STZ

Player Information
Username: Webberj
Player Name: Jon Webber III
Recruited From: Returning
Age: 18
Position: G
Height: 74 in.
Weight: 225 lbs.
Birthplace: United States of America

Player Page
@VHLM GM

Liv Slater rn @Subject056

Man, what am I doing? I remember writing an article a while ago where I went over some rosters and proposed my idea of a realistic trade for every team. I think that was a pretty cool article, but what you don't know is that it took me absolutely FOREVER to finish. From all the background research to having to rewrite my first thousand words to coming up with logical arguments for everyone, it was quite the undertaking. I like to think that I can hit you with some good, high-quality content if I want to, but sometimes that has to mean I know what I'm talking about. Hopefully, that applies in this case here--because for reasons unknown to myself, I'm going to do that again. I have the time, I'm bored, and I'm going to try not to be by banging my head against the VHL wall.
 
So, let's get going on my next piece of juicy VHL content, one that I almost accidentally completely invalidated by forgetting that drafts are a thing and writing this up right before this one. Thankfully, I had dinner plans, which hit just in time for me to not be far into my plans for this thing. I'm going to do my best to make logical arguments for every move here, focusing primarily on the first team but also trying to imagine scenarios where the second team is up for the deal. Let's talk about what every team could go for this season.
 
 
 CALGARY WRANGLERS 
 
The Situation: Complete with the derphorse logo as always, Calgary has been a very well-managed team in recent seasons, with a championship in S87 to show for it on the board and a whole lot of respect to show for it off of it. Leading off this draft class with an experienced member selected at the start of the 2nd in @Rhynex Entertainment's Miner vHLer, the Wranglers are very ready to compete with four players above 1000 TPA and some future picks in the bank. There's only one rostered player set to retire after this season, and with a little bit of space left to fill, this team could be ready to go for another serious run.
 
The Trade:
 
CHI receives:
S94 CGY 2nd
S95 CGY 2nd
 
CGY receives:
Legacy Gaming
 
Calgary has $6 million in cap space to work with and eats up $3 million of that here with a deal that buys a solid second-line forward and leaves them with room to spare. They'll still have 5 forwards and 3 defensemen, but could fill one of those spots with another deal or by picking up a lower-level free agent. It would be interesting to see whether Chicago could be talked into this, as they have an ongoing rebuild that could mean Gaming is in a better place elsewhere, but Gaming also has enough time left to see the end of it.
 
 
 CHICAGO PHOENIX 
 
The Situation: Chicago has been one of the league's most boom-or-bust teams since its inception in S73, having seen some of the league's most exciting production and also blowing up as hard as anyone else to restructure. Both of those have happened twice in the team's history, and the Phoenix are starting to climb out of the hole of their rebuild yet again, building their way to being a competitive team. That won't happen this season, but the roster is full again and even the short-term future looks bright with the long-term future taking its shape in this draft with the selections of UghSike (@UghSike) at 5th overall and @eagle_3450's Jean-Pierre Devote at 20th. That said, they've got a few players on the roster who are just old enough to consider moving out.
 
The Trade:
 
TOR receives:
Reinhard von Kongming
S94 CHI 4th
 
CHI receives:
S95 TOR 2nd
S95 TOR 4th
 
In this case, liquidating von Kongming for S95 picks serves the purpose of giving Chicago room to work with in trade talks next season. They've got the prospect pool to make things work out with development, but there's enough to make things work much sooner than those players will develop if the right buying moves are made next season. As future buyers, Chicago will be able to use these picks to move around in the S94 draft if they wish, or to keep them around as future assets and trade those future assets to get a player of interest. The future isn't super defined here (unless Cole has some massive plan laid out already), but this deal would make whatever plan there is easier to reach. Additionally, it's important to consider that Toronto only has two defensemen on the roster--this deal as is would take them $500k over cap, but with no moves made until some time into the season, it could be done later with some salary retained by the Phoenix.
 
 
 DC DRAGONS 
 
The Situation: Second-rounder Herald Benson (@Benson) is an auto-12 from the SBA and could be an incredible answer to the Dragons' most pressing question--their impending loss of Henry Tucker, Jr. to retirement. Between The Frenchman and Mark Calaway, they've got one of the league's most respected scorers and one of its most respected defenders, and there's no reason to think that they won't be able to keep going with the right moves. However, there are more "right moves" to make here than there might be in other places. DC's most glaring issue, apart from in net, is up front, where three of their six forwards are from S86. This is fine for now, but will be an emergency if it's left unchecked next season.
 
The Trade:
 
MAL receives:
Vincent Laroche-Gagnier
Tom Dufour
S95 DCD 2nd
S94 DCD 4th
 
DC receives:
Ronald Johnson MacWallace III
 
This may be a tough one to swing with VLG's recent inactivity, but DC needs to change their age range up front and can do so by switching out one reasonably competitive player for another. Malmo gets a player who's still pretty solid this season and at the very least usable (and also dump-able) next season, along with a welfare prospect and a 2nd that could be in a pretty solid spot depending on the direction DC intends to take next season. Here, DC would be getting a younger solid earner who would fit in very well with the roster this season and could potentially delay thoughts of an approaching collapse--but Malmo might want bigger pieces than this (as in high picks and more active players) that might make it difficult to pull off.
 
 
 HC DAVOS DYNAMO 
 
The Situation: Oh boy, if you thought the Davos roster was gutted in my days as GM, don't open the team's page now. I don't mean to be dramatic--it could be a lot worse--but #1 overall selection (and hopeful future face of the franchise in @CowboyinAmerica) Antonia Bucatini isn't much worse off now than most players on the roster. Davos has taken the first steps to greatness, though, picking up three first-rounders and quite a few other-rounders to go with a good amount of assets held in future seasons. Competition isn't going to happen now, but it's going to hit hard and fast at some point.
 
The Trade:
 
CGY receives:
Antonia Bucatini
 
DAV receives:
S94 CGY 1st
S95 CGY 1st
S94 CGY 2nd
S94 CGY 3rd
S94 CGY 4th
 
No, I'm not serious about this (although it would be a fun article to propose some absolutely insane trades and try to justify them both ways, assuming you don't think I'm doing that already). Let me give you something a bit more boring.
 
CGY receives:
Mason Rice
 
DAV receives:
S95 CGY 4th
 
This is a less expensive version of the Gaming trade I mentioned above, and it's actually sort of a reverse cap dump. Rice is inactive, but comes in with a little over 500 TPE and could fill roster space to take away bot time on a good team--exactly what Calgary needs and worth a 4th to go out and get. Even if 4ths don't usually lead to much on the GM end, I was always a big fan of asking for an extra 4th in my trade talks because I found that you never know where it can lead you--some people can be buttered up by being offered just that little bit more. This is outright useful for Calgary at the moment for basically no expense, and Alex can poke someone with the pick at some point--or even get a massive steal if he's lucky enough.
 
 
 HELSINKI TITANS 
 
The Situation: Realistically, I think Helsinki could buy or sell this season and I wouldn't fault them for it. They've got a legitimate top-end player at every position, and a huge young talent is already on the roster in Adi Dassler. This season's draft featured @Nyx's Tyler Lawson in the first round, a good future fit at center, and a pretty standard set of draft picks in future seasons means the Titans aren't completely screwed out of having assets. That said, two of their top talents are from S86, and we've seen lots of teams already who could benefit from not having to deal with aging issues. Helsinki has the cap space to accommodate any player they want right now, and could make at least two good seasons out of it before having to rebuild. It's all a matter of what's out there.
 
The Trade:
 
LDN receives:
S94 HSK 1st
S95 HSK 2nd
S94 HSK 3rd
 
HSK receives:
Leonard Triller
 
Wow, a straight buy of a 1300-TPA player! Like I mentioned earlier, this is a team with over $6 million in cap space just sitting around waiting to be spent. Conveniently, they also have a spot for a forward on the roster. This would be an absolute blockbuster of a deal, but it would rocket this team to status as a prime contender for this season and next. London, as a team in a similar situation, would need to be talked into it--but should they decide to sell, the Titans could be a very willing buyer if they're willing to accept a hard rebuild potentially on the way.
 
 
 LONDON UNITED 
 
The Situation: As per my last email, London could buy or sell. I do think the most logical move would be to sell, but I also think that there's a need to properly see off the career of Teno (and a devotion to players in general) that's present and outweighs whatever logic there may be in moving around players like pieces of property. Outside of any sentimental reasons--after all, I'm honestly just AGM of this team in name only--this roster has just enough left in it to squeeze out one more season of competition should that be the wish.
 
The Trade:
 
CGY receives:
Jack Jeckler
S95 LDN 3rd
 
LDN receives:
Phil Strasmore
 
Logically, London can achieve a couple things by pulling this one off. Jeckler can be put on a competitive team that has room for someone on defense (and a need for that beyond this season), and they can upgrade for the time being by adding Strasmore, who will naturally retire after this season anyway (and is cheaper for that reason). I think there's a 99% chance Calgary wouldn't even consider this move, but there does happen to be some logic behind it. They don't have a direct replacement lined up for Strasmore next season, and Jeckler will be around longer. Plus, he's cheaper, and would leave cap room for higher-end forwards to be bought as the Wranglers search for options.
 
 
 LOS ANGELES STARS 
 
The Situation: I certainly shouldn't have made a big deal out of the Davos roster being empty, because holy Art Vandelay, Batman. Speaking from personal experience, I can say that the Stars did exactly what I just said I think London may be trying to do--and we're now seeing what happens when one does that. This team is going to be bad for a while, and I'm very grateful that @InstantRockstar gave us the chances he did at that cost. Most notably, LA picked up @Fire Tortorella's WWumbo in the draft, and with really no one to sell and no reason to buy, the rebuild starts now.
 
The Trade:
 
VAN receives:
Factor Lee
 
LA receives:
Ben Dover
McLean Hoover II
Nick Sansoe
Zyn Westwood
Mikko Borisyuk
Jens Lekman
S94 DCD 3rd
 
No, I'm not kidding. Vancouver has the league's most overcrowded roster, with just enough higher-end players that they shouldn't have the league's most overcrowded roster. LA currently runs a 1-1-1 lineup--that's right, one forward and one defenseman. The Wolves run an 11-5-1. This deal sends an inactive prospect to LA--making the deal done entirely for free--and also for free, brings Vancouver down to the more typical 6-4-1 (also freeing up cap!) and gives the Stars a 6-2-1. Sure, the players are at most welfare earners and some aren't active, but if you were one of the two skaters on the roster, wouldn't you want some linemates? It's a more fair shake in terms of ice time all around, and it's the one deal here that I'd actually advocate for these teams to make on behalf of the players. I've thrown in a 3rd going to LA here out of courtesy, but I've had to give up more myself for similar-scale dumps to happen.
 
 
 MALMO NIGHTHAWKS 
 
The Situation: We'll see what happens in Malmo this season. Currently, cap prevents the Nighthawks from signing Henry Eagles for a final season--which is far less from ideal for a team that lacks top-end talent. Don't get me wrong, they've got good players, but other teams simply have superstars who are more so superstars. I've talked about getting some variance in the age distribution among skaters for teams like DC, but there's arguably a necessary variance in the TPE distribution that's needed in Malmo. It will be interesting to see what happens here and whether this team can free up the space to bring back Eagles or to make a purchase in his place. I'm a big fan of moves like drafting @Pifferfish's Jorgen Lovstrom as an eventual replacement for Ash Sparks, but the present may need some work.
 
The Trade:
 
RIG receives:
Yaroslav Bogatyrev
S94 MAL 3rd
 
MAL receives:
Eno Velvson
 
Yes, selling while intending to compete is doable. Bogatyrev, now inactive, formerly was one of the league's best and still stands at over 700 TPE, a fine addition to a team's forward line for this season but likely just a filler later on. In return, Malmo gets a welfare player from an established agency who will be around a good deal longer and could grow into a solid second-liner with practice. There isn't that much incentive for Riga to take this offer, but they should be a little bit more competitive this season with it and have a more disposable asset next season as the roster grows and the need to clean house presents itself.
 
 
 MOSCOW MENACE 
 
The Situation: After a rebuild, this team looks like they've done it again. They're built fairly similarly to Malmo in terms of TPE between players, but have over 8 million (!) in cap to play with and a huge amount of picks. There's probably a hill to climb before they're elite again on paper, but the assets to make the right moves are there and there's so much to like overall. I'm strongly considering writing up a deal that swings around those assets and that cap space, but I already suggested that Helsinki buy Triller (picture the same deal here), so I'll write something that makes a bit more sense.
 
The Trade:
 
WAR receives:
Celise Pereira
S94 MOS 2nd
 
MOS receives:
Rex Wolffe Gregor
S94 WAR 4th
 
If there's a weak point on the roster, it's that defense isn't as developed. Pereira moving out for Gregor gives Moscow a TPE boost while also making room on the roster in a couple seasons for @Schnee and this draft's first-rounder Benjamin Abenduct. Along with accounting for Gregor aging out on Moscow's end, that concern is removed for Warsaw, who may take a step back in the immediate future but who would also have a player with 3 more seasons of playing left to do than they had previously. 
 
 
 NEW YORK AMERICANS 
 
The Situation: New York hasn't won a Cup since before I was a VHL member, but they're trying hard to flip that script. With the forward lines anchored by two players above 1100 TPE, and many other parts of the roster catching up quickly, it's going to be really weird, really quickly, when we start seeing this team on top of the standings (unless the curse is real). The biggest need that sticks out to me is a few aging forwards--two S85 and one S86--but I'm a big fan of @Crstats23 and Chris Reynolds Jr as the team's newest addition and a great first step to answering that question. That's not to mention Wayne Gretzky, one of the more intriguing prospects in a while.
 
The Trade:
 
LDN receives:
Keon Jeannot
S95 NYA 2nd
 
NYA receives:
Sjin
 
Sjin is a very interesting case as a player who should continue developing through this season without depreciating, having been a victim of the VHLM eligibility fallout (if you're reading this, I hope you can understand my "sorry not sorry," though your response was fair and I appreciate that). Interestingly, Jeannot is such a case as well, although I can't speak on the circumstances of that one. Should London decide to sell, this is realistic--New York changes nothing about the seasons their forwards are in, but their replacement plan was pretty solid anyway, and they upgrade a little with some limited cap and end up with a player who should be pretty darn good next season.
 
 
 PRAGUE PHANTOMS 
 
The Situation: Headlined by goaltending prospect Ondrej Vencko (@Mutti), Prague's S93 draft class is nothing to complain about. They're reasonably well built, but when your top three players are all from S85, there's going to be a step back next season. With everyone in their last season, it's going to be difficult to pull off a trade for any massive returns, so going all in for a shot at the Cup is a very real possibility if GM Tetricide is ready for a very hard road ahead. Still, selling a player or two remains a real possibility.
 
The Trade:
 
MAL receives:
S94 PRG 3rd
 
PRG receives:
Rights to Henry Eagles
 
Let's say Malmo isn't able to work out a cap-saving deal for Eagles, or that they are but have a different answer in mind. In either of these situations, Eagles goes right to free agency, and the Nighthawks get nothing. Prague is a team with cap space and 5 forwards on the roster, and swinging a rights deal to try to make everyone's last season (including Eagles') a special one could be the answer. If it works, it's also buying a forward without completely tanking future stock--something current rostered players like Spanish Moon Moth would really appreciate as the team will need to remain an appealing place to play when contracts are up.
 
 
 RIGA REIGN 
 
The Situation: Known for almost never fully rebuilding, Riga finally threw in the towel and decided to tear down and build up a few seasons ago. It's perhaps been a slower process than some would have expected, and the roster hasn't come into its full form yet. But the Reign aren't dealing with any aging issues, and the 3rd-overall selection of Lucy Leitner (@LucyXpher, one of the more promising first-gens in a while) is a huge addition from the team that once took a chance on first-gen Hall of Fame defenseman Lincoln Tate at 1OA. With another season or two of building, Riga could be in the running for a while.
 
The Trade:
 
CGY receives:
Eric White Jr
S94 RIG 3rd
 
RIG receives:
S95 CGY 1st
 
I think a S94 pick would benefit Calgary more, but with the S94 class absolutely packed on defense, Calgary is probably excited to use its probably-late 1st on a player with higher value to fill one of their positional needs. So, Riga gets a pick that they'll probably try to move around later for a faster rebuild, while White finds a competitive home immediately. It could make sense to keep White as well--he's not old and earns solidly--but three of Riga's forwards are S90, I've already projected a different deal for one of them, and this affords the opportunity for some balance to be found before it becomes an issue.
 
 
 SEATTLE BEARS 
 
The Situation: Even if the fallout from last season's backup situation were more severe, Seattle still likely would have won this season's draft. New additions Gianfranco Del Rocco, Nathan Ecker, and Marek Nowaczyk (@Victor, @Nathan_8, and @Chillybro, respectively) are all great to have around and will leave the forward lines with nothing to worry about in good time. For now, it's up to Gustav Mattias and company to give the Bears all the scoring they can, and it will be a minute before this team is ready to compete.
 
The Trade:
 
MAL receives:
Sadie St-Louis
 
SEA receives:
S95 MAL 2nd
S94 MAL 3rd
 
St-Louis is a S86 player who may or may not see an OK Seattle team next season if she's lucky. Some assets may be better off in other places, though, and Seattle picking up a 2nd that they can use or trade is probably more valuable for them (and solves the issue of where to put one other forward for next season when everyone starts coming up). This is a cheap deal for Malmo as well, and one that makes sense if Eagles walks--they have 5 forwards and $3.5 million in cap space left, and St-Louis carries a cap hit of exactly that much.
 
 
 TORONTO LEGION 
 
The Situation: Toronto is another example of a team that shows us how much the times they are a-changin', as a team that spent forever in the low-mid ranges of the standings but now poses a serious threat to the rest of the league. With four 1000-plus-TPA players on the roster and cap mostly spent, plans seem very set for this season. They're a bit thin on defense, with only two on the roster, but the selection of @MSouthworth's Gul Dukat this season should help with that in the future. We'll likely see whether two on defense is enough to go all the way this season.
 
The Trade:
 
MOS receives:
Jimi Jaks
 
TOR receives:
Grimgor Ironhide
Nils Andersson
 
I'm not exactly sure where the balance in value lies with this deal, or where picks would need to be spent on either side, but Moscow gets the piece that lets them compete now rather than later. This is workable for the Menace, who can afford to go to 3 defensemen (but also have the resources to spend on a fourth if they want). That said, it's going to hurt to give up Ironhide, a distinguished VHLer with future first-line talent. If Toronto can make this work, it works with cap and I think the ultimate outcome is logical either way.
 
 
 VANCOUVER WOLVES 
 
The Situation: We've already seen GM Frank snap this team out of a rebuild much quicker than expected, and it looks like he's going turbo speed again. The current roster is a super confusing mix of high- and low-TPE players that's very much between having been lacking in some respects and ready to break out. 4th overall selection Annie Oaks (@Noodle Enjoyer) makes the future look bright, but there's work to be done to turn the corner.
 
The Trade:
 
WAR receives:
Larry Abass Jr
 
VAN receives:
S94 NYA 2nd
 
Warsaw has money to spend, and as far as I know, an intent to compete as well. Some steps will need to be taken to get there, and the retiring Abass would be the top forward in Warsaw. I'm not convinced that Vancouver has what it takes to go the distance this season, and the prospect pool is a little bit thin. So, giving up what's likely a later 2nd for one season of a solid player isn't a bad idea for Warsaw--and the Wolves will appreciate another chance to reshuffle the deck.
 
 
 WARSAW PREDATORS 
 
The Situation: Warsaw's management has come under fire in recent seasons, but I'm a big fan of their prospect pool, both S93 and earlier alike. There are big names on the roster (including a new face in Lachlan Summers!) and this is a team that can realistically compete if those playing for them believe hard enough. That's not to say there aren't issues--they've very much constrained themselves with some aging players and depleted draft stock--but if the goal is to try, then they can't be faulted.
 
The Trade:
 
HSK receives:
S95 WAR 2nd
S94 DAV 3rd
 
WAR receives:
Tommy Sleeves
 
I'm not sure how much sense this makes for Helsinki--and a lot of it depends on the direction they want to take things--but they can afford to lose someone on defense in the immediate future and these assets can go wherever they'd like to put them. In Sleeves, Warsaw sees the return of the dasboot agency and spends some of their extensive cap room on a desperate positional need. And this certainly is spending draft capital, something they don't necessarily want to do, but resources are a little tight and a move should be made in some direction. 
 
 
Overall, I hope my suggestions make some sense! It's going to be interesting to see which teams move in the directions I think they will, and how the rest of the season works. This isn't one of those seasons when no one has cap space, so it could be exciting--let's keep an eye on trade news.
 
 
4,296 words

Per @JCarson's request during the VHL Draft stream last night, I'm back with another post-draft/offseason recap/grading article! I could only find the S90 article for the last time I did this, so I've missed a few seasons and am due to write another behemoth on the forums #forumcontent. For some context, I used to just grade the first round, but I'm going to grade on a team by team basis this season so that I can look at a team's moves and picks as a whole and shout out more folks who were selected this draft. I will also try and keep it concise with less emphasis on formatting and making it look pretty.
 
Also as a disclaimer, I'm usually pretty pessimistic vs being optimistic. So if you want to feel better about your grades, bump it up a sign I guess. Like B+ to A-, or C- to C. Take it with a grain of salt though I'm just writing some shit for fun. I'm not an expert, clearly. Nothing here is personal. You're all lovely people for the most part and I wish you all the best (unless you play against Moscow).
 
Edit: Turns out that this will just be part 1 of 2, as I don't want to cover both NA and EU in a single sitting. See you later in the week for the EU Conference coverage!
 
North American Conference

Calgary Wranglers - @leandrofg 
 
Calgary entered this offseason as the only team facing both cap and roster issues, and had to find ways to navigate around this. They began by sending out Sadie St. Louis @sadie to Seattle as a cap dump, then proceeded to also ship out Oreo McFleury @JB123 in another trade to Seattle. Seems like the Seattle - Calgary pipeline will be continuing even without Ricer at the helm of the Wranglers, as CGY made a whopping 3 trades with Seattle in a single offseason (although the third trade was just a pick upgrade/swap). While Calgary is cap compliant now, they roster only 4 forwards and 3 defensemen with just 6.5 million in cap space. It'll be interesting to see how CGY will fill out their roster, or if they'll choose to just retool/rebuild their roster and ship out players to other teams with cap and roster space. In the draft though, CGY brings home a familiar user in @Rhynex Entertainment and Miner Vhler, along with Carson Tripp @Cartripp14, Oliver Loo @Peiffy, Wladyslaw Mintus @mintusaurus and some other folks in the 4th round, including recently MIA user @jake and Trimiskez Artav. Miner Vhler was a player expected to slip in the draft due to a very odd build, while the other prospects will be projects that Calgary will need to significantly invest in to see development. There's certainly potential for steals in Carson Tripp and Wladyslaw Mintus who have been around discord/forum/draft stream, but the earning will need to match the activity to see proper value. Overall, I'm confused about Calgary's direction this offseason - shipping out strong players but going for draft pick quantity over quality, and whether they'll ice a decent enough roster for next season. With just about a week left in the offseason, they will have to be praying for a free agent pickup or for trades to go their way.
 
Grade: C
 
 
Chicago Phoenix - @badcolethetitan 
 
My last article in S90 called Chicago's situation "one of the worst ever involving GM transitions" and that Cole would have his work cut out for him. Chicago has surprised, flashing potential off of the back of Scotty Sundin in S91, but also playing their way out of lottery picks that they desperately needed. Chicago's roster looks better on paper now, but is still very young and needs time to develop. Chicago was quiet this offseason, not making any trades pre-draft despite rumors circling of various offers and discussions in the works. In the draft though, Chicago landed UghSike @UghSike at 5th overall, bringing home a very solid forward prospect who should be VHL ready within a season. With their 2nd round pick, they decided to take a gamble on Jean-Pierre Devote @eagle_3450, a projected top 3 player who had his draft stock tank in the weeks leading up to the draft due to inactivity concerns. It'll be a risk for Chicago, but with UghSike's selection in the first, they decided that the risk might be worth the gamble. Interestingly enough, it seems like their real target all along was Vanuza Kolesinska @chikn, a player and user with close ties to defenseman Karol Lamb @dlamb, as CHI traded two future 2nds to PRG for the player. Also drafting Micah Cederbaum @MicahC and Kevin OConnor @Luke033, Chicago has seemingly replenished their prospect pool - for their forwards at least, which was already their strongest group on paper. With only 3 defensemen contracted for S93 and 5 forwards, Chicago is also in a position where they're lacking a complete roster. Without any trades to fill holes and free agency seemingly not going their way so far, they're left to play the waiting game and see what limited opportunities are left.
 
Grade: B-
 
 
D.C. Dragons - @FrostBeard 
 
A team coming off of a Continental Cup win simply can't be criticized, right? WRONG, according to members of the VHL peanut gallery. GM John FrostBeard invited the wrath of the public when he made a curious draft day trade with Moscow, acquiring 19th overall from Moscow in exchange for their S94 DCD 1st round pick. What was he thinking?? Was there collusion?? Does Euron Leonidas have nude pics of GMs around the league??? Speculation was rampant, but DC quickly put concerns to rest with the selection of goalie Herald Benson @Benson at 19th overall during the draft. D.C. sorely needs a goalie prospect for the future with Henry Tucker @NSG facing retirement, and they entered the draft knowing they couldn't risk missing out in another goalie rich draft. D.C. otherwise is bringing back most, if not all of their cup winning roster, setting the stage for another strong season for the Dragons. With Brash Candicoot @TrinityMonk (name of the draft candidate??) and potential future backup goalie Connor Hellebuyck @HockeyFan4Life joining the organization via the draft as well, the Dragons are comfortable with their prospect pool as they look to expand upon their current success.
 
Grade: A- (gave Moscow another 1st so it drops from an A )
 
 
Los Angeles Stars - @InstantRockstar 
 
S90: "Simply put, the Stars are stuck in the mud." We can probably keep that leading sentence for LA as they enter an era without any of their top players. LA decided to take the route of Chicago back in the late 70's and attempt to compete all the way through the retirement of their top stars including Art Vandelay @Gustav  and Todd Cooke @KRZY. Now they're in a spot with minimal roster players, a shallow prospect pool, but a deceent collection of future draft picks from trading away Eric Queefson @twists, Sunglasses Joyo @JetsGoalie101 and Larry Abass Jr @RileyL. This draft, LA decided to take the best players they could get their hands on at each pick - as their position need was everything. WWumbo @Fire Tortorella, Taylor Swift @lilchrist, Connor Simard @Alex99 and Marc-Andre Fleury @ElementStyx9 won't move the needle for LA anytime soon, but some may turn out to be solid foundation pieces in LA's rags to riches rebuild. LA's biggest worry is meeting minimum roster requirements, which is probably the first time a VHL team has had that issue in recent memory. They've got a long road to success ahead, and this offseason just didn't really move the needle for them. There's still time to get roster compliant, but they sorely need young players to start some path out of the rebuild.
 
Grade: F
 
 
New York Americans - @STZ
 
Another team with a new GM since my last offseason recap! NYA got an F for their roster management and sketchy draft picks last go around. This season though, NYA made just one trade with Malmo to acquire Jebediah Big Ol Doinks in Amish @hylands  while trading down just a few picks in the 1st round of the draft. With their sole S93 selection at 11th overall, New York took Chris Reynolds Jr @Crstats23 who is quickly becoming very well known around the league for churning out extremely solid pension players while remaining very loyal to a franchise. Most of New York's roster stuck around, with Callum Gary Yannick Janser @Daniel Janser signing a long-term extension as well with the American team. Between Jasper Davis @Josh and FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY Analfist @STZ leading the forwards, a strong trio of young defensemen and the top rookie goalie from last season @rory, New York will certainly be considered one of the favorites to make a deep playoff run in the NA this season.

Grade: A
 
 
Seattle Bears - @Banackock 
 
Might be best to just skip over Seattle, otherwise I risk facing Bana's wrath regardless of what I say. But I'm a sucker for punishment so lets cover em anyways! Seattle entered the offseason with controversy, taking a mild lottery odds punishment from the VHL Commissioner's Office for illegal backup goalie management. That punishment ended up with Seattle losing out on the 1st overall pick to Davos, but instead securing 2nd overall due to lottery rules on dropping spots. Gianfranco Del Rocco @Victor was an easy pick for Seattle who will hope that Victor can go back to his HoF player ways. Seattle was also active in the middle of the 1st round, trading a S94 WAR 1st round pick to Moscow along with pick 31 to Moscow in exchange for 10th overall and 34th overall, where they selected Nathan Ecker @Nathan_8 and Marek Nowaczyk @Chillybro. Add in Cole Stermer @Bazeus, Filip Zinek @FiZi and Enn Jinn @jhatty8, Seattle has added a lot of youth to their once depleted prospect pool. Outside of the draft though, Seattle was very involved in trades with Calgary, acquiring the aforementioned Sadie St. Louis and Oreo McFleury for cheap as they enter retirement. Add in Henry Eagles @Greg_Di who oddly passed over multiple FA offers from presumed cup contenders, and Seattle seems to be attempting a speedrun out of a rebuild. Whether their forward trio acquisitions will be enough to move the needle is yet to be seen, but Seattle still lacks a quality goalie starter and talent on defense. If Seattle crashes and burns this season, they may regret the picks spent to bail Calgary out of cap hell, as they didn't add any strong defense or goalie talent - instead choosing to add Ecker to an already young forward group. I'm mostly curious to see if Bana convinces someone on the roster to position swap to defense. Severyus Targaryen anyone?

Grade: B
 
 
Toronto Legion - @Moon 
 
Did Toronto even show up to the offseason? With just 2 picks in the S93 draft and 0 trades made, Toronto seemed to be content to sit tight and bring back their entire roster from last season. Toronto added defensemen Gul Dukat @MSouthworth and Phil Taylor @Legacy in the draft to replenish their very shallow defense room, but they still only have 2 defensemen on the roster right now. Toronto also has just 2.5 million in cap space, so it'll be extremely tough for them to add more than just a single cheap defenseman. Are they really this confident in their forwards and goaltending? And what moves will they make to get a defenseman, as half the league seems to be actively looking for cheap defensemen to fill their roster out with. Toronto will need to wake up and make a move, or risk just gambling away another season of Jimi Jaks @ke1vi and Mac Atlas @v.2  who are still hot commodities around the VHL trade market.
 
Grade: D
 
 
Vancouver Wolves - @Frank 
 
Despite being fairly deep into a rebuild, Vancouver surprisingly had just a single pick in the S93 Draft, and that was to select Annie Oaks @Noodle Enjoyer at 4th overall. Oaks was considered one of the top first gen prospects in the class, considered somewhat interchangeable with UghSike and Nathan Ecker for forwards. The Wolves got to take their pick of the litter and came out with a very strong forward pick to join the team in S94. Vancouver was surprisingly active with trades, moving 19th overall for Left Alone @okochastar from Moscow, and a small package of picks for veterans Sunglasses Joyo and Larry Abass Jr from LA's fire sale. Some might speculate if this is an attempt to have a rebound season and keep Liv Slater @Subject056 happy, as the rest of the roster still does not have a single player over 700 TPE. Could VAN be tanking their chances for a high draft pick next season with these moves? Or is Frank being shrewd and holding onto 3 veteran players who will likely fetch some interest at the deadline? However, I still believe that Slater still being on the roster after Analfist was traded last offseason is a criminal offense, and that Slater has effectively been put in VHL jail. While she had a fantastic individual season in S92, she's not getting any younger - and the trade offers that VAN once would have received for Slater are starting to dry up.
 
Grade: B-
 
See you later in the week for European Conference coverage!
(2,237 words)

The only time CGY ever goes into the officer's mess in the Andermatt barracks is when there are VHL events on the telly late night. As the grunts have a curfew at 2200, but officers do not. So he went to the deserted mess and helped himself to a stubby from the kitchen, dropping the cash in the respective box and switched on the life transmission of the draft, wondering who will be his future team mates. 
 
At 11th overall, the Americans drafted US winger Chris Reynolds Jr. Talented, but with a deficit on displacement, the prospect looks like he has the potential for a solid two-way forward. Reynolds' dad was a Warsaw lifer with over a point per game pace and a cup ring to his name. Not only that, the old man had his jersey retired by the Predators. So Jr. has a heritage not unlike Janser himself and the latter is looking forward to play with Chris.
 
Due to trades in the past, this was all the drafting the Americans were able to do in this deep draft. Alas, they have their core set for a couple of seasons, with only three players being due for retirement in the foreseeable future. Certainly a surmountable task for veteran GM Vince Wong.
 
 
 

@MubbleFubbles

Review:
Wow, you really went all in with this one. I like the design and results of your effort. This is gritty, noisy and on the edge, a great combination. Multi render graphics are hard enough to do right but this small form factor would make it harder to pull off. I like the black and white background layer with the face render and you integrated a full color render which ties everything together. The color streaks make this come to life. The pixelated text looks interesting and also well done. I think my only suggestion would be that it is a bit heavy on one side and that leaves an off balance feel to it. Still, amazing results. Great job.
9/10 

@MubbleFubbles

12th most respected, but 1st most respectful. 🍻

Sadie St-Louis has accepted a Signing Offer from Seattle:

S94: $1,500,000
Option: Team

graphic courtesy by Leandrofg
(stats for Janser, stats for Kagamine)
 
Our intrepid VHL hockey export has a full schedule in this off-season. Not only is he competing in the ProAm for the leading Birmingham Dragons, he also serves four weeks in the Swiss army as the captain of a alpine warfare special unit, both of which were planned events. No, shortly after midnight, lying in a foxhole next to a portable 6cm portable mortar, his radio operator came along with an urgent call.
'What is it PFC Meier? Has HQ changed their mind again about nighttime support fire?'
'No, Captain, it is a certain Vince Wong, wishing to speak to you, sir.' 
'I swear, Meier if this is a prank, I have you stand guard and salute the flagpole until your arm falls off.'
'Sir, I'd never. The signal was clear and I even asked the person to spell their name to avoid any mistakes.'
'Okay, then give me the damn receiver, I am kind of busy here. And Corporal Betschart, don't you dare to lob a grenade until you get my word.'
'Sir, yessir.'
'This is Captain Janser, who's there?'
'Hi Callum, this is Vince Wong. Do you have a minute to discuss a potential contract extension?'
'Mr Wong. Nice to hear from you. Alas, we need to make haste as we are blocking a vital frequency.'
Just in this moment, Team Red opened fire and the conversation got drowned in the ensuing ruckus.
'Cal, we wanted to extend for the next five years, as we see you as one of our franchise cornerstone for the future.'
The Calgary native screamed into the receiver: 'Five?'
Betschart misunderstood this exclamation as 'Fire' and let loose.
'Mr Wong I need to call you back, we are in the middle of an exercise.'
'Well, Betschart the cat is out of the bag now. I want barrel two, four and six firing one salvo of illumination grenades, so our lads can see something. One, three and five will fire HE. After the initial salvo, everyone switches to HE, one minute open fire at their own pace. Thereafter,suppressive fire in order five, two, three, six, one and four, every 30 seconds, with ten seconds intervall between the individual barrels. Co-ordinate elevation and azimut with the forward observation post and adjust fire accordingly.'
'Sir, yessir.'
 
 
After the not-so-gentle giant returned to the barracks following a successful night exercise, he lead by example ond took care of his gun first, then a shower and shave, followed by breakfast in the soldiers' mess. He never eats in the officer's mess as he likes to be in touch with his company. After all, if the shit hits the fan, these will be the people he will rely on to accomplish whatever mission is put in front of them. So he makes sure to understand his men and make them understand him.
 
No rest for the wicked, as paper work needs to be done, and to make his day complete he is also officer of the day. He had barely enough time to get in touch with NYA brass and extend his contract. He was just considering to get a little shut eye (and of course announce where he will be found in case of need) when his mobile phone rang with an unknown caller ID. 
'Janser' he answered with less than the normal enthusiasm. If this is again a call whether he wants to extend a warranty of his non-existant car he will let them have it this time. 
But it was Frank Chadwick, who took the reins of Team Western Europe. 'Hey Callum, this is Chadwick. I assemble a team to represent Western Europe and I want you for the roster. Are you willing to play in the oncoming World Cup?'
'This comes unexpected, as I did not think to be good enough to play in the WC yet.'
'So, is this a 'no'?'
'Of course it is not. It is a great honour to be nominated for such a team and I will gladly accept the nomination.'
When he later on saw the published roster for Western Europe, he was overjoyed that French and Jasper were nominated as well. So something did notice that NYA was not all bad last season.
 
We will report on Janser's off season adventures in the near future. Stay tuned.
 
 
https://vhlforum.com/topic/143547-the-cgy-janser-story-part-xiv-another-title/
https://vhlforum.com/topic/144188-the-cgy-janser-story-part-xv-first-games-as-a-murican/
https://vhlforum.com/topic/144581-the-cgy-janser-story-part-xvi-one-third-in/
https://vhlforum.com/topic/145143-the-cgy-janser-story-part-xvii-a-seasons-review/
https://vhlforum.com/topic/145455-the-cgy-janser-story-part-xix-a-rookie-season-interview/
https://vhlforum.com/topic/145648-the-cgy-janser-story-part-xx-he-is-in-the-army-now/
 
 

New York, New York.
 
After being eliminated in the Wild Card Round of the S92 Playoffs, The New York Americans wasted no time getting their ducks in line for the next season. They were outside a playoff spot at Trade Deadline when they made moves to acquire Alfred Champagne, Vinny Lecavalier, and Clueless Wallob. They were able to make a charge and make the playoffs, however fell short. Wallob and Malum Maellard both retired, so it left some holes in the roster, especially on defense. The New York Americans got busy, within the first two days of the off-season were able to make the following transactions:
 
Jasper Davis @Josh re-signs for one year contract extension New York Americans swap first round picks, in addition to sending 2 x 3rd Round Draft Picks to the Malmo Nighthawks to acquire Jebediah Big Ol Doinks in Amish @hylands Big Ol Doinks re-signs a three year contract extension CGY Janser @Daniel Janser re-signs a five year contract extension  
Essentially days into the off-season the New York Americans have shored up their roster for S93. In addition to this, they made a statement that they are here for real. After what was an incredible rookie season 36W has earned his spot as the NYA starting goaltender, after re-signing a contract extension during the S92 season. The Americans still have a long way to go, and the North American Conference only got stronger. They are ready for a test, and GM Vince Wong is excited to get the season started to see his players get back in action.
 
Attention is now VHL Draft focused, where the Americans select at pick #11, after the pick swap with Malmo. After selecting Wayne Gretzky @MubbleFubbles last season, the Americans look to add on to the next wave of players that will help the team seasons into the future. They were ranked in the "bad" category for team's future in @badcolethetitan's surface level league outlook. New York has bolstered their roster without having to surrender a single 1st Round pick - both of their major deals included a pick swap. The Americans have put a emphasis on quality vs. quantity, and are ready to prove that they are not going to flame out any time soon. 

So this means that my player doesn't ACTUALLY suck but goalies were just too good? 

Every HOF skater from now on is a mickey mouse hall of famer!

New York, New York.
 
After being eliminated in the Wild Card Round of the S92 Playoffs, The New York Americans wasted no time getting their ducks in line for the next season. They were outside a playoff spot at Trade Deadline when they made moves to acquire Alfred Champagne, Vinny Lecavalier, and Clueless Wallob. They were able to make a charge and make the playoffs, however fell short. Wallob and Malum Maellard both retired, so it left some holes in the roster, especially on defense. The New York Americans got busy, within the first two days of the off-season were able to make the following transactions:
 
Jasper Davis @Josh re-signs for one year contract extension New York Americans swap first round picks, in addition to sending 2 x 3rd Round Draft Picks to the Malmo Nighthawks to acquire Jebediah Big Ol Doinks in Amish @hylands Big Ol Doinks re-signs a three year contract extension CGY Janser @Daniel Janser re-signs a five year contract extension  
Essentially days into the off-season the New York Americans have shored up their roster for S93. In addition to this, they made a statement that they are here for real. After what was an incredible rookie season 36W has earned his spot as the NYA starting goaltender, after re-signing a contract extension during the S92 season. The Americans still have a long way to go, and the North American Conference only got stronger. They are ready for a test, and GM Vince Wong is excited to get the season started to see his players get back in action.
 
Attention is now VHL Draft focused, where the Americans select at pick #11, after the pick swap with Malmo. After selecting Wayne Gretzky @MubbleFubbles last season, the Americans look to add on to the next wave of players that will help the team seasons into the future. They were ranked in the "bad" category for team's future in @badcolethetitan's surface level league outlook. New York has bolstered their roster without having to surrender a single 1st Round pick - both of their major deals included a pick swap. The Americans have put a emphasis on quality vs. quantity, and are ready to prove that they are not going to flame out any time soon. 

New York, New York.
 
After being eliminated in the Wild Card Round of the S92 Playoffs, The New York Americans wasted no time getting their ducks in line for the next season. They were outside a playoff spot at Trade Deadline when they made moves to acquire Alfred Champagne, Vinny Lecavalier, and Clueless Wallob. They were able to make a charge and make the playoffs, however fell short. Wallob and Malum Maellard both retired, so it left some holes in the roster, especially on defense. The New York Americans got busy, within the first two days of the off-season were able to make the following transactions:
 
Jasper Davis @Josh re-signs for one year contract extension New York Americans swap first round picks, in addition to sending 2 x 3rd Round Draft Picks to the Malmo Nighthawks to acquire Jebediah Big Ol Doinks in Amish @hylands Big Ol Doinks re-signs a three year contract extension CGY Janser @Daniel Janser re-signs a five year contract extension  
Essentially days into the off-season the New York Americans have shored up their roster for S93. In addition to this, they made a statement that they are here for real. After what was an incredible rookie season 36W has earned his spot as the NYA starting goaltender, after re-signing a contract extension during the S92 season. The Americans still have a long way to go, and the North American Conference only got stronger. They are ready for a test, and GM Vince Wong is excited to get the season started to see his players get back in action.
 
Attention is now VHL Draft focused, where the Americans select at pick #11, after the pick swap with Malmo. After selecting Wayne Gretzky @MubbleFubbles last season, the Americans look to add on to the next wave of players that will help the team seasons into the future. They were ranked in the "bad" category for team's future in @badcolethetitan's surface level league outlook. New York has bolstered their roster without having to surrender a single 1st Round pick - both of their major deals included a pick swap. The Americans have put a emphasis on quality vs. quantity, and are ready to prove that they are not going to flame out any time soon. 

NYA Legend Pierre Emile Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito

New York, New York.
 
After being eliminated in the Wild Card Round of the S92 Playoffs, The New York Americans wasted no time getting their ducks in line for the next season. They were outside a playoff spot at Trade Deadline when they made moves to acquire Alfred Champagne, Vinny Lecavalier, and Clueless Wallob. They were able to make a charge and make the playoffs, however fell short. Wallob and Malum Maellard both retired, so it left some holes in the roster, especially on defense. The New York Americans got busy, within the first two days of the off-season were able to make the following transactions:
 
Jasper Davis @Josh re-signs for one year contract extension New York Americans swap first round picks, in addition to sending 2 x 3rd Round Draft Picks to the Malmo Nighthawks to acquire Jebediah Big Ol Doinks in Amish @hylands Big Ol Doinks re-signs a three year contract extension CGY Janser @Daniel Janser re-signs a five year contract extension  
Essentially days into the off-season the New York Americans have shored up their roster for S93. In addition to this, they made a statement that they are here for real. After what was an incredible rookie season 36W has earned his spot as the NYA starting goaltender, after re-signing a contract extension during the S92 season. The Americans still have a long way to go, and the North American Conference only got stronger. They are ready for a test, and GM Vince Wong is excited to get the season started to see his players get back in action.
 
Attention is now VHL Draft focused, where the Americans select at pick #11, after the pick swap with Malmo. After selecting Wayne Gretzky @MubbleFubbles last season, the Americans look to add on to the next wave of players that will help the team seasons into the future. They were ranked in the "bad" category for team's future in @badcolethetitan's surface level league outlook. New York has bolstered their roster without having to surrender a single 1st Round pick - both of their major deals included a pick swap. The Americans have put a emphasis on quality vs. quantity, and are ready to prove that they are not going to flame out any time soon. 

New York, New York.
 
After being eliminated in the Wild Card Round of the S92 Playoffs, The New York Americans wasted no time getting their ducks in line for the next season. They were outside a playoff spot at Trade Deadline when they made moves to acquire Alfred Champagne, Vinny Lecavalier, and Clueless Wallob. They were able to make a charge and make the playoffs, however fell short. Wallob and Malum Maellard both retired, so it left some holes in the roster, especially on defense. The New York Americans got busy, within the first two days of the off-season were able to make the following transactions:
 
Jasper Davis @Josh re-signs for one year contract extension New York Americans swap first round picks, in addition to sending 2 x 3rd Round Draft Picks to the Malmo Nighthawks to acquire Jebediah Big Ol Doinks in Amish @hylands Big Ol Doinks re-signs a three year contract extension CGY Janser @Daniel Janser re-signs a five year contract extension  
Essentially days into the off-season the New York Americans have shored up their roster for S93. In addition to this, they made a statement that they are here for real. After what was an incredible rookie season 36W has earned his spot as the NYA starting goaltender, after re-signing a contract extension during the S92 season. The Americans still have a long way to go, and the North American Conference only got stronger. They are ready for a test, and GM Vince Wong is excited to get the season started to see his players get back in action.
 
Attention is now VHL Draft focused, where the Americans select at pick #11, after the pick swap with Malmo. After selecting Wayne Gretzky @MubbleFubbles last season, the Americans look to add on to the next wave of players that will help the team seasons into the future. They were ranked in the "bad" category for team's future in @badcolethetitan's surface level league outlook. New York has bolstered their roster without having to surrender a single 1st Round pick - both of their major deals included a pick swap. The Americans have put a emphasis on quality vs. quantity, and are ready to prove that they are not going to flame out any time soon. 

I never thought i'd die fighting side by side with an elf Finn

 

This gave me a battle boner.

Greetings, citizens of the Victory Hockey League!
 
It is I, Jarl Doomsday, General Manager of the Stockholm Vikings of the VHLE and the newly appointed General Manager of Team Scandinavia. While today is as good as any other day to die gloriously in battle and join our fallen brethren in the halls of Valhalla, that is not what we are here to do today. Instead, I am here to announce the roster for Team Scandinavia, to recognize our finest warriors, our very best men, women, and reptiles. Scandinavia has a proud tradition of producing both hearty warriors and elite hockey players, and the players that make up our roster fall into both of these categories as the very best that our countries have to offer. Without further gala pageantry... the Season 92 edition of Team Scandinavia!!
 
Our axe...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our shield...
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our indomitable will.
 
 
 
Our warriors are assembled, the faith of our nations behind us. Now, we embark on the journey to the Season 92 World Cup, a long and arduous voyage by sea to a strange, foreign land called Portland, Oregon. No matter how difficult the trials of our journey may be, we are prepared to arrive stronger than we were when we left, more determined and focused to return from our quest with the plunder of gold around our necks. Be warned, those of weaker body and mind, for we are coming.
 
So sayeth Jarl Doomsday.
 
      
 
If you would like to join us on our journey and support Team Scandinavia or (foolishly) some other nation on Discord, you may do so here.

New York, New York.
 
After being eliminated in the Wild Card Round of the S92 Playoffs, The New York Americans wasted no time getting their ducks in line for the next season. They were outside a playoff spot at Trade Deadline when they made moves to acquire Alfred Champagne, Vinny Lecavalier, and Clueless Wallob. They were able to make a charge and make the playoffs, however fell short. Wallob and Malum Maellard both retired, so it left some holes in the roster, especially on defense. The New York Americans got busy, within the first two days of the off-season were able to make the following transactions:
 
Jasper Davis @Josh re-signs for one year contract extension New York Americans swap first round picks, in addition to sending 2 x 3rd Round Draft Picks to the Malmo Nighthawks to acquire Jebediah Big Ol Doinks in Amish @hylands Big Ol Doinks re-signs a three year contract extension CGY Janser @Daniel Janser re-signs a five year contract extension  
Essentially days into the off-season the New York Americans have shored up their roster for S93. In addition to this, they made a statement that they are here for real. After what was an incredible rookie season 36W has earned his spot as the NYA starting goaltender, after re-signing a contract extension during the S92 season. The Americans still have a long way to go, and the North American Conference only got stronger. They are ready for a test, and GM Vince Wong is excited to get the season started to see his players get back in action.
 
Attention is now VHL Draft focused, where the Americans select at pick #11, after the pick swap with Malmo. After selecting Wayne Gretzky @MubbleFubbles last season, the Americans look to add on to the next wave of players that will help the team seasons into the future. They were ranked in the "bad" category for team's future in @badcolethetitan's surface level league outlook. New York has bolstered their roster without having to surrender a single 1st Round pick - both of their major deals included a pick swap. The Americans have put a emphasis on quality vs. quantity, and are ready to prove that they are not going to flame out any time soon. 

https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/17023423/
 
@JCarsonPart of your donation reward, wanted to leave it until everyone had retired from your class!