State of the Loons; Time for the offseason

 Its time to turn the page and start looking ahead to the 2025/26 season. At the time of this blog next year's ratings are still unknown but we have followed our guys all year and have a pretty decent idea of who will rise and who will fall. Cole Caufield has improved each year and will likely replace Capt. Kreider on the top line, joining Eichel and Boldy. After multiple attempts to find Brock Nelson a new home he appears to be back centering Kreider and Vatrano on the second line. Kreider is likely to see a slight rating drop after difficult, injury filled year with the Rangers. The third line is where things get tricky. A lot of the Loons success last year came from our depth, but with the tragic death of Johnny Hockey, a down year from Coyle, more injuries from Zegras and a mediocre year out of Beniers our third line has a lot to be desired. Coyle has started to put up some points with Colorado as of late and with ratings being based on the last two years we are hoping his ratings stay close and he can anchor the third line. Who will join Coyle is anyone's guess and there does not seem to be any solutions in upcoming free agency.

On the blue line only Werenski took a step forward, a big step! McAvoy fell prey to a combination of a historically bad Bruins team and a clown show Minnesota medical staff. Hanifin and Faber were solid but their ratings will be anyone's guess. There are always defensive options in free agency but I'm not sure if Capeside will be willing to pay the price it will take for a 5 and 6 defenseman. 

After the best year in Loon history we are expecting to take a step back this year while we wait for the kids (Nazar, Smith, Leonard, Buium and Snuggerud) to be ready to contribute. Rumors have been out there of a package around Snuggerud, Nazar and a 2026 2nd being offered for a established top 6 forward but it seems like a lot of gms have Capeside's number blocked. We are expecting to make the playoffs as a mid seed and with lower expectations the hope will be to continue to build up out revenue reserves.