HeadLine LGHL Season 31: Metropolitan Division

LGHL Season 31: Metropolitan Division - A review for each team in the LGHL as well as divisional predictions!.

Reference for Grades:

A+: Best in NHL
A: Best in Division
A-: Great
B+: Good
B: Average
B-: Average
C+: Below Average
C: Poor
C-: AHL caliber


METROPOLITAN DIVISION


Carolina Hurricanes

Forwards
1. DIXON l35l (LW) V 1S 0R $500,000
2. Raynor (LW) V 2S 1R $3,500,000
3. Calgary Flames (C) V 2S 0R $500,000
4. D Jay ll (C) V 1S 0R $750,000
5. Malchesky (C) V 1S 0R $7,000,000
6. Str8Syko__ (C) V 2S 1R $7,000,000
7. Tendy GM (RW) V 1S 0R $0
8. Breaky (RW) V 1S 0R $750,000
9. Meestah Don (RW) V 1S 0R $1,000,000

Defenders
10. Foote O (LD) V 1S 0R $0
11. G1NA 29 (LD) V 1S 0R $2,000,000
12. LBFlag (LD) V 2S 1R $500,000
13. daveydonuts522 (RD) V 1S 0R $2,250,000
14. Doanxr (RD) V 2S 0R $1,500,000
15. Yung Gren (RD) V 2S 1R $4,500,000

Goalies
16. Thamps (G) V 1S 0R $1,000,000
17. TheCheetahlo 33 (G) V 1S 0R $500,000

Spent: $33,250,000
Cash: $1,750,000

Malchesky at 7 million dollars. Jesus Christ. Imagine Str8syko and him going for the same price in bidding. The good news is that they got both and should be an okay 1/2 with D Jay taking up the third center spot. Tendy is also an elite talent who will be racking up the goals this season on the top line. The rest of the lineup doesn't inspire much confidence but they are cheap and would be easy to move.

Defensively you have Davedonuts still on a great contract but past him and Foote there isn't much to talk about. Gren seems to still be figuring out the RD spot, if he gets it down this time around you're looking at a much better lineup. Doanxr did win a cup, but numbers would point to it not being due to his performance. Thamps is a real wild card, he could really improve this team if he has a performance like he did in S23. Cheetahlo was the starting goalie for the Calder champions last season and at 500k is well worth taking a shot on.

Offense: B Defense: C+ Goalies: B-



Columbus Blue Jackets

Forwards
1. Big Tony 16 (LW) V 1S 0R $8,000,000
2. hutch2323 (LW) V 2S 1R $500,000
3. Riven2513 (LW) V 1S 0R $500,000
4. React 10 GM (C) V 1S 0R $0
5. aeLgi (C) V 1S 0R $1,000,000
6. l1l Sharp l0l (C) V 3S 2R $500,000
7. BladezTML (RW) V 2S 1R $500,000
8. Daddy Kaneee (RW) V 1S 0R $3,000,000
9. Rockxt 97 (RW) V 1S 0R $3,000,000

Defenders
10. NlKx5 (LD) V 1S 0R $4,000,000
11. StuffedCrustFTW (LD) V 1S 0R $500,000
12. WISHiHADaDAD (LD) V 2S 1R $500,000
13. Colonel20 O (RD) V 1S 0R $0
14. AjHcCwRsSb (RD) V 2S 1R $500,000
15. Dannyy Briere (RD) V 2S 0R $8,750,000

Goalies
16. Herringthefish (G) V 2S 0R $750,000
17. Hydra IllusionZ (G) A 1S 0R $500,000

Spent: $32,500,000
Cash: $2,500,000

Could this be the first Blue Jackets team to be competitive since the days of VVags? Offensively they are going to be depending on Tony/React/Kane to lead the top line which will be a tough ask. Sharp and Riven are both steals at 500k though and they will shine on lower lines. That is one of the positives of this rather average lineup, that they are mostly at great prices for what they can bring to the table.

Danny Briere is the biggest point of interest on this team. He's likely being paired with Nik which may be better than some top pairs but not really all that scary. Colonel will get to work with two cheap LDs that have proven to be reliable enough for playoff teams but nothing special so far. Same deal as the offense, no egregious contracts. Herring will be on Columbus for the third straight season and he'll be hoping for more support after his decent performance last time around earning him an All-Star look. Hydra was absolutely killer for Dings' Boston team two seasons ago but has really not played enough games as of late to be on people's radar. Worth the 500k shot though.

Offense: B- Defense: B- Goalies: B+



New Jersey Devils

Forwards
1. Koho (LW) V 1S 0R $1,750,000
2. Sbass19 (LW) V 1S 0R $9,000,000
3. Viktomize (LW) V 2S 1R $500,000
4. KuroiTaiyou (C) V 1S 0R $500,000
5. mfricha (C) V 1S 0R $750,000
6. Serpe x 13 (C) V 2S 1R $2,750,000
7. Manship x 91 GM (RW) V 1S 0R $0
8. donnybrah AGM (RW) V 1S 0R $1,000,000
9. jackD00P (RW) V 3S 2R $3,000,000

Defenders
10. Blade mtl (LD) V 1S 0R $4,250,000
11. Joyt7sm (LD) V 2S 1R $2,500,000
12. xXShadillacXx (LD) V 2S 0R $500,000
13. Gulash l4l O (RD) V 1S 0R $0
14. Really Good Dad (RD) V 1S 0R $3,250,000
15. Skoden Stoodis (RD) V 2S 0R $500,000

Goalies
16. bmasker15 (G) A 1S 0R $500,000
17. shutthegate (G) V 1S 0R $2,250,000

Spent: $33,000,000
Cash: $2,000,000

It's a tough ask to build a great forward core when you assign Manship as your free contract. It doesn't inspire any confidence for the team that's for sure. Bass at 9 mil is actually reasonable, his amazing vision when it comes to passing was part of the reason he and Minnesota earned the cup last season. Is Serpe is actually a steal at 2.75 million but I'm not sure how he'd mesh with Bass on the top line. Same goes with the other two center options on the roster. Doop made a good move taking 3 seasons at 3 million and he'll hopefully be able to lift up the weaker center lineup.

BladeMtl and Shadillac stand out as the two defensemen to watch on this team, both having been a part of successful teams their last season in LG. RGD skyrocketed in price later in bidding and he really is a bit too expensive for my taste, the good news is he's not a cancer and will be able to fill a 2nd/3rd pairing okay. Otherwise a rather disappointing lineup. Shut is is a great choice as a starter but the price tag was quite high, ultimately the post expensive goalie from bidding. Bmasket got punted around on a horrible Tampa team last season, but I am not sure if we're going to see much better from him. Compared to so many 500k options in bidding this is quite the confusing decision.

Offense: B Defense: C+ Goalies: C+



New York Islanders

Forwards
1. KSPx11 (LW) V 3S 1R $500,000
2. Rehanek (LW) V 2S 1R $6,750,000
3. xFiore91x (LW) V 2S 1R $3,000,000
4. a1xFREAKx13 O (C) V 1S 0R $0
5. Averageboy (C) V 3S 1R $500,000
6. Scumbag Jared (C) V 1S 0R $5,500,000
7. slammerama AGM (RW) V 2S 0R $750,000
8. Jbarnsey (RW) V 1S 0R $500,000
9. xI STR8iNK Ix (RW) V 2S 1R $1,000,000

Defenders
10. l FreeStyle 7 l GM (LD) V 1S 0R $0
11. JerseyDevils 27 (LD) V 1S 0R $750,000
12. TheHeroicDuck (LD) V 1S 0R $5,000,000
13. bull71dog (RD) V 2S 1R $5,500,000
14. CadarianTV (RD) V 1S 0R $750,000
15. SpectreGaming x (RD) V 2S 1R $500,000

Goalies
16. Bcrippsx31 (G) V 2S 0R $1,000,000
17. JACKIExCHAN (G) DP 2S 1R $750,000

Spent: $32,750,000
Cash: $2,250,000

Rehanek is actually on his cheapest contract since Season 25 but nonetheless he's still a great first line choice, just don't expect him to be able to play on Full Send Fridays. Fiore and KSP are good 2nd and 3rd liners as well. Jared and A1 up the middle is more than good enough to compete as well. The question is how they will work the right wingers into this lineup? Str8ink will be the likely first line choice but that isn't something you want if you're desire is to be a contender in the Metro.

Freestyle is easily the best player on the backend for the Islanders and he'll be desperately needed. Bulldog hasn't played defense in LG for quite awhile but I feel like he'll be a reliable partner to play second fiddle on the top pair. HeroicDuck has been long removed from the league (since the merger seasons) but he had some quite impressive stats back then. You better when a team decides to trade PolandsFinest away for you. If Cadarian shows up it's a similar story. Jersey and Spectre as a bottom pair may not be too impressive but for the cap spent it's one of the best bottom pairs I've listed so far. BCripps should be quite the tendy again this season and Jackie Chan is one of the rare drafted goalies to get the NHL nod in their first season.

Offense: B Defense: B Goalies: B



New York Rangers

Forwards
1. Im4thLineWorthy O (LW) V 1S 0R $0
2. Spawzz (LW) V 1S 0R $1,250,000
3. Givemedings16 AGM (C) V 2S 1R $7,750,000
4. IlFox (C) V 1S 0R $750,000
5. Gilleh GM (RW) V 1S 0R $0
6. GmHz Mr Kaner (RW) A 1S 0R $500,000
7. Lyons x 63 (RW) V 2S 1R $500,000
8. Stoner x 95 (RW) V 1S 0R $1,500,000
9. Vcek (RW) V 2S 1R $500,000

Defenders
10. jewbawkka (LD) V 3S 0R $1,000,000
11. Po1andsFinest (LD) V 1S 0R $7,750,000
12. Dualtz (RD) V 1S 0R $750,000
13. Lingross (RD) V 3S 0R $4,000,000
14. Maxwell x 3 (RD) V 1S 0R $2,750,000
15. Twist3DKingZz (RD) V 1S 0R $1,000,000

Goalies
16. BizyBounce (G) V 2S 0R $2,000,000
17. Crisper 19 (G) V 2S 0R $500,000

Spent: $32,500,000
Cash: $2,500,000

You have a mix of the best depth from the S29 Winnipeg cup winners, the best forward in the game as a GM, and Dings to fill out your center core at 7.75, There are zero complaints about this lineup, tons of chemistry and talent in what is likely the best forward lineup in the East. They did have to snake a GT in to get to this point though, so hopefully they didn't burn up all their good luck for the season.

Defensively they made a excellent move to pick up PolandsFinest who will bring some elite defensive play and still contribute on the points sheet as well. Lingross next to him is the best top pair in the metro and will be great to watch. Dualtz, Twisted and Jewbakka all for under 1 million is insane for what they provide. They honestly have 6 players who could be in most 1st/2nd lines. Bizy had another fantastic season for 4thline and I don't expect that to stop. Crisper looks to be comfortable in the regular season but his next swing at the playoffs you'll have to keep an eye on his performances.

Offense: A Defense: A+ Goalies: A



Philadelphia Flyers

Forwards
1. Dxwny (LW) V 2S 0R $2,000,000
2. Zigg989 (LW) V 2S 1R $500,000
3. MarcoGoes5H0LE GM (C) V 1S 0R $0
4. l JLP l (C) V 2S 1R $7,250,000
5. McFleuryyy (C) V 1S 0R $8,000,000
6. BDBeastx19 (RW) V 1S 0R $1,000,000
7. Karlsson Klaus (RW) V 2S 1R $500,000
8. kcut (RW) V 1S 0R $3,250,000
9. shredda vI56I (RW) V 1S 0R $500,000

Defenders
10. JimmyGx89 (LD) V 1S 0R $3,500,000
11. Potsy44 (LD) V 1S 0R $1,000,000
12. DeeSa Ali O (RD) V 1S 0R $0
13. BlG LEW 69 (RD) V 1S 0R $500,000
14. Pohloe (RD) V 1S 0R $500,000
15. REDWINGSSPEEDY1 (RD) A 1S 0R $3,250,000

Goalies
16. o S m i i t t y AGM (G) V 2S 1R $1,000,000
17. xTaek (G) V 1S 0R $500,000

Spent: $33,250,000
Cash: $1,750,000

Easily the best center depth in the league with Marco/Fluery/JLP but it came at a steep price as you'd expect. Carch is depending on some names who haven't been around in quite awhile like Klaus, Shredda, and Zigg989. They are extremely cheap and if they pay off you could argue that they're on par with the Rangers, but that is yet to be seen. Kcut continues to be a steal with every resign he gets.

A top pair of Jimmy G and Carch is not all that exciting. I don't think I need to remind Philly about losing to Poopie Snoopie even though it was FNP. RedWingSpeedy definitely went for quite the price tag, but after looking at his numbers in the AHL I am not surprised. Ka2Good will make the day 1 roster once a trade is made and should fill out the top four nicely. I don't think Ghetto Nuns really needed to change his GT to snake bidding but he did anyways. He's a good 500k option alongside whoever they put at LD. Potsy is a long time veteran, so I can understand the decision there but I rather would have seen them take more shots like they have with Lew and Red Wing. Smitty is an elite goaltender who shouldn't have any problems putting up impressive numbers. Taek may not have the numbers but I've heard good things about him.

Offense: A- Defense: B+ Goalies: A-



Pittsburgh Penguins

Forwards
1. BLicK12 (LW) V 2S 0R $3,250,000
2. l S4K l (LW) V 3S 1R $1,250,000
3. SamDelisle9 GM (C) V 1S 0R $0
4. stev AGM (C) V 1S 0R $750,000
5. Augchenyuk (C) V 1S 0R $2,250,000
6. FightMe lRL (C) V 1S 0R $3,250,000
7. Hopkins 28 (RW) V 2S 1R $750,000
8. McLxvinn (RW) V 2S 0R $8,000,000
9. xxIArmy0f0neIxx (RW) V 1S 0R $750,000

Defenders
10. Fn Waz (LD) V 2S 1R $3,250,000
11. Gazzerk (LD) V 1S 0R $1,000,000
12. Nybo x 3 (LD) V 2S 1R $4,000,000
13. brandovedo O (RD) V 1S 0R $0
14. BRADENxHOLTBY (RD) V 1S 0R $2,250,000
15. prOspect08 (RD) V 1S 0R $500,000

Goalies
17. Kingofny1983 (G) V 2S 0R $500,000
18. XxJGriZZa1xX (G) V 1S 0R $500,000

Spent: $32,250,000
Cash: $2,750,000

The immediate question is who their top LW will be. Blick does not really provide the offensive firepower you'd want out of that position so you'd expect him to be a depth choice with S4K. Hopkins may be the LW choice and he's reportedly been quite impressive during the off-season. Put him up front with Sam and McLovin and you're looking at a powerful top line at a great price. Auggy switching to center is going to be interesting to watch, but expect him to be defensively responsible. FightMe IRL is another one of those great players from seasons ago, he'll need to pan out to make this team a true competitor. ArmyOfOne quietly taking a resign and continuing to be a Brando favorite.

Nybo/Brando is the likely top pair and not a bad one. Both long time veterans who know what works and they'll be tough to beat. Braden, Waz, and Gazzerk are all worthy of a 2nd line spot. Meanwhile Prospect's only NHL seasons have been with Brando, he's a favorite of his just like ArmyOfOne. I'm assuming with the callup of JGrizz that one of the two current goalies are on the way out. I'm going to assume Bakes is that guy. If that is the case they did downgrade at the position slightly and come into the season with two guys who have always got NHL backup spots.

Offense: A- Defense: B Goalies: B



Washington Capitals

Forwards
1. Kev_F88 (LW) V 1S 0R $6,250,000
2. Nelcro (LW) A 2S 1R $500,000
3. CroydonKNIGHT9 (C) A 2S 1R $500,000
4. dooglare (C) A 1S 0R $1,000,000
5. RAMPAGEx91 (C) V 1S 0R $500,000
6. Rob475 (C) V 3S 2R $500,000
7. TIN045 O (RW) V 1S 0R $0
8. XGeneral420X (RW) V 1S 0R $500,000
9. xTheos l7l (RW) V 1S 0R $13,000,000

Defenders
10. GIJoe Destro (LD) V 2S 1R $500,000
11. l Rebel 2 l (LD) V 2S 1R $500,000
12. lVlr T 16 (LD) V 1S 0R $5,500,000
13. XxSgtSketchiexX (LD) V 2S 0R $500,000
14. xJLucas GM (RD) V 1S 0R $0
15. THE JENNERALS (RD) A 1S 0R $500,000

Goalies
16. Mr Blain3r (G) V 1S 0R $750,000
17. TheGreech (G) V 1S 0R $1,500,000

Spent: $32,500,000
Cash: $2,500,000

I really don't know what to say about this team. It's self explanatory. Theos for 13 million is a horrible deal, and in a similar situation on Vancouver seasons ago I can't predict great things out of him. Kev at that price for his production last season is a question mark. He hasn't been on the off-season/ESHL radar either. The rest is a mix of AHL guys other than Tino and General420. Tino and Lucas must know some things that I don't see on paper.

A whole load of AHL d men and a CHL stud combined with Lucas does not make for a much more impressive defensive lineup. Jennerals may be a guy to keep an eye on though. Blainer and Greech have both been pretty good in club but they both are going to be having to stand on their heads if this defense does not come to play at an NHL level.

Offense: C+ Defense: C Goalies: C+



DIVISION PREDICTIONS

*NOTE: I will be doing a 5th post to show my predictions for who makes the playoffs in the wild card as well as a BOLD cup finals prediction*

Right now this is a two horse race between the Rangers and Flyers. I'd give the edge right now to the Rangers for overall depth and chemistry to start the season but if they make any mistakes and the Flyers are on fire you could see them swap positions. Brando's Penguins just haven't been the same since the resign trades were banned. He's still forming great teams but he just isn't able to maintain those rosters through trades like he could before. Freak was on pace to be a competitor with the Pens but he has already shot himself in the foot with poor trades leaving them in 4th for me. Columbus is going to be on the hunt for a wild card spot and it will come down to stealing wins and points against the top 3 in the division. Carolina could be a similar story if the selections on defense work out for them. I can't put New Jersey above either Carolina or Columbus because you feel like the potential output of most players (especially the defense) is already predictable. I don't see anyone who could really step up any more than they currently have. Washington is not on the same level as any of the teams listed above, quite the disappointing bidding for them to say the least.


1. New York Rangers
2. Philadelphia Flyers
3. Pittsburgh Penguins
4. New York Islanders
5. Columbus Blue Jackets
6. Carolina Hurricanes
7. New Jersey Devils
8. Washington Capitals​

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Great write up taco!

 

Awesome write up!

 

Not sure why people think im bad... i clamp like 98% of the players in the league when i try... oh well gunna be fun shutting people up this season!


Pretty good write up taco ill aprove it

 

Another awesome write up! Great job!

 

"LDs that have proven to be reliable enough for playoff teams but nothing special so far". Can't wait to post this on my refrigerator along with my yearbook excerpt "Most likely to be incredibly average".

 

Patelite is that you ?

 

Give me ur game 7 line

 

Think u ranked the flyers 5 spots to high. But GREAT POST

 

@APsychicTaco you are giving the rangers best defense in the nhl ? Cmon taco put down the bong

 

Ur still gonna dodge us tho

 

I can't rate them that low. Thankfully @DeeSa Ali isn't in the Atlantic or I'd have to consider putting Florida above them

 

The people want hop on the first line @brandovedo

 

Thanks for the kind words. @APsychicTaco

 

Great write-up Tac

 

Shitter here

 

Manny is definitely a shitter

 

@APsychicTaco to be fair to @Kev_F88 he had 15 points in 12 games on that contract with the lowly nucks last season and we all know how that team turned out. Once traded to the B's he proved he was worth the contract having 38 points in 10 games. Maybe not worth 6.25 sure that could be argued but hes definitely deserving of being up there in the upper echelon

 

If only I was with the B's all season. ):

 

I’m offended, scoring prowess be damned, how dare you only give us a B rating on defense?