Team: 2021-22 Custom Team

Initial Creation Date: Nov. 30, 2021

Published: Dec. 1, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

ANA - Troy Terry is self-explanatory. Could have also went with Getzlaf
AZ - No, it's not because he stole a win against the Jets the other night. He's looked great all year... and yes, Ghost isn't on here out of spite (joke)
BOS - We've already known McAvoy is a top defenseman for a few years... but man he is so good
BUF - It's awesome to see Tage Thompson finally finding his groove
CGY - I could have gone with anyone here but Mangiapane has started to get people's attention these last 3 years. Good on him
CAR - Could I have really picked anyone else?
CHI - It was a disappointing start to the year (and not just on the ice) but Chicago has been a lot better. No true breakout stars but Kane is keeping his pace which is vital for them
COL - Kadri has shown that he is capable of putting up incredible numbers when given the chance. With MacKinnon back soon, that's where the run ends... but it's intriguing to say the least
CBJ - This is another one of those teams where I could have chosen anyone, but Jenner has been on fire when given top 6 minutes. He has earned his extension
DAL - It looks like the Stars are finally getting back in the mix. Many guys started off the year on a low note, but Oettinger is the goalie of the future. Hell, he's the goalie NOW
DET - This one was very difficult, but I have to pick the Calder favorite to this point (even though they have both of the top favorites...). This season has been a dream come true. Yzerman is not human
EDM - Was surprisingly difficult to find a player who I was surprised with for Edmonton, but Bouchard has been a pleasant surprise
FLA - No chance I'm choosing anyone BUT Bob
LA - Not necessarily surprised that Doughty has played much better as I felt 2020 was an off year, but he has been great. When you can log that many minutes each night (even after an injury) you're doing something right
MIN - Once again I'm not necessarily shocked, but Hartman has played 1st line minutes with competence this year. What a career trajectory for him
MTL - Allen has done relatively well despite all the chaos and being forced into a no. 1 roll. Even when he was the starter in St. Louis he wasn't playing this much... he was acquired to start 15-20 games all year, not within their first 25 games
NSH - Duchene is good
NJ - Devils have such a promising team, I doubted them simply because they've never really shown me anything to suggest they were a playoff team... I guess that's over now
NYI - I mean this genuinely when I say this: I'm not worried about the Isles. Offense has ALWAYS been an issue with how good their defense is. Sorokin is an unquestioned No. 1 goalie now.
NYR - Remember when people said Kreider should be a third liner before this season started? LOL
OTT - Batherson isn't really surprising but he's arguably the most improved versus the start of last season
PHI - If I could put both Hart and Jones I would. The Flyers have been miserable and their goaltending is the only reason why they aren't below Ottawa right now. Usually I'd say that to pump the tires of our goalies but I mean that genuinely
PIT - I'm not surprised by how Jarry is doing, but with all the injuries the Pens have had, his performance has been wonderful. I've always said that your goalie's stats are solely based on the coaching scheme, but with all the adjustments needed this season, he's the reason why he's playing so well
SJS - Sharks concern was depth and their top guys performing. They do not have he who shall not be named, yet Meier has easily been the best he has ever been
SEA - McCann will score no matter what situation or line you put him in/on
STL - I'm not surprised at all by Kyrou but his progression starting before the pandemic to now is impressive
TB - Cirelli continues to elevate his game despite the missing pieces
TOR - The fact that Campbell has picked up exactly where he left off last year shows just how good he is
VAN - Miller has perhaps been the only player on the team that hasn't been a disappointment... that's an exaggeration of course, as Demko and Garland have been good, but Miller being their leading scorer by a decent margin is a surprise
VGK - Even with injuries to his linemates early in the season, Stephenson has maintained production
WSH - Ovi has been the best, but Kuzy is the most surprising
WPG - Connor hasn't slowed down at all, he is still their best offensive weapon