#he's very consistent. has proved himself capable of staying on the top lines. physical forward which i like

[sayheykid]

i love zegras as much as the next guy but i truly think that mason mctavish is the most interesting young talent on the ducks right now. mark my words, within the next five years we will see him get an A, and he will become captain within his career

[andrebearakovsky]

This Week in Caps: Players

Welcome to This Week in Caps, a weekly newsletter where I recap everything important that’s been going on in the world of the Washington Capitals this past week. This week I’m continuing on introductory material, and today’s post will feature and recap Capitals players and important prospects. Below I have listed everyone who I believe might make the opening night roster, along with the top guys in Hershey.

Players

#19 Nicklas Backstrom (Alternate Captain)

Age: 30 Nationality: Sweden Position: Forward Shoots: L

The Caps’ elite playmaking Swedish center, Alternate Captain, criminally underrated, and one of the franchise’s greatest players. A first round draft pick for the Caps in 2006 and beginning his career with the Caps in 2007-08, Backstrom has been a staple for the franchise for the last decade, and has been paired alongside Alex Ovechkin most of that time. Warmly known as Backy, Nicky, or Nicke, and known as a “Papa” to many of the younger guys on the team. Holds the Capitals franchise record in assists, third on the Capitals franchise points list.

#22 Madison Bowey

Age: 23 Nationality: Canada Position: Defense Shoots: R

A rookie defenseman last season, signed a 2-year contract over the offseason. Drafted in the second round by the Caps in 2013. A big man with a bigger smile and an even bigger heart. He played just over half the games last season, though he was relegated to the bench after the trade deadline. He’s likely to be the seventh defenseman again this year unless Brooks Orpik starts taking some games off, but Bowey still has a lot to learn and some growing to do.

#72 Travis Boyd

Age: 25 Nationality: United States Position: Forward Shoots: R

A longtime AHL stalwart who’s finally made his way to the big leagues. Drafted in the sixth round by the Caps in 2011, Boyd is a two-way center ready to scratch the surface. He played eight regular season and one postseason games with the Caps last year in his first NHL action, and he’s looking to take the regular fourth-line center position with the departure of longtime center Jay Beagle. He signed a 2-year contract over offseason, so it’s looking like he’ll finally stick around at the NHL level regardless.

#65 Andre Burakovsky

Age: 23 Nationality: Sweden Position: Forward Shoots: L

A talented Swedish winger, and a fan favorite. Drafted in the first round by the Caps in 2013 and making his debut in the 2014-15 season, Burakovsky has been a longtime favorite and is still looking to have his true breakout. He’s been plagued by multiple injuries and mental struggles throughout his career, but he has crazy talent, a heart of gold, affection for the people he’s close to, and a face that everyone can love.

#74 John Carlson

Age: 28 Nationality: United States Position: Defense Shoots: R

The Caps’ number-one, power play-quarterbacking, offensive-minded defenseman. Drafted in the first round by the Caps in 2008 and making his debut in 2009-10, Carlson has grown into the Caps best all-around defenseman, and he had his greatest offensive season last year, moving up the ranks to become one of the greatest Caps defensemen ever. He was predicted to be one of the top free agent defensemen on the market this offseason, but he signed a 8-year contract, likely keeping him in Washington, where he makes his home, for the rest of his career.

#10 Brett Connolly

Age: 26 Nationality: Canada Position: Forward Shoots: R

A winger with a sneaky knack for scoring. A first round pick that never quite panned out with other teams, Connolly signed with the Caps in 2016-17 and blossomed in Washington, scoring a career high in goals. Also has the added bonus of being a wonderful person, and the unfortunate curse of looking like a 45-year-old man.

#1 Pheonix Copley

Age: 26 Nationality: United States Position: Goalie

The Caps needed a new backup goalie after the departure of longtime backup Philipp Grubauer, and it looks like Copley is in line for the job. He’s the goalie in the Caps’ system with the most AHL experience, though he only has 2 NHL games (1 start) under his belt. Originally signed undrafted by the Caps in 2013-14, he was traded to the Blues in the Oshie-Brouwer deal, and then traded back to the Caps in the Shattenkirk deal. His career AHL numbers are a bit shaky, so he’s going to have to prove himself as a backup this season, or he might lose his job to Vitek Vanecek or Ilya Samsonov down the line.

#29 Christian Djoos

Age: 24 Nationality: Sweden Position: Defense Shoots: L

A rookie defenseman last season, a surprise addition to the opening night roster and stayed the entire year. Selected in the seventh round by the Caps in 2012, Djoos showed great skill, a little offensive pop, and steady defense along the blue line all year. Despite his smaller size, he’s becoming a mainstay. Djoos quickly became a fan favorite and team favorite, and he’s likely to get elevated playing time this season.

#26 Nic Dowd

Age: 28 Nationality: United States Position: Forward Shoots: R

One of the very few outside additions the Caps made over the offseason, and thus one of the few members of the roster that is not a Stanley Cup champion. Also undrafted and one of only two players in NHL history to hail from the state of Alabama, Dowd has spent the past three years between the Kings and Canucks, and signed a 1-year contract with the Caps this summer. Dowd is competing for the fourth line center position vacated by Jay Beagle, and has defensive strengths along with experience on the penalty kill. But perhaps his greatest asset is his golden retriever Arlo, who has his own Instagram account.

#20 Lars Eller

Age: 29 Nationality: Denmark Position: Forward Shoots: L

The Caps’ third line center, who has stabilized the Caps’ center depth and provided excellent depth scoring for the last couple years. Prone to taking a few too many penalties, but great on the penalty kill and on the second power play. Traded to the Caps from the Canadiens prior to the 2016-17 season, Eller signed a five-year extension before the summer began. The man nicknamed “The Tiger” also scored the goal that won the Caps the Stanley Cup, and was the first player from Denmark to ever win the Stanley Cup.

#70 Braden Holtby

Age: 29 Nationality: Canada Position: Goalie

The Caps’ starting goalie, decorated with NHL awards (including the Vezina trophy, All-Star game appearances, first and second All-Star teams, and stars of the week and month). Drafted in the fourth round in 2008 and making his debut for the Caps in the 2010-11 season, Holtby has cemented himself with Olaf Kolzig as the greatest goaltenders in Caps history; he also has a share of the NHL single-season wins record for goalies (with Martin Brodeur). Holtby is also a strong LGBTQ advocate, is the Caps’ You Can Play ambassador, has actively showed his support, participated in pride marches and events, and spoke at the most recent Human Rights Campaign dinner.

#6 Michal Kempny

Age: 28 Nationality: Czech Republic Position: Defense Shoots: L

Quite possibly the greatest trade deadline pickup in the history of the NHL. At the beginning of last season, the was sitting the bench in Chicago, barely able to get in the lineup for a bottom of the barrel team. Then the Caps scooped him up, got him for a third-round pick, and he quite literally revitalized the whole defense. Kempny has said that the trade saved his NHL career, and his addition saved the Caps. The Caps signed him to a four-year contract over the offseason, so he’ll be sticking around for awhile.

#92 Evgeny Kuznetsov

Age: 26 Nationality: Russia Position: Forward Shoots: L

The Caps’ dynamic, highly talented, franchise center of the future. Drafted in the first round by the Capitals in 2010, the man known as Kuzy made his debut late in the 2013-14 season and has took off ever since. The surefire first-line center for most teams is 1A and 1B with Nicklas Backstrom, and prior to last season signed an extension to stay for eight more years. His personality is through the roof, and anything that comes out of his mouth is guaranteed to make you laugh.

#2 Matt Niskanen

Age: 31 Nationality: United States Position: Defense Shoots: R

The Caps’ most stable, solid, consistent defenseman. The defense would literally come apart at the seams without him. Signed as a free agent prior to the 2014-15 season when the defensive structure of the team got a true overhaul. Has a mean slapshot (when he takes one). Soft-spoken, fond of a chirp, dad, and talks like he was transplanted right out of the 1950s,

#9 Dmitry Orlov

Age: 27 Nationality: Russia Position: Defense Shoots: L

Every team has a player deserving of the “Most Improved” award, and for the Caps, that player is Dmitry Orlov. Drafted in the second round by the Caps in 2009 and making his debut in the 2011-12 season, Orlov was once prone to giveaways, taking too many risky offensive chances, and making too many mistakes. But now he is a top-pairing defenseman, has great offensive skills, is solid on the blueline, and is capable of delivering deafening hits. He once suffered a bad broken wrist and a number of other complications that caused him to miss the entire 2014-15 season, but the last three years he has stayed healthy and played every game. Has a fantastic physical game, and the launching of Matt Duchene is one of legend. Quite shy, but very friendly, and will hip-check you if necessary.

#44 Brooks Orpik (Alternate Captain)

Age: 37 Nationality: United States Position: Defense Shoots: L

Defenseman, Alternate Captain, a billion years old. Picked up in free agency prior to the 2014-15 season. The definition of a gritty, stay-at-home defenseman, who broke a two-year scoring drought with a goal in the Stanley Cup Finals. Very physical (perhaps too much), takes a few too many penalties, and not as good at defense as he used to be. However, his leadership is vital in the locker room, as everyone loves him. The young guys affectionately call him “Batya” (a Russian word for “dad”). At the draft this summer, he was traded along with Philipp Grubauer to the Colorado Avalanche, and then he was subsequently bought out. Then the Caps signed up back for one year to a much more manageable contract, saving them about four million dollars.

#77 T.J. Oshie

Age: 31 Nationality: United States Position: Forward Shoots: R

The winger of 2014 Olympic shootout fame, with perfect hair and a shining face that fans and media alike adore. The fan-favorite was traded to the Caps from the Blues prior to the 2015-16 season, and his career has taken off since then. Favorite moves include shootout excellence, going top-shelf (especially on the power play), and making all of his teammates fall in love with him.

#17 Sergei Shumakov

Age: 26 Nationality: Russia Position: Forward Shoots: R

The Caps’ other offseason pickup. A winger, he spent seven seasons in the KHL with Novosibirsk Sibir (6 seasons) and CSKA Moscow (1 season) before signing a one-year, two-way contract with Washington this offseason. He is from the same town as Evgeny Kuznetsov, and Kuzy was helpful in persuading him to sign. He is a bit of a wild card, and I don’t know a lot about him. It’s unknown if he’ll make the roster or what kind of impact he might have.

#25 Devante Smith-Pelly

Age: 26 Nationality: Canada Position: Forward Shoots: R

The Caps’ rugged fourth-line winger and 2018 playoff hero. DSP has had a pretty turbulent career up until he landed with the Caps, having trouble getting a stable job and bouncing from place to place. He was placed on waivers by the Devils in June 2017, and the Caps signed him to a one-year, two-way deal just days later. DSP exploded in the playoffs, scoring as many goals as he did the entire regular season. DSP has also gone through a lot before and during his NHL career, including a racial incident when the Caps were in Chicago last season, but he has persevered and now he is a Stanley Cup Champion. The Caps signed him back to a one-year deal this offseason, so he’s sticking around in Washington for one more year.

#18 Chandler Stephenson

Age: 24 Nationality: Canada Position: Forward Shoots: L

Called up as an injury replacement early last season and never went back. The center-turned winger had a few cups of coffee in the NHL in previous seasons (starting in the 2015-16 season), but last season he cemented himself a position on the fourth line. Drafted in the third round in 2012 by the Caps, Stephenson became an essential member of the penalty kill, and he is able to contribute on all four lines and has very good speed.

#13 Jakub Vrana

Age: 22 Nationality: Czech Republic Position: Forward Shoots: L

The Caps’ speedy, talented, top-six winger. Drafted in the first round by the Caps in 2014, he made his debut and played a chunk of games in 2016-17. The 2017-18 Stanley Cup campaign was his first full NHL season, and this year he’s looking to really break out offensively. Both last season and this season he is the youngest player on the Caps roster (unless Gersich makes the team).

#79 Nathan Walker

Age: 24 Nationality: Australia Position: Forward Shoots: L

The first Australian to ever play in the NHL. Drafted in the third round in 2014 by the Caps, the small and feisty winger scored a goal in his NHL debut last year. He left the Caps for a short period of time when the Oilers picked him up on waivers, though he came back to the Caps on waivers after just a few weeks. Didn’t get into too many games, though he played in an important one in the postseason (game six against Pittsburgh). He is looking to compete for a bench role this season.

#43 Tom Wilson

Age: 24 Nationality: Canada Position: Forward Shoots: R

The Caps’ power forward, known for his physicality, his booming hits, and his fighting prowess. Drafted in the first round by the Caps in 2012, the rugged winger was once a bottom-six player only there to cause trouble. But in recent years he has grown, he’s improved, and he is so much more than that now. Last year, Wilson had the year of his life in just about every possible way. He was put on the top line and shattered his career offensive numbers. He’s cleaned up his game a lot, though he still needs to get a little bit better in that department and avoid hits that will lead to suspensions and injuries to others. Wilson has also become invaluable on the penalty kill, and has become very good at drawing penalties, as well. Additionally, he has the makings of becoming a great leader in the locker room. He signed a six-year contract this offseason, so it looks like Tommy isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

#8 Alex Ovechkin (Captain)

Age: 33 Nationality: Russia Position: Forward Shoots: R

The Capitals’ captain, winger, elite goal-scorer, future hall of famer, and the greatest player to ever put on a Capitals uniform. He turned the franchise around, and is the face of the Washington franchise. Drafted first overall by the Capitals in 2004, he now leads the Capitals all-time in goals, points, and just about every offensive category (besides assists). Coming into the season, he has 607 goals and 1122 points, which rank 19th and 59th in the NHL all-time, respectively. Since his NHL career has become, he has won numerous accolades, including three Hart trophies, three Ted Lindsay awards, the Calder Memorial trophy, the Art Ross trophy, seven Rocket Richard trophies, eleven All-Star appearances, and many more. Ovechkin has received a lot of criticism throughout his career for his inability to win the Stanley Cup that eluded him for so long, or to even get past the second round. But now, thankfully, that narrative is dead, and Alex Ovechkin is a Stanley Cup Champion, finally, after thirteen seasons. He is a big man with a big personality and an even bigger heart. Other attributes include horrible fashion sense, lots of dogs and animals, a gap-toothed smile, endless motherly love for his teammates, and a telepathic bond with Nicklas Backstrom. On the ice, watch for him on the power play in his office, unguarded in the Ovi spot, ready to unleash a wicked slapshot.

Notable Prospects

#63 Shane Gersich

Age: 22 Nationality: United States Position: Forward Shoots: L

The Capitals’ fifth round draft pick in 2014. A forward who spent three years at the University of North Dakota before going pro and signing an entry-level contract with the Capitals. He ended up playing in three regular season and two postseason games for the Capitals this past season, becoming a Stanley Cup champion in the process. Great speed and great skill, he’s looking to crack the roster for the Capitals this season.

#30 Ilya Samsonov

Age: 21 Nationality: Russia Position: Goalie

The Capitals’ first round draft pick in 2015. An elite-level goalie, and projected to be the Caps’ goalie of the future. Has spent the last four seasons in the KHL performing brilliantly, even winning the Gargarin Cup once. He signed an entry-level contract with the Capitals this offseason, and will be playing in North America for the first time this year. He will likely start at the AHL, but there’s a small chance we might see him with the Caps this year if everything goes right.

#45 Axel Jonsson-Fjallby

Age: 20 Nationality: Sweden Position: Forward Shoots: L

The Capitals’ fifth round draft pick in 2016. A forward who can skate like the wind and is excellent shorthanded. Big his greatest attribute: long, flowing, golden locks. Has spent his entire hockey career in Sweden up until now. Signed an entry-level contract with the Capitals this offseason, and will likely spent this season in North America, probably at the AHL level.

#21 Lucas Johansen

Age: 20 Nationality: Canada Position: Defense Shoots: L

The Capitals’ first round draft pick in 2016. A defenseman with good skating, a good shot, and great hockey instincts. Spent three seasons in juniors before spending a year in the AHL last season, having signed an entry-level contract with the Capitals in the 2017 offseason. His older brother is center Ryan Johansen of the Nashville Predators.

#27 Alexander Alexeyev

Age: 18 Nationality: Russia Position: Defense Shoots: L

The Capitals’ first round draft pick in 2018. A defenseman with a lot of size, great offensive ability, and two-way defensive talent. Has said that he models his game after Dmitry Orlov. Has a very big personality, much like Evgeny Kuznetsov, and chirped Ovechkin about his fountain celebrations when Ovechkin called him at the draft. He’s a good number of years away, and despite signing his entry-level contract with the Capitals just a few days, ago, he will continue playing for his junior team, the Red Deer Rebels (WHL), for the upcoming season.

Other notable players include Jonas Siegenthaler, Brian Pinho, Vitek Vanecek, Connor Hobbs

Up next: Caps coaches, broadcasters, and everyone else important to the Caps!

[thrashermaxey]

The Journey: 2020 Draft Prospects

If you don’t follow me on Twitter (don’t worry, my weekly suggestion is at the bottom of this article), you probably don’t know, and very well might not care, but I recently moved from rural Saskatchewan to Saint John, New Brunswick. With all the things that have changed in our transition, the one thing that has thankfully remained relatively consistent is our access to quality major junior hockey. While I’m used to rooting for the Saskatoon Blades, who are currently rocking the WHL – I’ve been blessed with an opportunity to observe the Saint John Sea Dogs work through a trying rebuild. Max Chejkovic is truly the main attraction in at Harbour Station, but in my first two outings, three of the players that really stood out to be happened to be 16-year-olds.  

My wife and I moved from Saskatchewan to New Brunswick over the last week… places change but hockey stays the same (ish). Excited to get my eyes on the Q! #newhomwteam #dobberprospects #dobberhockey pic.twitter.com/naxHPM2Sw3

— Brayden Olaf (@olaf1393) January 4, 2019

The excitement of watching a truly blossoming team got me thinking more about the 2020 draft, and which players in your locale might be worth getting out to see. I can only speak to the quality and ease of access to Canadian major junior hockey, so that’s where I’ll focus, however, I’ll also provide some thoughts on various North American geographical zones.

Maritimes

Justin Barron, D – Halifax Mooseheads

The late-2001 born defenseman is playing for his hometown Halifax Mooseheads, making the spectacle that much more intriguing. In his second full QMJHL campaign, the 6-2 defenseman is proving to be a steadfast defender, as well as an engaging offensive support tool. While he does lack the level of explosive speed and puck-handling that the trending forwards have in their arsenal, Barron amazes with his natural hockey IQ, and relaxed body language. In many cases, scoring opportunities will develop casually off the blade of his stick, a sign that the defender could have even more to offer in the coming year. Halifax is currently leading the Maritimes division of the QMJHL and will play most of their remaining schedule on home ice.  

Quebec

Theo Rochette, C, Chicoutimi Sagueneens

In his first shot at North American competition, the Swiss-Canadian 16-year-old has seriously impressed. He’s overall, a very fun player to watch, with potential to create dazzling scoring opportunities with each touch. Not only does he have the natural ability to drive the play on a regular shift, but Rochette has also proven to be a dangerous option on the power-play and penalty-kill. He’s an easy player to notice, and I strongly suggest you make an attempt to see him play if the Sagueneens are in your area.  

#2020nhldraft prospect Theo Rochette with his 3rd goal of the season #qmjhl pic.twitter.com/f4UgjiWwBO

— Dennis Schellenberg (@ScoutingFactory) October 14, 2018

Ontario

Cole Perfetti, C, Saginaw Spirit

Jammed into one of the more skilled rosters in the Ontario Hockey League, the 17-year-old Perfetti has had no trouble standing out in his first shot at major junior. An immense work ethic allows Perfetti to get to pucks and create opportunities for himself as well as his teammates. While his dynamic skill has yet to be put totally on display, his early success in the league should be building up his confidence for a critical draft season.

Western Canada

Dylan Holloway, LW, Okotoks Oilers

Although he hasn't been faced with the same level of competition as fellow draftee’s to be, Holloway has shown, even at the Alberta Junior Hockey League level that he is capable of contending for a first-round draft slot. The Wisconsin Badger commit is a physical presence, as well as a skilled one, using both sets of tools to create offense. He’s a full package of NHL desired assets making him a safe pick with potential to really surprise when he arrives at the next level. If you don’t have a chance to catch Holloway in the AJHL, he’ll be joining the loaded Badgers squad next fall as a full-time Big10er.

USHL West

Wyatt Schingoethe

The top scoring 16-year-old in the USHL is property of the Western Conference’s highest scoring team, Waterloo Black Hawks. His semi-depth role on the high flying squad has allowed his offense to be suppressed to a certain extent, however, this isn't a player whose skill should be underestimated. Schingoethe is hoping that his transition to Notre Dame next fall will allow him the opportunity to stretch his wings as a dynamic centreman

USHL East

Sean Farrell

Lost in the saturated roster of the USNDP U18 squad is 2020 draft eligible foward Sean Farrell. Although Farrell falls on the wrong side of the first scoring tier among the US power team, his success as one of the youngest players on the team should be noted. His dynamic edgework is consistent with undersized players of years gone by. His excellent puck handling and shot selection make him an extremely exciting presence on the ice, and despite his 5-9 frame, an intimidating weapon for the oppositions last lines of defense.

I hope you have the opportunity to get out and see at least one of these players first hand in the next couple of months – I’d bet that you won't be disappointed. For the most part, these players have proven themselves to be very hard working in order to overcome other small deficits in their game. I’d love to hear your thoughts on these guys if you do get the chance to see them, or even if you’ve already spent some time watching them locally. You can find me on Twitter @olaf1393.

  from All About Sports https://dobberhockey.com/hockey-home/the-journey/the-journey-2020-draft-prospects/

[yahoo-roto-arcade-blog]

Juggernaut Index, No. 27: Bears have Jordan Howard and not much else

Here’s a Chicago Bears fan displaying the proper enthusiasm for the 2017 team. (Photo by Daniel Bartel/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Juggernaut Index, No. 27: Bears have Jordan Howard and a collection of bad ideas

The Chicago Bears managed to recklessly overspend not once but twice during the offseason, in pursuit of quarterbacks of questionable ability. First, general manager Ryan Pace threw a three-year, $45 million deal at Mike Glennon ($18.5M guaranteed) when other teams were hoping to land him at $8-10 million. Then, the Bears traded multiple picks in order to move up a single spot on draft night to select Mitch Trubisky, a player who likely would have fallen to them at their original slot.

[Fantasy Football is open! Sign up now]

Not surprisingly, this team’s offseason has not earned high marks from … well, from anyone.

The list of Chicago’s free agent additions on offense looks like a last-place fantasy roster from 2014: Glennon, Mark Sanchez, Victor Cruz, Markus Wheaton, Kendall Wright, Rueben Randle, Dion Sims, Benny Cunningham. A few of those players could be serviceable, but none move the needle for a team coming off a 3-win season. In April, the Bears’ drafted as if their singular goal was to flummox anyone providing analysis on live TV. After using the No. 2 overall pick on Trubisky, Chicago spent three of its four remaining selections on players from non-FBS schools. It’s not at all clear that any of them, or Trubisky, will contribute in a meaningful way in 2017.

So, um … Bear down. Woo.

There they are, Trubisky and Glennon. Basically the Montana and Young of their generation. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Hey, at least Jay Cutler isn’t in the team picture, right?

True, but that’s cold comfort for Bears fans. At least Cutler made things interesting, delivering the occasional wow throw before vomiting away winnable games. In Glennon, the team has found a perfectly league-average passer, prone to misfires. He enters his fifth NFL season with a career completion percentage of 59.4, averaging 6.5 yards per attempt. He has plenty of arm strength, but only modest athleticism and a disastrous lack of mobility. Bad things tend to happen when Glennon faces pressure and begins his awkward, giraffe-ish backpedalling — things like this and this and this.

Still, Glennon enters camp as the team’s unchallenged starting quarterback. If he can hold the job over a full season, we can expect something like 3650 yards, 22 passing TDs and a dozen picks. Meh. If you play in a league in which QBs from the 18-to-24 range need to be owned, then Glennon’s name belongs on your cheat sheet. He’s an uninteresting QB2 for fantasy purposes, a player who can guide your team to a respectable loss when your starter is on bye. For the Bears, Glennon is a bridge QB. He’ll have the starting gig until Chicago decides to enter the Trubisky era.

*SHUDDER*

If Trubisky develops into a difference-making quarterback who orchestrates deep playoff runs over multiple seasons, fans will not care about the degree to which the franchise was fleeced in the 2017 draft. Ryan Pace’s NFL future now cannot be disentangled from Trubisky’s. There’s little question that the rookie has pro-level athleticism, size and arm talent. But he clearly wasn’t the most physically gifted QB in his draft class, nor was he the most accomplished. Trubisky was a one-year starter at North Carolina, where he played in a shotgun-based spread system. He couldn’t leapfrog Marquise Williams on the depth chart in 2014 or 2015, then entered the draft unfamiliar with at least one basic QB concept. So that’s alarming.

Trubisky’s numbers were of course excellent last year (8.4 Y/A, 30 TDs), but his best single-game performances — the games that elevated his prospect status — all occurred in the first half of the season. That’s another small concern. He was brutal in the Sun Bowl, facing an opponent that had abundant time to game-plan. He missed open receivers, gave away field position, and he was baited into a game-changing pick-six. It wasn’t pretty.

But the Bears were undeterred. He’s the future at QB in Chicago, for better or worse. Frank Schwab is kinda/sorta buying…

…but I’ll pass, thanks. I’m taking Deshaun Watson, Patrick Mahomes and DeShone Kizer ahead of Trubisky in dynasty drafts, in that order.

With Alshon Jeffery gone, who’s the No. 1 receiver in Chicago?

The Bears signed a group of reclamation project receivers — Wheaton, Wright, Cruz, Roob — all of whom can be ignored in fantasy leagues of standard size. Wheaton received the biggest deal (two years, $11 million), but he’s entering his fifth pro season with just one 100-yard game to his credit. Cruz will see time in the slot, health permitting. Wright may very well be the best wideout from this sketchy group of vets, but he’ll need to battle for his snaps.

Cameron Meredith is by far the most interesting ascending piece of this team’s receiving corps. Meredith made an immediate impact in 2016 when injuries cleared a path to meaningful playing time. He saw double-digit targets four times last season, and he topped 100 receiving yards in each of those games. For the year, Meredith finished with 66 catches, 888 yards and four TDs on just 96 targets. If any receiver on this team is going to emerge as an every-week fantasy play, it’s him. Meredith has good size (6-foot-3), speed and terrific leaping ability. He’s dealing with a thumb injury at the moment, but nothing that’s expected to compromise his season. At his current Yahoo ADP (110.4), there’s room for substantial profit.

Former first-rounder Kevin White remains in the mix, though he’s missed 28 of 32 games over his two NFL seasons due to fractures in his left leg. White ran a blistering 4.35 40-yard dash at the combine back in 2015, but that timed speed hasn’t translated to game action. He appeared in Chicago’s first four games last season, catching 19 balls for 187 yards on 35 targets. He’s made exactly one highlight-worthy play in his pro career, this 32-yard grab over Morris Claiborne. At least we know he’s capable of beating someone. He’ll have yet another chance to prove himself in 2017, though he seems a poor bet to stay healthy. White is worth a final-round flier based on projected opportunity, but let’s not go so far as to call him a sleeper.

At tight end, the Bears have the uninteresting Dion Sims, a still-rehabbing Zach Miller (Lisfranc), and a gigantic rookie, Adam Shaheen. None of these players deserve consideration in standard redraft leagues. Miller is a fringy option in very deep leagues, depending on his recovery. Shaheen is a prospect of interest in dynasty formats, and he’s generated low-level buzz during the team’s offseason program. But he’s also a rookie from a small school (Ashland University), facing the steepest possible learning curve. He has no clear route to fantasy relevance in the year ahead. He does have a hoops backstory, for what it’s worth, like all the cool tight ends.

Jordan Howard finds the end-zone in a game that cost the Bears a draft slot. Woo. (Getty Images)

Can Jordan Howard possibly repeat his rookie performance?

This is the only Bears question that truly matters, fantasy-wise. Howard was an absolute revelation as a rookie. He gained 1611 scrimmage yards and scored seven times on 281 touches, averaging 5.2 yards per carry and 10.3 per reception. If he hadn’t opened the season running behind Jeremy Langford, he might have seriously challenged Ezekiel Elliott for the rushing title. Over the season’s final nine weeks, Howard’s worst single-game yards-from-scrimmage total was 99. He’s certainly not a burner, but he maximizes his runs, rarely makes a poor choice and consistently falls forward. He’s legit, no question, and he does his running behind a quality O-line.

It’s no given that Howard (or any back) will continue to average better than 5.0 yards per tote, and it’s likely that opposing defenses will invite Glennon to throw early and often in 2017. Howard should see plenty of stacked fronts next season, and he didn’t fare well with eight or more in the box last year (2.6 YPC per Player Profiler). Additionally, we have the issue of Chicago’s general offensive ineptitude; this team ranked No. 29 in the league in scoring last season. It would require a heroic effort for Howard to reach double-digit touchdowns on a team that may average only 17-18 points per game. Considering the team context, it’s tough for me to pull the trigger on him at his current first-round ADP (9.6).

Howard led all backs in dropped passes last season with seven on just 50 targets, so let’s not assume he’ll emerge as a significant receiving weapon. The Bears signed passing down specialist Benny Cunningham to a one-year deal, plus they drafted diminutive gadget back Tarik Cohen in Round 4. Cohen is live-wire quick, but unusually small by NFL standards (5-foot-6, 175). If he carves out a meaningful role, he’ll be an extreme outlier. Cohen is another FCS draftee (North Carolina A&T), so he’s about to face a massive quality-of-competition leap.

Is there any hope for the Bears def—?

Just stop. Please. Nope.

No, there is not much hope for a defense that ranked dead-last in takeaways last season (11) and allowed 24.9 points per game. The addition of DB Quintin Demps will no doubt help, and pass-rush specialist Leonard Floyd flashed real potential as a rookie. But this is a defense without an obvious top-50 IDP. Also, the team opens with a brutal September schedule: Atlanta, at Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, at Green Bay. No thanks.

2016 Offensive Stats & Ranks Points per game – 17.4 (29) Pass YPG – 258.7 (15) Rush YPG – 108.4 (17) Yards per play – 5.9 (5) Plays per game – 60.4 (30)

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Previous Juggernaut Index entries: 32) NY Jets, 31) San Francisco, 30) Cleveland, 29) LA Rams, 28) Baltimore, 27) Chicago

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Please stay fit: Your club’s most crucial player

EVERY team has a host of star players who provide the cream on top of a fine group performance.

And then there’s that one player who holds the key to his club’s fortunes, whose absence when sides are picked makes fans tremble in trepidation.

AFL.com.au reporters have taken on the task of nominating each club’s most critical player. Do you agree with our assessment?

Rory Sloane is the heart and soul of the Crows. The reigning Malcolm Blight medallist is a contested-ball animal, able to extract the Sherrin from stoppages and get it moving forward. But it’s his pressure acts and defensive running that set him apart from the field. Sloane’s one-game suspension for the round 23 clash with West Coast proved costly. With a top-two spot on the line, the Crows couldn’t cover his absence, lost the game and eventually bowed out in the second week of the finals to Sydney at the SCG. With Sloane, the Crows can win the premiership. Without him, they would be lucky to make the top four. – Lee Gaskin

The horrors of last year compared with the early-season promise can be put down to a number of things, not least the health of new skipper Dayne Beams. The star midfielder played just two games in 2016 because of persistent knee problems, and after a slightly interrupted pre-season has started this year on fire. Not only is his inside grunt a huge help to Tom Rockliff and company, but his outside class is something the Lions have been begging for. They look a more polished and composed unit with Beams in the middle. With youthful key position players at both ends, they can cover injuries in most places and not lose much, but a full season from Beams would make a world of difference. – Michael Whiting

In the absence of Andrew Phillips, Matthew Kreuzer carries a huge responsibility in the ruck, and in the three games this year he has been most impressive. Finally his battles with injury are behind him and he is playing to the level that the Blues hoped for when they took him as the No.1 selection in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft. The ruckman, who is an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season, has averaged 30 hit-outs a game and is in the top five at Carlton for contested possessions, clearances, tackles and inside 50s. Importantly, he has booted three goals straight. – Howard Kotton

Matthew Kreuzer celebrates the Blues’ win over traditional rivals Essendon. Picture: AFL Photos

The Pies’ Achilles heel is their leaky defence, and in particular their shortage of quality key defenders, so the importance of premiership and All Australian centre half-back Ben Reid cannot be understated. If the ‘Woods lost the consistent, strong-marking left-footer, it’s likely the dam wall would be irreparably broken, and they’d be forced to call up former Demons veteran Lynden Dunn or perhaps Lachie Keeffe, or even make do with admirable undersized options Tyson Goldsack and Jeremy Howe. Brodie Grundy would also be difficult to replace given the Pies are light on for ruckmen, and they can ill afford to lose skipper Scott Pendlebury, whose absence would potentially leave a gaping leadership void. – Ben Collins

There are a few options here for the Bombers given some of their midfield stars and Joe Daniher’s importance in attack. But Michael Hurley would be very close to the top of John Worsfold’s list. Hurley is the Bombers’ most valuable defender, he takes on the opposition’s leading forward while also creating rebound, and his tough, uncompromising approach sets a standard for his team. The Bombers do have some depth in defence, but not of Hurley’s quality. The Bombers could always swing Cale Hooker back if Hurley went down with injury, but that would have repercussions for the forward-line structure too. – Callum Twomey

You could mount a strong argument for Aaron Sandilands, but it’s impossible to go past the 2015 Brownlow medallist and new skipper Nat Fyfe – especially after his heroics in dragging Fremantle over the line against the Western Bulldogs. Fyfe’s herculean final quarter – including 12 touches, eight of which were contested – was pivotal in the Dockers clawing their way back from a 14-point deficit and his teammates walk taller with him in the side. When Fyfe dominated the first half of 2015, the Dockers looked genuine premiership material. His absence after round five last season due to a broken leg was a hammer blow with Sandilands already sidelined by broken ribs, and it’s no coincidence Freo’s season slid into the abyss. – Travis King

The most prolific Cats aren’t necessarily the ones they can’t afford to lose. If one of Patrick Dangerfield or Joel Selwood went down, the other – plus the likes of Mitch Duncan, Cam Guthrie and Sam Menegola – are still there. But, they just don’t have another player like power forward Tom Hawkins. The 28-year-old leads their goalkicking with 12 from Daniel Menzel (10), and while the team is less reliant on Hawkins than in the past, the 198cm, 110kg forward takes the biggest defender each week and is a strong contested marking target for his midfielders to spot. ­– Jennifer Phelan

The Suns have some of the best key-position players in the competition, but it’s also the area in which they are most vulnerable. They could ill afford to lose either co-captain Steven May or Tom Lynch, but an absence from May would be particularly harmful. Last year he was suspended for five matches and the Suns spiralled to an average losing margin of 80 points (although they were also in the middle of a midfield injury crisis). Aside from trusty sidekick Rory Thompson, there is precious little depth in the key defensive posts, with youngster Jack Leslie and versatile Keegan Brooksby the only alternatives. An injury to All Australian Lynch would also be a huge blow, but coach Rodney Eade has previously shown he can conjure magic from small forward lines. – Michael Whiting

Tom Lynch and Steven May are crucial to the Suns’ leadership. Picture: AFL Photos

The Giants’ list is stacked with talent and depth but star ruckman Shane Mumford remains the one man they can’t afford to lose. The emerging Rory Lobb does a solid job giving the big man a chop-out during games but he’s still learning the craft, Dawson Simpson doesn’t have the mobility to play regularly at senior level, and Tom Downie is on the long-term injury list while he deals with some mental health issues. Mumford’s aggressive nature and physical presence sets the tone for the side and his importance goes well beyond the stats sheet. – Adam Curley

Not a lot is going right for the once-mighty Hawks, so it would be just their luck if ex-Sydney Swan Tom Mitchell was forced to miss time. Mitchell, one of the men brought in to reinvent a midfield sans Jordan Lewis and Sam Mitchell, has easily been Hawthorn’s best player through the first three rounds, averaging 34 disposals and more than six tackles per game. That impressive output has not saved the Hawks from an 0-3 start, but imagine how dire the situation would be if he wasn’t there to carry such a heavy on-ball load. – Marc McGowan

Melbourne’s worst fears have been realised with All Australian ruckman Max Gawn to be sidelined for up to three months because of a significant hamstring injury. Gawn had surgery on Tuesday after hurting his right hamstring in the Demons’ 29-point loss to Geelong. Starting this week against Fremantle and Aaron Sandilands (No.1 in the AFL for hit-outs), Melbourne will now have to start rolling out its contingency ruck plans. Back-up big man Jake Spencer is likely to get the call up in Gawn’s place, with the Demons now considering how best to set up their midfield in Gawn’s absence. Melbourne is equal-third in the competition in centre clearances, thanks largely to Gawn’s influence, and his ability to give midfielders Nathan Jones, Clayton Oliver and Jack Viney first use out of the centre is a crucial element of the Demons’ game plan. – Ben Guthrie

The Roos have already shown, to varying degrees, they can cope without Jarrad Waite (replaced by Ben Brown) and Todd Goldstein (Braydon Preuss). But could they do the same if key defender Robbie Tarrant went down for an extended length of time? Tarrant, the 2016 club champion, provides genuine height at 196cm, with the undersized-but-dogged Scott Thompson and kids beside and underneath him. He has repeatedly proven himself capable of manning the competition’s gorillas, and that would become a serious problem area if his history of injuries repeated. It might be worth Brad Scott persisting with last week’s first-gamer Sam Durdin just in case the scenario presents. – Marc McGowan

Key defender Robbie Tarrant is the Kangaroos’ 2016 best and fairest. Picture: AFL Photos

Ollie Wines has taken the mantle as the Power’s best player, but the emergence of Sam Powell-Pepper and Brad Ebert’s return to an inside midfield role means they have back-up in that department. You can’t say the same about the key forward position. Charlie Dixon is crucial to the Power’s attacking structure. Even if he’s not kicking goals himself, Dixon brings the ball to ground and presents a contest so his small forwards can pick up the scraps. If Dixon is unavailable, the Power will have to rely on 27-year-old rookie Brett Eddy, raw draftee Todd Marshall, utility Jackson Trengove or take Patrick Ryder out of the ruck. – Lee Gaskin

The Tigers may have increased their midfield depth and ability to cover injuries there if need be, but Dustin Martin is in a different class. Damien Hardwick’s willingness to send him forward for periods and isolate him 25m ahead of the ball has been a feature of the Tigers’ play and an element they can’t afford to lose. Martin has won 22 per cent of his possessions inside 50 this year, compared to eight per cent in 2016. He has also been involved in 35.4 per cent of Richmond’s scores this season (ranked No.1 at the club). He hasn’t lost a one-on-one contest, neutralising them at worst, and he is averaging a career-best 32.7 possessions (No.4 in the AFL), despite his increased time forward. The Tigers might be able to cover him in the midfield and get by, but they can’t forward of centre. – Nathan Schmook

This is a tough decision but the answer is probably Jack Steven, narrowly over Nick Riewoldt. There’s a reason Steven has won three of the last four Trevor Barker Awards. His work inside the contest is obvious to anyone who watches Saints games, but his burst out of stoppages is what makes him a star of the competition. Steven’s absence was felt against the Brisbane Lions last week, when St Kilda lacked star power in its midfield. While Riewoldt’s best-on-ground effort in that match underlined his importance, the club is well stocked for forward targets and is better equipped to handle the former skipper’s absence than Steven’s. – Dinny Navaratnam

The Swans have an elite midfield unit but there’s no doubt skipper Josh Kennedy is the main man in the middle. The three-time club champion and All Australian is the contested ball and clearance king in Sydney, and has played 23+ games in all six of his years at the Swans, showing how consistent he is as the linchpin of John Longmire’s onball division. Luke Parker, Dan Hannebery and Kieren Jack are also stars, and Isaac Heeney is coming of age, but without Kennedy, the team loses its most reliable ball winner and stoppage specialist. – Adam Curley

Many would have said the Eagles couldn’t afford to lose spring-heeled ruckman Nic Naitanui if they were to stay in the premiership hunt, but time will tell if that’s the case. The addition of Hawthorn champion Sam Mitchell has somewhat softened that midfield blow. However, if dual Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy went down the Eagles’ flag hopes would hang by a thread. The gun full-forward has booted 162 goals in the past two seasons and when he fires West Coast rarely loses. The Eagles have only been beaten once in 18 games since the start of 2015 when Kennedy has kicked at least four goals. – Travis King

The Eagles can’t afford to lose star forward Josh Kennedy. Picture: AFL Photos 

While he’s the Bulldogs’ best player, Marcus Bontempelli is also their most important. At 21, the midfielder is already an elite player in the competition, with his all-round game impossible to stop at times. He’s ranked third at the Dogs this season for disposals (76), equal second for goals (five) and fourth in tackles (17). A snapshot of the reigning best and fairest’s importance was when he more or less dragged his side across the line against Sydney in round two. Versatile big man Tom Boyd hasn’t recaptured the form this year that saw him one of the best in the Dogs’ premiership triumph, but he’s still critical to Luke Beveridge’s set up with No.1 ruckman Jordan Roughead sidelined through injury. – Ryan Davidson

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