Seattle Kraken

 

Division Projected Order of Finish - 3rd

 

Current Lineup Score... 75.3

Division Rank 3rd

 

Financial Power Flexibility Score... 6.5

Division Rank 8th

 

Quality Draft Capital... 5.0

Division Rank 6th

 

Boy, Rex has actually built himself a great little team here.  I had no clue that it was this deep, AND that he's probably ready to be a big player in the West already.  Now and for the long haul.  He does not have a ton of flexibility with cap space when compared to other teams, and does not have a plethora of draft picks to move out to improve more, but he has young assets, and his team doesn't have a ton of holes.  Hughes, Tkachuk, and Holloway form a great top line for him; with plenty of depth behind them.  He's got 2-3 terrific D-men also, but is definitely lacking depth in that area.  So, a big must for him would be adding a couple reliable players on the backend.  And like a lot of teams, he's got a solid starting goaltender in Vejmelka, but like those teams, not spectacular, so interesting to see if he considers himself adequate enough at that position.  Despite not having a ton of cap or picks, he still has some great prospects he could move to put himself in contention for a home ice playoff position.

 

Biggest Strength:  A great (and young) top line, AND a great (and young) top D pairing

 

 

 

Los Angeles Kings

 

Division Projected Order of Finish - 4th

 

Current Lineup Score... 74.2

Division Rank 4th

 

Financial Power Flexibility Score... 11.3

Division Rank 4th

 

Quality Draft Capital... 8.0

Division Rank 4th

 

Rumpy's Kings (currently from a rating's perspective) is almost the opposite of Rex's Kraken.  Outside of Thompson, Rumpy doesn't have any true game breakers or changers, either up front or on the back end.  However, he has great depth at every position, including goaltending, as well as a number of young prospects he's waiting for to hopefully pan out.  Bedard did not take that leap we all thought he would, so that helps to keep the Kings lower / in a playoff dogfight rather than having their ticket to the dance more safe and secure.  Unlike Rex, though, he has plenty of cash, wiggle room, and non-pro prospects that can allow him to make major changes, and to bring in some massive additions if he chooses to do so.  The middle teams of the Pacific will be extremely intriguing to watch this summer and during the season.

 

Biggest Strength:  Youthful depth