We’re going to dive deep into the hard numbers and RAW data to eliminate as much gray area as possible, and to bring you an educated projection of how the season could unfold based on several major factors.  I have broken down into great depth the strength of all 32 teams’ top 6 and top 9 forward groups, their top 4 defensemen depth, their starting goalie rates, and their “spending/buying power” (a breakdown of cap space, and to a lesser extent, cash in the bank, heading towards free agency).  So, grab a snack, your drink of choice, light some candles, tune out the wife, and get ready for your ego to be crushed or massaged depending on where your team lands.

We end our expedition in the northeast and southeast regions of our great continent… because apparently the creators of the NHL’s divisions failed geography class, and put the Florida teams in the same division as some of the Canadian teams.  But, nonetheless, the Atlantic division was born, and this is how I see things shaking out in the brhl’s weakest division.  The projected order of finish is based, again, on the top 6 and 9 forward depth, top 4 defenseman depth, starting goalie rating, and spending power of each franchise.  Here she goes!

Also included are projections for the 2022-23 BRHL award winners which are to be found at the bottom of this article.

1. Boston Bruins.  This one was tough.  Overall, yours truly and my Red Wings came in at a higher ranking when combing all factors, but if you take out spending power, Greg edges me out.  Considering we all know how difficult it can be to add much quality during the silly season, I left the Bruins in the top spot for that reason, and of course the respect-factor considering Greg is our defending division champ (and maybe our most popular and best-looking GM).   The strength of the Bruins is unquestionably on the backend as they sport the #1 overall top 4 D-corps the league has to offer.  I feel as if Greg is someone who likes to try different strategies, and this season I believe that aiming for an incredible grouping of defensemen is his play.  The forwards and starting goaltending both fall in the 7th to 9th overall ranges, which is certainly solid, but to put either of those over the top will be difficult as Boston sits among the bottom few teams in cap space.

2. Detroit Red Wings.  The toughest team to evaluate is always your own.  Thankfully, I do have all the raw numbers to look at, and those neither lie nor show bias.  We’ll start with the good.  We fall into 4th place overall in depth of the top 6 forward category, and 2nd only to the Oilers in top 9 depth.  In buying power, Columbus is the only other team slated to finish top 2 in their division with more cap space, although the Wings sit behind some of the other big guns in cold hard cash available in the bank.   The defense and goaltending both come in around a league ranking of 12th, which does not spell championship contender, unfortunately.  So, at minimum, one of those 2 departments need significant improvement to topple Greg from his perch. 

3. Montreal Canadiens.  You can basically look over the strengths and weaknesses of the Red Wings above to see what Steve needs to do to improve his franchise.   The Habs came in around a very impressive 5th overall in forward depth/strength prior to the Oshie deal.  I don’t think they’ve fallen off much post-trade, as Oshie is solid, but nothing spectacular.   Despite how many goals Vardy and company will put up in 2022-23, the defense and starting goaltending both sit in the 20’s in the league’s overall ranks.  That Oshie trade, does free up some cap space, which should allow the always active Steve to attempt some major upgrades in those areas of major concern. 

4. Toronto Maple Leafs.  As of now, I have the final wild card spot in the East being a battle between the Hurricanes and Leafs.  Of course, Garrett and Rich are active managers, so both could improve drastically, or sell off a bunch between now and October.  The current situation at the centre of the hockey universe has the Buds sitting at 14th and 13th in forward depth, 18th on the backend, and approximately 20th overall for starting goaltending.  A buying/spending power ranking of 19th (slightly higher if you factor in only straight cap space), means Garrett can likely contend for the playoffs if he so chooses to.  

5. Ottawa Senators.  Fifth in this division is really too tight to call as the Sens hold a slight edge in quality of their roster under contract over Buffalo, whereas Jared definitely owns superior buying power to possibly jump ahead of Steph.   Ottawa sports a somewhat balanced team with an 18th overall ranking of his forward groupings, and starting goaltending around 20th overall.  If Steph has interest in trying to land a wildcard spot, his D-corps needs significant work, currently residing in the 25th overall position.  Not spectacular cap space, but tons of cash, is something to note here also. 

6. Buffalo Sabres.  Maybe long-term, the Sabres are the division rival I’m most concerned about, as Jared seems to live for studying junior hockey and the NHL’s prospect systems.  Buffalo is 20th best up front for his top 6/9 forward depth, and 26th / 27th overall for his D-corps and starting goaltending.  I imagine Jared sits tight for at least another season, rather than pushing to contend.  Despite having the 6th best spending power, I see him and his Sabres, at most, just targeting some UFA talent to flip, and not actually build around. 

7. Florida.  Without major shuffling from the Florida teams, I see Tyler and Eric contending for the divisional basement.  The Panthers sit roughly at 30th overall when looking at their top 6 forward grouping and top 4 D-men.  Somewhat decent goaltending, though, can be found in the Sunshine State if Ty decides to sit pat at that position.   The surprising stat is only the 27th best buying power, which might limit the Panthers from making any big splashes in free agency.

8. Tampa Bay.  Ferraro can easily jump out of this position if he so chooses, but I just don’t see that happening yet.  The 14th best buying power that he sports could actually improve his team’s lot, even if that is not the intention, should he sign a couple players with the plan of flipping them.   The Bolts sit between 25th and 28th overall in all roster related rankings that I’ve taken into consideration, so expect Eric to contend once again for high draft positioning next year.  

PROJECTED 2022-23 BRHL AWARD WINNERS

Considering I delved so deep into both the player ratings and individual team strengths, I decided to put forth educated guesses on who may take home hardware at the end of the season.  

The Vezina Trophy:  Well, duh!  How can you not project Igor Shesterkin (DAL) here.  Every single other GM outside of Junya is hoping this isn’t the case though. 

The Norris Trophy:  I have it coming down to a tight race between Hedman and Makar, but Victor Hedman (BOS) gets the edge based on who he'll be surrounded by.  If our voters are as dumb or biased as the NHL’s, Makar could upset.  

The Calder Trophy:  I hate mimicking the NHL’s results, but Mo Seider has fantastic rates, and should be given much more ice time by Tony than the other GMs give their rookies.  So, we’ll take Mo Seider (PHI). 

The Hart Trophy:  It’ll be interesting to see if McDavid and Matthews can inflate each other’s numbers on the Edm PP or not, but if there is any vote splitting there or elsewhere, just pencil in Igor Shesterkin (DAL) to win.  Especially with goaltending being so valuable in this league. 

GM of the Year:  This is the toughest to call.   I’m going with Kevin here as I predict numerous tweaks that may not win him the division in the regular season, but will help him topple Leon in the playoffs, and maybe go all the way.  Jesse is definitely a dark horse if he can utilize cap space and/or other assets to capture the Metro or at least land home ice round 1.  

Stanley Cup:  The 4 best teams are all arguably from the West.  So, I have difficulty picking one of them, because, at best they all have maybe a 25% chance of making the finals (even though I just called Kevin to possibly come out of the Pacific).  I’m going with someone I know nothing about, if he even exists, but Joe from Long Island will be your Champion.  His only weakness is on defense, but he’s got the finances and assets to fix that in a hurry.