Western Post-Bidding Team Rankings and Predictions

Please keep in mind these are our personal opinions after a thorough review of teams and players. Rankings are graded on a number basis out of 5, this is done for Forwards, Defense, and Goalies - followed by a calculated overall grade, we then added: Keys to Success, Best Contract, X-Factor Players and Interview Questions!

All Grades for Forwards, Defense, and Goalies will be based on player prices, player history, and general player knowledge.

Keys to Success = Self-explanatory
Best Contract = Based on pricing, stats, and our opinions
❌ Factor Player = A player we think can have a huge impact if they perform this season
Overall Predictions = Based on overall ratings and personal opinions

Overall Predictions will be based on ratings and not take into account "division leaders" in terms of final conference standings.

Let's Begin

Western Conference​

Abbotsford Canucks

Management duo @GhostxBearx and @Mxzzin - These guys put together a solid team built off the Westy connection, they have some top-end talent in their free contracts and bids that will have to steady the ship until they can sort out how to veto qc servers each game.

Grades

Forwards: 3.9/5 | Player to watch - @xKobeskrt

Defense: 4.1/5 | Player to watch - @HeyKep

Goalies: 3.5/5 | Player to watch - @iamchillson

Overall rating = 3.83/5

Keys to Success - The Canucks will have to lean on their firepower down the left wing and top-end D-Men this season to help cover up some of the holes on the bottom lines like many other teams this summer season.

Best Contract → @x-_9-Shield-8_-x (1M)

❌ Factor Player → @Mxzzin

• Interview Question for Canucks GM @GhostxBearx •

"It's clear that you guys went with a bit of a defense-oriented roster post-bidding, how do you plan on spreading out the talent offensively in order to generate some success for this team come Sunday night?"

• Response •

"This is my 6th season as management in LG and the first season where the approach to bidding was different. I've never started out with no assets so it was a challenge, but a fun one at that. We built this team around chemistry over skill. If you notice freeze and Exo are best friends, Shield and Coleton dominated the ECHL together for the Iowa Heartlanders, and BK and Kobe lead the WCHL in points on the same line. Let's hope the whole chemistry over skill debate works out!"

Colorado Eagles

Management duo @BANDIT V HXC and @Mawson_99 - put together a defense-heavy team in bidding that may struggle to score outside of their top lines. They have some promising pieces up front but the left side of the ice may lack the top-end skill to contribute consistently.

Grades

Forwards: 3.5/5 | Player to watch - @Frxnch-Kuchxrov

Defense: 4.1/5 | Player to watch - @jblaze0514

Goalies: 4.2/5 | Players to watch - @BRISINGR31 , @Sniper0002014

Overall rating = 3.93/5

Keys to Success - Colorado has a highly paid group of proven defensemen and a goalie tandem that has the potential to steal the show on any given night. The back end will have to make up for a bit of a lackluster forward core if they intend to compete for the playoffs.

Best Contract → @Noblood777 (1M)

❌ Factor Player → @BRISINGR31

• Interview Question for Eagles GM @BANDIT V HXC •

"We saw a more offense-heavy approach to team building on the east side but your Eagles squad looks to be built from the back end up, are you worried at all that your team may struggle with scoring through 3 lines?"

• Response •

"Good question, thank you. I’m not worried, and those might be famous last words, but they’re words I’m sticking by. Two of our planned lines scored 96 goals and 86 goals last season, respectively. We have multiple 40+ goal scorers playing on different lines. We have effective playmakers and elite players who know how to move the puck to create high-danger scoring opportunities. We’ve done extensive research and while yes, we do have an emphasis on defense and goaltending this season, we are confident that we have allocated resources and acquired talent that will result in consistent offensive production."

Bakersfield Condors

Management duo @jjdomZ and @Camml23l - these guys found themselves with two top-end forward lines post-bidding, they took some risks on their D-Core that will need to be led by their top-end guys to help steady the ship. We are a fan of the @VitalDayz contract but will need to see some early-season results before being fully convinced.

Grades

Forwards: 4.2/5 | Player to watch - @Chxnch-

Defense: 3.6/5 | Player to watch - @sales-_-majestes

Goalies: 3.3/5 | Player to watch - @VitalDayz

Overall rating = 3.7/5

Keys to Success - The Condor's top two lines will likely have to tear the lid off the scoring to balance out their bottom-end lines and unproven goalie tandem

Best Contract → @ItsLordTrauma (1.75M)

❌ Factor Player → @xStorto

• Interview Question for Condors GM @jjdomZ •

"With a lot of firepower upfront are you confident your team can succeed with less of the money spent on the back end?"

• Response •

"I think we built our team (especially our d-core) based on chemistry and we got lucky with some of our D bids going so cheap. Hoping chemistry goes a long way and that our forwards can do their thing. Having Trauma as a cheap resign and Fullsy as a free contract also helped with keeping our d-core cheap. We only had to really spend cap on sales at 3.75"

Calgary Wranglers

Management @GonzoArmstrong brought in @Holland98x for this seasons bidding and achieved a roster that is very well spread out. They may have overpaid on the back a bit, but it's summer season so who didn't?

Grades

Forwards: 4.1/5 | Player to watch - @GhostMK

Defense: 4.5/5 | Player to watch - @kgrilli

Goalies: 4/5 | Player to watch - @FrewX93

Overall rating = 4.2/5

Keys to Success - There aren't too many holes in this roster, the Wrangler's success may be dependent on rooting out any bad contracts early that could impact the solid core they managed to put together here.

Best Contract → @VoltageFusion (1M)

❌ Factor Player → @GhostMK

• Interview Question for Wranglers AGM (Head of PR) @GhostMK •

"Your squad looks to be a front runner in many people's eyes this season, how would you say you managed to achieve the balance of good forwards, defense, and goalies throughout bidding and resign contracts?"

• Response •

"I think the balance started with the depth of the team prior to bidding. We had good flexibility knowing that all 3 managers can play center or we can slide Holland to RW. After we were able to get Dboot for C on a minimum contract it really set us up to have 3 lines with players that have had good chemistry in the past. Bidding for the defense was pretty tough this time around but I think we ended up getting a few guys for very good value."

Coachella Valley Firebirds

Management duo @Hxrdie- and @John_Dean_Love - these guys have a forward core that is 3 lines deep with top-end talent to boot, they collected a solid D-Core but it may lack a high-level guy or two. Goalies shouldn't be a problem for this team as both netminders can get the job done.

Grades

Forwards: 4.6/5 | Player to watch - @SA_PIiskin

Defense: 3.9/5 | Player to watch - @JHochman

Goalies: 4/5 | Player to watch - @iamTano

Overall rating = 4.16/5

Keys to Success - Pretty simple for this team, they have a dangerous top 6 and good netminders, if they manage to find the right defensive combinations they might not find a ceiling they can't break through

Best Contract → @Pezdemic (1M)

❌ Factor Player → @SA_PIiskin

• Interview Question for Firebirds GM @Hxrdie- •

"It's clear you guys went for a deep offensive core, can you speak a little bit about your decisions defensively and how you think some of the combinations on the back end will allow for continued success in the D-Zone?"

• Response •

"For our D-core we went with guys that we know and know what they are a capable of and who would buy into our defensive system. With the Dmen that were available in bidding and how expensive some went, we felt the better approach was to get that solid forward depth and get more role players on defense who will focus on their own end first and making that break out pass the forwards need."

Henderson Silver Knights

Management duo @Beauregard03 and @JimmyGx89 - Wow, everyone welcome to the 750k forward army to the league. Granted, they do have a solid defensive core but will need a massive year from their goalies if they want any kind of shot at playoffs.

Grades

Forwards: 2.8/5 | Player to watch - @CTastik91

Defense: 4.1/5 | Player to watch - @harkov47

Goalies: 3/5 | Player to watch - @nbistline

Overall rating = 3.3/5

Keys to Success - These guys are going to need to find the best defensive line combinations chemistry-wise and mix that in with a whole lot of luck for any chance at success this season let alone a playoff spot.

Best Contract → @darkdany (1M)

❌ Factor Player → @Piquxnte96

• Interview Question for Knights GM @Beauregard03 •

"What exactly was the plan going into bidding offensively in terms of spreading out the cap and creating enough offense to win games?"

• Response •

"As the manager of the Henderson Silver Knights, our approach to the bidding session was built on strategic planning and understanding our strengths and areas of improvement within our current team. Our plan going into the bidding offensively was multi-faceted. We first wanted to ensure we spread out the cap in a balanced way, addressing our need for offensive talent without neglecting the other critical parts of our team such as defense and goaltending. To create enough offense to win games, we focused on three main areas: Scoring Depth - We wanted to have scoring threats spread across our top three lines, not just our top line, Playmakers and Snipers - We sought a balance of both types of forwards - those who excel at setting up goals (playmakers) and those who excel at scoring them (snipers), and Youth and Experience - The veteran players can help guide the younger ones, and the younger ones can provide energy and potentially breakout performances. Ultimately, the goal was to create a versatile and dynamic offensive unit that can adapt to different game situations and consistently produce in order to win games"

Well put, Beauregard.

Iowa Wild

Management duo @NoScxpe96 and @SKT_Shady - these two had an above-average bidding, we see a good spread of cap throughout the team and some opportunity for 2 maybe even 3 good lines across the board. With two good free contracts, these guys might have a chance to find success this season, how much success they find will be a function of their top players performing and if @xMcCann--- can have another solid year

Grades

Forwards: 3.7/5 | Player to watch - @Deets39x

Defense: 4/5 | Players to watch - @LilBabyCaak , @NoScxpe96

Goalies: 4/5 | Player to watch - @xMcCann---

Overall rating = 3.90/5

Keys to Success - With Iowa's cap and talent spread across the board this season it is looking like a win-by-committee situation where all three lines will have to generate a good record, there doesn't seem to be one stand-alone top line that could work for or against them.

Best Contract → @DirtyDanglez-88 (750k)

❌ Factor Player → @Deets39x

• Interview Question for Wild GM @NoScxpe96 •

"It seems you guys went with a spread-out approach to your 3 forward units, can you speak to how you plan to utilize some of your bigger contracts to generate offensive success?"

• Response •

"We felt it was necessary to have at least 2 centers that have been consistent players in the league. We went into bidding with just 1 resign so we were very happy to get Deets and Buck. As you said we did want to go with a spread-out approach and our team is really versatile in that regard with 6 of our 9 forwards having the ability to play multiple forward positions/handedness which is amazing when it comes to availability and scheduling. Our goal throughout the season will be to create 3 balanced forward lines that will give us the best chance of success"

Manitoba Moose

Management duo @Coryl95l and @Couture53 - these guys got the band back together this season with a large collection of their forwards being a part of last season's team, this obviously increases the chances of success with pre-existing chemistry. The Meese went big on a couple of proven defenders that should help stabilize the bottom-end guys along with a goalie tandem led by the pricy contract of @Zanzilla10000.

Grades

Forwards: 4.4/5 | Player to watch - @Coryl95l

Defense: 4.2/5 | Player to watch - @Crazyflame29

Goalies: 3.8/5 | Player to watch - @Zanzilla10000

Overall rating = 4.13/5

Keys to Success - Post bidding the Meese have found themselves with one of the better teams on our big board, if they are able to build off the success of their returning players and get what they paid for on the back end there is no reason this team can't make a deep playoff run.

Best Contract → @JP_029 (750k)

❌ Factor Player → @Crazyflame29

• Interview Question for Moose GM @Couture53 •

"How much of a role are your returning guys going to play in propelling you guys to success this season? Can you speak to your decisions on those resigns and how you plan on utilizing them line-wise?"

• Response •

"Well, ya see ever since those 3 forwards in Ref - Leafs - Wags were united they went a grand total of 13-3-1 together and from playing clubs with them we have nothing but full faith that they can easily be more than a third line like they were last season and make the jump to be a second line at minimum. And I think everyone knows that Whassup is a steal for 2m he was an NHL D-man for 3 seasons and is going to challenge me to be the game 7 RD all season without a doubt"

Milwaukee Admirals

Management duo @xX1_Stxtzle_8Xx and @Sxlkey went big on their D-core this season and it has the potential to pay off huge or quickly unravel, steadying the ship will then be the forward core that has two top-end lines and a bottom trifecta that should be able to carry their own weight.

Grades

Forwards: 4.5/5 | Player to watch - @DuuuvaI

Defense: 4.2/5 | Player to watch - @Camouflage2837

Goalies: 3.7/5 | Player to watch - @jasonx1755

Overall rating = 4.13/5

Keys to Success - This Admirals team has a high ceiling for success if they can get what their money is worth out of the back end, from a first glance is it apparent that @jasonx1755 will have to step up into that definitive starter role for Milwaukee to succeed.

Best Contract → @Savvyy4 (2.5M)

❌ Factor Player → @B-E-A-M-E-D

• Interview Question for Admirals GM @xX1_Stxtzle_8Xx •

"What is the plan offensively? Are we going to see a heavy first couple of lines or will the talent be a little more spread out this season?"

• Response •

"First couple weeks we have it pretty well spread out with a few sleeper players playing around our core guys, we're excited with how the bidding went and the changes we made compared to last season's team!"

Ontario Reign

Management duo @ZestyDucks- and @Malbom30 - This is a team that could become a problem if their core contracts get some quick chemistry and have good seasons. We see a lot of potential in some of the lower-priced players and 4 to 5 solid D-men plus two goalies that can steal games if they get hot

Grades

Forwards: 4/5 | Players to watch - @Keakzy , @I_PARKZY_I

Defense: 4.4/5 | Player to watch - @lMarner16l

Goalies: 4/5 | Player to watch - @TurkeyTennis844

Overall rating = 4.13/5

Keys to Success - This team has a plethora of potential upside, they can easily become one of the better teams in this conference if they find the right formulas upfront.

Best Contract → @l-meo_99-l

❌ Factor Player → @McPumpyXQc-_-

• Interview Question for Reign GM @ZestyDucks- •

"You guys went with some higher contracts defensively, can you speak to some of your decisions offensively and how you expect those guys to mesh with their linemates and how that might impact the course of the season up-front?"

• Response •

"We went with higher contracts on defense because the D class in bidding was garbage, and guys like Parkzy for min bid is a steal, he's going to break out playing with Malbom! The third line might take a while to figure each other out but I’d be surprised if they were under .500 come the season's end. Everyone knows who Meo is, and Keakzy is nice with it and he's one of my fav linemates"

Rockford Icehogs

Management duo @Morrow_2867 and @xMids-_- → This former Abbotsford crew brought back a core group of their top-end players from last season. This team will be spearheaded by a strong D-Core and forward group that is familiar with each other, the goalie tandem is made up of two guys who each have a shot at the starter role

Grades

Forwards: 3.8/5 | Player to watch - @DMacDabs_

Defense: 4.3/5 | Player to watch - @bryg20_

Goalies: 3.9/5 | Player to watch - @StrawHatBen-

Overall rating = 4.0/5

Keys to Success - It's clear that this team has a good group of defensemen who can hold down the fort while the forward group reaches their peak, the goalie tandem shouldn't be a problem which could lead the IceHogs squad into the promised land if the scoring is there.

Best Contract → @xMarny-_- (1.75M)

❌ Factor Player → @xFIow-_-

• Interview Question for Hogs GM @Morrow_2867 •

"You guys did a great job at spreading out some of the cap space bidding-wise, what do you think could be this team's biggest upside either in terms of lines or specific position groups?"

• Response •

"I think being able to bring back 80% of two lines that we know can win in this league is huge. Both put up 17 wins last season and we only hope that number goes up this season. But I think getting both our goalies and a million a piece is big and they both bring some ahl experience with them and know how to win. I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen from both of them so far!"

San Diego Gulls

Management duo @Jlm1410 and @Mgiroux - Another tandem that did well spreading out cap along the course of bidding, it will be interesting to see how their bigger defensive contracts perform. A big season out of @EHans-- and @xPhiist could prove to be a game-changer for this roster as they really only have one goalie in @Knxght30 to steal games for this squad.

Grades

Forwards: 3.8/5 | Player to watch - @xPhiist

Defense: 3.8/5 | Player to watch - @Mgiroux

Goalies: 4/5 | Player to watch - @Knxght30

Overall rating = 3.86/5

Keys to Success - This roster needs some serious results out of their offensive core, having @Mgiroux as a free defensive contract definitely makes up for the free contract of @Jlm1410 after his last two seasonal performances. This team could find success with a big year up-front but if not it's looking like curtains playoffs-wise.

Best Contract → @Pawdiddy (1.25M)

❌ Factor Player → @Knxght30

• Interview Question for Gulls GM @Jlm1410 •

"Can you speak a little bit to your team's offense in terms of both resigns and free contracts? Is there anything you're excited about line-wise this season that you think some people should look out for?"

• Response •

"I think our offense will be fine, we have a good group up top with guys that can make a play, I was happy to resign Codiz cause he could've been easily a high price in this bidding pool, line wise I'm hoping we can play good team D, our big strength is going to be keeping the puck out of our own net"

San Jose Barracuda

Management duo @Ironside197 and @Mythic_Shadow9 - First of all, congratulations on the Calder and its cup-checking benefits! These guys know how to put together a roster and don't need to prove that to anybody, we're still a little mad about them stealing back @Pastujov but we will let it slide - for now. These guys will have another great season and might even go back-to-back.

Grades

Forwards: 4.5/5 | Players to watch - @Bsavage28 , @Ironside197 , @Mythic_Shadow9

Defense: 4.2/5 | Players to watch - @Clampse , @Kroner--

Goalies: 4/5 | Player to watch - @Xx_Price_xX31-_

Overall rating = 4.23/5

Keys to Success - Not much to say here, one of the best teams we've seen offensively. This management tandem knows how to find the right combinations line-wise and as long as the netminders do their jobs this roster is going to be scary

Best Contract → @kered93 (1.25M)

❌ Factor Player → @Foncce

• Interview Question for Cuda GM @Ironside197 •

"Coming hot off of a Calder Cup win, what's the mentality going into this season with some new faces in the league, management-wise, and some higher-level guys falling to the AHL in different positions? Do you think based on bidding and other teams you guys will have any problem being a top team again?"

• Response •

"Have you ever seen The Karate Kid? Cuda is Cobra Kai or as we say now, Cuda Kai. Regardless of the players that funnel through our organization our “take no mercy” way of life always prevails. We build winners here in Cuda Kai and the team we built this summer season is no different. CUDA KAI NEVER DIES: Strike first. Strike hard. No mercy."

Springfield Thunderbirds

Management duo @Nolan_M-30 and @Jacob - One of their free contracts is very good, the other one just talks too much. @S-Ghost86 is a game 7 Centre with their current depth down the middle, skill-wise. Finding that guy the right linemates in terms of playstyle will give this team two solid first lines.

Grades

Forwards: 4.5/5 | Players to watch - @S-Ghost86 , @Nolan_M-30

Defense: 4/5 | Player to watch - @LindowxWicker

Goalies: 3.8/5 | Player to watch - @KermitDeFrxg

Overall rating = 4.10/5

Keys to Success - The back end is going to be the deciding factor for this Thunderbirds program, tons of firepower up front will allow for plenty of goals but these guys need to find some defensive chemistry early in order to show us whether or not they can blast through that top-team ceiling.

Best Contract → @S-Ghost86 (3M)

❌ Factor Player → @TGil36

• Interview Question for T-Birds GM @Nolan_M-30 •

"We were extremely impressed with your guy's decisions bidding-wise in terms of a forward core, can you speak a little to your defensive end and how you think @KermitDeFrxg will do in the backup position after securing him for a minimum bid?"

• Response •

"We are very impressed with how our bidding went. We believe highly in our D-Core as well with Lindow leading the way. We were able to pick up 3 studs at defense on minimum contracts too which was great. I honestly think Smarsh will win the Vezina, guy is gross between the pipes. We also have another solid goalie so we will see who starts after a couple of weeks"

Texas Stars

Duo @Tims-FarmersWrap and @Primetimme - aside from being one of the most interesting management duos personality-wise the AHL has ever had the pleasure of knowing, these guys also know their players and did well in bidding on the back end. We're interested to see how a few of their minimum-bid guys including @ItsDomii and @SirBxar do this season.

Grades

Forwards: 3.6/5 | Players to watch - @xTheFlyingCow42 , @Primetimme

Defense: 4/5 | Player to watch - @Brandflakes29

Goalies: 4.6/5 | Player to watch - @Tims-FarmersWrap

Overall rating = 4.13/5

Keys to Success - A free contract at goalie isn't seen a whole lot in this league, If Romey can play like we know he can in the starter role we think this team can have a very successful season. This program is based a little more around the back end so some good line combinations up-front mixed with a few glue guys for morale could propel these Stars to a successful S23.

Best Contract → @thexgreatx8x (1.5M)

❌ Factor Player → @Tims-FarmersWrap

• Interview Question for Stars AGM @Primetimme •

"You guys went with an interesting dynamic forward-wise, Is there any worry regarding offensive success with a heavy cap presence down the right wing and a few minimum bid guys down the middle?"

• Response •

"I don’t think there’s any concern at all. The positions a lot of guys are listed at don’t tell the entire story with this roster. I think when you go into a season with guys like Aali, Myself, Hypey, and Crowe, who are extremely capable centers in the AHL, you have a luxury most other teams probably wish they had. Then you get the chance to supplement those players with an NHL-level talent in great8, or someone like Pony who’s ready for a huge breakout season, I think offense will be a strength, not a concern."

Tuscon Roadrunners

Management duo @Buckleyx14 and @xvSleep - Another tandem that did a good job bidding-wise and has some opportunity for 3 solid lines up front. We are interested to see how these guys pair up defensively and hope to see another good season from their starter @Saddzy-

Grades

Forwards: 4.3/5 | Player to watch - @Scarpetti-

Defense: 4/5 | Players to watch - @NxtiveKxrlssxn , @Loochador-

Goalies: 3.9/5 | Player to watch - @Saddzy-

Overall rating = 4.06/5

Keys to Success - As we touched on in the introduction, defensive pairings are going to play a big impact on this team's dynamic, we see some decent firepower up front and a good starter between the pipes, In our opinion we think the difference between an average season and a good season for these guys will be finding the right combinations on the blue line.

Best Contract → @SoooooooNoHead- (750k)

❌ Factor Player → @Saddzy-

• Interview Question for Meep Meeps GM @Buckleyx14 •

"We see you guys took a chance on some minimum bid guys up front, can you speak a little to the decision on those guys in terms of the role they will play being on lines with some higher-level guys?"

• Response •

"SoooooNoHead and Appa our 750K wingers as well as Johnmclane (750k RD), are XvSleeps close friends, they've known each other for a while, and play the game every night together so we're hoping the chem and comfort level gets them off to a good start, our 750k C Stxmkos91- came recommended by some friends of mine (shoutout to eagles and Scarpetti), he has a ton of experience in LG, and has had some success, we're expecting a bounce-back season from him for sure if placed with some competitive wingers"

OVERALL RANKINGS PREDICTION

1. Barracuda
2. Wranglers
3. Firebirds
4. Reign
5. Stars
6. Admirals
7. Moose
8. Thunderbirds
9. Roadrunners
10. Icehogs
11. Eagles
12. Wild
13. Gulls
14. Canucks
15. Condors
16. Silver Knights
​

We hope you guys are enjoying these write-ups, stay tuned for the mid-season review and some bonus media

 

The most anticipated piece of media since the East rankings, and it didn’t disappoint. Well done, Hook!

 

Shouts out to nohead

 

X factor here

 

Great write thanks for the media

 

@Kingerr_- get a load of this

 

The 3.5 on our tendys kind of hurt ybh

 

top media heel keep er goin : )

 

@Camml23l sondors need some respek

 

2nd last place team here!

 

Immediate legend status of media

 

Phenomenal write up again!

 

This is something Meeps @ 9 baby LOL. Sondors 15?? This is laughable

 

This was worth the read. Both the East and West write ups were great. Keep it rolling throughout the season!

 

nice read but I think my team is gonna end up higher

 

Hey, best contract here