Prince Albert Raiders 2019-2020

Forwards

Cole Fonstad(19)(1.09)	Aliaksei Protas(18)(.66)	Ozzy Wiesblatt(17)(.61)
Justin Nachbaur(19)(.48)	Spencer Moe(19)(.5)	Jakob Brook(17)(.2)
Cohner Saleski(17)(NA)	Eric Pearce(18)(.17)	Ivan Kechkin(17)(NA)
Cole Nagy(18)(NA)	XXX	XXX

I see 3 PPG forwards(Fonstad,Protas, Wiesblatt) and another 2 that will float in the .75ppg range (Moe, Nachbaur)

That is an above-average top 5.  They are running into a lack of forward depth in their bottom lines though. Lots of new young faces with limited experience in their 3rd and 4th lines. They do have a couple potential sneaky players that could come from nowhere. Cohner Saleski is a first-round draft pick and Jakob Brook is a 2nd rounder.

I think the shortage of overall depth makes this group a bit volatile in case of injuries. I think this group has the potential to be above average but I feel they'd need to add pieces to get there. To me this group looks average with their limited depth.

Defence

Max Martin(20)(.69)	Brayden Pachal(20)(.77)
Zack Hayes(20)(.4)	Kaiden Guhle(17)(.26)
Loeden Schaufler(19)(.11)	Allan Nolan(16)(3rd in 2018)
Jeremy Masella(20)(.21)

Exceptional defensive grouping if they all come back; however, I feel it's highly unlikely they keep 3 OA defenceman. The first reason is for some forward depth upfront, the second reason is the possibility of Ian Scott their OA goaltending returning.

There are also outside chances that a guy like Brayden Pachal or Zach Hayes could be signed and whisked away to the AHL. It doesn't happen often, but it does occasionally happen to 20's.

Kaiden Guhle the 1st overall pick in 2017 is more than ready for 2nd line duty. Allan Nolan the 3rd overall pick is perfectly suited to anchor the 3rd line and potentially push up in the lineup.

I expect them to trade at least 2 OA defenceman out and either use their 3rd OA for their goaltender or attempt to swap for a forward. Right now this group is sitting as exceptional, but I think after they tinker it will sit at slightly above average.

Goaltenders

Ian Scott(20)

Boston Bilous(18)

Ian Scott is a big question mark as he is signed by the Maple Leafs.  Toronto will have 3 goalies fighting for AHL spots and they have a 4th goalie that is in camp on a PTO.

If Toronto signs their 4th goalie I think Scott would be headed back to PA. IF they don't sign a 4th goalie he very well could be starting in the ECHL.

Their goaltending strength depends on Scott's return. If he is back they have championship-caliber goaltending. If he is not back I'd put their goaltending at below average as Bilous doesn't have much experience.

Draft History

Year/DOB	Age	Notes	Pos
2018(2003)	16		9th
2017(2002)	17	Extra 1,2,3	1st
2016(2001)	18	Extra 2nd,3rd	13th
2015(2000)	19	Extra 1st, no 4th	5th
2014(1999)	20	No 2nd	9th

Suggests PA should have an above-average roster with an impressive group of 17's.

Imports & OA

Brett Leason & Parker Kelly are AHL bound. Washington's GM said Brett Leason will start the season in Hershey (AHL). Kelly Parker was signed in September of 2017 and that is a good sign he is expected to play pro. Sergei Sapego has signed with the Toronto Marlies (AHL)

I count 5 OA's on their playing roster. They have some volatility if a couple of them will be back or not.

Initial Thoughts

It's incredibly tough to get a feeling for where the Raiders will be at due to their volatility with their OA's.

I think PA has a few holes to fill up and their in a tough position of not being able to pre-emptively trade an OA away in case someone like Pachal gets signed with Vegas, or Ian Scott doesn't return.

 I don't see them as a Bona Fida tier 1 team, but I think they will be in the mix for being at the top of their division because the other top teams in their conference also have some holes to fill.