🏒 Season Preview: Simon T Hockey Simulation League – Team Breakdown

🔥 Forwards Overview

This team boasts a deep and versatile forward group, blending veteran scoring talent with emerging skill. The top six forwards are capable of generating offense consistently, while the bottom six offer grit and depth.

⭐ Top Scorers & Playmakers:

• Tyler Seguin (PA 90, SC 65, FO 86): Elite playmaker with strong faceoff ability and leadership (EX 92).
• Tyler Toffoli (PA 87, SC 63): Dangerous shooter with high endurance and puck smarts.
• Jonathan Marchessault (PA 78, SC 60): Brings scoring punch and experience.
• Matvei Michkov (PA 84, SC 60): Young sniper with high upside and elite puck handling (PH 81).

🧠 Depth & Utility:

• Evan Rodrigues and Anthony Beauvillier offer strong conditioning and durability, ideal for middle-six roles.
• Alex Killorn and Vladimir Tarasenko bring veteran savvy and clutch scoring.
• C.J. Smith, Jake Lucchini, and Cal O'Reilly round out the bottom six with solid defensive instincts and puck movement.

🛡️ Defense Corps

The blue line is a mix of physicality, puck-moving ability, and veteran leadership.

• Justin Faulk (SC 80, EN 95): The anchor of the defense, combining scoring touch with elite endurance.
• Dmitry Kulikov and Jon Merrill provide shutdown capabilities and grit.
• Zach Whitecloud and Michael Kesselring bring size and toughness, with Kesselring showing elite conditioning (EN 99).
• Corey Schueneman offers a balanced skill set and could be a reliable third-pair option.

🧤 Goaltending

Goaltending is a potential X-factor this season.

• Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (SK 85, EN 91): The likely starter, with solid reflexes and stamina.
• Charlie Lindgren (PH 79): A capable backup with experience, though his contract suggests a high cap hit.
• Daniil Tarasov (PH 95): Could push for starts if Luukkonen falters, especially with elite puck handling.

🧊 Scratches & Depth

• Max Willman and Justin Bailey are versatile depth forwards with strong skating and physicality.
• Darren Brady offers a physical presence on defense but may be limited offensively.

📈 Season Outlook

This team is built to compete now, with a strong veteran core and enough youth to inject energy. The forward depth and puck distribution are strengths, while the defensive group is solid but not elite. Goaltending will be key—if Luukkonen performs, this team could push for a playoff spot or more.

🔮 Prediction:

• Regular Season Finish: 3rd–5th in division
• Key Strengths: Playmaking, veteran leadership, endurance
• Potential Weaknesses: Defensive scoring, goaltending consistency