(Sorry, Schultzy!

10. (S14) LW/RW (Winnipeg Jets) - Emīls Vilmenietis || +36
Grade: 19/20
Past Seasons: S20-39, S21-47, S22-58, S23-47

Emils Vilmenietis has been traded from the finalists, Edmonton Blizzard to start a new road with the Winnipeg Jets, and one has to wonder how good he will be when playing with Vrdik Onoprienko. Emil’s 49 points were good enough this year to mark him as the 10th best scorer last season, which is the reason for his huge jump from the 41st position last year, and thus cracking the top 10 this year. Emils also put up 105 hits and 16 shot blocks to help his case, and im sure most people will put their money on his production rising even more with the Jets.

9. (S7) RW (Seattle Riot) - David Winter || +14
Grade: 19/20
Past Seasons: S20-24, S21-6, S22-10, S23-23

Battling back into the top ten, we find old man Winter. David Winter had dropped 13 spots from his 10th place finish in S22, but has rebounded with a 14 spot jump and has finished at the 9th position. When everyone though Winter might be on his way to old age, and an eventual limited role with the Seattle Riot, he surprised everyone yet again with 48 points which puts him tied for the 11th spot in the scoring race. He also cracked 21 goals and 117 hits.

8. (S9) D (Toronto North Stars) - Willie "The Destroyer" Weber || +3
Grade: 19/20
Past Seasons: S20-10, S21-7, S22-11, S23-11

Jumping back up into the top ten this year is hardnosed defenseman Willie Weber. Weber had back to back seasons sitting right outside the top 10, finishing 11th in both seasons, and has finally returned with this 8th place finish which is his 2nd best finish ever. Weber’s 8th place finish wasn’t due to his 34 points, but more due to his bone crushing 210 hits and his 65 shot blocks. He also played nearly 15 minutes a game, and was the ultimate back bone to his New England Wolfpack winning the cup.

7. (S18) LW (Calgary Dragons) Esa Anrikkanen || -1
Grade: 19/20
Past Seasons: S20-45, S21-48, S22-35, S23-6

Esa Anrikkanen has officially taken over as face of the Calgary Dragons. They finished last again, however it was not due to his performance. Esa managed to put up 49 points which was made up of 30 assists despite not having the quality of line-mates of some of the other top 10 finishers. Esa was also a force in the physical department, laying his body on the line 193 times, which made him very hard to play against.

6. (S14) LW (Manhattan Rage) - Daniel Merica || -4
Grade: 20/20
Past Seasons: S20-32, S21-16, S22-13, S23-2

Daniel Merica has fallen outside the top 5, after a 2nd place finish last year, you know he was hoping to snag the top overall heading into the season. However his production, although very impressive, was not as strong as it was 2 seasons ago, he managed 22 goals and 45 points this year, 12 less than the scoring leader. He did also put up 105 hits and 17 shot blocks and lead the league with 235 shots on goal which have earned him a very respectable 6th place finish.

5. (S10) D (Texas Renegades) Chris Partlow || Even
Grade: 20/20
Past Seasons: S20-6, S21-2, S22-3. S23-5

Many have this man in the talks for the best defenseman to ever suit up in the game, and if you check his history on this list, it is tough to argue against him. His worst finish was in S20 when the list was first created, and he was 6th place. Since then, Partlow has been the most consistent player, never failing to be outside the top 5 in the league, and finishing once again this year 5th overall. His best ever finish was in S21 where he finished 2nd. This year he lead all SHL defenseman with 43 points, and he lead all SHL defenseman in assists, although tied, with 37. Partlow also had 109 hits, and 59 shot blocks.

4. (S14) C (Los Angeles Panthers) Brian Morley || -3
Grade: 20/20
Past Seasons: S20-14, S21-19, S22-16, S23-1

The king has been dethroned; Brian Morley the former number one overall finisher from last season has dropped 3 spots to 4th overall. Morley finished 7th in points with a magical 50 points for his L.A. Panthers, and he did so by putting up 21 points and 29 assists. He also put up 144 hits and 184 shots on goal along with 13 shots blocks.

3. (S20) D (Manhattan Rage) Chuck Goody || +5
Grade: 20/20
Past Seasons: S22-56, S23-8

Finishing in 3rd place and officially claiming the title as the league’s best defender heading into S24, is none other than the Manhattan Rage’s Chuck Goody. Goody had an elite 42 points from the blue line and he also managed to share the league lead in assists with Chris Partlow. Goody put up over 180 hits and a fantastic 70 shot blocks.

2. (S17) LW (Minnesota Chiefs) Magnus Jakobsen || +7
Grade: 20/20
Past Seasons: S20-48, S21-50, S22 – 22, S23-9

Finishing in 2nd this year is the leagues top scorer, Magnus Jakobsen. The Hamilton Steelhawks had a rough season when Jakosen was suspended, however they bounced back in great shape last season with his return, and he proved to be irreplaceable with his 57 points and his 24 goals which was good enough to tie for first place. His 87 hits were nothing to be ashamed of as well, and he even managed 12 shot blocks which is also very good for such a dynamic scorer. He finished 2nd in shots on goal to only Daniel Merica, who many are comparing Magnus to, and he’s only averaged about 22 minutes per game.

1. (S18) LW (Winnipeg Jets) Vidrik Onoprienko || +6
Grade: 20/20
Past Seasons: S20-67, S21-49, S22-26, S23-7

The new champion, the new best and elite player in the SHL heading into S24 is no other but the fan favorite, Vidrik Onoprienko. The man they call “Ono” tore up the league last season after finishing 7th last year. He managed an outstanding 24 goals which was good for a tie for the best goal scorer in the SHL with Magnus Jakobsen, and also finished tied with Yousuf Scherbluk for 2nd in overall points, with 53. Ono might not have helped the Jets very far, however his individual play proved to everyone that he really is one of, if not the best player in the league. His two way game is also fantastic, as he finished with 180 bone crushing hits and 18 shot blocks. Congratulations to a fantastic player on and off the ice!