What to expect from S25 FA? A General Analysis
Players available and risks for teams
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![]() Registered S27, S29, S32 Challenge Cup Champion
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<div align="center">What to expect from the Season 25 Free Agency Period? Expansion could be one of the key things to shake up this next FA</div> As the regular season comes to an end and the playoffs approach, it's natural a few teams and players start to look at their plans for the future. Free Agency is always a mystery and a thrill at the same time, as the fans love to keep guessing what's about to happen and players go for the big money they want. This free agency might not just be like most others, however, mainly because of the planned expansion and several players' interests in starting a new journey somewhere away from home. So, how will this frenzy shape up this year? We will try to answer this question by taking a look at players and teams that might be directly or indirectly involved with the madness. The players will be analysed fully, while the teams portion will focus solely on what such organisation could lose to this year's free agency. The players' section is divided into "overview" (general context and expectations), "scouting report" (a paragraph on how the guy plays out on the ice), "prediction" (what I believe might happen) and "relevance" (how much interest there is for him). The teams' section is divided into "overview" (which players could be leaving, what they might do, how risky each move could be) and "security" (overall, how much is at stake for a given team on this FA period. This does not consider what they might acquire. Instead, it only considers what they could lose). (S22) Pierre Luc Laflamme, RW ![]() Overview: Once a highly considered prospect passed on by the Los Angeles Panthers in the S22 SHL Entry Draft, the right winger PLL has proved doubters wrong and become an absolutely elite player, leaving inactive #1 pick Mariusz Kwik in the shadows. Currently playing as the main man on the right wing forthe Toronto North Stars, he's proven to be a leader through consistency play on the ice and involvement with the team's affairs. The pressure became even bigger on the young man's shoulders as a result of the sudden improvement in the Stars' quality of play, and although the skeptics may say his 25 points in the season so far don't make for an all-star caliber player, the fans in Toronto have grown to respect this player and losing him could be a huge hit. According to his statement that can be found by clicking here, he'll be pursuing a contract with an immediate contender, and a very specific official ranking has been released. However, he also added that he could just well stay in Toronto, depending on how much money he's able to make and how the season pays out. The SHL Expansion will probably not influence his decisions at all, and the teams striding for the cup should be the ones most interested in his services. Scouting Report: Laflamme is a natural sniper, and he should be treated like so, even though he has the passing skills to execute a minor playmaking role. His puck handling and skating are the most apparent tools for the fans and scouts as they allow him to easily take part in highlight reel plays, but his strength and awareness are also key points in his success. He knows how to take care of his own in the defensive zone, but isn't reliable enough nor does he use his size strength for checking to be counted as a two-way player. His discipline and self control are extremely good and his high endurance allows for him to take on big roles. His young age also gives Pierre Luc plenty of time to deal with his weaknesses. Prediction: Resigns with the Toronto North Stars for a big contract OR leaves to seek success with the Manhattan Rage. Relevance: 5/5. Could be the most sought out player in the S25 FA. Updates: None. (S17) Chico Salmon, C* *Following this recent agreement, he probably won't even be available in FA. ![]() Overview: Salmon has spent a considerable amount of his years in Texas, where he won a respectable amount of silverware. He did decide last season, however, that it was time for a change of scenario, and surprised the league with a system that culminated in a lottery to determine his destiny. The Chiefs were not one of the teams with particularly flattering odds, but they were able to get lucky and sign them to their franchise. Many fans in Minnesota weren't quite happy with the 1-year duration of the contract and suspected he'd return to the market one season later... which he's done. He has made clear of his intent to join an expansion team , which not only disappoints the management of the twelve existing teams, but also helps us understand he wants to start over in a new place (again). It's easy to see where his career is going. Although he has proven to be a big deal in the league's goal scoring department, it's easy to conclude that he wants a bigger leadership role, and that's exactly what he'll be getting by signing with an expansion team. We do not have word on whether or not he plans on staying loyal to the expansion team he signs for, but the services of an elite player like himself should be beneficial for the newcomers, even if only for a season or two. Scouting Report: Coming off the juniors with a fame of being a two-way forward, Chico has really invested his time on maintaining that title. Although his 20 goals in the season this far lead the Minnesota team in scoring tied with Niklas Stryker (whose goals total outnumbers the assists total), Salmon also achieved 34 assists for a league-leading 54 points and strong competition against former Renegades teammate and currently Jet Taylor McDavid. Not only is he a superstar scorer, his qualities also include consistent checking, incredible balance, outrageous skating and very polished abilities in the face-off circle. Prediction: Signs long-term, extremely lucrative deal with expansion team. Relevance: 5/5. Although it will only be a battle of two for this player, it's difficult to ignore this sort of talent in the free agency table. Updates: Signed deal with expansion draft clause, as noted by his name. (S16) Roberts Birkavs, C ![]() Overview: A long-life Calgary loyalist, Latvian star Roberts is tired of being left out of the playoffs due to the lack of success of the Dragons and is seeking silverware and money. It's not the first time the player is believed to be on the way out, but more feasible evidence is at display this time around, including constant twitter speculation around the player. His popularity may not be the best ever around the league, but he's earned the respect of his opponents in the ice and is a high value target for teams trying to strengthen up down the middle. So far in S24, his team hasn't been particularly brilliant on the offensive side, but they're still fighting hard for the last playoff seed in the competitive West and succeeding at this could inspire his interest in the team once again, given how much of a central piece he is of the Dragons core, leading them in points and assists after 45 games played. On the other side of the coin, his declarations regarding potential destinations have been widely considered quite paradoxal, as one of the least competitive teams this season, the West Kendall Platoon, have been ranked #2, right below his so beloved Calgary Dragons. Wasn't he looking for contenders? Oh well. Scouting Report: The easiest way to describe Birkavs is as a high speed, dangling playmaker. He's built his proficiency around the ability of working with the puck and getting the A's, but his nimbleness and talent on the move seem to be even more eye-opening than his ability to distribute the opportunities. He has what it's needed to take care of faceoff plays and he's got the hockey IQ to coordinate his moves, although his play on the defensive end does not seem to match his good thinking on attack. His endurance is way beyond average and, although checking could be labelled as his weakness, he isn't much of a liability there either, specially because he knows how to use his size beautifully by maintaining balance with the puck. Ultimately, he doesn't really have any weaknesses, but that's expected from a player that is getting closer and closer to his older, regressing years. Prediction: Signs with Calgary for a small number of years or leaves for a big amount of money. Relevance: 4/5. He is one hell of a player, but off ice issues could hold the interest surrounding him. Updates: Resigned with Calgary. ![]() ![]() Overview: The risks here appear to be minimum. The only high value here yet to sign a contract through S25 is David Webb, but his participation in the administrative matters of the team make it extremely unlikely for him to be headed elsewhere. Other players with a risk of leaving include Janis Krumins, Gabriel DuJardin, Simeon Mars The Third and Gustav Grimm, all of which only occupy depth roles in the team and could easily be resigned or replaced. Security: A Updates: ![]() ![]() Overview: The Rage have a few high stakes coming up, with valuable prospect Mirko Antonio Scuderi not yet agreed to an extension and all-star defender Chuck Goody heading to free agency. The latter will be a big part of the upcoming market and we might feature feature him in this article soon, whereas the former doesn't represent that big of a gamble and should be secured without much of a worry. Eric White, Drizzy Drake and Bryan Whisonant also don't have a contract just yet, but chances of them being dropped are higher than of them being resigned. Security: B- Updates: ![]() ![]() Overview: Pedro Sarantez and Dymo Ranjan are two considerable pieces of the team's core, but once again involvement with management make the possibilities of leaving very scarce for one of the players, which, in this case, would be Pedro Sarantez. Ranjan may be the team's starting goalie, but his abilities are not very competitive in the modern SHL and he could just be replaced and/or signed for cheap, given the lack of market for him around the league. Right wiger and team star Niklas Stryker holds a player option for next season (just like Ranjan) and has reportedly chosen to go to FA. Only time will tell what he chooses, but this is another thing for the team to worry about and hurts the security grade for the team. Minor role FAs are limited to Ryan Raycroft and Ryan Winters. Security: B- Updates: Pedro Sarantez, Barney Tuzis resigned. ![]() ![]() Overview: The Wolfpack has plenty of people yet to be signed, but most of them aren't particularly key to a team that finds itself in a process of rebuilding and that should invest heavily in the upcoming SHL Entry Draft. Prospect centerman Evgeny Semin's future is still uncertain, but he shouldn't demand much money in case he stays; Marek Vyskoc, although a great off-ice personality, doesn't show much talent and should continue to be a New England loyalist for a cheap price; superstar Sparks Lightning, although very talented and full of potential, will most likely stay, and so should another send-down: Curtis Crawford. Other players with less expectations could either be signed to fill simple holes or could be left out to open up space for newcomers. These players include Max McDonald, Axel Reid, Keith Trubachev and Adam Demko. Security: A- Updates: Marek Vyskoc resigned with New England. ![]() ![]() Overview: As already acknowledged in this thread, Piere Luc Laflamme is a huge upcoming star and the possibility of his departure scares North Stars fans all across the continent. But what else is at risk? Ashe Moon, John Luther, Toki Wartoth and Noah Jackson all appear to be low-profile athletes of limited roles... and they are. They should also be easy to sign. However, the team has other up-and-coming youngster in Nazar Nichushkin, Luka Zaitsev, Mark Harter and Sergei Kozar (the super Russian quintet?), who amount to a huge part of the team's future and uphill battle towards the cup and are all priorities to be signed. But will they all easily agree? That is yet to be seen and leaves this team at considerable risk. Security: C- Updates: Nazar Nichushkin, Luka Zaitsev and Mike Abell signed by Toronto. ![]() ![]() Overview: The only one up for grabs here is Viktor Svensson. But boy, is he a player you don't wanna lose. He represents a huge part of the team's future and great value in the market,. He is an RFA, however, so the compensation for his signing could serve as a bit of cushion if the Florida team loses him Security: B Updates: ![]() ![]() Overview: Roberts Birkavs, previously featured, is the big risk here, and could inflict some damage if he decides to leave. Other players of value include Schitzinfritz Jagr and Oferyn Martell, both youngsters whose agents are known as long-time Dragons and thus shouldn't leave. The rest of the UFAs in Alberta - Yorgen Bartenberry, Andre Martushev, Jordan Uptuck and Mike Verminski - are a mixture of medium profile prospects and depth players. The team would most likely prefer to stick to them, but this task shouldn't be difficult at all. Security: B- Updates: Roberts Birkavs and Hunter Wong resigned. ![]() ![]() Overview: Although Jonathan Kane, Drizzy Drake and Sasha-Alexei Smirnov could effectively serve the purpose of depth players, their contracts (or lack of them) shouldn't be the team's focus, as Armin Brovalchuk - widely renowned for never spending too much time on a single team - and Kyle Keenan head to free agency, although the later is almost certainly a lock for Edmonton. Alexander Andrezjeck, Alen Paurs and Antero Pelkonen also hold a future of uncertainty, but will probably be kicked out of the franchise if not for warming the bench. In their current state of total lack of success, however, even Armin Brovalchuk doesn't represent much. Security: B Updates: ![]() ![]() Overview: Elite goaltender Jackson Weekes is the only true menace, but he's got plenty of time to be convinced of staying (and management certainly hopes he does). Jamie Shetler, Shinji Kudryashov and Danny Sexbang are probably on their way out and prospects Toms Berkis and Shayne Gow will be signed without any trouble. Once a superstar in the juniors, Polish inactive defenseman Mariusz Kwik is still a question mark, but most likely will stay for depth (and perhaps for the hope that he may return). Security: B- Updates: Danny Sexbang, Mariusz Kwik, and Shinji Kudryashov resigned. ![]() ![]() Overview: This is one team that has quite a bit to lose. Chara Brojled, Snowden Manning, Adam Kylrad and David Winter are all established players that haven't extended their deals yet. Not only that, but Reginald Howard, Dr. Timeturner Whooves, Martins Ziepins and Valdemorts Karlensons are all very important pieces of the team's future, particularly Karlensons, who's achieved over 600 training hours already and is closer to being the team's present than the future. Minor player SumTingWong and prospect Jack Burton finish the extensive free agents list for Seattle, but the former isn't much valuable and the latter is certain to continue on his team due to his closeness to management. Security: D- Updates: SumTing Wong, Phil Osgoode, Jack Burton and Valdemorts Karlensons all had been signed already and I apologise for the massive mistakes here. ![]() ![]() Overview: As expected, this absolutely stacked team has some real talent potentially on its way out. Oliver Pettyfer is potentially the most feasible of them all to leave, considering his deep involvement with the West Kendall Platoon and reported discontent with the performance of Texas. Shawn Velevra, another great player unsure of his future with the Renegades, is more likely to stay, but can't be taken as granted, and a fight for his skills could arise. Junior league stars Stacker Pentecost and Derek Underscore, both of which are unlikely to become stars in the SHL, will either be dropped or signed to insignificant contracts. Jonas Gustavo, Xavier Gauthier and Hermoine Granger should all be kept. Not as much for what they do on the ice, but for what they bring off of it. Security: B Updates: Xavier Gauthier, Jonas Gustavo, Derk Underscore and Stacker Pentecost resigned. ![]() ![]() Overview: Jamers Both and Terry Bullis are both very good for depth roles, but that's about it. Alex Mack is a prospect with some value to him and should be resigned, but isn't a big one for the present. Chris McGregor and Rob Pressen don't hold considerable value. Security: A- Updates: ![]() ![]()
Notes:
![]() Registered S20, S21, S36 Challenge Cup Champion with a Hung Unit ![]() Registered S27, S29, S32 Challenge Cup Champion ![]() Registered S27, S29, S32 Challenge Cup Champion Quote:Originally posted by MayTee@Jul 12 2015, 09:05 PM Appreciate the heads up, it has been addressed. ![]() ![]() Registered S27, S29, S32, S40, S42 Challenge Cup Champion & Parm King
Good work Ferdy!
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() #1 All-Time SHL Goal & Point Scorer - First 2,000 TPE Player in SHL History - - First 400 Goal Scorer in SHL History - - Only 500 Goal Scorer in SHL History - - First GM to Win 5 & 6 Challenge Cups - Esa Anrikkanen Award - SMJHL ROY - Est. S34 Vidrik Onoprienko Award Winner - S45 ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Registered S8, S9, S35 Challenge Cup Champion Quote:Originally posted by Steelhead77@Jul 12 2015, 09:07 PM My god you're sexy. ![]() ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ryan Jesster - HoF Goalie (S1-S14) Proud Calgary Dragon Alumni ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Registered S32 & S40 Challenge Cup Champion ![]() Registered S35 Challenge Cup Champion || Still Drunk ![]() Registered S27, S29, S32 Challenge Cup Champion Quote:Originally posted by Steelhead77+Jul 12 2015, 10:07 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1' id='QUOTE-WRAP'><tr><td>QUOTE (Steelhead77 @ Jul 12 2015, 10:07 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Good work Ferdy! Quote:Originally posted by Yousuf@Jul 12 2015, 10:12 PM<br />Love the article, this should a yearly thing Thanks. ![]() ![]() Quote:Originally posted by Dmoushey_31@Jul 12 2015, 10:17 PM<br />Nice assessment! Looks fairly accurate on my end If you want it to me more accurate, just let me know where I went wrong! ![]() <!--QuoteBegin-JNH@Jul 12 2015, 10:20 PM Well done! Heads up that Stars also have Zaitsev re-signed[/quote] Thanks a lot. :D ![]() Registered Posting Freak ![]() Registered S37 Challenge Cup Champion and Everyone's Favorite Lateevan
This is really nice. Good job Ferdy
![]() ![]() Oliver Pettyfer / Isaac Cormier Hale / Eva Lykke Aparjode |
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