Chicago Phoenix Fans Left Questioning

[badcolethetitan 818]

Chicago Phoenix Fans Left Questioning

 

 

Off-Season

 

The Chicago Phoenix came into the off-season looking to be buyers, as a lot of their players had finally got to a level where they can compete. With names like Trunov, Schwarzer, Gaming, and Artyomov, in the system for a bit, and young guns in Collberg, Lamb, and Woodworth, this team seemed ready to make that next step to be a playoff team. Only a couple pieces away, as they already have much of the core in place, this team had the chance to do some damage in the upcoming season(s) with plenty of cap space and a young roster. The fans were finally ready to be out of the rebuild, to start competing and winning. One fan said that, "They can't wait to see Chicago hoist the trophy and we know we're getting there soon!" With the GM willing to part ways with picks, it seemed that it was finally time to start competing. However, too many trades ended up falling through for the young GM as he couldn't come to agreement on multiple deals. One by one the star players ended up being shipped away that were available and the Phoenix were left with nothing to show for it. The only notable move they made was moving out a defenseman for a third round pick in the upcoming draft, who they used to select Micah Cederbaum @MicahC a young forward who will take some time before reaching the pros. Regardless, what this team could have been for Chicago left them disappointed in the GM for not making moves. The fans wanted to compete and the time was now to make that next step, but that step hasn't been taken. 

 

Draft

 

Heading into the draft, there were questions if Chicago would be selecting 5th overall, as trades were coming in left and right for that pick. However, as no trade ended up sparking the GMs eye, the pick was made, drafting @UghSike at 5th overall. An amazing young forward that would be a huge addition to the young forward core in the future. Moving on, 20th overall was looming and the GM was busy with trades coming in from over 5 different teams. Originally, the plan was to move back in the draft and secure extra draft capital in an already stacked draft. However, there was a player that caught their eye at 20th overall, that being Jean-Pierre Devote @eagle_3450. A player with an amazing upside, however, question marks on his activity and consistency. Chicago ultimately decided that at 20th overall, the reward would outweigh the risk and took the young forward, however, that wouldn't be the end for the Phoenix already busy draft. After the pick was made, Chicago had been eyeing prospect Vanuza Kolesinska @chikn and had tried to move up in the draft previous to 20th overall, but to no avail, as they had been selected 18th overall to Prague. Eventually, Chicago and Prague would come to a deal where Chicago would land Kolesinska for two 2nd round picks in S94 and S95. Adding a solid player such as Kolesinska would be huge for the Phoenix, as they continued to add to their stacked forward core, however the risk is that in S95, the draft is extremely deep and that 2nd becomes an insanely solid player. The draft would end off with Chicago making their third round selection in Micah Cederbaum @MicahC and their fourth round selection in Kevin OConnor @Luke033. A very busy draft for Chicago as multiple trades were potentially going to happen!

 

Free Agency

 

After the draft, Chicago had to reassess where the team was this season. They were still again only a couple pieces away from being a playoff team and potentially going on a run in the playoffs. The expectation heading into this season was to be a wildcard, with teams at this point in Los Angeles, Vancouver, Seattle, potentially not being the strongest moving forward, however, that had changed. Chicago was making a run at top Free Agent Henry Eagles (so was almost every team I'm pretty sure), as he was the big fish to catch in free agency. However, Chicago again would come short, failing to land the stud forward that could've helped propel them into the post-season. Even worse, a team that potentially was going to be weaker in the Seattle Bears ended up landing the stud forward, throwing them into the playoff mix, and honestly, favorites ahead of Chicago at this point. Chicago now has a hole to fill in their forward core and also defensively, as their prospect Darko Alexander Malkovich had walked without a single word to the GM. There is still lots of time for Chicago to field a roster, and concerns of them not having a full roster are overblown, as they've found ways to ultimately put together a roster every season. Not too long ago was Chicago 3rd seed in NA, with Scotty Sundin carrying the way, when expectations were to finish bottom of the league. This team could potentially end up making a run again, and this season could look very different.

 

Conclusion

 

A disastrous off-season in what "could have been" a very young playoff team, with only upside as the season went on. Many fans are starting to question if their GM can truly get this team into the post-season, or if they'll be stuck in yet another rebuild. Chicago fans want to win, and they want to start winning now. This doesn't mean a championship this season, but forward steps into being a playoff team. Failure to do so would further make Chicago not an attractive destination for prospects and players in the future. The GM will have his hands full this season, including around the trade deadline where he'll have to decide if it's playoffs, or time to sell off for the draft. Regardless, you can expect Chicago to be "all-in" next season, where they'll finally look to make a push to the post-season.

 

Also, just want to point out that some of this is dramatized for the article. It's not actually that bad, most of the trades fell through due to timing, and not necessarily value. I'm still happy with how the draft turned out, as we got a bunch of young pieces for the future in a stacked draft class. Building through this draft was absolutely crucial, and I hope it's going to pay off in the future.

 

1000+ words

[badcolethetitan 818]

Week 2/2