Molholt 2,185 Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Alphabetical New York Americans The New York Americans are now the reigning champions, having just defeated Olsen and the Dynamo for the S39 cup. The Americans are poised to make another cup run this season, and would likely be the early season favorites. This makes New York an attractive option for Jarkko Olsen, the veteran entering his last season in the league. The most important thing for Olsen at this stage is likely being able to compete, which New York gives him the opportunity to perhaps more than any other team. However, New York is already having some cap issues, and will likely have to ship off key pieces from their S39 cup team to get under the salary cap. If they have to get rid of players just to get under, it is unlikely that they would clear enough cap room to both get under, and sign Jarkko. New York would be a long shot, although there could be mutual interest, the likelihood is a no. Pro: Competitive Con: No cap room Seattle Bears The Seattle Bears are in no position to compete this season, and therefore would be a waste of Olsen's last season if his sole purpose is to compete. However, the Bears do have one thing on their side - Karsten Olsen, Jarkko's older brother. Jarkko and Karsten came into the league during the same draft, and have never been on the same team in the VHL. They have played together during end of season tournaments, but never on a VHL squad. They had a chance to both be drafted together 7 seasons ago, but the opportunity was passed over. Jarkko would love to play with his brother in their last season, but would he sacrifice the ability to compete? Pro: Family Con: Rebuilding HC Davos Dynamo The Dynamo are an obvious possible landing spot, as Jarkko has spent the majority of his career with the Dynamo, winning two cups with the team and making it to four finals. One of the best times in Dynamo history has been with Jarkko on the team, with Olsen almost securing a Playoff MVP award and a Most Improved Player award while donning the purple sweater. However, the Dynamo have sold most of the farm and will be completely looking to retool now, meaning that the core is completely gone with the exception of Moher. The Dynamo don't have the competitive edge they did just one season ago, which is why Olsen is a free agent to begin with. Pro: Home Con: Rebuilding Cologne Express The Cologne Express are one of the up and coming teams in the league, with a nice young core that is about to get even more star power with the top two picks in the upcoming draft. The Express could use some veteran leadership. However, the Express are still a season or two away from being completely relevant from a competitive standpoint, and have made that clear by sticking with their guns to aim for a season or two away, rather than now. This means that it likely isn't a great, realistic competitive option for Olsen then season - and also it probably isn't a great use of their cap space to bring in a one year veteran. While the Express are an enticing option (one of Olsen's personal top three heading into the S33 draft) they probably just aren't going to be a great fit unless they make some significant changes in personnel and goals for this year. Pro: On the rise Con: Not ready Vasteras Iron Eagles Vasteras is rebuilding and has no real draw for Olsen. Pro: None Con: Rebuilding Toronto Legion Toronto is rebuilding and has no real draw for Olsen. Pro: None Con: Rebuilding, Edgar Quebec City Meute The Quebec City Meute have quickly turned into a mixture of younger talent and the Davos Dynamo. They have added Matt Bentley and Naomi Young, the two biggest stars of the Dynamo's recent success, as well as winger Felix Zamora and Azimet Ali from a season before. The Meute are trying to win now, building a competitive team that is shaping up well, but might be a piece or two away from being a real threat still. Quebec will feature a team that is more complete than the Dynamo of last year, which was still a team that made it to the finals. However, the Meute have a significant decrease at the goalie position, which was a big key for the Dynamo this previous season. Olsen going to Quebec would shore up most of the rest of their cap space, so that would be the way the roster shaped up. Would this team be able to legitimately compete, or is there a better option out there still? Olsen is intrigued by the possibility, and has already begun discussions with the Meute as soon as free agency discussions opened. Pro: Competitive, good relationship with GM Con: Goalie struggles? One piece short? Riga Reign The Riga Reign are one of the more competitive teams looking into S40, and Olsen is very familiar with them - having to face them numerous times in the playoffs over the last four seasons, lending a helping hand towards sending them home early. The Reign haven't always been a rival for Olsen though, as he was actually drafted by the Reign and spent his early career there. Ultimately he lost interest in the team and league and stopped working out as hard, until he was traded to the Dynamo. However, could Olsen pull an ultimate turncoat and sign with the Reign to try and help them win a title? Would Thomas Landry and Matt Bentley murder Jarkko if he did this? The downside to this is that Riga will be cap limited, and will mostly need a defender. They will likely try to use their available space on a position other than winger, but Olsen would not be opposed to discussing the idea. He'll sleep with one eye open until a decision is made. Pro: Competitive, draft team Con: Rival, limited cap/positional need Helsinki Titans The Titans are in an interesting position this year. Are they ready yet? Can they make a legitimate run this season? The answer is likely yes, both from a standpoint of team ability and the weakness of some of the other teams in the league. Helsinki has a deep core of players, that they likely won't be able to keep fully in the future, but they have the space and cap to make room for Olsen now. Jarkko would be one of, if not the best player on the team in terms of current ability due to his longevity in the league and the overall youth of the Titans. The Titans strength is in their defense, which will have three of the better defenders in the league this season, all in one grouping of young and talented individuals. Helsinki has added Willem Janssen, which could indicate that they are ready to take a stab at contending, and Olsen could round out a pretty solid group of forwards, giving them two veterans in Olsen and Janssen to compliment the youth. Is Helsinki ready for that kind of commitment to this season? The competition is thin, so I'd be surprised if they aren't. Calgary Wranglers The Wranglers have a decent team, but as is tradition with Calgary, they probably aren't quite there. They are a strange mix of not having quite the star power, yet not having a lot of youth either. They are also right at the salary cap, and would not have space for Olsen. They do have Olsen's former Dynamo buddy Thomas Landry though. Pro: Somewhat competitive, Thomas Landry Con: Somewhat competitive, no cap room Summary Olsen has narrowed his options a bit, but still has a lot of thinking to do. Will any of these teams even have mutual interest in Olsen? Where will he end up!? Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/12434-olsens-options-in-free-agency/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Victor 10,942 Posted September 23, 2014 Admin Share Posted September 23, 2014 Would Thomas Landry and Matt Bentley murder Jarkko if he did this?yes holy Media Spot Batman Re-sign in Davos and get traded to Quebec for a 4th. It is only fitting. Frank 1 Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/12434-olsens-options-in-free-agency/#findComment-124388 Share on other sites More sharing options...
NotAVHLM-GM 1,858 Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 It would be great for O'Malley to play with the great Olsen. Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/12434-olsens-options-in-free-agency/#findComment-124397 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike 708 Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 You owe Riga some blood, sweat, and tears. Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/12434-olsens-options-in-free-agency/#findComment-124435 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Victor 10,942 Posted September 23, 2014 Admin Share Posted September 23, 2014 I paid top dollar for his inactive ass in S35. Kesler 1 Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/12434-olsens-options-in-free-agency/#findComment-124438 Share on other sites More sharing options...
boubabi 4,725 Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Vasteras Molholt 1 Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/12434-olsens-options-in-free-agency/#findComment-124440 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank 5,210 Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Quebec = Davos. Frank and Davos has proven to be a good mix in the past. Victor 1 Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/12434-olsens-options-in-free-agency/#findComment-124443 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kesler 1,514 Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Just join HC Quebec Dynamuete. Frank 1 Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/12434-olsens-options-in-free-agency/#findComment-124654 Share on other sites More sharing options...
diamond_ace 3,112 Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 It would be great for O'Malley to play with the great Olsen.but you'll settle for the other Olsen... Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/12434-olsens-options-in-free-agency/#findComment-125110 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Molholt 2,185 Posted September 24, 2014 Author Share Posted September 24, 2014 but you'll settle for the other Olsen... 2 Cups, 1 Olsen Molholt and Frank 2 Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/12434-olsens-options-in-free-agency/#findComment-125115 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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