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Boomerange · 05-22-2024, 01:24 PM

The Yukon Malamutes finished off S76 in a less than favourable position; 24-36-6 for 13th in the league. As such, they had a tough first playoff round against the 2nd seeded Newfound Berserkers and were a quick first round playoff exit in a decisive 6 game series. While that may present a grim outlook for the team, it does offer some insight into the planned direction head office has for the team's core. With six young players joining the team fresh this season, Yukon has a bright light ahead of them, but what exactly does that future planning look like? Who are the players that are coveted to lead the team into the future?

McLovin - RD | 6 FT 2 IN | 196 LBS - 337 TPE
Strengths: Defensive Read [15], Stamina [15]
Weaknesses: Speed [12], Acceleration [12]
McLovin was Yukon's first round draft pick (#11) this season, and has performed as such. Lining up 8 goals and 23 points in his rookie campaign along with 101 blocks and 81 hits, this young sensation is a two way threat from the blue line that the Malamutes can rely upon for years to come. While he is progressing much faster than most players and may be a quick call up to the pros, the team will likely have him as a backbone for two seasons at least, which is all they'll need to put up a squad around him and take it all the way to the cup.

Hugo Spycher - LW | 6 FT 4 IN | 205 LBS - 295 TPE
Strengths: Shooting Accuracy [16], Offensive Read [15]
Weaknesses: Shot Blocking [6], Hitting [8]
Hugo Spycher joined the Malamutes later in the season, but came in on fire and became the team's #2 quickest progressing prospect in the class quickly. Despite playing only half the campaign, Spycher punched in 7 goals and 9 assists for 16 points, and contributed 34 hits and 6 blocks defensively. It's clear from his stat line and his training that Spycher is a bit of a risky player; high offensive upside with a glaring hole in his defensive gameplay. This isn't something that can't work inside an offence though, and with the shot this kid has developed throughout the season, it would be interesting to see him paired with a high calibre playmaker in the future.

Smudge Pan - RW | 5 FT 6 IN | 187 LBS - 258 TPE
Strengths: Shooting Accuracy [14], Stamina [14]
Weaknesses: Strength [10], Acceleration [10]
Smudge Pan was another late joiner to the Malamutes, but like Spycher has remained a steady developer throughout. Playing on a few more games than the latter, Pan put up 6 goals and 8 assists for 14 points along with 24 blocks and 46 hits. More of a two way player with an offensive lean, Pan is the kind of guy players love to play with, and hate to play against. He'll be a persistent, creeping threat on the ice and can only stand to get better if he works on smaller, more fundamental aspects of his athleticism.

Bouch Bomb - RD | 6 FT 3 IN | 200 LBS - 227 TPE
Strengths: Stamina [14], Defensive Read [13]
Weaknesses: Strength [10], Positioning [11]
Bouch Bomb is a young, progressing defenseman who certainly has potential to become a great blue line prowler. Opting for a reserved, balanced gameplay style, Bomb has focused on developing his stamina and gameplay knowledge in order to best asses incoming threats. He's a shot calling kind of defenseman with an eye for the play, and as such scored 3 times and added 14 assists for 17 points this season. As the Malamutes 2nd round pick (#30), he certainly lived up to his potential and is primed for an even better sophomore season. Look out for him being a core piece of this defensive line for years to come.

Dexter Harrison Jr. - G | 6 FT 5 IN | 225 LBS - 226 TPE
Strengths: Positioning [15], Rebound [12]
Weaknesses: Glove [8], Blocker [9]
Another late join to the team, Dexter Harrison Jr. has been a welcome face behind veteran netminder Karter Mendenhall. Going 13-13-1 in his rookie season, it was a pretty respectable showing for the Finnish goaltender. A 90.9% save percentage is also nothing to be ashamed of, although Harrison's timid progression in net may be a sign that he will be resigned to more of a backup role for now, leaving an opening for another young goalie to join the fold in this season's draft class.

Gunny Vaudeville - RW | 5 FT 10 IN | 185 LBS - 200 TPE
Strengths: Stamina [14], Shooting Accuracy [14]
Weaknesses: Strength [9], Agility [11]
The final addition to the team, and another late joiner, Vaudeville has worked his way into a solid prospect through the last few weeks, and put up 6 goals, 14 assists, and 20 points in only half the season. With a focus on shooting, Vaudeville is sure to be a key offensive piece for the Malamutes into next season and beyond. Pairing him up with a talented two way player or playmaker could make for an interesting collision.

*CptSquall* · 05-26-2024, 12:34 PM

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