Ramapithicines - Offseason Review

L: Picard-Clb P3, Nilsson-Edm P3

Rating: 1

Picard has excellent size and skill, but lacks elite scoring or play-making ability. Still, he could be a Ryan Smyth type all-purpose winger if it comes together for him. Nilsson is the poster child for the soft but highly skilled euro-forward. He's already flunked out of the Islanders organization, and while he should make the Oilers outright this year, he is far from assured powerplay time. Neither winger has a roster spot on the Ramapithicines waiting for them just yet.

C: Zubrus-NJ RFA, Wellwood-Tor RFA, Brassard-Clb P2, Umberger-Pha P2

Rating: 2

Zubrus will be in tough to repeat draftable numbers in the confines of back-check-land-New-Jersey. Wellwood could end up as a legit producer for the Ramapithicines, he's flashed a ton of offensive potential in the past, and has the water-bug moves that lead to points. Think Steve Sullivan pre-breakout season. Brassard is teams top prospect at centre and for good reason. He's got sick distribution skills and will be the Bluejackets top playmaker at some point in the future. Umberger is a hulking pivot heavy on brute force and light on offensive ability. He could develop into a Keith Primeau type 2nd line centre, but more likely will end up in a checking role.

R: Eaves-Ott RFA, Bouchard-Min P4, Lupul-Pha P4, Brown-LA P3, Pominville-Buf P2

Rating: 2

The Ramapithicines cup doth runneth over. Eaves isn't developed enough yet to be a real contributor and is likely to be released. Bouchard is an all-purpose winger with excellent play-making ability, and unlike Eaves, he will be a contributor, likely as a 3rd liner, but with plenty of upside. Lupul has long been expected to flirt with 30 goals, and he'll have a third team now to reach that mark. Says here he won't. Dustin Brown is part of the LA Kings growing core of talent. and his grit is almost as high as scoring ability. He'll eventually land on the 2nd line, but for Brown his style of play is the bigger issue as he racks up nicks and dings like a much bigger power forward. Pominville demonstrated a sweet shooting stroke as a member of the Sabres, but it's not clear that with the teams reduced offensive depth he'll have the same opportunities to play against the other teams lesser checking units.

D: Chara-Bos FP, Sopel-LA RFA, Wescott-Clb RFA, Leopold-Col RFA, Kalinin-Buf RFA, Kuba-TBay, E.Johnson-StL P2, J.Johnson-LA P2

Rating: 4

Chara is still an elite combo defenseman if he can keep his PIM up. Another 40+pt, 100+PIM season isn't out of the question, and a few more fights as a Bruin would merely make him more dominant. Sopel is now a bit player in the LA scheme and could be released all together. Wescott will be difficult to keep around unless he proves he can play a full season as goon. Even then, he's behind Chara on the teams goon chart, and could easily be replaced. Leopold hasn't developed the offensive touch expected, but he could be a significant contributor as part of the Av's powerplay. Kalinin is at best a #4 defender, and isn't likely to have the +/- numbers that made him attractive previously. Kuba is a decent fit in Tampa, but won't be worth more than 35 pts tops. It's the two prospects that elevate the teams D rating well above average. Both Johnson's are projectable to make the squad, contribute on the powerplay and both could threaten for the Calder.

G: Turco-Dal FP

Rating: 4.5

Another terrific season from Turco, but still no respect. He's a hair less than Brodeur, but otherwise, about as elite as they come.

Total rating: 13.5