Who Will Snatch Lord Stanley's Trophy ?

This Week in Sports: Who will snatch Lord Stanley’s trophy?

By: Aarush Chawla

Stanley Cup Trophy: 
https://nhl.bamcontent.com/images/photos/287634800/1024x576/cut.jpg

The Stanley Cup, the oldest North American Championship trophy, is once again for sale. Wait.. How much is it for? 82 games and 4 playoff rounds of fast paced world-class hockey between the top hockey players in the world. This year, I will be bringing you premium coverage on the hot topic of Stanley Cup news. Going into the season many NHL teams have developed star-studded lineups, all of them aiming for hoisting the silver trophy above their home crowd. In my opinion, only 4 teams seem capable this year for a Stanley Cup Trophy. Read below for more exclusive coverage on these teams.




1) Toronto Maple Leafs: The whole city of Toronto will agree that this year is the Maple Leafs’ year. After resigning Mitchell Marner in the offseason, the Maple Leafs seem poised for a deep run in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Another key defensive concern was addressed with the addition of Tyson Barrie. A dynamic offensive defenseman that has been averaging around 60 points the past years. He understands the defensive game and can carry the defensive load of the Maple Leafs. This year, expect them to go deep and even win the Stanley Cup.

Room for Improvement: Get bigger and heavier defenders who can protect the young players on the team. 
Possible Matches: Try to trade Kasperi Kapanen for Zach Kassian or Tom Wilson

2) Edmonton Oilers: This year it’s Connor McDavid’s year. After being drafted 4 years ago, he has been outstanding, posting 3 consecutive seasons of over 100 points. With the addition of James Neal, the Edmonton Oilers offence gets a huge boost. Another reason they are a hot pick for the Stanley Cup is due to Leon Draisaitl becoming an A-grade offensive man. Last year he notched 105 points. This year keep an eye out for the Oilers, things will get slippery and they may get their hands on a 
cup of silver.


Room for Improvement: Improve Defensive Core by trading for playmakers that can help orchestrate offence. 
Possible Matches: Dougie Hamilton for Jesse Puljujarvi

3) Vegas Golden Knights: A 2-year-old hockey team has made it to the NHL playoffs both times, with one of them being a Stanley Cup Final. This year I believe the team is onto something. After acquiring Mark Stone from the Ottawa Senators and Max Paciorrety from the Montreal Canadiens, the goal-scoring line has been honed with stellar talent. Keep an eye out for Nevada, they are eager to import this trophy in their trophy collection.



Room for Improvement: Consider trading for a low-cost offencemen such as Kasperi Kapanen who can provide speed and a faster-paced offence.
Possible Matches: Kasperi Kapanen for Shea Theodore and 2nd Round Pick

4) Carolina Hurricanes: This team deserves huge recognition. After 4 years of not qualifying for the playoffs and placing low in the standings, they made it to the conference finals in the 2018-2019 NHL season. The team has been vigorously developing their offensive line, with Sebastian Aho poised for another great goal scoring season. This year a new centreman has entered their attack, Eric Huala. I have been closely monitoring this player as he ends his development journey. Last year he tallied 55 points for the Vegas Golden Knights and this year in 6 games he has already totalled 5 goals. Expect great things from him and his team.


Room for Improvement: Acquire a Defenseman who can disrupt Penalty Kills and protect men on the ice. 
Possible Matches: Alex Pietrangelo will become a Free Agent this summer consider trading for him to have an easier chance at resigning him in the Summer.

Who we think will be in the Stanley Cup Final...

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Vegas Golden Knights

Victor: Toronto Maple Leafs