2018-2019 Prince Albert Raiders

Prince Albert

Offense

Cole Fonstad(18)(1.01)	Kody McDonald(20)(.86)	Brett leason(19)(.5)
Justin Nachbaur(18)(.58)	Kelly Parker (19)(.86)	Spencer Moe(18)(.31)
Carson Miller(18)(.12)	Sean Montgomery(20)(.5)	Nikit Krivokrasoc(18)(.09)
Ozzy Wiesblatt(16)	Eric pearce(17)(.12)	Connor saleski(16)

Aliaksei Protas(17) I
Jakob Brook(16)
Noah Gregor(20)

Notes:
Slightly deceiving. Their core is a year away from peaking, however, they have some dangerous players this season, with a bundle of developing 18's who could provide a boost in offense. I think PA really wants next season to be their season and they made moves last year already making an expensive purchase for Kody McDonald.

Not including Noah Gregor I have them with 3 forwards earning over 1 ppg. 5 more forward between the .5ppg and .7 ppg mark. That means their roster has a group that will also score by committee and be difficult to shutdown. Basically 1 top line and 2 checking/scoring lines.

If Gregor comes over, make that 4 forwards earning over a PPG. They also still have another OA slot they could compliment that further.



Noah Gregor
They acquired his rights from Victoria. Gregor is signed and drafted with San Jose. Looking at San Jose's system, it is absolutely stuffed full of forwards. They have 14 spots signed in the AHL, not including 2-20yr olds (Gregor and Portlands Joachim Blichfield). It brings their total AHL players to 16 and theare is only 12 spots)

PA made a very good bet with Victoria is acquiring his rights depending on what the Conditional Compensation turns out to be.


Defence

Max Martin(19)(.44)	Brayden Pachel(19)(.38)
Sergei Sapego(19)(.41)	Zack Hayes(19)(.24)
Jeremy Masella(19)(.2)	Konrad Belcourt(18)(.15)

Kaiden Guhle(16) 1st overall in 2017

Notes: 
This group is an old and veteran group that peaks this season.Kaiden Guhle is also likely to make a big impression as he was the 1st overall pick in 2017.  This group should be above average. They also have an OA slot open to use as OA defenceman. They might look for a stud #1 guy.

Imports
Sergei Sapego(19)(.41)
Aliaksei Protas(17) F

Goalies
Ian Scott(19)(.897) NHL 4th Rounder
Brett Balas(17) 

Notes
Very strong starter, but not much depth for the backup position.

Other OA &  Player Notes
Goalie Curtis Meger(20) - I expect he won't be kept. if gregor comes over they still have an open OA slot. If he doesn't come over they likely have 2 slots.


Drafting Outlook

Draft Positioning	Age	Picks	Position
2013	20	1,3,4,5	middle
2014	19	1,3,4,5	9th
2015	18	1,1,2,3,5	5th
2016	17	1,2,2,3,3,4	Middle
2017	16	1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4	1st overall + 3rd position in other rounds
2018	15	1,2,3,4,5	3rd overall/Early-Mid

Notes: Suggests that they could have an above average roster, as well as some impressive youth coming up.


Last Season
.535 Winning Percentage

Offensive Raw Strength
266-235 + 1 OA slot

Prognosis
Prince Albert is on the upswing and I expect them to compete for a Home ice playoff spot. Their forwards are coming of age, and their defense and goaltending are all 19.  They should have a very exciting crop of 16's and 15's. They may be on the verge of an above average next few seasons as long as they don't pull off a swift current.

I am curious about their offensive potential. They might need another big punch or two into their lineup. If Noah Gregor returns that would indeed be a very big punch.

They could have very high defensive turnover next season if they keep all their 19 yr old defenceman and goaltenders.  That could lead to next year being a transition year.

Prince Albert will be a very tough team to play against. I think teams will have difficulties scoring goals against them. I also think they will be difficult to shutdown. I have them in contention for 1st in the East with Brandon. They still have an open OA slot in addition to Gregor to work with.

Next Up
Red Deer Rebels