Who Does Moscow Draft at #3?

[Grape 528]

With the conclusion of the draft lottery, Moscow has locked into the third overall pick in this upcoming draft. They will look to build onto their already strong prospect pool and young roster with this top selection. The big question is: Who do they draft? There are a handful of some really strong prospects at the top of the draft this season, but you have to account for what the team needs, or, more importantly, what they don’t need.

Goaltender

With the retirement of Sam Tombstone @samthemancub, goaltending would be a need coming into this season; however, that issue was resolved in last draft, with the selection of Olober Syko @Spartan , who is primed to make his debut next season. There really would be no point to use their top selection to take a netminder, who would only really gain the starter role after Syko retires, so one season before they would, or if Syko falls off completely, which is unlikely. Safe to say, the goaltending position is secured and overall not a need, at least for this early in the draft.

Defensemen

The likely departure of Fraser Wallace @Hoopydog and The Mediocre One @RElblein could be seen as an issue that needs addressing, since losing half your defense isn’t necessarily a recipe for success. Looking at the personnel Moscow has both in the farm and already on the roster, there really is no need to address this shortage through the draft. Leif Reingaard @Zetterberg has had his fill in the VHLE and is ready to make the jump to the show, and Celise Pereira @asteria could also make the opening roster if needed. If she needs a bit more seasoning in the European league, right winger Nils Andersson @Viper has expressed a desire to switch over to defense to help with the shortage. Overall, the defensive position can be easily reinforced internally to the point where it does not make much sense for Moscow to select a defenseman at three, especially considering three of the defensemen in the Moscow system are close to, if not, max earning, and the addition of another high earner would cause some contract issues in the future.

Forwards

With the contract expiration of David Rashford @Knight and Nils Andersson, there will be some spots on the roster opening up for some rookies to make their debut. Thor Reingaard @N0HBDY has finished up a strong season in Vasteras and is ready to take his talents to Moscow, and Ellis Woolfenden @D3X is prepared to make his return to the Menace after spending last season in with Thor in Vasteras. With players in the system ready to make the jump and fill the holes the roster has, what does Moscow actually need? Looking at the situation, despite how young the team is, it is important to plan for retirement. Left Alone @okochastar has had an incredibly strong season in Moscow, but is also the oldest player not on an expiring deal. They are set to retire after season 94, but could possibly end their career sooner due to the harshness of regression. With Alone being the only unanswered retiree in the near future, and with practically every other hole filled on this team, it only makes sense for Moscow to look towards taking a forward with their first selection in this upcoming draft. 

 

So, we’ve established what Moscow should draft, but now let’s look at three players would be a good fit for Moscow.

 

Logan Ninefingers - RW (343 TPE)
@Scurvy
 

The highest TPE player in the draft, Ninefingers enjoyed an immensely fruitful season in the VHLM with Philadelphia, putting up 64 goals and 88 assists for 152 points on the season. In the postseason, they stayed hot throughout, generating 1.5pts per game and a ludicrous 100 shots in the 15 games on route to a finals appearance, where they were knocked out in five games. Ninefingers plays hard and fast, putting up points and throwing bone crushing hits, while remaining respectable defensively. Based on their claiming, and with the fruitful holiday drive in effect, they could be prepared to make the show next season, which, while desirable, could cause some issues via roster management for Moscow, although, it is unlikely that they even have a chance to select Logan, as, while New York looks to be leaning towards a defenseman, the perpetual rebuilders known as the Warsaw Predators appear to be in need of a top forward prospect. It’s not like Moscow is completely out of the race for Ninefingers, however, and they would be a massive boon for the team.

 

George Richmond - C (333 TPE)

@badcolethetitan

 

The second highest TPE player and forward in the draft, Richmond had a strong showing this season with the Ottawa Lynx, generating 46 goals and 55 assists for 101 points, as well as 18 points in 10 postseason games, losing to the Philadelphia Reapers in a close five game series. Being only 10 TPE behind Ninefingers, as well as also max earning, these players project to be pretty close developmentally throughout their careers, possibly also being VHL ready by the start of next season. Richmond shows a more balanced build, being less physical but more defensively sound, as well as a more developed and distinct scoring touch, despite what the stats say. There is some seemingly unknown risk in selecting Richmond. In the VHLM draft, the bonafide top selection completely dropped out of the first round, much to the pleasure of Ottawa. While no negative reports came out of either Ottawa or the VHLM, it is always concerning when a player drops far into the draft, especially one of this caliber. When in doubt, #blamecole

 

Adi Dassler - LW (290 TPE)

@BOOM

 

A fair bit lower TPEwise compared to the other two forwards, Dassler appears to be the 6th highest TPE player, 4th highest forward, in the draft. Dassler enjoyed an impressive 43 goal 40 assist campaign with the Saskatoon Wild this season, as well as 16 points in 17 postseason games and a ring to go with it. Dassler showcases a pure offensive build, almost fully neglecting the defensive side of the puck in pursuit of shots, shots, and a handful of passes every now and then. Based on their claiming pattern, they won’t necessarily earn as much as the other two forwards mentioned, with Dassler being a max earner every other week or so, and their build may not be as viable comparatively speaking. It would also appear as they would need a season in the European league to prepare for the jump to the VHL, which could suit Moscow better based on their current roster. Now, with Dassler being statistically worse than the other two forwards, why would Moscow select them third overall? The simple answer is personality and familiarity. Dassler has an existing relationship with the Moscow Menace brass and is talked fondly among the advisory board. It’s not unlikely that Moscow potentially moves back in the draft to maximize their pick value to select Dassler later on, or make the reach and just take them outright. I could also see Moscow selecting one of the two previously mentioned forwards and use their plentiful assets with their second first round pick to move back into a position to bring Dassler to the team. Overall, Moscow can’t really go wrong with any of these forwards, and it will be interesting to see what they do in the upcoming draft.

(1243 words. Did I need to make another media spot? No, but at least now I have off till February)

Edited December 21, 2023 by Grape

[OrbitingDeath 2,939]

Dassler fanboy here

[Grape 528]

Claiming week 2 of 2

[JCarson 594]

Article Review:  I always enjoy reading an analysis of a team and the look at how they improve, whether it be by draft, trade of free agency.  The author gives a good logically laid out review of the situation, discusses the various aspect of the decision and then looks at the options.  We will see what ends up happening and if the authors viewpoint is taken into consideration but either way it look like Moscow is building for the future.  I give this article a 9/10 as it is well written and logically expressed.

 

Keep up up the great work

[Spartan 4,003]

What about 2oa?

[Gaikoku-hito 1,669]

16 minutes ago, Spartan said:

What about 2oa?

I would say @Arce would look really good in Moscow Black & Gold again?

[Grape 528]

On 12/30/2023 at 8:40 PM, Spartan said:

What about 2oa?

John Season