3 Midseason Signings Playing Big Roles for VHLM Teams

[LucyXpher 1,142]

In this article, I'll be highlighting 3 players who were added to their current team midway through this current season.  Each of these players have come into their respective locker rooms and have been immediate contributors on the ice, quickly becoming one of their team's top players.  The nature of the beast is such that midseason additions are more likely to have success on a team with available ice time and holes in the roster than on a competing team at the top of the table.  These players, however, have made the most of their opportunities and have managed to step into top roles, despite being late additions, and should be well sought after in the drafts this offseason.

 

C - Tyler Lawson @Nyx - Houston Bulls (49GP - 20G - 30A - 50P)

A late addition to the Houston Bulls roster, Tyler Lawson immediately grabbed the opportunity to play on the Bulls' top line alongside Trimiskez Artav and Chris Reynolds Jr.  He's since been replaced on that line by trade deadline acquisition Antonia Bucatini, but has continued to be a regular contributor for the Bulls in a second line role.  His current line with Zinek and Ecker has been heating up as of late, in no small part because of Lawson's contributions.  Lawson is a high-end scorer and his 20 goals in 49 games punctuate that claim.  He also demonstrates well-balanced peripheral attributes which make him a solid player wherever he ends up in the lineup.  Since joining the Bulls, he's shown consistent development and determination and could be steal for whichever team drafts him if his current trajectory continues.

 

RW - Anthony Simmons II @Starchychaff - Mississauga Hounds (31GP - 17G - 19A - 36P)

Though he's not a first generation player, Anthony Simmons II has joined up with a struggling Mississauga squad with the promise of opportunity this season.  The right winger has played primarily on the Hounds' first line alongside Loic Trepagoat and Wernher von Braun.  At 6'8" and 200lbs, Simmons II is a big body that will be highly coveted in upcoming drafts.  He compliments his size with well balanced passing, scoring, skating, and puck handling abilities that are above average for his age category.  Perhaps most revealing of his positive impact on the ice is his +3 rating on a Hounds team that has a -73 goal differential this season.  Though the Hounds aren't going anywhere quickly, the future is bright for Anthony Simmons II.

 

D - Carson Tripp @Cartripp14 - Saskatoon Wild (44GP - 11G - 32A - 43P)

A first generation player for the Saskatoon Wild, Carson Tripp is the team's top scoring defenseman, despite joining the team after the start of the regular season.  He's currently playing on the second pairing alongside Cale Makar, but with solid scoring and passing ability, he's been able create offense from the blueline, taking advantage of minutes on the team's top powerplay.  He does leave something to be desired in terms of defensive ability, but so far he has been able to outscore his deficiencies, even on a Saskatoon team that has committed to resetting for next season.  If Tripp can continue his development, he promises to be a quality option for a number of teams in the upcoming drafts.  

 

 

Lauren Lambert for VHL.com

Claimed for 02/18/24

[UghSike 221]

Quite a thoughtful and informative write-up. Clean format, @'s and stats in the right places. And to top it off, well well-researched as far as players and its not just all statistics. There's some depth in terms of the players stories that make it feel organic.

11/10

[LucyXpher 1,142]

2 hours ago, UghSike said:

Quite a thoughtful and informative write-up. Clean format, @'s and stats in the right places. And to top it off, well well-researched as far as players and its not just all statistics. There's some depth in terms of the players stories that make it feel organic.

11/10

Thanks, I appreciate that!