Monthly Archives: June 2011

With my focus shifted to the NHL Entry Draft this weekend at the XCEL Energy Center, I wanted to post my thoughts on the crop of domestic and international goalies available this summer. Although everyone is looking towards the two Gibson’s as the biggest story for the goaltenders, the 2011 class is actually much deeper than it appears.

The Atlantic Division has been one of the league’s most successful in the past five years, with two of the last five Cup finalists- and one winner- coming out of the division. However, one former powerhouse is experiencing its first shot at lottery talent, while another is hoping that their lengthy rebuild is finally coming to an end.

It will take months to dissect the bitter ending to a spectacular 2010-11 season for the Vancouver Canucks.  On the surface, Roberto Luongo hardly seems like the guy to blame for Vancouver’s loss against Boston. He received only eight goals of support in the seven game series, and two of his three wins were of the shutout variety. Upon closer look,a trend that has been developing over the past few years reared its ugly head once again – Luongo’s mercurial and moody off-ice personality having a negative effect on the team.

Age, upside, value, team and positional requirements, among other influences, impact where players are ranked. As expected, those who continually fill up multiple roto categories are favoured and active roster players are the focus. Salaries and contracts are not in effect.

This is not a player-to-player draft guide simply because the flow of draft, positions required and many other needs come into play. Each month players will get shuffled up and down the standings based on pace, monthly performances, consistency and potential.