🏒 Season Preview: Zegras & Co.

🔥 Forwards: Speed, Skill, and Depth

This team boasts a dynamic forward group led by Trevor Zegras, Seth Jarvis, and Robert Thomas—all high-skill, playmaking centers with strong passing and puck-handling ratings. Jarvis stands out with elite discipline (DI 99) and endurance (EN 92), making him a reliable top-line fixture.

Supporting cast includes:

• Alex Tuch and Adrian Kempe: Power forwards with strong skating and scoring touch.
• Carter Verhaeghe and Chandler Stephenson: Versatile middle-six options with high endurance and solid two-way play.
• Scott Laughton and Cole Smith: Gritty, physical players who bring energy and forechecking.

The forward group is deep and balanced, with a mix of finesse and grit. Expect high puck possession and transition speed, especially with strong passing ratings across the board.

🛡️ Defense: Tough, Physical, and Defensive-Minded

The blue line is built for shutdown hockey:

• Adam Larsson, Ivan Provorov, and Ryan Lindgren anchor the top four with elite defensive ratings (DF 90, 88, 85) and high endurance.
• Jeremy Lauzon and Simon Benoit bring brute force (CK 99, 91) and defensive reliability, ideal for penalty killing and protecting leads.
• Jalen Chatfield adds mobility and solid positioning.

This group may not be flashy offensively, but they’re hard to play against and will keep scoring chances to the outside.

🧱 Goaltending: Solid Starter, Unproven Backup

• Adin Hill is the clear starter with strong ratings in skating (SK 80), rebound control (RB 77), and positioning (PH 85). He’s capable of stealing games and anchoring the defense.
• Arvid Soderblom is a serviceable backup but lacks consistency and high-end reflexes.

Goaltending should be reliable, especially with the defensive support in front.

📊 Team Identity & Strategy

• Strengths: Depth at center, strong puck movement, elite defensive structure, high endurance across the lineup.
• Weaknesses: Limited elite scoring finishers, backup goaltending, and some low faceoff ratings (FO) among key forwards.
• Style: Expect a possession-heavy, two-way game with quick transitions and physical play. This team is built to grind out wins, dominate puck battles, and wear down opponents.

🔮 Projected Finish

This team has the tools to be a playoff contender. If the top six forwards produce and Adin Hill stays healthy, they could push for a top-3 finish in their division. Depth and defense will be their calling card.