Red Wolves -> NHL Counterparts

[KaleebtheMighty 1,539]

I thought this would be a fun way to take a look at the players on my roster and compare them to current NHL players around the league. I figure it's just a little exercise to give some insight into each player's performance now that the season is drawing to a close!

 

1. Tyler Busser @Frozen Block - Matthew Tkachuk, LW, FLA

• Not only does Tyler Busser lead the Red Wolves in points this season, but he leads the entire VHLE in points. Although he is listed as a center, his excellent play comes from his production as a winger on the team. He exploded in production this season and plays a physical game on the ice. Without a doubt, he is one of the most influential players on the Red Wolves this season!

 

2. AK92 Wit da Hoodie @hedgehog337 - Roman Josi, D, NSH

• Wasting no time in producing for the team, AK92 Wit da Hoodie helped make the case for being one of the best defensemen in the VHLE. Pushing up the leaderboard this season with their point total, I would not be surprised to see their name listed in the nominations for the best defensemen award at the end of the season. 

 

3. Noodles Marconi @Eynhallow - Kevin Fiala, RW/LW, MIN

• Initially having a rough season in S83 with the Red Wolves (more than likely from a top heavy roster above him), Noodles Marconi bounced back to push just above a PPG. A 30 goal scorer this season for Istanbul, he makes a great effort to help make Istanbul's offense this season one of if not the best in the VHLE.

 

4. Cobalt Burns @Ledge - Ondrej Palat, LW, TBL

• One of the more physical players on the Red Wolves, Cobalt Burns excels in their role as a power forward. While Burns may be known for their hits, they also produce quite well offensively and have found their groove after a slow period in the beginning of the season. Deep runs in the playoffs almost necessitate a player of Burns' caliber, and the Red Wolves are lucky to have him.

 

5. Nagy Al @bigAL - Drew Doughty, D, LAK

• A mainstay for the Red Wolves for quite some time, the era of Nagy Al in Istanbul will probably draw to a close after this season. Their physical play exploded compared to last season, and they hover just under a point per game. It's been a long while since Nagy Al has grown as a player. Nonetheless, Nagy Al continues to show why the Red Wolves value him so much and help both offensively and defensively on the blue line.

 

6. Curtis Crumb @Crummer77 - Adam Boqvist, D, CBJ

• A newcomer to the Red Wolves this season from free agency, Curtis Crumb showed the promise of a second pairing defensemen and more. He plays a great supporting offensive game and focuses on moving the puck well to the forwards, while still netting 11 goals so far this season. While improvement to his player has stagnated for awhile, the ceiling is very high if they continue to work on their game!

 

7. Adison Bond @adison - Bo Horvat, C, VAN

• Adison Bond has been a great addition to the Red Wolves since he began playing with the team in S83. An all around great center for the team, Bond can score when needed or play a physical game too. He helps shore up the second group of wingers and supports Tyler Busser as the top scoring player in the VHLE!

 

8. Jared Carter the 2st @jaredc7 - Radko Gudas, D, FLA

• Would this comparison make any sense with any other player besides Gudas? The hit king of the NHL this past season is the perfect comparison, for Jared Carter the 2st is an elite physical defensemen who has broken the record for the most hits in a season on the Red Wolves, which was his record last season. While helping the team with some point production this season, it wouldn't be a Red Wolves game without a monster hit from Jared Carter the 2st at least 3 different times in that game.

 

9. Calen McKay @Kendrick - Kirby Dach, C, MTL

• As a Blackhawks fan, that hurt to type out MTL. Anyways, Calen McKay has shown the promise of being a stellar center in the VHL following their career in the VHLE. Reliable, a natural leader on the ice, and an all around supportive player, the Red Wolves would not be as successful as they are without players like Calen McKay.

 

10. Jason Coiner @Jason - Trevor Moore, LW, LAK

• They have the potential, and Jason Coiner has shown it before. It's taken some time for things to click for them, but the ceiling is pretty high. While this season hasn't been as productive as past seasons for the Red Wolves, Jason Coiner still exhibits the leadership within the team needed for a deep playoff run. When they do make it to the VHL, I have a feeling things will begin to creep up points-wise in a great way!

 

11. Ray Withers @Ray Withers - Reilly Smith, RW, VGK

• There's no flashy play or show-boating with Ray Withers; he works hard and gets the job done when asked. Fitting the role of a 2nd or 3rd line winger perfectly (and with a personal VHLE best in production this season), the Red Wolves are thrilled with the play from Withers and have appreciated having him this season on the team!

 

12. Joachim Bryngelson @tcookie - Cody Glass, C, NSH

• A young player developing in the VHLE, Joachim Bryngelson is beginning to find their way in the league. Helping the Red Wolves in a 3rd to 4th line role on center might now equate to a lot of points, but the play on the ice is still noticed. There is still plenty of time for him to develop, and if they really put in the work, Joachim could have some great seasons ahead with Istanbul!

 

13. Matt Murdock @Acydburn - Ilya Sorokin, G, NYI

• A temporary piece with the Red Wolves for a single season, Matt Murdock has proven their role between the pipes. Elite play has helped guide the Red Wolves to a high position in the VHLE standings. Their career in the VHL will be very productive and I cannot imagine a universe where Matt Murdock won't be an elite goaltender throughout their career.

 

14. Shaun Young @shaun1979 - Spencer Knight, G, FLA

• Shaun Young has been with the Red Wolves throughout their VHLE career and has just begun to post starter caliber numbers. I have a feeling Young's role in the VHLE will allow for another season or two within the VHLE where he should excel at a great level!

 

 

 

And that's it for the Istanbul Red Wolves!

 

Claiming for weeks 7/31 and 8/7 (1,127 words)

[KaleebtheMighty 1,539]

Claiming week 2: 8/7