Offseason look at New York [1/2]

[oilmandan 688]

The S65 offseason has been a busy one for the New York Americans. After taking a step forward in their rebuild in S64, they made some major moves to try to become a contender in S65.

 

Almost as soon as the calendar turned, GM Spade was working the phones, trying to lock up his own stars, as well as gain more pieces for a playoff run. With Riga and Vancouver trying to shed salary, Spade felt it was time for the Americans to take a big jump.

 

The newly formed Moscow Menace became the VHL's club and had their turn picking a player off each other franchise. The Menace chose Ryan Zabby from the Americans, hoping to have him help in their first few seasons. But after the draft and the news hit Zabby, he opted to retire from hockey. The VHL ruled that as he retired as Moscow property, New York would not be penalized with the loss of another player.

 

Management started on their own players by locking up captain Joseph McWolf for an additional 5 years. McWolf signed for the league minimum in return for a full no trade clause. This move almost guarantees that McWolf will retire in a New York uniform.

 

Barely before the ink dried on that contract, Spade had Dan Wilinsky's representatives on the phone, and after a bit of back and forth, Wilinsky had signed for an extra 5 seasons as well. Wilinsky got the same no move clause and a player option in the final season. With both signings being at league minimum, it should help keep New York out of cap trouble for as long as possible.

 

With the upcoming free agents locked up, it was time to improve the team to take that next step. Vaydar Odinsson was acquired along with a draft pick for Roctrion King and 2 draft picks. Spade had been familiar with Odinsson's player agency and with King's development appearing to slow, the time was right for the swap. Odinsson is a solid power forward and at the time of his arrival, was slotted into the top line.

 

After that deal was done, management went big game hunting. With a superstar on the back end, the team wanted a possible game changer up front. The Riga Reign had been rumoured to be looking to shed salary and the Americans saw a good opportunity to help. Leph Twinger had underachieved since his rookie year, but the highly regarded player, appeared to be too good to pass up.

 

The price was a hefty one, giving up 3 a pick in each of the next 3 drafts, but if New York can be competitive and a contender for the finals, then it's a good bet.

 

Next up was the VHL entry draft, and the Americans were in great shape, holding the 1st pick. To very few surprise, they grabbed center Carles Puigdemont, banking on him and Joel Ylonen to hold down the top 2 center positions for the foreseeable future.

 

Now the team has gathered for training camp and hope to get quickly and deliver on all the promise and expectations coming their way in the S65 season. On paper they look good, but theyll have to prove it on the ice

[BOOM 8,745]

[Spade18 1,305]

1 hour ago, BOOM™ said:

 

[TheLastOlympian07 2,388]

Review

Nice review of the moves Spade made in the S65 offseason. Interesting to pick Puidgemont 1st OVA as i don't even know who his member name is. NYA is looking pretty decent for the future.