Claimed: The Darkest Hour Is Just Before Dawn (1/2)

[Gudnason 607]

Fans of the Cologne Express will be happy to see that the team is finally beginning its long upswing as the once bare empty cupboard is slowly filling up. Recent moves by general manager Rudi Ying have seen the German team increase both its quality and quantity.

 

Matthieu Bourdon and Augustus Gloop are two additions that Cologne hopes will turn into successful defensemen for the Express, especially considering their draft position. Bourdon, taken at 5th overall, and Gloop, taken at 12th overall, can both be expected to make the VHL roster next season after one more year of seasoning in the minors. The opportunity is there for both players to outperform their draft position, and Ying would be delighted to see some of his picks turn into gold. Aeschylus Jigglejawns CXXXVIII seems to be less likely to be a useful piece in the long run, as prospects look bleaker and bleaker for both the player and agent. Haven't been seen for almost two months, a past history that includes multiple Hall of Fame caliber players won't do any good for Cologne if he never returns, but once again it represents a huge step of faith by the Cologne management for taking him 9th overall and hoping for him to outperform his draft position.

 

Vladimir Zhelekin, taken at 18th overall, is another player that Ying is banking on to outperform his draft position. The franchise doesn't expect much out of this winger, but if he can turn into a valuable depth winger, that would be doing wonders for a team that once had such a bare cupboard. And talking about depth forwards, it very much seems like Rask Rowe will be a depth center at best, as he doesn't seem to be willing to take the step from VHLM stud and playoff performer to VHL starpower.

 

One of the more recent moves was the acquisition of veteran goaltender Edwi Threencarnac from HC Davos Dynamo. Regarded as one of the better backup goalies in the league, he was presumably the proverbial sacrificial lamb. With a series of moves this past offseason, the Dynamo were up to the brim salary-wise, and could not afford to add a depth defenseman in Gregory Kopralkov without moving DeGrath's backup. Taking advantage of this opportunity was Cologne, and Ying made sure Davos paid up for the salary dump, as Cologne was able to acquire the rights to Jabby McFullO'Schmidt, along with Threencarnac, from Davos in exchange for the rights to Mr. Shakedown. McFullO'Schmidt was one of the players that Cologne had on its draft radar for its 18th overall pick, but he was nabbed by Davos at 16th overall. Although Shakedown was drafted at 10th overall, it seems like he was a poor choice as lines of communication with the prospect have been shot down and left unanswered despite multiple attempts.

 

*for Birkir Holm Gudnason

[Fire Tortorella 2,653]

REVIEW:

 

Things in Cologne seem to be turning around slowly but surely. You've taken an interesting road of quantity over quality. If one or two of those picks outperform their draft position and turn into useful players or assets to trade, then that trade looks good. Otherwise, it may just slow the rebuild down. Good luck going forward.

[Gudnason 607]

4 minutes ago, Fire Hakstol said:

REVIEW:

 

Things in Cologne seem to be turning around slowly but surely. You've taken an interesting road of quantity over quality. If one or two of those picks outperform their draft position and turn into useful players or assets to trade, then that trade looks good. Otherwise, it may just slow the rebuild down. Good luck going forward.

 

Wait until @boubabi Ay Ay Ron signs in Cologne after three years  Then we'll see who won that trade LOL

[BluObieZ 1,125]

No mention of V2A...

[Gudnason 607]

15 minutes ago, Fire Hakstol said:

REVIEW:

 

Things in Cologne seem to be turning around slowly but surely. You've taken an interesting road of quantity over quality. If one or two of those picks outperform their draft position and turn into useful players or assets to trade, then that trade looks good. Otherwise, it may just slow the rebuild down. Good luck going forward.

 

Anyone know where the hell Muffins went? His last date of activity here is only a few days apart from his other league, NSFL I think.

 

Hope nothing happened to him...

[Gudnason 607]

Just now, BobertZ said:

No mention of V2A...

 

You pick up two shutouts back to back then I'll hype you up to the reporters.

[BluObieZ 1,125]

20 minutes ago, punkhippie said:

 

You pick up two shutouts back to back then I'll hype you up to the reporters.

Good luck signing me after this season

[Gudnason 607]

2 minutes ago, BobertZ said:

Good luck signing me after this season

 

Ever wondered why I traded for Threencarnac?