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Every year I do my season previews and this season I thought I would try something different.
I am considering the system below for my previews which will begin with my next blog. The concept being "Let's look at the teams in terms of potential changes that need to be made." Instead of just ranking them. I would like your input on the following system:
Expectations: How is the fanbase?
Code Green: Fanbase very satisfied and happy with progress. Code Yellow: Fanbase divided and highly susceptible to sliding into Code Red. Code Red: Expectations are high and the fanbase is unwilling to accept anything less than improvement. Code Double Red: Fanbase has been at Code Red for some time and is already heading negative before the season has even begun.
Salary Cap Status: How much freedom exists to improve upon your structure?
Code Green: Team is well within the cap and free to make some moves. Code Yellow: Team is within the cap for this year and has some space but has to remember to keep space open for major contracts that are on their way. Code Red: The team is capped out and has little or no ability to fix it this year without major deals. Code Double Red: The Team is capped out this year and next AND has some serious big contracts to extend within the next few seasons.
Team Window: Which way is the team heading?
Window Shut: The team has bottomed out and the rebuild is on. Window Opening: The team has playoff aspirations after an absence. Window Closing: The team has been a playoff team but could fall out this season. Window Open: The team will be a playoff team and is considered a contender. Window WIDE Open: The team is a legit Cup contender.
Management Status: Are the GM and/or coach in trouble?
Code Green: They are established and can survive any season outcome into next season. Code Yellow: They are established but probably need to reach a certain benchmark to guarantee a return in 2016-17. Code Red: They are on watch and know they MUST achieve a certain level or they will be gone by season's end. Code Double Red: One or both are very much in danger of not finishing this season.
Offense: Where does this team stand offensively?
Code Green: This is very solid team from an offensive standpoint. No changes to be expected. Code Yellow: This is team considered solid, but still missing a key component. One or maybe two additions to the forwards. Code Red: This team feels it has the talent it needs but has been very disappointed to this point and is open to a major swap. Code Double Red: This team does NOT have the horses and is in need of massive additions.
Defense: Where does this team stand defensively?
Code Green: This is very solid team from an defensive standpoint. No changes to be expected. Code Yellow: This is team considered solid defensively, but may still missing a key component. One or maybe two additions to the d-corps. Code Red: This team feels it has the talent it needs but has been very disappointed to this point and is open to a major swap. Code Double Red: This team does NOT have the horses and is in need of massive additions/changes to the defensive end.
Goalie: How solid between the pipes
Code Green: This team is set in goal with a bona fide starter and a backup who can fill in admirably when needed. Code Yellow: This team has a bona fide starter but not a proven established backup in case of injury. Code Red: This team does not yet have a proven starter or backup but has potential to be OK if one comes up big. Code Double Red: This team is in dire straits in goal.
UFA Situation: How set up are they?
Code Green: All key players are signed for this season and next. Code Yellow: Most key players are signed for this season and next, but one or two could be issues. Code Red: Several Key players are not signed for this year or next. Code Double Red: One of this team’s major players is a potential UFA heading into next season or this season.
RFA situation: Possible Nuclear Bombs.
Code Green: All key RFA players are signed for this season and next. Code Yellow: Most key RFA players are signed for this season and next, but one or two could be issues. Code Red: Several Key RFA players are not signed for this year or next. Code Double Red: One of this team’s major RFA players is a potential UFA heading into next season.
Rumored Moves:
Potential Moves:
What are your thoughts on this method of team reviews?
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