VHLM Power Rankings

[jacobcarson877 2,567]

VHLM Power Rankings – Season Start

 

1. Las Vegas Aces

Last years champs brought back 3 (now) capped Forwards, 2 veteran Defensemen and a capped Goalie. These players alone would probably put Vegas at the top of the power rankings, but adding in key new pieces like Larry Abass Jr and Reid Johnson help to solidify the depth that was needed to help this team maintain its championship contender status.

 

2. Philadelphia Reapers

The Reapers bounce back from a down season last time around and put together a very solid roster to open S84. A really strong D pair, several strong forwards, and probably most importantly, a goaltender. Several really solid users on the team, lots of experience and the perennial Reapers flair. If the team stays active and earning, they should have no problem contending. But, they will only go as far as Evan Bihler will take them.

 

3. Houston Bulls

AJ returns to the GM position and put together a great foundation for a contender right away. 2 capped Forwards, 2 strong Defensemen and most recently, a promising waiver goaltender. If I had written this a few days ago, they would have been much lower. Similar to the Reapers, look in net to see how far the team goes.

 

4. Mexico City Kings

This team has the potential to be the best team in the league come the end of the season. New GM on the block, and lots of strong picks at the draft. Strong earning Forwards, a really exciting D core and not 1 but 2 exciting goaltenders. So long as the team hype doesn’t die down, they should be rocketing up the power rankings soon. Their development strategy had them picking lower TPE players who would earn well, so we shall see if that will pay off in the future.

 

5. Mississauga Hounds

I think there are certainly some exciting pieces on this team, but the lack of depth outside of the top players concerns me long-term. The Hounds have been doing well on waivers, so look for them to grow the team that way and compensate for the lack of apparent depth. If the team stays active and earning, they should be a playoff team, otherwise look for them to tear down at the deadline and wait for a stronger draft class.

 

6. Saskatoon Wild

An interesting approach for this season has the team loaded up on the back end but very shallow up front. They are hoping that their strong team defense can help them win tight games. The forwards they do have look to earn well, and should provide decent output. They also have a goaltender which is a huge plus this season. Maybe not a contender in my eyes, but could be an exciting seller by the deadline.

 

7. Miami Marauders

This team would be much higher, but they have no goaltender. If they can land a goalie on waivers, and soon if possible, they have plenty of time to compete this season. Strong forwards and a serviceable D pairing could make this team a winner. At the very least they should have some awards candidates and some strange scoring games.

 

8. San Diego Marlins

Maybe this is my bias showing, but I think what this team lacks in quantity, they more than make up in quality. If they can land some waiver help they could find themselves in a playoff position. Unfortunately, due to the lack of double shifting in the playoffs, there is no chance this team could contend. Lots of exciting pieces though, so keep an eye on them for awards nominations and potentially selling to contenders.

 

9. Halifax 21^st

In a very similar position to the Marlins, this team has some exciting pieces, but lacks any depth to compete later on. Also I question the morals of the team given the amount of Bezos content. This team could play upsetter a bit this season, but expect them to try to maximize their return for future seasons.

 

10. Ottawa Lynx

I know as I write this that this placement is wrong. But I can’t really figure out who they are, and how they are better than the other teams on this list. I like their forward group, but that is literally all they are. Even if they keep all their players active and earning, I’m not sure how this team competes game to game. If they manage to pull in some exciting waivers they should be able to boost themselves up the rankings but for now they are too incomplete for me to really understand how successful they’ll be.

[AJW 2,201]

Mexico > Houston at the moment, but great stuff Jacob.

[Shindigs 1,771]

Yeah, Mexico should realistically be top 2. They have the best Defense in the league by a mile. And I doubt Ottawa will actually be 10th, and for some reason Philly just have not been working out as of yet. But overall it looks more or less on point. I think we could potentially see some goalie trades have a big impact this season. As we do have some teams that would have a shot, if it were not for iffy/non-existent goaltending.

[nurx 914]

I would be egging on ledge to be making a big trade for a goalie right about now @Ledge @Ben mclaughlin

[Shindigs 1,771]

If only there was a max earning 1st gen goalie on a team with practically no players...if only.

[Anthique 225]

Yup we only need some help to have less bot in our line up. We got some good players like you said but we are at least trying to win haha!