+- Simulation Hockey League (https://simulationhockey.com)
+-- Forum: League Media (https://simulationhockey.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=610)
+--- Forum: SHL Media (https://simulationhockey.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=46)
+---- Forum: Graded Articles (https://simulationhockey.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=545)
+---- Thread: [2x Team Spotlight] Asking the Big Questions about MTL's Rebuild (/showthread.php?tid=137773)
[2x Team Spotlight] Asking the Big Questions about MTL's Rebuild - Jexter - 07-15-2024
One of the biggest questions on every SHLer’s mind is “When will Montreal come out of their rebuild?” Since S73, the Patriotes have been at or very near the bottom of the standings in the SHL with only 36 wins in the last 5 seasons, including one season where they went 1-64-1. However, their prospects are starting to mature and a few have a season or two in the SHL already. Even still, the Patriotes found themselves with only 7 wins last season and still at the bottom of the standings. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel for the passionate fans of the Patriotes? It would seem there is as they managed to get a buy in from their young players and prospects on building something big in Montreal. In this article, we will explore the young players of the Patriotes who have been making a difference and then take a look at the potential stars of tomorrow that lie in their prospect pool. As a rule, we will only be looking at S73 and younger players. In some of the classes, we will not have seen enough from the prospects to talk about them all yet so be ready for that.
S73
S73 was a pretty good season for the Patriotes in getting Jussi Mutou in the second round of the draft and later acquiring Xavier Beausoleil. Both of these players would get Cup winning experience on the Colorado Raptors in the SMJHL. In their first season with Montreal, Beausoleil was the leading scorer with 27 goals for 52 points which would be great if it were not for the -84 that also led the team. Mutou on the other hand has 102 points in their two seasons with the Patriots, tying for the most points on the team in their rookie campaign. If two of your three leading scorers from the past two seasons have come from the same recent draft class, I chalk that up as a win,S74
The Lobster Class is considered one of the greatest in recent memory and the Patriotes went to that particular well a considerable amount of times. Rodrigo Banes, Mikkel Enevoldsen, John Peanut, Emil Karlsson, and GM’s Son were all picked up from this draft class. Peanut and Enevoldsen were instantly made the top pairing on defense and were among the team leaders in ATOI and had the most points by defenders in the S77 season for Montreal. Emil Karlsson immediately made an impact as well with the second most points on the team in S77 while Banes and Son played support down the middle. With almost every member of this Montreal class over 1000 TPE, a new top pairing, and all of their future centers, I think we can call this class a success for the Patriotes.S75
S75 is another interesting class for the Patriotes that looks good on paper for Montreal. Charlie Slurpe was already called up to play in the SHL by Montreal and did not look out of place on the third line. Demir Bellona was their first overall pick in this class and was an extremely safe pick for a potential superstar defender. Bellona will be joined on the blue line by Journey Man, another safe pick and they will be supporting Quebec City phenom Song Ju-gong who looks to be the netminder of the future for the Patriotes. S76
Montreal again drafted smart with picks like Jim Wieners, Jack Booth, Deth Klaw, and Jamie Fraser leading the names in this class as we look to see what this one can do in the future. Fraser and Wieners look to round out the forwards on Montreal as Booth and Klaw will slot into what could be an eventually crowded blue line with all the talent on it. While there are a few other selections in this class, it remains to be seen how much of an impact they will have on the roster.S77
In the last draft, the big name that Montreal was able to snag was Swedish Chef to complete their future forward lineup while taking shots on potential other players with the rest of their picks that look like they can pan out. These include McPickle, Ixazaluoh, and frobe.So will Montreal be good? Yes, Montreal when they come out of this rebuild look to be very good. They have prioritized established players from pedigrees of working with agents and coaches of successful players (recreates) and have been very safe in selecting more fresh players as well. They will have forward depth, defensive depth and a goalie from a historically good QCC roster. The one problem I can see is overcrowding as a lot of these players will be good around the same time and Montreal may run out of room/ice time for everyone.
When will Montreal be good? The plan should all start coming together around S82, give or take a few seasons. By then, their first picks will be close to, if not already, peaking in terms of abilities and their other picks will be established in the league. So earmark that for future fantasy picks.
How good will Montreal be? If they are able to keep everyone we have listed, the Patriotes will have a wave of active, high-earning players all coming in at roughly the same time. After playing it very safe in their draft choices, the Patriotes can expect to be a top contending team for at least 6 seasons when they are in their prime. They look like they have all the superstars they need coming through the pipeline in every position. What really stands out is the defensive capabilities of the prospects coming up through the prospect pool. I would say be very afraid of the potential of this team and I think anything less than 3-4 finals appearances and a Challenge Cup or two by this roster before ~S88 would be a massive underperformance.
That is all for this time dear readers and be sure to get ready for the Conference Finals and Finals this week!
WC: 1018
RE: [2x Team Spotlight] Asking the Big Questions about MTL's Rebuild - sliceruser - 07-15-2024
Montreal has drafted some crazy talent through their rebuild and im sure between CHI SEA and MTL we are gonna have some crazy rivalry come S82
RE: [2x Team Spotlight] Asking the Big Questions about MTL's Rebuild - Ohtaay - 07-15-2024
07-15-2024, 03:05 PMsliceruser Wrote: Montreal has drafted some crazy talent through their rebuild and im sure between CHI SEA and MTL we are gonna have some crazy rivalry come S82
A lot of strong rebuilding teams coming up at the same time!