der meister 3,248 Posted May 20, 2023 Share Posted May 20, 2023 (edited) What else is there to say that has not already been said? This has been a tumultuous season for defenseman Ryuji Sakamoto, who saw himself become part of 4 different rosters in the span of 2 months. The most successful stint came with the New York Americans, who ended up missing the playoffs. With the Americans, Sakamoto posted a goal and 14 assists in 22 games, for a 0.68 points-per-game pace, which is still below what he registered with the Seattle Bears last season. Still, despite the near-constant shuffle, Sakamoto ended up with 34 points, 167 hits, and 171 blocked shots. None of these numbers are career highs, but with the instability with regard to team, partner, strategy, time zone, country, and even continent, it's not terribly surprising. Heading into the offseason, Sakamoto will, for the first time in his career, become an unrestricted free agent. He hasn't told me much in terms of what he's looking for in potential suitors, but I'd imagine stability and a team strategy that makes the best use of his skill set is high on the list. What was once a promising career, one of consistent growth, highlighted by an outstanding playoff run with the Bears, is now at one of uncertainty. How much will VHL general managers take into account the prior performances with evaluating Sakamoto's stock in free agency? He has shown that he can be a key player on a team, as long as he is given the opportunity, but he's also shown that he needs to be put in the right role to be successful. I suppose that's no different than any other player, but for some reason, it seems like the spotlight has been focused on Sakamoto since the time he entered the league, and rarely for the right reasons. Whether it was his sudden departure from the Toronto Legion following a change in management, his alleged illicit activities in Seattle, and the roller coaster of franchises he's been with since that point in time. Perhaps it's a karmic rebalancing. Personally, I still believe Sakamoto has a lot to offer a team. As a top pairing defenseman with the right partner and coaching, I believe he can be a near point-per-game player over the course of a 72-game season, and he has shown that he can dominate when the playoffs start. His style of game is tailor-made for the grind of the post-season – the trick is getting there. Another item Sakamoto will undoubtedly be looking for in free agency is a coach and general manager who are good communicators. Based on his commentary to me, as his embedded reporter, this facet is not something that can be taken for granted. Some general managers have been supportive and engaging, while others simply never spoke to him or responded to his inquiries as it relates to a meeting, whether formal or informal. At times, it has seemed that Sakamoto has felt like he is adrift, on an island of his own, somehow trying to navigate unknown waters with no direction or feedback, and no insight. Based on the hardening of his jaw and the gritting of his teeth, I can guarantee you he will not tolerate that particular indignity any longer. Edited May 20, 2023 by der meister Banackock, Garsh, Aimee and 2 others 5 Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/136113-anxious-to-move-on/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
der meister 3,248 Posted May 21, 2023 Author Share Posted May 21, 2023 Also, feel free to publicly tamper with me because I'm not re-signing in New York and I'm bored. jacobcarson877 1 Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/136113-anxious-to-move-on/#findComment-983588 Share on other sites More sharing options...
BOOM 8,823 Posted May 22, 2023 Share Posted May 22, 2023 Welcome to the Mercenary Club! der meister 1 Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/136113-anxious-to-move-on/#findComment-983674 Share on other sites More sharing options...
der meister 3,248 Posted May 22, 2023 Author Share Posted May 22, 2023 I spy an interesting off-season, @BOOM Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/136113-anxious-to-move-on/#findComment-983675 Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacobcarson877 2,571 Posted May 22, 2023 Share Posted May 22, 2023 Regardless of where you end up, I hope someone builds their team with you as a cornerstone! der meister 1 Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/136113-anxious-to-move-on/#findComment-983714 Share on other sites More sharing options...
BOOM 8,823 Posted May 23, 2023 Share Posted May 23, 2023 11 hours ago, der meister said: I spy an interesting off-season, @BOOM If you need any advice on how to set up a RNG to make your decision, let me know! der meister 1 Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/136113-anxious-to-move-on/#findComment-983760 Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCarson 753 Posted May 27, 2023 Share Posted May 27, 2023 Article Review: The playoff finals just beginning there is a certain level of anxiety for those sitting on the sidelines waiting for what comes next ,that has to be even more so for those looking to face free agency. Formal conversations can't happen yet but I bet there is a level of informal chit chat mulling around to see where people are sitting. I think it helps everyone when players know exactly what they are looking for in a team, and a team knows what they are hoping for in a player. Great article, hope you find a great place to land and have a great season next year. I give this article an 8/10 der meister 1 Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/136113-anxious-to-move-on/#findComment-984083 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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