Against: They have the most talented young line up by far, and their 14-5 start has been a healthy side effect of the correctly structured rebuild. I say "against" because the peak of Tampa's youthful core still hasn't matured. In the next 2-5 seasons, I will expect them to maintain at least a 14-5 record, but at least until then, I will still consider it a pleasant surprise.




Against: In terms of potential, Tokolosh is certainly up there. Monkey D. Luffy @TnlAstatine has earned TPE at a higher pace and has produced similar numbers while leading to similarly disappointing team results. @Fordyford is a talented defenseman who has already played a role in getting a major league team a championship. While his off-ice efforts are admirable, his on-ice performance is still waiting to click, although he has fared much better than his previous minus 19. However, the best argument against Julio's top status are Kelowna's Gunnar Sodderberg @sköldpaddor and Anaheim's Corey Kennedy @SDCore . Sodderberg (umlauts excluded) earns at a similar level, contributes heavily on and off the ice and has the locker room accolades to prove it. Tampa Bay has begun their restructuring, and in their first major tank/rebuild starting year the GM selected Gunnar as early as possible. He will be the player that Tampa Bay's impending rise will be based around. @SDCore Corey Kennedy is another defenseman who performs on a similar tier as Tokolosh, with effort levels closer to Ford's. He will slide in well with a thirsty Chicago blue line. He is certainly a player to structure your franchise around, which is something one franchise does not think of Ford.