Login

DarthDaevin · 12-01-2024, 02:54 AM

Please give half to @LALLAREN_1 (4940 Words)

Note: Written before NOLA and EDM trades*

Thank you Lall for helping me write this. Throughout this article, me and Lall give a general team breakdown, go through some past with the team, followed up by their picks and needs for the upcoming S80 SHL draft class. We then decided to do our own mini mock draft going through each pick 1-10 and detailing why we chose said player at this position. We hope you enjoy it, and this was just based on all information available to us at the time of writing.

Hamilton Steelhawks:

22-42-3; 231GF, 340GA, Finished 18th

How it’s been going:

The last time the Steelhawks made it out of the first round was back in S76 where they would lose 1-4 to the Baltimore Platoon in the conference finals. With only 2 30+ Goal Scorers last season, and finishing with the 2nd worst goal differential, this team is in need of a jump start. Although this is fair considering that the team is mid rebuild, where they traded away players such as Zedward Zilliams last season but in exchange for draft capital. The team just hasn’t looked like what it was, although they do still have some star forwards in Trevor Lahey, Activity Check, and Jani Mänty, and promising sophomores such as Robo Sven and dman Will Nuck. This is a team that is just looking for a boost, and is sure to get that in a few seasons with their 4 first round draft picks.

Picks: 1st, 4th, 15th, 20th, 21st, 35th, 41st, 60th, 61st, 81st

With 10 picks, 4 of them being in the first round alone, is actually insane. Hamilton will probably end up making some moves in this draft, or they will be passing on picks very early. I could see a bundle of picks moving somewhere in exchange for more depth or maybe even a top 6 forward/top 4 dman.

Needs:

Essentially the only area where this team is secure is center, and even then their centers are only a few seasons away from regression. With multiple players starting regression now, this team is going to need some prospects of the future. Along with this their current starting goalie is starting to regress so they are sure to start making some moves in free agency to hold out for some of their prospects.

Edmonton Blizzard:

17-45-4; 239GF, 361GA, Finished 20th

How it’s been going:

Not good, actually horribly, scratch that, call it a disaster. After finishing 1st in the standings in Season 75, Edmonton flamed out quickly in the second round to the eventual cup champions in the Los Angeles Panthers. After that, the collapse came in an instant immediately sending Edmonton to the basement where they found their corner and have set up the tent for the long haul. Finishing 18th, 19th, 20th and 20th over the last seasons you’ll have to look long and hard to find any stat where Edmonton actually doesn’t look like a junior team playing against professionals. This latest season the team has improved their +/- from -170 to -122, which is still the worst in the whole league but improvement is improvement I guess. The roster consists of a lot of young and old players, Benjamin Surkhi-Ze'ev stands out as the most skilled player for the team. Asked to play Centre for the first time in their career, never a great sign when you need to convert your best player to fill gaps. The blueline isn’t much better consisting of mostly aging veterans and two rookies, Effo and Jackson. Finally, I advise you to just not look at the goalie situation. Journeyman backup Kay Lee has been asked to shoulder the load of an elite goaltender while their backup isn’t even good enough to play in the juniors.

Picks: 2nd, 13th, 82nd

Quality over quantity is the story here. By trading away most of their picks, Edmonton will get two cracks at selecting two blue-chip prospects to add to one of the deepest pools in the league. With a single late pick, Edmonton could take a shot at someone and hope to make it a success story.

Needs:

EVERYTHING (but mostly forwards). Edmonton already has a very full pipeline so they are at the luxury of taking whatever they feel like taking. With 3 rookies already on their blueline and 5 more in the pipeline, not sure how much more space EMD has got here to be taking defensemen. They have their future starter in QCCBOT4 but they will need a backup at some point, maybe this draft? The forward depth looks worse and with many great forward prospects in this draft, I guarantee at least one of their two top picks will be a wing.

Montreal Patriotes:

24-38-4; 222GF, 284GA, Finished 17th

How it’s been going:

Considering that the last time they made the playoffs was S72 where they would lose to the conference champion New England Wolves, this team actually looks pretty good. This team's oldest players are stars Xavier Beausoleil and Jussi Mutou who were in the S72 draft class, meaning that they are just now getting out of their Senior season. This team's future is looking bright. With multiple prospects also coming up now. Constantly finishing in the bottom four 5 seasons straight now has blessed this team with a bright future. With only one 30+ goal scorer this season in Charlie Slurpe this team could get their goal scoring up but that is bound to happen with development and these players starting to enter their prime. Xavier Beausoleil led the team in scoring finishing the season with 76 points which is not bad and shows signs of hope. This is a team that is just waiting for all of their players to start hitting their TPE peak. Their defense has been performing fine, but they have finished bottom in goal scoring this year with 222 goals for

Picks: 3rd, 23rd, 43rd, 51st, 63rd, 83rd

Odds are Montreal makes two picks then passes on the rest. At third overall they will have a plethora of options here and can really pick whatever they want (minus the first two picks). They should be able to get an elite prospect here, and then go mining and hopefully pick up a diamond in the “rough”.

Needs:

Essentially Montreal can draft whatever they want here. They are solid everywhere and have evened out send downs with two forwards and one defenseman. Simply it is drafting who you like best here and who you know will earn. With a very strong youth core its all about playing the locker room game for the Montreal Patriotes.

Manhattan Rage:

22-35-9; 238GF, 302GA, Finished 16th

How it’s been going:

Purgatory. Manhattan has not been in the upper half of the league table since season 68 and still hasn’t made it. Lately, they have not been horrible, they are just in that area of holding the basement door open for other teams but not going any deeper than the doorstep themselves. Coming off a very deep rebuild there are few players on this roster who have entered their peak, give it a few seasons until we rebuild the battalion and starts to reach their max. Jaromir Jagrbomb is the best player Manhattan has and the young bluelines still isn’t at his peak quite yet. Manhattan’s defense and offense are both subpar allowing 4th most goals and scoring 13th most goals. With a young starting goalie and younger backup, the goalies will age together with the core so don’t be too concerned about the tenders. Most of the picks from the rebuild era have started playing games for Manhattan which means 2 things. They have a very young core that will grow together now and the future should be bright. Their pipeline is virtually empty. Hawky and Lind make up the only 2 blue-chip prospects, a forward and defenseman respectively.

Picks: 5th, 12th, 18th, 25th, 56th

With a steady stream of high picks, mid picks, and even a late pick. Manhattan is looking to pick up at least 4 future players here who will be able to help the team and make it in time to be depth for the championship window.

Needs:

Manhattan has about as stacked a D prospect pool as you can find. Their entire current blueline are young players who still are growing. The same can more or less be said with the forward core. There is a veteran and some players who are sowing stagnation but all-in-all it’s also about as stacked as you can find. We’ve mentioned the goalies, both are young and aren’t going to need replacing anytime soon. Manhattan is truly in a situation where they can pick whatever the heck they want. Expect the best available to be selected at every pick, no positional picks are needed here.

Winnipeg Aurora:

25-36-5; 223GF, 284GA, Finished 15th

How it’s been going:

Much like the Steelhawks, the Winnipeg Aurora made it to the conference finals in S76 where they would lose 1-4 to the eventual champion San Francisco Pride, that was the last time they made it past the first round. Your best goal scorer having a minus 43 +/- is not a good sign, especially when your best +/- was a minus one. With only 4, 1000+ TPE players, only one of which is a defenseman isn’t very good. Lacking on the blueline as well means this draft is important. They do have a fairly good core though, with most players only a few seasons away from their peak. This team is going to need to draft smart and probably make a few trades in the upcoming seasons in order to ensure a bright future that looks semi dim as of right now. Although not a bad team, this team is going to need some rebuilding if they would like to be competitive soon, although they should be competitive in the near future.

Picks: 6th, 32nd, 40th, 64th, 84th, 86th

Likely just building around a core and locker room, this team probably will only make 1-2 picks this upcoming draft. Potentially a 3rd pick if they like the options they have left. They will be picking up a solid blue-chip prospect along with a solid earner to add to the locker room.

Needs:

Winnipeg is in need of some solid defenders that they know for a fact are going to own. Considering that their bottom 3 in TPE right now are all defenders, with the highest being at 699, they are going to want to draft some defenders in order to ensure a blue line of the future. They do have some send downs at every position though, so if they feel that there is someone who will earn substantially more TPE, and a strong locker room presence, they will probably go in that direction.

Seattle Argonauts:

28-35-3; 224GF, 290GA, Finished 13th

How it’s been going:

Light at the End of the Tunnel. Seattle has been in a rebuild since around S72-ish and it’s not been a fun couple of seasons. Occupying the deepest parts of the basement for a while, the only thing Seattle had was hope that the light at the end of the tunnel was as bright as it looked from so far away. Seattle has assembled quite an impressive collection of prospects and young players that is starting to turn a leaf for the team. Nobody on the team will stick out to you as the clear star yet you can see that the whole team is very solid. The highest-placed team that finished the season with a negative +/-, -66 isn’t a small gap to make up. No position sticks out as a weakness but no position looks like a strength either, it’s a very even team overall. Seattle’s future lies in the simultaneous progression and peak of most of the core. If I’m looking at who I think could be a powerhouse in a few seasons Seattle will be near the top at minimum. With only a single pick at the 25th last draft, this looks to be the last time Seattle gets to use their own pick to be selected high for the foreseeable future.

Picks: 7th, 22nd, 28th, 34th, 47th, 67th, 87th

One shot. Seattle has one shot to pick up a really solid blue-chip prospect at 7 before they need to wait until the 2nd round. It is more than possible to find gold in the 2nd and later and I bet Seattle is preparing all they can for that. There are enough picks here that perhaps a trade-up in the draft could be a thing, guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

Needs:

Much like Manhattan, Seattle has a very young team with only a few veterans who will be aging out in the near future. The two best prospects in the pipeline so far for Seattle are both forwards so there could be a preference to pick up a defensive prospect at 7. I don’t think there is much stress in the draft room to pick after position. I doubt there will be a goalie pick though as Seattle‘s net looked occupied for a long time to come. The only player who is in need of replacing is Wendolene Ramsbottom so that will open up one defensive slot for someone. Seattle is another team that is drafting solely on upside with no regard to position.

New Orleans Specters:

32-30-4; 235GF, 233GA, Finished 12th

How it’s been going:

New Orleans has consistently made the playoffs for the past while, considering that the last time they did not make it was back in S62, where they would just barely miss finishing 17th. Sadly this crazy consistency does not matter too much considering that they last made it out of the 2nd round in S55, when there weren't conferences. They would go on to lose 3-4 to the Stampede after a championship run in S54. This past season they lost to the Minnesota Monarchs who lost to the Texas Renegades in the 2nd round of playoffs. Somewhat like Montreal, this season the Specters finished with 4 20+ goal scorers, one of which was a 30+ goal scorer, the team was more assist heavy with their top points finisher finishing with 40 goals and 45 assists (for 85 points), and their second palace finisher with 28 goals and 39 assists (for 67 points). I will compliment the New Orleans defense who finished 6th in goals allowed, only allowing 233 goals. This was thanks to a strong defense where the lowest amount of blocked shots was tied between Lester Oiduser and Filip Lund with 169 blocked shots, and led by Hugh Manius with 267 blocked shots.

Picks: 8th, 24th, 38th, 48th, 49th, 68th, 88th

With the potential for about max 3 prospects, on of which will be higher end the other two for locker room/TPE purposes. This team will probably just chose best TPE wise as they just need an earner and a good locker room fit.

Needs:

No needs in specific, New Olreans is very solid on both their team and their sendowns. They could potentially use a send down center, but it is not a necessity here. They will be drafting to surround a solid core with both younger and newer players all around. These picks just go in the direction of earning and fit inside the clubhouse and players that they will love for seasons to come.

Chicago Syndicate:

21-43-2; 224GF, 320GA, Finished 19th

How it’s been going:

Not good. Chicago has been either very bad or mid for a while now. Finishing 19th is never fun but at least you get to use that top4 pick you have…oh wait, Hamilton has yours. Aight guess you’ll just have to make do with Baltimore’s instead then. Chicago’s roster is quite a mix of young players, up-and-coming stars, and players in or near the peak of their skills. The oscillation between being horrible and being mid hasn’t seemed to have done them many favors in draft capital and usage. Led by up-and-coming star Mograine, Chicago is in an interesting period where they could finally take some good steps forward, or stagnate again. 224 goals for which is simply not good, the 320 goals against take it to a new level of straight horror. With a just under -100 gap to close just to break even, someone needs to take the blame. Starting goalie Mendenhall has not had an easy job and has not been able to play very well. Still a young goalie I wouldn’t put too much worry here but it’s clear it's a cause for a solid chunk of the goal against. Veteran backup Hurts is not any better. Both the forward core and defensive core have the same situation. Some very young players, some older ones, and some near their peak.

Picks: 9th, 14th, 26th, 36th, 37th, 44th, 64th

Front loaded, but not enough. Idk man, Chicago is in that spot where they got a lot of good picks but not one pick you would call a great one. Could be a trade up here consolidating the picks, or a trade down to gain even more. Up to the front office what they wanna do here if they want to do anything at all.

Needs:

Everything. Add the 3 seasons it takes for most prospects to get their call up and there are already some players in the roster starting their decline. Add even more so the picks get near their peaks and many players on the team today might be gone by then. This is going to be a tricky spot of navigation and prediction to fill what they need now and for the future. Only 1 goalie iäd say will remain for any time, Chicago needs to get a backup and with this many picks it’s very possible the backup will be selected this draft. With a need for both forward and defensemen, now and for the future. Chicago won’t be picky and will take whoever is top of the list. May reach for a goalie though it depends how dire they feel that spot needs to be filled.

Toronto North Stars:

39-23-4; 264GF, 216GA, Finished 7th

How it’s been going:

A winning team, on my top draft list! Toronto is the best-finished team on our list and has had the best time this season, a loss to Buffalo in the 1st probably wasn’t within the plans though. Unlike most of the rosters we have seen so far today, Toronto isn’t playing around. With a solid part of the roster just entering or already at their peaks, Toronto is probably building for now and soon over any long-term vision. While 264 goals is a bit lower than you’d expect for a team in this position, the answer comes in defense/goal. 216 goals allowed, that’s 2nd best in the whole league only behind the Champion Cup winners. Even more impressive when the goalie tandem consists of raw and rawer. A lot of trust is placed on 3rd season starter Milasch. Take a look at any good stat and Milasch is going to be high. Ranking #1 in the prestigious GSAA metric, Milasch made sure Toronto was in the fight at any time. The forward and defensive core look fine with their mix of stars and up-and-coming stars. The team does not have any clear backup to Milasch, the current backup Perfection looks like a rental so that needs addressing at some point.

Picks: 10th, 50th, 53th, 57th, 70th, 90th,

You only got one opportunity. 10th pick or bust, that’s going to be the story here. At pick 50 and later there will only be scraps for you to pick with the occasional gem. Toronto is going to need to hit on this 10th pick if they decide to use it. If I need to choose 1 team on this list that will trade their pick for a player it’s Toronto. Any player selected with this pick is unlikely to have time to contribute too much to the current window. It is very possible a decision is made to go after a player further along their development path or near their prime to help them now.

Needs:

Backup goalie. Unless Toronto wants to keep running a rental goalie or sign someone during the off-season, the backup needs to be addressed at some point. Milasch will hold down the fort but he needs someone to back him up and in time, take over for him. I doubt that a goalie is taken at 10th to act as backup, so this pick is getting traded for 2 mid-picks or a player and a pick. Toronto has no position that looks glaringly in need of the skaters so if a selection is made it’s because Toronto believes in the players and wants them for themselves.

1st Overall Hamilton Steelhawks:

Lall’s Pick: Kim Chaewon

Hamilton has needs everywhere, no timeline that forces a specific pick and there is nobody that is a clear cut #1 pick this draft. What Hamilton has got here is simply picking who they like best out of the whole class. Chaewon has the roots which lets any GM know they are very likely able to play for a long time and reach an elite peak.

DD’s Pick: Kim Chaewon

Chaewon is a very active user, and will be earning great forward. This should fill one of Hamilton’s many empty spots position wise. Chaewon themselves have also been rumored going to the Steelhawks, if it’s true or not I don’t know. Hamilton has many directions to go here. This is just one of them.

2nd Overall Edmonton Blizzard:

Lall’s Pick: Rodwin Dionicio

We are getting the obvious out of the way, there is a large amount of Edmonton prospects currently on the Quebec City Citadels so that pipeline is clear. Dionicio went #1 overall in the junior draft and hasn't made anybody question that pick so far and Edmonton has shown an affinity to picking QCC players. Dionicio is an active, two-way defenseman that can be moulded to fit any team need. The history between EDM and QCC along with the versatility and activity of Dionico make me think he's going at 2.

DD’s Pick: Rodwin Dionicio

There is clearly a pipeline between Quebec and Edmonton, and whilst you could make the argument for Shiny Rainbow or Uwe Bindewald, I feel like they will be hunting for this gem of a first gen who had a great rookie season even making the all star team

3rd Overall Montreal Patriotes:

Lall’s Pick: Leo Carlsson

I'm going to Leo for a few reasons. First off, i got some intel that Montreal are deeply considering him here at 3. There are some connections between Ottawa and Montreal too (more than just the Autoroute 50)

Leo was not given a very big role in Ottawa this year but it doesn't take away from his efforts that i think GMs will notice. You are never drafting a player for who they are now, but what you think they will be in the future.

DD’s Pick: Rocky Gislason

There is for sure a raptors Montreal pipeline, and I know that Rocky has a strong raptors collection. Adding to an already incredible forward line from Montreal, I think that Gislason would be a fantastic pickup. Past GM who can for sure help in strategy

I could see Baltimore trading up and trying to get one of their old players back though

4th Overall Hamilton Steelhawks:

Lall’s Pick: Rocky Gislason

Gislason is one of the safest picks left among the re-creates. Hamilton is in a deep rebuild and striking duds with picks this far up can set them back or even sabotage the long-term plans. It comes down to how much the Hamilton front office wants to bet on certain players or if they feel like the safer route that is as good is the better call. Gislason is a solid player and prospect so wherever they go it's a good pick by the team.

DD’s Pick: Uwe Bindewald

I feel like the Quebec player has made it clear that he is active, and coming off a cup is sure to boost his stock a lot. Hamilton has already got there forward in my mock, I feel like they will be looking for a reliable Dman now

Off that you could make the argument for other dmen such as Jack Ellul, Tiny Princess, or Chungledown Bim but who knows where their heads are at in what is a draft that is sure to jump a rebuild

5th Overall Manhattan Rage:

Lall’s Pick: Tiny Princess

Manhattan has to have one of the best young teams in the whole SHL. You can't find a position of need even if you try. The Manhattan blueline is stacked, but so too is the crease and forward core. They are playing a best available and numbers game now. Princess is easily one of the best remaining on the board, so from that perspective this makes sense. There are also fewer defensemen in a roster so an unexpected loss there would hurt more than a forward, so having a top prospect ready to fill in should make for a great backup plan.

DD’s Pick: Jack Ellul

The rage are essentially solid everywhere, even in their send downs. At this point it’s best available and the rage can fill out their send down dmen of the future. The Rage can go anywhere as they have set themselves up nicely for the future

6th Overall Winnipeg Aurora:

Lall’s Pick: Aaron Noxus

Noxus is a unique prospect. Taken to podcasting in their spare time, they might be the most committed prospect in the draft. Noxus is proven to be active and able to generate TPE and Money, you want a locker room presence i bet you are getting a big one here too. Really no matter how i look at it, Noxus is one of the best player on the board and i think Winnipeg take them.

DD’s Pick: Leo Carlson

I feel like with Ruggsy there is an Ottawa Winnipeg pipeline. Leo is a great earner and a great player. He will get TPE and be a great player of the future. I don’t have too much to say here other than that Carlson will be a great pickup.

7th Overall Seattle Argonauts:

Lall’s Pick: Uwe Bindewald

Uwe is the premier shutdown defenceman prospect and Seattle has Ramsbottom who is likely to be gone sooner rather than later. Winning the Four Star Cup with Quebec only boosts their value. Seattle isn’t in dire need of anything so why not pick up a top-earner and very active player who will be there for you when you need them?

DD’s Pick: Tiny Princess

You could make a case with the Colorado Montréal pipeline for Princess at 3, I feel like Princess might fall to Seattle and hookup with raptor Campbell fishermen. For sure a mini pipeline here, Seattle could stock up on some trustworthy players of the future. Especially a Dman as great and active as Tiny Princess, this would be a solid addition to any blue line.

8th Overall New Orleans Specters:

Lall’s Pick: Shiny Rainbow

Our 3rd Quebec player already. Rainbow is fast, fast, fast and did i also mention CLUTH? Stepping up massively during the playoffs, Rainbow is fast and clutch. One of the most active players, you are getting a player here who can step up in the biggest of games and will continue to grow at a rapid pace.

DD’s Pick: Chungledown Bim

With not many dmen send downs, and soon to be regressing dmen, I feel like Bim is a great play here. Although he played forward this season, he’s still been active and is a Dman at heart

9th Overall Chicago Syndicate:

Lall’s Pick: Jack Ellul

A top earning, two-way defenceman. You can never get enough of those on a team. The ability to adapt the growth to fit a role is a major benefit. And they will also earn a lot of TPE so you can get a top defenseman and mould them after your every need. Chicago is picking the best on the board, and that is Ellul

DD’s Pick: Shiny Rainbow

My 3rd Quebec player off the board. A top earner with a drive to make money, and like you said a really fast and clutch player. They need a send down winger and Rainbow is a great option here fresh off a great season and great cup run.

10th Overall Toronto North Stars:

Lall’s Pick: Trent Mackenzie

I'm throwing in the wild card pick here. Toronto is the best team we have on this list and their window is much closer to now than anyone else. I would actually think the pick is likely to be traded but in the event Toronto wants to keep it here. They are in dire lack of a backup goalie and if they pick Mackenzie here, Mackenzie would have time to become a serviceable backup. Mackenzie is the top goalie earner this class, you want the best goalie prospect, you pick Mackenzie.

DD’s Pick: Trent Mackenzie

The top earning goalie has proven that they are trustworthy both on the forums and on the ice. With the North Stars in dire need of a goalie, with no send downs, the top earning goalie is the right choice all though you could make the arguments for the some great forwards in this incredible draft class

***cake307*** · 12-01-2024, 03:20 AM

To be fair, EDM's team is essentially complete, it's just getting them all into the SHL now. You mention the older players a lot, but it should be pointed out they had 9 different rookies playing last season, at least 3 or 4 of which were early callups, and still improved. As far as a rebuild goes, starting it with the class of 76 draft and already seeing significant strides to improvement should mean the team is in a very positive place atm, and those terrible seasons were very much just 'be patient and believe' seasons. In a few seasons, EDM will likely be one of the best teams in the league.

***luke*** · 12-01-2024, 04:39 PM

Good analysis! its always fun to look back and see if you made any good predictions. Obiovusly you dont know whats going on in the mind of the GMs. but a lot of the players you mentioned deserve to go in the top 10

Navigation

Extra Menu

About us