Claimed: Trouble in the Yukon? [1/2]

[Dangles13 373]

 

The first fourteen games of the season have been played. The Rush have managed to win a very impressive three of those while managing a minus twenty-two goal differential. You can't have an epic Cinderella story if you are a top team and  this really speaks to the ability and foresight of general manager. @TheLastOlympian07 

 

The struggles of the season run parallel to the struggles of rookie first line centre, Otto Axelsson. The young Swede is logging big minutes; almost 29 minutes a game puts Axelsson twelfth overall in the league and fifth among forwards. Canmore, Ball, Klopfenstein and Morozov are all scoring at over a point per game rate unlike shitty Axelsson who has only ten points in his fourteen contests. Yukon needs more out of the pivot if they hope to have any success this season.

Rumours are swirling that  Shawn Muller has already demanded that coaches reduce Otto's minutes and role with the team until he learns how to play proper hockey. Earlier in the season there were rumours that Axelsson was being shopped to other teams as he didn't figure into the teams long term plans. Where there is smoke there is fire, if this rocky relationship doesn't get patched up quick then it is possible we could see Axelsson packing his bags. 

 

Axelsson isn't the only player who has a strained relationship with the current management team. Rookie defender Dragon McDragon @JardyB10 was overheard calling Muller a buffoon and saying he wouldn't be surprised if players started demanding trades. The Rush are young and rebuilding and can ill afford to mismanage their assets. A fire-sale would have to see plenty of young players or picks coming back; personally I would target strong locker room leaders to calm the young players.

 

Otto is minus eleven in his games and perhaps a reduction in minutes would give him more opportunity to figure out his game. It is not uncommon for young players to struggle on the defensive side of the puck and being thrust into a prominent role likely doesn't help with that development curve. Axelsson needs to focus on many faucets if he wants to make a name for himself in the VHL. Otto has a very weak shot and this causes him to often ignore it and force bad passes; 25 shots is less than all top four defence-men on the team. 

 

 

Axelsson does have one talent that appears to be pro-ready. Sporting a 50.88% in the face off dot has Otto at fifth in the league and giving his team the puck more often than not off of draws. As the Swedish skater packs on muscle and learns better techniques this number should only climb. Face-off specialists always find jobs in hockey, whether on the power play or penalty kill they find ways to contribute to their teams success.

 

Can the Rush turn the season around? Will Shawn Muller run the team into the ground? How many rookies will jump ship if given the chance? Is their a leader on the roster who can help bring the team together? I guess we will find out as the days turn into weeks.

 

 

 

[TheLastOlympian07 2,388]

im here trying to do the VHLM a favor and this is what team does to me?   good read

Edited October 22, 2017 by TheLastOlympian07

[DollarAndADream 3,357]

Review:

I've enjoyed following your career. Solid write-up about Yukon. I've got my Yukon ties too.