VHLE Post-Draft Rankings

[Grape 532]

With the VHLE draft all finished and the rosters beginning to get set, now is the time to take a look at where these teams place. Although it is weird for me to start with the E, they are the smallest league in both teams and players, and also my GM asked me to update the numbers for him. Based on the league population, every team could average six forwards and 3 defensemen, so some rosters are going to appear a bit more unbalanced than others, especially in the construction of the defensive core.
 

8. Rome Gladiators

Offense Rank: 8

Defense Rank: 8

The biggest weakness Rome has right now is that they have no defense whatsoever. Now, I am unaware if their GM is teling some of their forwards to change positions or maybe they have some trades in the works, but they have no hope of competing unless they get something on the blue line (although they do have a defensive prospect in the 300s, it looks like their plan is to play up). They do have a good chunk of forwards, but those forwards are on the low side of TPE, so low that they’re behind teams that look to be openly tanking. Growth must be the focus for this team. I don’t see them being at the bottom for the whole season, but as of right now, they do not look to be very good.
 

7. Oslo Storm

Offense Rank: 7

Defense Rank: 7

Oslo is a very barren team, and likely tanking for the next draft. Their best players in each position are from the most recent draft. Despite being heavily depleted, I doubt that this will be a team that makes many trades or really moves out anyone, partly because there isn’t much to trade, but also because they are relatively young. It will take a couple seasons for this team to actually be decent, but as of now, they are not a threat.
 

6. Stockholm Vikings

Offense Rank: 3

Defense Rank: 6.5

Stockholm is in a similar place as the Storm. A pretty weak roster with hopes for the next season, but definitely not for this season. What sets them apart is that while Stockholm lacks a goalie, the forwards are a decent bit better. This team will be right beside Oslo, likely jostling for last place after Rome improves.

5. Bratislava Watchmen

Offense Rank: 6

Defense Rank: 3

Bratislava actually has a pretty good defense, but their offense holds them back significantly. They are the first team that is in the hunt somewhat, and should be looking towards upgrading their offense if they truly want to compete. For 2 of their defensemen, this will likely be their last season in the E, whereas the majority of the offense looks to be sticking around for at least another season. There are some pretty solid free agent forwards that could shift them upwards. A goalie upgrade might also be beneficial, however the goalies in the E are pretty weak, so the one they have now should be serviceable enough.

4. Geneva Rush

Offense Rank: 5

Defense Rank: 5

Geneva is a pretty average team looking into them. Their defense is actually right at the league average, while their offense is a few steps behind. What they have, however, is two goalies in the 300s for TPE. Trading one of them away could definitely net either a draft pick to use or flip, or a forward to bolster the weak spot of the team. While both offense and defense are behind other teams, their goaltending could be key in carrying them past stronger opponents.

3. Cologne Express

Offense Rank: 2

Defense Rank: 4

Speaking of stronger opponents, Cologne is very strong on offense, and decent on defense. Both areas, they are significantly better than the team right below them, creating a real separation between the top teams and the bottom teams (although another divide is right above them). The biggest weakness for this team is that they lack a goaltender. Look at them as the potential trade partner with Geneva for a goaltender.

2. Istanbul Red Wolves

Offense Rank: 4

Defense Rank: 1.5

Istanbul has a very strong defense, however their offense is a significant step back from the rest of the competition. Still, goaltending is very strong for this team. I could see this team being a legitimate competitor, especially if their forwards grow consistently and quickly. Look for this team to make a savvy move at the deadline to make a massive push for the offseason.

1. Vasteras Iron Eagles

Offense Rank: 1

Defense Rank: 1.5

Coming out of the draft, Vasteras is the best team in the league. Their offense is a significant margin above every other team (20% better than Cologne) and their defense has been at the top before and now after the draft. Only concern will be goaltending, as their current starter appears to be pushing towards playing up. This is another team that will be interested in trading with Geneva for a goaltender, especially since they have plenty of draft picks to make a possibly needed overpay.

 

Looking at the league as of now, defense is much stronger throughout the league, whereas offense is pretty weak. The better teams will be the ones that focus on the offensive side and build on their forward core, as defense is more or less consistently good across the league. Goaltending will also play a massive role. There are not many high end tenders in the league, with few likely hitting the 400 TPE cap, so teams that do have a really strong goalie coming into the season will see either a lot of success, or a lot of trade interest and could net a good haul. Of course, a lot of things can change over the course of the season, so take these rankings with a decently large grain of salt, and it’s more of what teams need to catch up and make a push and what teams can afford to sit back coming right out of the gate.
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Edited April 13, 2022 by Grape

[Grape 532]

claiming again for week of 4/11-4/17

[Daniel Janser 1,983]

On 4/10/2022 at 9:15 PM, Grape said:

so take these rankings with a decently large grain of salt,

Grape said to be extra salty in this thread

 

In all seriousness, good summary and I do not even want to consider how much leg work went into it.