I this deep dive I examine the effectiveness of two free agents picked up by Fluw and the Yukon staff, and their effect on the totality of the Malamutes' season. I am talking of course about rookie phenoms Djoe Anderson and Jakub Alexa. In the case of Djoe, Yukon saw a chance to take a young undrafted player at a time where talent is at a premium for the club. On the other hand, Jakub was a necessary add after the Malamutes' staff had to release another young goaltender due to some off-ice issues. Both signings have paid dividends and then some, lets break it down.

Out the gate Djoe Anderson thrived on the Malamutes top line. He jumped out to a strong start pacing his team in points. As time went on the veterans would catch up, but so too would his rookie linemates Chuck Lumbermouth and Christina Fantobens. This is no coincidence as Djoe's GF/60 paced all 3 for the season, driving that line from the wing. His 40 assists led all Malamutes this season, and 19 goals was good for 5th. He and linemate Lumbermouth tied for 2nd on the team in points with 59. He impressed the Mute's coaching staff defensively as well, enough so to earn a regular spot on the PK, finishing second in short handed minutes. Anderson would finish in a tie for 3rd among all SMJHL rookies in assists, and finished tied for 4th in the league in rookie points. 

Having a look at Jakub Alexa you'll find a rookie goaltender who joined the club part way through the season and went on to split with 2nd year Phemeia McLaughlin in what would end up a featured role. Jakub would an impressive rookie season, finishing 9th in GAA, 2nd in GSAA, and pacing the entire league in SV%. Jakub would finish the season leading all Mutes goaltenders in practically all categories, including minutes played, wins, saves, GAA, shutouts, and SV%. 

Both of these players were added without Yukon having to give up a single asset. Couple this with the aforementioned Fantobens and Lumbermouth, as well as much lauded 1st overall pick Earl Biggins and you've got 5 star rookies capable of contributing in a big way to a playoff push. In fact, Yukon would go on to finish 34-24-8, good for 76 points and the 8th best record in the league. This would see them finish 3rd in the Northern Conference with a +11 goal differential. Yukon may be able to make a run as early as this season, but if Fluw and BadWolf can add more talent like Anderson and Alexa without giving up any current or future assets, the next few seasons should see a rise to the top as their other rookie talent develops. Watch for the Malamutes to continue to add aggressively in the coming seasons and stockpile talent in an effort to repeat the success they found in the free agency pool this time around.

Approved @LeakyCink @CptSquall

credit to Flappy, ToeDragon, and Carpy