After a long delay we are finally back to finishing the preview article.
Bathurst Angry Ducks 8.3:1
It is officially Stevie Y’s team.
Now we get into the parts where it’s hard to find flaws as it’s more about commenting on team strong points. Bathurst is solid across the board, forwards , defence and goaltending.
Dach, Svechnikov and Boquist are in the prime of their career and the team leads on that experience to push it toward championships. Yzerman, Quinn and Sanderson are the next wave and the future of the franchise.
The third line defence could be an issue but more on that in the future and usually can be fixed at the trade deadline.
The real cloud coming overhead is what will GM Sullivan do in relation to the season 16 draft and a super talented goaltender on the horizon. How much in the coming season will he sacrifice for draft capitol. With only 2 1st’s so far , how many is required and how are the targets.
Cains River Blues 8.1:1
Always a threat , I think the Blues have always been in the top 5 for as long as I can remember. The team has solid depth for this year however some questions are starting to appear.
The team has solid depth at every position but in particular the center lineup of Hischer, Krebs and Krebs provide a different challenge to most teams with the top two being 200 foot players and not one dimensional.
The question is what effect will father time have on this team. Already above 31 Monty has started declining in the attributes and without a wealth of options across the league, will the team be able to overcome the declining superstar.
The depth could take a hit as well with Matthews and Hanifan over 30 and more stars closing in. Will the GM and his capologist figure out the way to stretch the dollar to make it work and bring upgrades via the GM meeting.
Miramichi Moose 7.5 :1
If you like offence this is the team for you. They score a lot of goals. They let in almost as many goals. Are they winning, yes. Is it a sustainable long term plan probably not. Do I keep putting pdcs into defence? Yes, half of them went into the one stat.
Byfield and Rossi should be up there in the league leaders in points as Byfield will look to set the league points record after going for 106 points last season. The 3rd line forwards should be better balanced with Turcotte and Perfetti moved to help Rosen adapt better than last season when he sustained an early injury and returned from injury to be demoted off the Sedin line with the arrival of Seth Jarvis.
The third line defence is shaky with Willander and Lamdos but that’s before playoff problems or possible call ups from Harcout to fill in .
The goaltending is in transition as the team wants to get Cossa all the playing time possible but it’s nice to have an aging veteran Shesterkin around to provide relief and to show the 21 year old good habits for the future.
Saint John Kings 6.6 : 1
For a long time it was always a certainty that the Kings would be the odds on favorite to win but by the slightest of margins there is a new number 1.
The team has the high end talent with Jesperi,Dobson and Thompson all the highest rated players at their position with Thompson the only one on the side of 30. With Dobson becoming much more intense (steroids??????) will the offensive numbers be reduced and replaced with an abundance of hits.
With the high end talent the team came into some cap issue at the meeting and needing to move out some top line in Wahlstrom to Albert County , the team has better depth then in previous year where they were scrambling and pulling people off the streets to play for minimum salary.
If you think the team is in decline or vulnerable , this is the time where GM Kenny will make miracles happen and change if he senses that doesn't like what he sees.
And finally
South Esk Scotsman 6.4 : 1
The defending champs get the slightest of edges.
Mostly bringing back the same roster from last year with Quinn Hughes taking over for rentals Werenski’s spot of defence the team should be the class of the Lemieux Conference with minimal resistance.
It's the defence in combination with elite goaltending and a bruising style that the team prides itself on. The team usually has the highest hits in the league and Askarov is now in his prime and ready to start achieving individual awards for goaltending. In a place where most are starting to age out and a few still coming along, we may be looking at dominance for 4-5 years before anyone comes close.
Lookout for Elias Petterson, he sneakily was close in the points and major awards last year and would not be surprising given the offensive output and the usual high plus minus. He’s also the hit leader for the forwards as well.
I’m fascinated about the team's outlook for next year. With so many in the last year of their contracts and multiple possible retirements , what will next year's Scotsman look like.
11/16/2025 - 869 words
