Boga optimistic as trade deadline nears

[Bojovnik 487]

MOSCOW, September 15, 2023 (Shaiba.ru) – The jury is still out on whether the Seattle Bears have a team ready to contend for the Continental Cup or not. Clearly the Pacific Northwestern side look to be going through some growing pains as they attempt to launch a new era following the retirement of Tavish DeGroot and Hulk Hogan 2. However, after multiple seasons of topping the North American Conference, it looks like the Bears are in a scrap to even make it into the play-ins.

 

Let’s start with the facts. The Bears currently sit in fifth place in the North American Conference with a 23-17-5 record. For a start, we have to note the fact that the North American Conference is significantly stronger than its European counterpart, as it is likely that the Bears would currently be in third place if they played in the EU. However, the Bears have what they have, and they look to be nailed on for a wild card match up with the Vancouver Wolves who currently sit 10 points ahead of them, while also being 13 points ahead of the sixth placed Chicago Phoenix.

 

The Bears made a brave decision to begin the season under the salary cap. According to comments made in public by the team’s management, the ownership wanted flexibility to understand how the team will perform before deciding on what moves to take. We’re now 45 games into the season and we’re still none the wiser, as no one is quite sure whether the Bears are contenders or not. On the face of it, the Bears are a formidable defensive opponent. Only two teams have conceded less goals than them to date. On the other hand, the Bears offense is simply not up to scratch. Their 116 goals through 45 games is sixth-worst.

 

The Bears have the option to make moves at the deadline, which does appear to be a trump card in the deck of the team. One player who could be moved is upcoming free agent Yaroslav Bogatyrev. The captain of the Bears is without a contract for next season, and could be moved should the team decide that it wants to stockpile picks given the small chances of the team being able to overcome the likes of the Los Angeles stars or Toronto Legion.

 

However, Bogatyrev is on pace for his best season in the VHL to date. He is hovering around the top 10 scorers list, with 59 points through 45 games. Bogatyrev has been a bright light for the Bears and is currently their leading scorer. It could be the case that for the Bears to get better, they may have to cash in on what is likely their most valuable asset. Bogatyrev has previously expressed his commitment to the Seattle franchise, although it remains to be seen if the Russian forward would be willing to be part of a rebuilding side. Of course, Seattle is not known for long rebuilds, but there’s still plenty of interesting occurrences waiting for us ahead.
 

[JCarson 594]

Article Review:  The toughest place to be in the league is 5th.  Not knowing if you will hold on to the last spot to play into the playoffs or if you will find yourself on the outside waiting for an extended offseason to bore you into submission. It always makes the team and players think of all the options, the opportunities and the potential failures.  This article is a great expression of the tension, which decision is best, which decision moves a team and a player forward in their career, and which option ends up with individuals feeling like the have been FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY.

 

I give this article a 9/10, no snubbing from me.