4. Who are the best players you shouldn’t pick in fantasy? Why? 4 TPE (200+ words)
Alright, let's start with forwards. Ekaterina Valieva is the new Marco Barengrub, what I mean by that is on paper they look like one of the best in the SHL but doesn't get points because of their role. Valieva is on a really good Baltimore team but isn't on their PP1, so avoid that player even though TPE wise they are in the top 10. Minnesota had a good season for the first time since we moved to FHM but I would stay away from Meta Knight. He's their best forward and for sure a top player in the league but he's getting pretty old, regression will get us all unless you're Olof Karsikko.

For defensemen, unless you're one of the last to select a d-man stay away from NOLA. They have by far the best top 4 in the SHL but fantasy wise it's hard to tell which one to go after. They will all get around 200 block shots which is great, but what separates a good fantasy d-man to a great one is their point production. Unless things change this season it's really a lottery to figure out who of Nash Topalo, Lester Oiduser, Hugh Manius and Filip Lund will pop off for them. Elena Maximova and Sydney Shaw are number 2 and 3 TPE wise for defensemen and yet I consider them risky picks. With Georg N'Zola leaving LAP for BAP, Elena should have their best season on a great Los Angeles team playing PP1. Sydney is more of a defensive d-man which is really valuable but not to a fantasy squad.

Goalies are more of a product of the team they play behind then their individual skills. Tibuk Soonika and Rhett "Shaggy" Carpet are our current best goalies and yet because they don't play for a top team, you will be able to find 8 better options.


7. Which PT(s) should be changed, how and why? 2 TPE (109 words)
I'm a big fan of the two options to choose a PT to write about. I usually have an easier time to write about the one that is more sim oriented. Problem is that last season all of them but one completely ignore that some of us are goalies in this league and figuring out a way to explain how my player was able to score a hat trick to win an OT game was quite a challenge. Or how about I win board battles as a goaltender. I know PT director is a tough job but please make sims oriented PT easier to write about for all positions.


9. All Star Showdown 2 TPE (105 words)
In the East, all teams but Montreal should end up with an all star player. Austin Morley played for a pretty bad Manhattan team but 76 pts should earn him a spot. Denebor Milasch had an impressive rookie year in net for Toronto and along Jack St-Clair should make the All star team.

In the West, Julian Eaglesong should make it for Edmonton. Minus 66 is not ideal, but the current format prefers every team being represented and 69 points should get it done. I know multi bid teams are reserved for top teams but both Will Tomlander and Shadow Fenix deserve to represent Seattle.