyers offense. Overall this blue line is a great accompaniment to a great offense.

Goaltending: (B) On paper this tandem looks to be a middle of the road pairing. Fleury could start to show signs of his age this year in Vegas and Varlamov must remain healthy to try and revive his career. They should be good barring unforeseen circumstances but I’m not 100% sold on this being one of the better goalie tandems in the league.

St. Catherine’s Dart Rippers

Grade B

A stacked blue line looks to carry this team while Vasilevskiy handles the rest

Forwards: (B-) This offense is filled with B tier forwards. Behind Pastrnak there is a huge drop off. Pettersson was amazing in his rookie and the Canucks did improve, but expect him to regress. The face off circle is also a major concern. This offense on paper looks ok but there is a high chance for underperformance. 

Defense: (A-) The defense is the epicenter of of this team’s success. They do it all and are a great value group considering how hard it is to build a solid defense in a 16 player league. Dumba, McDonagh and a full season of Schmidt are incredibly underrated.

Goaltending: (B) It’s Andrei Vasilievskiy. Need I say more?

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Team SwedishEagle5

Grade B

The stars of this team look to do most of the work on all positions.

Forwards: (B) Kane and Bergeron will truly drive this offense but the supporting cast of Duchene, Atkinson and Svechnikov should be key assets. Although I don’t think this is going to be one of the best offenses in the league but is sure as hell will be serviceable.

Defense: (B+) Hedman and Heiskanen are two monsters on the ice. If Lindell and Suter solidify themselves on this roster o have no doubt they could become one of the best defenses in the league.

Goaltending: (B-) Holtby is one of the best goalies within the past couple of years and I expect him to only get better with Caps and their upgraded defense. Korpisalo is a coin toss now that Bobrovsky has left to Florida and it is his chance to finally become the starter Columbus has been grooming to be.

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Team WhySoSerious

Grade B-

Best bang for the buck team that could severely underperform this season.season

Forwards: (B) Not filled with a lot of star power outside of Tavares and Laine…wait he still doesn’t have a contract. But that doesn’t matter because instead of drafting by name this offense is built in performance. Meier and Palmieri are prepared to be crazy good scorers going into this season and both actually do some hitting. Getzlaf and W. Karlsson are great low-cost depth behind Tavares that have massive upside.

Defense: (B-) Outside of Brent Burns and Morgan Rielly, I have serious concerns on the performance of this blue line. Reilly and Burns should help the team win based on their performance alone but if one or both go down, this D is screwed to say the least.

Goaltending: (B-) Rinne and Greiss were good enough last season but Rinne is pretty up their in age and Greiss needs to repeat his same performance from last year behind Lehner. I think thid may be the most underrated pair that could be the most likely to underperform.

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Yorkshire Tea Bags

Grade A-

The British are coming. Be afraid.

Forwards: (A) This is an offense to be scared of. An offensive powerhouse with McDavid, Marner and Couture being the major players the have amazing depth and should win all the offensive categories every week.

Defense: (B+) Probably the best defense for periphery stats. Outside of Subban the offense is leaving something to be desired but they can still do that with the teams they have ine front of them.

Goaltending: (B-) Rask and Saros pretty good. Both should get a decent amount of starts and perform well but this is the weakest link on the team. It isn’t bad but there are better goalies out there.

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These are personal rankings and are not indicative of future success. All team involved have built amazing teams and have tons of room to grow. Plenty of players can surprise or upset so these rankings don’t really mean much in the sport with the most league parity. I leave you with a projected statistical ranking of all the teams. Good luck GMs a long season is ahead. 

1. South Jersey Jackalopes
2. Panarin’s Pastries Bakery and Bread
3. South Jersey ShinyFishs
4. Hughes Your Daddy?
5. Yorkshire Tea Bags
6. Backstrom in the USSR
7. Bouch’s Mom
8. MoJo’s Finest
9. Seoul Skaters
10. Spokane Sharpshooters
11. St. Catherine’s Dart Rippers
12. SwedishEagle5
13. H4X0Rman
14. WhySoSerious
15. Gold Coast Koalas
16. Reykjavik Robbie Rottens