The Bladerunners - Offseason Review

L: Huselius-Cgy RFA, J Staal-Pit P2, Eriksson-Dal P2

Rating: 2.5

Huselius finally had a statistical season worthy of his talents. Can he do it twice in a row? With Keenan as coach? My bet is no. Staal was one beneficiary of the Bible juggling positions. He's dressable at LW but would have been a weak centre. Ericksson is intriguing. Big, strong on his skates, fast, and enough offensive flair that he could turn into a 2nd line winger some day. But not today.

C: Roy-Buf RFA, Kaigodorov-Phx P2

Rating: 2

Roy will get handed the keys to the kingdom, and will draw Buffalo's best offensive wingers as a result, but he can't carry the load as a FUNHL top centre. Kaigodorov went bust in Ottawa and now appears to be a second thought in Phoenix. Maybe one day when the Russians have a transfer agreement he'll play in the NHL again.

R: Iginla-Cgy FP, Hossa-Atl FP, Grigorenk0-Det P2, Okposo-NYI P2

Rating: 5

The Bladerunners can play just about any thud they want as third liner and they'll have one of the top wings in the league. Iggy is a slight threat to win the Richard, but Hossa is more likely to go over 100. Grigorenko is on his second go round as a prospect after a serious car crash derailed his career three years ago. Okposo could be another runaway freight train of a power winger. Or he could be just a useful checking winger with size. Jury will be out until about three years from now.

D: Salo-Van RFA, Zhitnik-Atl RFA

Rating: 2

Salo is a pp specialist with a bomb of a point shot. Unfortunately, he can never stay healthy or consistent. Zhitnik may have found a new lease on life in Atlanta where the competition for power play time won't be fierce.

G: Miller-Buf P3, Howard-Det P2

Rating: 4

Miller proved last year he could be a top ten goaltender, and will get heavy minutes from the Bladerunners in that role. Howard is no threat to unseat anybody and claim the top job.

Total ranking: 15.5