The FUNHL: 2021

This year sees our league divided roughly in two (7-5), those who kept their FPs and those who used a first to take new ones. The 7 should be contenders, whereas the 5 should be pretenders, but you never know....

The Bladerunners

The good news: McDavid is still the king, and Marchand had another exceptional year in his late prime.

The bad news: Not much else is going great. The top 2 on D look good but the remainder is a dog’s breakfast of 3rd pair guys, and the Bladerunners right wing looks like its missing both its first and second liners with Bjorkstrand and Konecny playing above their station. The other big hole is in net, where Tristan Jarry is nobody’s idea of a top 5 netminder and Goalie-Bob nobody’s idea of a reliable #2. Last but not least, their may be some help on the farm in the form of Bouchard and Farabee. Bouchard shouldn’t have trouble beating out someone for a top 4 role, but Farabee isn’t obviously better than the dreck at RW, so while he has a shot its damning him with faint praise.

Stupid Movie Reference: Missing In Action 2 (with Chuck Norris!) - because clearly the Bladerunners need more right wing.

The verdict: LW=A-, C=A, RW=D, D=C+, G=D+

The Wolves

The good news: Exceptional top 2 lines; Draisaitl, Marner, Kaprizov, Panarin, Boeser, Backstrom are a lethal core for the Wolves to contend with. Shane Wright is arguably the league’s most valuable long term prospect. Prospects: Krebs, Hoglander, and Raymond have outside chances at contributing from the wings, and if Kahkonen can produce a heartbeat he is almost a lock to take over in net at some point.

The bad news: An average to below average defense is headlined by the extremely injury prone Letang, there is lack of 3rd line depth (which to be fair is normal for a contending team not yet through a WD), and then in what is clearly the biggest weakness, there is a total horror-show in net. Peterson, Swayman, Nedjelkovic are 3 guys who have never started the season as #1 for their teams before, and they are dressing for teams that either aren’t good (LA, Det) or who have other goalie options (Boston’s Ullmark is expected to seize the day over the journeyman Swayman).

Stupid Movie Reference: I was going to go with Star Wars: A New Hope, because ‘These are not the goaltenders you are looking for”, but settled on ‘Striptease’ because this team is just so ridiculously top-heavy.

The verdict: LW=A, C=A, RW=A, D=C, G=F

The Shadowmen

The good news: Bob took a different tack than many this year and did NOT replace an FP! The result is he has a pretty excellent RW in Stamkos, Wheeler, Laine, and Smith. The D-corps is also very solid this year, with Jones, Doughty, Toews, Yandle being a very fine top 4. However, the teams best position might actually be in net where Juuse Saros and Sergei Varlamov are two top 10 (and Saros top 3) goalies. On the farm Gurianov should rise up to claim a spot on the wing, while Thomas bides his time for an opening to appear at 3rd line C (sooner rather than later is my guess). Lankinen adds to the teams depth in net. Pettersson is a lock to assume 1st or 2nd line duties at C.

The bad news: Gaudreau leads a LW that is otherwise thin to the point of life threatening anorexia. Lindholm is miscast as a #1, and while Pettersson has a ton of promise, he has yet to put up 1st line numbers. Those two are followed by FP reject *single nostril snort* Kuznetsov, and Penguins third line C Jeff Carter, so it’s... not good.

Stupid Movie Reference: Not a movie in this case, just the scene from Loki at Pompei screaming “Do whatever you like! Nothing matters!” as the volcano blows, because the chances of this roster resembling anything like what it will be by the end of the year is exactly zero.

The verdict: LW=C+, C=C+, RW=A-, D=B-, G=A

The Highlanders

The good news: Cale Makar topped just about everybody’s list of potential FP replacements and the Highlanders pulled off a massive trade to acquire the electrifying defender just prior to the draft. While Makar is the crown jewel, the team boasts depth and talent throughout the blue - Hamilton would be #1 on most teams, while DeAngelo, Spurgeon and even Suter punch well above their roster slot. Crosby and Bergeron are graybearded but can still drive the Highlanders set of pivots to be above average, and the teams goaltending is solid if unspectacular.

The bad news: You can see the effects of the FP swap when you look at RW. Kevin Fiala would be #3 (or worse) on most teams but yet is somehow this teams top starboard gunner, followed by Pavel Buchnevich - a player whose breakout offensive season was so unexpected it earned him a trade dump to St Louis. Tatar and Radulov are very solid depth pieces, but unless one of them finds the fountain of youth is unlikely to spike the teams scoring. Pacioretty leads an otherwise miserable collection of LW, none of whom aside from Max should survive the WD. Lafrenierre should be of assistance at LW immediately, but there has to be a concern that the former #1 overall is now described as ‘lacking burst’ and having ‘average’ skating.

Stupid Movie Reference: The Highlanders are Tilda Swinton at the end of ‘Constantine’, she may be damned, but she still looks good even with her wings pulled off.

The verdict: L=C+, C=B, R=D, D=A+, G=B

The Great Whites

The good news: centre continues to look totally awesome, with Kadri being a nice addition to round out the all-star 1-2 punch of Mackinnon and Mathews. D is also a strength as Chabot, Petry, Burns, may not be the league’s best top 3, but is nevertheless solid, and the GWs have depth through their top 5. Goaltending is also at least average, but with a real possibility of being great if any one of the following bets pays off; Ullmark is a true #1 goalie, Oettinger outcompetes 4 other goalies for the job in Dallas, Kuemper beats out Varlamov in Colorado. RW has Stone as the top dog, and should feature farmhand Caulfield as a secondary sniper in short order, and that should translate into above average production for the position

The bad news: Left wing is just not as strong as RW, lacking both the high-end of Stone, as well as the promise of a Caufield (or even a Podkolzin). Defense should be ok, but aside from Chabot lacks any upside star power. It’s possible one or more of the bets in net pay-off, but its also possible none of them do, and that the team struggles to stop the puck.

Stupid Movie Reference: ‘The Net’ because *gestures at GW goaltending depth chart*. Remember when the whole internet could fit on one floppy disk? Good times.

The verdict: L=B-, C=A+, R=B+, D=B-, G=C-

The Ramapithicines

The good news: Defense! And then...more defense! Arguably the best D in the league top (Morgan Riley) to bottom (prospect Brandon Montour). Left wing is also a strength behind the scoring wizardry of Jonathon Huberdeau and the steady production of Filip Forsberg. Center is solidly above average as Tavares has settled firmly into the ‘1b’ role in Toronto, and O’Rielly backs him up as a high scoring Selke candidate, but there is room for further growth with prospect Marco Rossi a waterbug type of distributor who could make an impact longer term, along with the ongoing development of two-way pivot Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

The bad news: the right wing is a smoking crater once you get beyond the well-passed-his-prime Voracek. Tavares’ role as a scoring C also seems to be gradually diminishing, and his impact may start to fall off as well. Goaltending is weak, unless Binnington recaptures his Steve-Penny-on-a-bender magic, or Elvis enters the building and decides to stick around. Also, at the most trivial level, I object to Pionk as an UFA pick ahead of Dahlin - everything about that situation made me angry.

Stupid Movie Reference: ‘A Few Good Men’ - because those soldiers may have been guilty and lost, but they got the absolute best defence. Also because I really just want to scream “You want the truth? You cant handle the truth!”

The verdict: L=B+, C=B-, R=C+, D=A+, G=C-

The Edge

The good news: Average or better everywhere, with good balance across the entire roster. Added a platinum chip prospect in Connor Bedard, a player so deliriously good he will either bring a king’s ransom at the deadline for Cup run, or, serve as the foundation for the post Ovechkin world that is rapidly approaching. This might be the best Edge team I can recall, and its primed to take a run at the title if things break right.

The bad news: There isn’t a single position they can claim to be the best at, and both FPs are solidly into the back 9 of their HOF careers. They also have the most active roster players from the expansion Kraken (1 or 2) and....well that can’t be good.

Stupid Movie Reference: ‘Serpico’, because its the single greatest movie about “a cop...on the edge”

The verdict: L=A-, C=B+, R=B+, D=B-, G:B+

Married With Kittens

The good news: Added fresh talent in the form of surprise FP centerman Sebastian Aho, who along with Zibenejad should form the core of the Kittens attack moving forward. Defense is also a positive position as it starts with the reigning Norris winner Adam Fox, and then adds in category stuffer Jeff Chychrun and the unexpectedly productive Mathias Ekholm for additional punch behind him. Solid depth as well with Muzzin, Parayko, and Dunn who were all high upside selections late in the draft.

The bad news: The wings aren’t...bad?, but they both lack a high end guy at the top of the position to drive offense and to push Ehlers and Reinhart into more appropriate #2 roles. More importantly, goaltending is ‘very bad’, bordering on ‘awful’, and within spitting distance of ‘apocalyptic’. The starting netminder is Grubauer who is going to man the pipes for a Seattle expansion team destined to get crushed night after night. The only relief for him comes in the form of Mike Smith who is now approximately 58 years old, and Carey Price, a guy battling; expectations, mental health issues, and old age. It could get really ugly, really fast for the Kittens. Also, I gotta say, if it were me, I’d have matched on Saros as my new FP instead of taking Aho (or Fox), but thats a tough tactical decision any way you cut it, and Bob is the absolute master of forcing GMs to make tough tactical decisions.

Stupid Movie Reference: An odd numbered Star Trek movie. You know you’ll like it just fine, but you also know its fatally flawed, and that the next one should be much better.

The verdict: L=B, C=B+, R=B, D=B+, G=F

Personal Vendetta

The good news: is loaded with Bolts from TBay, has offensive dynamo Kucherov returning after another lengthy cup run, and Hall starting afresh in Boston. The wings should be fine with their FP contributors at the top. The defense is above average with Hedman at the top, and a serious multi-category contributor in Nurse as the #2 banana. Provorov should bounce back to his usual self, and Hanifin and the rest are all average for their depth chart position or better.

The bad news: Aside from Point who will lead the attack at C, the PV are shy of offensive centermen, and could get caved in if Strome isn’t a legit option, or if Point is hurt or struggles. There is some hope that Zegras will be ready for #3C or better, but thats a promise more than a lock. Goaltending is going to be a serious challenge for the PV, because between Vanacek and Samsonov there should be a #1 goalie in there somewhere - but its one or the other. Unfortunately, Gibson isn’t likely to help out much unless Anaheim can time warp their D corps back to Pronger/Niedermayer and Co. I am pleased to report that Darrell did not simply beat us all at the draft table this year. So, yeah, I guess I’m saying there is a chance.

Stupid Movie Reference: ‘Raise the Titanic’, look, last year Kucherov was a zero, Hall was little better, and the whole team hit an iceberg and sank to the bottom, so if Herbivore level performance is any guide it was pretty much the definition of a ‘Titanic’ situation . This year though, the vets are back and healthy, there is some new youth to be served, and the arrows are pointing ‘up’. Now, ‘Titanic’ was a great film, but ‘Raise the Titanic’ not so much, but it was a lot more hopeful, and after what the PV just went through, thats probably enough.

The verdict: L=B+, C=B-, R=B+, D=B+, G=C-

The Knights Templar

The good news: Well they should have the best RW in the league given the presence of super-sniper Pastrnak, and the freshly drafted two-way belligerence of Mathew Tkachuk. LW is also pretty nice as it features young sharpshooters DeBrincat and ‘Meeeeeeeeestaaaaaah Svechnikov’ along with capable vets Schwartz and Nyqvist. Goaltending is ok, which means neither a strength nor a liability.

The bad news: Team donut is going to get pushed around down the middle, as Barzal and Trochek are both overmatched for the roles they are in because the FP replacement essentially robbed them of a 1st line C. And then there is the defense, which, I believe is the worst in the league. Mackenzie Weegar is a really nice #4 D-man, he gets decent ice-time which leads to some ok points, he’s tough so there are some PIM to collect, and he’s on Florida which happens to be a powerhouse so his +/- is a possibility, all together a nice multi-category threat. On this team though, he’s the clear #1, and that spells all kinds of trouble. Beyond even that though, there are three defenders on my list who because their reputation far outstrips their production, I have specific ‘Do Not Draft’ orders for; Ristolainen, Subban, and Keith, and the KT picked all three of them. Could one or more pan out? Sure, but its far from enough to move the needle.

Stupid Movie Reference: ‘Baby Driver’, the first half of which is utterly fantastic, but the back half of the movie has so many ‘WTF’ moments that you wonder if the same guy could possibly have directed it.

The verdict: L=B+, C=C, R=A-, D=F, G=C+

The Scourge

The good news: The way Chris maneuvered things to both replace, and yet also hold on to Jack Eichel, was a superior piece of gamesmanship. The defense corps is one of, if not the best in the league with Klingberg and Hughes at the top end, backed up by reliable vets Pieterangelo, Werenski, and ex-FP Karlsson. Goaltending should be above average with reliable starter Markstrom in the #1 role, and Igor Shesterkin as a good bet to win out over Georgiev for the lion’s share of starter minutes in New York in the 2nd spot. New FP Rantanen leads an ok group of RWrs that includes youngsters Sharangovich and Kaako who while light on any actual history of production, still have immense upside.

The bad news: Left wing is arguably worst in the league with only medium grade scorer/face-puncher and noted crocs enthusiast Brady Tkachuk flashing any numbers around average. Center is unfortunately, not much better, as with Eichel gone for the foreseeable future, the scoring slack will fall on to Couturier, a guy better known for his two-way play, and Larkin and Cozens, two players with much promise, but who have yet to produce even average numbers.

Stupid Movie Reference: ‘The Kingsman’, because it obviously leans to the right, isn’t very good, and yet manages to be both clever and entertaining.

The verdict: L=D, C=D, R=B, D=A, G=B

The Severed Heads

The good news: the team is relatively well balanced. Dominates at goaltending with Vezina winner Fleury arguably a top 10 starter in his own right backing up Vasilevskiy, and Spencer Knight an elite goaltending prospect about to claim the starter spot in Florida.

The bad news: Teams scoring depth dependent on Seguin and Tarasenko both returning to form. Defense lacks a high-end #1, as does RW. There is a Malkin sized hole in the heart of the GM.

Stupid Movie Reference: Contact - “I’m good to go”

FP's and Prospects:

Bladerunners

Brian didn’t swap out any FP’s, and only selected two prospects;

- Harley-D Dal: Big mobile, two-way defender should eventually anchor the second pair. Downside is Harley is in tough for powerplay and offensive minutes with both Heiskenen and Klingberg blocking him.

- Francouz-G Col: I guess when you run out of ideas you draft a high end backup? He’s a perfectly cromulent goaltender with, aside from an unfortunate bus crash, no path to starting minutes.

The Wolves

Rob didn’t swap out any FPs and made three prospect selections;

- Pinto-C Ott: Part of the upcoming youth movement in Ottawa, Pinto has 3rd line upside if he hits.

- Addison-D Min: I assume he’s a defensman in Minnesota. Your mileage may vary.

- Kahkonen-G Min: A late blooming goaltender (25), Kahkonen came in and stole the starting role for much of last year. His competition is healthy now so he won’t get ice-time so easily, but if he slays the camp battle dragons (Cam Talbot et al) he could be a starter in year one of his prospect contract.

The Shadowmen

Bob did not replace an FP (?!), but did make his usual 31 selections at the prospect draft.

- Olausson-L Col: depth scoring forward on a team loaded with them. Eventually the Burakovsky’s become too expensive and the Olausson’s of the world can step in. Eventually.

- Thomas-C StL: High skill center was expected to be featured by the Blues last season but fell off the path. Has very high upside, but is probably not a future #1 C like the Blues initially thought.

- Lysell-R Bos: Honestly have never heard of him. He should be good for 50 goals and 60 assists if things break right.

- Rathbone-D Vcr: Slightly built offensive defenseman has strong passing ability, and projects as a 2nd unit PP QB. The downside is he isn’t great at defending, which for a defenseman is supposed to be a thing.

- Lankinen-G Chi: Came out of nowhere last season to surprise in Chicago, but he’ll have to steal time from Fleury now, so if he can hold the backup role for a season or two he might be the successor in net.

The Highlanders

Doug drafted RFA defenseman Cale Makar to be his new FP after acquiring him via (expensive) trade with the Wolves.

- Makar-D Col: Is the closest thing to Erik Karlsson in his prime you’ll see that isn’t just video of Erik Karlsson in his prime. Would have a pair of Norris trophies if he could have stayed healthy either of the last two years. Which says everything, the guy is an absolute thunderbolt of offense from the blue, but he is built like a sick-kid’s hospital mascot.

Doug also drafted 5 prospects at this years prospect draft;

- Brad Lambert-R Fin: highly regarded wing prospect is slated to go top 5 next years draft.

- Holloway-C Edm: Top of the Oilers prospect heap is this dynamic pivot. Has real offense, but may get converted to the wing to play with higher talent Cs.

- Lundell-C Fla: ‘What is the Matrix’? Lundell is. Which is to say, is he a scoring C? A two-way winger with flash? We don’t really know. What is real anyway? That’s Lundell.

- Zary-C Cgy: Slick, a little undersized, very smart. Was injured in training camp and got cut to be re-drafted. Has a ton of upside but a blocked path to a roster spot.

- Holtz-R NJ: Another reclamation project, Holtz is a one-shot scorer with good wheels. Figuring out where he fits with the precocious Devils prospects may take a while.

The Great Whites

Dan did not replace an FP, but he did draft four new prospects;

- N.Robertson-L Tor: Its tough drafting prospects from the Leafs as they tend to be so overhyped (Rasmus Sandin anyone?) that I usually avoid them. Robertson has some nice scoring touch, and is cheap so he may get a shot, but he seems destined to be packaged in a deal to somewhere else.

- Clarke-D LA: I have to say this is my kind of prospect. He’s got a terrific offensive toolkit, but is also the most knock-kneed skater I’ve ever seen, and that kind of cognitive dissonance I am here for. I had him ranked as a top ten target.

- Z.Jones-D NYR: Oh look, a defenseman named Jones. I got nothing.

- Merkley-D SJ: A drop-redraft Merkley has outstanding offensive skills but cannot defend a lick inside his own blue. Might take over from one of the ancient defensemen who own/run/play in SJ. I mean, it could happen.

The Ramapithicines

Corey did not draft a new FP, but he did select 5 new prospects;

-Vrana-R Det: Someone has to score in Detroit, right?

-Kotkaniemi-C Mtl: Can’t really argue with taking a centre drafted in the first round as a prospect. I mean, the world needs more Manny Malhotra’s.

-Zadina-R Det: Another re-draft if I’m not mistaken. Also, someone has to score in Detroit, right?

- Montour-D Fla: journeyman D has bounced around, but can help out a PP, and carry 2nd unit minutes in a pinch. A safe, bottom of the active roster prospect with almost no upside for more.

-Rask-G Bos: Just...c’mon, no.

The Edge

Collin only selected two prospects at the draft;

- Bedard-C WHL: Received permission to play in the WHL as a 15 year old exceptional player. Has dynamic speed and offensive skills, and is a mortal lock to be an FP at some date in the future. Lands somewhere below McDavid, but higher than contemporary Shane Wright.

- Guenther-R Ari: Power winger who scores goals. Biggest issue is that he is in Arizona a place prospects go to die.

Married With Kittens

And here is where shit gets interesting. In the late off-season the Kittens made a deal to get Adam Fox, presumptively to match on him as a new FP. However, at the table the Kittens flipped the script and went outside the box to select Sebastian Aho as their new FP behind Zibenejad.

- Aho-C Car: If you had told me five years ago that of Puljujarvi, Laine, and Aho, it would be Aho who is the franchise player I would not have believed it, but here we are. The facts are straight forward, Aho is a ppg or better pivot with great playmaking instincts, strong two-way play, and a sneaky wrist shot.

If nothing else, the way Craig has set up his team he won’t have to spend much time putting together a centre list prior to the draft.

Craig also selected one prospect at the draft;

Beniers-C Sea: A do-everything pivot in the Ryan O’Reilly mold, Benier is a foundational piece for the Kraken. He may not spike as high offensively as other #2 overalls, but thats because he has a defensive conscience to go with his excellent skill-set.

There is a joke about Star Trek librarian Mr Atoz, (get it? Mr A to Z?) revolving around Aho to Zibenejad but I can’t find it.

Personal Vendetta

Darrell drafted himself 5 new prospects;

-Beggren-L Det: Who? I guess someone has to score in Detroit, right?

-Boldy-L Min: Boldy is what you get if you genetically designed your prospects. Huge body-builder frame, fast, and strong. If the skill is also there he might impress, but even if not, he’s one of those guys who ‘looks’ the part even when the offense is dry.

-Laperriere-C Wsh: Kuzentsov can’t live forever, and Connor McMichael is only one guy.

-Seider-D Det: Ok, so Darrell had the chance to take Connor Bedard here instead (assuming Bedard was even on the radar for Darrell) and selected Seider - which while not the pick I’d have made, is nevertheless defensible. Seider is a big fast train with great wheels and lots of skill, and he’s going to be a fixture in Detroit for a decade, both on the PP but also in the last minutes of a close game. He’s a stud, and Darrell might get 5 solid years of production from him as a prospect. Is he a future FP? I doubt it, but it’s possible, and for a 1st overall pick Seider is pretty solid.

- Dostal-G Ana: Now you are just making up names.

The Knights Templar

Mike added a new FP in Mathew Tkachuk and drafted 5 new prospects.

-Tkachuk-R Cgy: Is Tkachuk over Svechnikov a bigger surprise than Aho over Fox? Maybe, but probably shouldn’t be. Tkachuk’s TG role puts him into that unique Brad Marchand territory of a guy with FP level offense AND primary TG PIM to go with it. I suspect that at least two other GMs were looking side-eye at Mike for selecting their favourite player to be a new FP. The truth is, he’s a beast, and there may be even more offense to the kids game forthcoming.

When it comes to prospects drafted this year, Mike was clearly in my head, as a number of guys I’ve been tracking got scooped up by the Templar;

- Maltsev-L Col: a big Russian power winger who scores goals and blows up defensemen. Just as god intended.

- Marchenko-R Clb: a big Russian power winger who scores goals and blows up defensemen. Just as god intended. Actually, Marchenko is not quite as big as Maltsev, being only 6’2”, 180lbs, instead of 6’3”, 205, but you get the point. Seriously, these guys are my crack cocaine when I make my lists, and I have to talk myself out of them every year.

- Kupari-C LA: Part of the collection of super-skilled prospects marinating in LA, (the KT already have Turcotte and Kaliyev as well) he’s amongst the more talented though, so if LA pops, expect Kupari to be in the middle of things.

- Sillinger-C Bos: Mike’s kid, Cole has lots of the same kind of stuff going on as his dad did as he’s not big, but is fast and skilled. He might have 30goals in his stick one year.

-Lind-R Sea: Former Canuck 2nd rounder has 2nd line skill, but couldn’t crack the Vcr roster after four tries, and has landed in a situation where ice-time will be heaped on him if he can produce. A very solid pickup.

The Scourge

Chris replaced Jack Eichel with Mikko Rantanen, and drafted two new prospects.

Its not just that he replaced Eichel though, he managed to do so, AND to then draft Eichel at the top of the RFA rounds to preserve his contract to the following year. It was nice work that only depended on 5 GMs not being interested in Eichel+surgery as a future FP.

-Rantanen-R Col: Along with the sorcery of preserving Eichel on his roster, Chris added a 6’4” power winger who scores goals in buckets, and rides shotgun for the leauge’s most dynamic pivot. Nice.

Along with Rantanen, Chris added two prospects;

-Eklund-R SJ: Big smooth skating winger with offense, has 30 goal upside.

- MacTavish-C Ana: If ‘Animal’ from the Muppets band were an NHL player, he’d be Mason MacTavish. A power pivot he’ll be groomed to handle duties behind Zegras as the teams future #2C.

The Severed Heads

The Heads drafted Alexander Barkov to be their new FP C, and added two prospects.

- Barkov-C Fla: A big power pivot who puts up over a PPG, runs the PP, and handles all the major offensive duties, at 26 he’s in his prime.

After 16 years with his name pencilled in at the top of the lineup, the Heads said goodbye and Godspeed to Evgeni Malkin, and replaced his presence with a player of similar build and skills. Can Barkov ever capture the teams heart the way Malkin did? Win the Heads a cup and its all good.

-Michkov-W KHL: a 5’10” scoring dynamo from Russia, he’s expected to challenge Bedard as top prospect in 2023

- York-D Pha: A finesse offensive defender York once had 33 points in 28 games for the USNTDP. If he can defend well enough to stick, the former 1st rounder’s offense should translate.

Alright, now for some highly specious awards! Wooo-Hooo!

Best Prospect Pick:

Connor Bedard, the Edge

The ‘Exploded in a hail of Goo’ award for worst prospect drafted:

It was going to be Brian and Francouz, or with ‘Dostal’ whatever that is, in Anaheim, but the soon-to-be-retired Tuuka Rask being selected by the Ramapithicines takes the prize. I would add that this award goes back almost two decades now as it was originally a reference to Corey drafting AHL standout Randy Robitaille in the first round of a prospect draft. Who you say? Exactly, welcome again to the hail of goo.