Where will I end up [or not].

[Peace 1,562]

I was going to cover the "Killinger Era" of drama when I was Toronto's GM, but in truth I don't want to dig that bone up.

 

In my mind there exists a very real danger, at least in terms of planting a nasty seed in the back of my head, that would one hundred percent kill any desire I have to participate in the VHL again (which admittedly has already started to waiver after seeing some particular individuals still around); so, naturally, I'll move on and try to bury that hatchet regarding numerous users linked to Toronto. The water is not quite 'under the bridge' for me, I still see names I simply cannot fucking stand and thank the Forum and Discord lords that the block feature exists, and while it might make me out to be a bad person, I breathed sighs of relief some of those users are no longer active within the league. In the same breath I curse them because I can't truly hide every piece of their existence like I once could on Discord.

 

Nevertheless, I press forward, determined to get Trokker some individual awards and a VHL Championship. Basically, I want this player to be the best one I've created, and if it takes some selfishness to do so then so be it.

 

So where do I think Trokker will end up?

 

First I have to take a look at the competition.

 

If we look at the S98 draft class, the top three positions keep swapping between Beketov's Cardinal Copia, my own Zak Trokker and GoonLeftUndone's Sidney Shepperd. We are all currently earning maximum or greater TPE and have had healthy boosts from uncapped sources. I've 'purchased' five uncapped and a doubles week from donating, Beketov has earned uncapped from VHFL and Fantasy Zone, while Undone has claimed two fantasy zones and a super coach (and I have zero idea what that even is). 

 

Then there are a few known earners behind me, so realistically I doubt Trokker will remain within the top three for long. If I had to guess, I think I'd fall to fifth excluding any uncapped opportunities. There will be a few times where I claim only a welfare instead of capped earnings, or go two or more weeks without any updates when I'm working hours from the nearest source of civilization... somewhere in the North-East BC forests or Northern Alberta woodlands. I'll do my best of course and it appears I'll have the holidays off, so for at least December I'll be capping out and earning whatever uncapped TPE I know about. 

 

So that's where I think I'll end up. Around 5th or 6th overall, perhaps even 7th now that GM's can read about my reality. It's all or nothing while I'm around, and that's the best I can offer.

 

 Now what about the team situation?

 

Taking a quick peak at the teams that missed the playoffs altogether or look like they'll tumble out by S98, I have to start with Warsaw. The Predators own four of sixteen first round draft picks and have an impressive capital with three second round draft picks in the S98 VHL Entry Draft. With those kinds of assets, and the likelihood Warsaw is out of the wildcard round next season, there's a lot of potential for trades. Currently the S98 class looks weak at the surface with only a handful of reliable prospects; however, given appropriate recruitment efforts and the arrival of potential blue chip first generation players, coupled with the high probability that the majority of Warsaw's assets'll be later in their respective rounds, it's unlikely any trades moving up in the draft would occur. As such I don't think this is the team Trokker will end up with, but welcome the Predators as a potential destination.

 

Next I look at Riga, but not as a team Trokker would join. The Reign secured a spot in the playoffs this season and will likely repeat in S97, but I can't ignore a team with so many UFAs and a few retiring players by S98; I would call them a candidate for 'tumbling out' of a playoff position on having 42m cap space for S98 alone. Lemorse has done a good job keeping his unit together and will return to the playoffs next season, but with their S98 pick belonging to Helsinki, who are clearly rebuilding right now, I must consider Riga's pick becoming a lottery selection if he is unable to keep the team together. It's a low chance, but that would give the Titans two lottery picks in Trokker's draft class. Despite the potential, I don't think Trokker ends up in Helsinki.

 

Lastly I'll look at the Stars, but for similar reasons to Riga. I don't think I'll end up there simply because LA doesn't own their own S98 pick, but I do think they'll be a team in a tough spot throughout S97. Given their roster I don't imagine a strong season from the California team, and to make matters worse, it can be reasonably predicted they'll have a lottery pick for the S98 VHL Entry Draft. Prague will be smiling ear-to-ear as they've already begun a rebuild after Tetricide acquired his own player and kept fifth overall. I don't know his draft strategy, but it could be draft a high end defender this draft, then two forwards in S98. If it is, then this is where I think Trokker will land.

 

A special mention to Toronto. I don't think it's out of the question as they've got their first round pick in the S98 draft still, and I don't think they'll be making the S97 playoffs, but I'm hoping that they'll pick someone better than me: someone who'd stick around and be a team player, someone like Hextall was for me. Toronto deserves a franchise player that'll give the team everything they've got and more. Someone to truly build around; something I was supposed to have like six or seven times but for one reason or another only got twice or thrice. I know who you are, and you know who you are. 

 

Only time will tell of course!

 

 

[Peace 1,562]

2/2 claim