Claimed:Toronto Legion: Season 42 and Beyond Outlook [Final 6/6]

[Ninetyfourgoalie 168]

Toronto Legion: Season 42 and Beyond Outlook

 

Once viewed as the next big thing in the VHL, there are a number of doubts surrounding the Legion franchise as we head into Season 42.  Although they were able to add stud defenseman Slaeter Fjorsstrom in addition to goaltender Kimmo Salo, things have not exactly gone as planned for this team as of late.  In a miscommunication in Season 41, goaltender of the future Fedir Okranitz was led to believe there was a clause in the VHLM's collective bargaining agreement that put a cap on his practice hours, hindering his development and leading to a statement where he professed his lack of desire for excellence.  Now, this off-season, the team lost one of its core players, Devin Sundberg, to free agency in a surprise move after leading the Legion to believe he would be returning.  Sundberg's decision has left the team in limbo as this was supposed to be the year they began to truly become competitors in the VHL.

 

Devin Sundberg is headed to Davos and his native Europe, leaving a large gap that rookie Raphael Pettyfer will be looked on to fill

 

One positive for the team is that they were able to extend both Tyler Cote and Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy winner Sachimo Zoidberg this off-season.  Cote is now locked up through Season 44 while Zoidberg has signed a deal that will keep him in Toronto through Season 47.  But with Jerrick Poole, Jaime Hill, and Shadhu Rathod Jr. all on entry level contracts set to expire at the conclusion of Season 42, general manager Edgar has some difficult decisions to make in order to ensure the Legion reach the level of success many envisioned for them when they made three picks in the top five of the Season 40 Entry Draft.

 

With the loss of Sundberg, it will be difficult for this team to be a true competitor in Season 42.  While they certainly will be able to play tight games with the Meute and Americans, one has to wonder if they have the depth to keep up with the top guns in the North American Conference.  Toronto also has to be mindful of the Seattle Bears who don't quite have the star-power of the Legion but with the goaltender advantage thanks to Niklaus Mikaelson, absolutely cannot be left out of the playoff discussion this year.

 

The big question now in Toronto is where will Jerrick Poole be next season?

 

So what does this mean for Toronto?  Their number one priority has to be either extending Jerrick Poole's contract or moving him to avoid another Devin Sundberg situation where they get nothing in return for a valuable player.  They also must place a larger focus on player development and ensure they are able to obtain the necessary pieces to become a top team.  This will also come down to Fedir Okranitz - they must find a way to motivate him to become a strong goaltender or else they could find themselves in a similar position as the Titans were with Kimmo Salo - possessing a strong roster held back by a mediocre goalie.  It's clear the Legion don't have a great chance at the Continental Cup this season but what is even more clear is the fact that the Legion must continue to take action if they ever want to win a cup with their current core group of players.  This once highly-heralded team of the future has to avoid bringing more disappointment to the city of Toronto and end their playoff drought which is currently the longest active streak in the VHL.

Edited February 16, 2015 by Ninetyfourgoalie

[DollarAndADream 3,356]

Content: 3/3 - Nice article on Toronto. Sucks about Sundberg.

Grammar: 2/2 - Nothing, really.

 

"its core players" - it's

Appearance: 1/1 - It all looks fine.

Overall: 6/6

[CoachReilly 688]

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