Pre-Season Team Report Card: Shamrocks (Trevor)

Calgary (CP) Home stretch with only two teams left. Trevor's Shamrocks are next.

Immediate Needs:
+ 6 F projected for 85+ PPts
+ 3 D projected for 55+ PPts

What They Got:
+ F Andrew Brunette COL
+ F Mike Knuble PHI
+ D Derek Morris PHX
+ D Ron Hainsey CLB
+ D Kurtis Foster MIN

Analysis:
After last years draft, I actually believed that Trevor had an extremely strong team. Something happened along the way and the Shamrocks are now left scratching their heads about a depleted forwards line-up and D-corp. The Souray trade was puzzling to me along with the protection of Stuart over Bertuzzi. Maybe it was a hate for the Oil that pushed him over the edge or he got fed up on Todd? As a result, although strong in net and having good defensive depth, the Shamrocks will have a tough time keeping up with the front-runners without some major help up front.

Trading Block:
+ G Mason NAS
+ G Fernandez BOS
+ D Chara BOS

Questions:
+ Will Drury earn his $7M?
+ Can Budaj be a number 1 goalie?
+ Will Ovechkin do better with the stronger supporting cast?

Injury Concerns:
+ D Stuart (Shoulder)
+ G Fernandez (Groin)
+ F Reinprecht (Neck)

Grades:
+ Draft (C+): Believe that he drafted one too many defencemen and should have drafted another forward since this is the most pressing need.
+ Offence (D+): After OV-1, Joki and Henrik there is a big drop-off in forwards and believe these will be his only 100+ PPts players of the bunch. With only 8 forwards after draft day and only the Free Agents to pick from, this will be the sore point for Trevor the entire year.
+ Defence (B-): A group with good depth that will heavily be relied on to produce in order to stay in the hunt until a deal for a forward can be made. Out of this group I actually believe Stuart doesn't even make his top 6!
+ Goalies (B-): 3 starters with a lot to prove. None will be a standout, but all will be steady and Trevor should have no worries in this department. Definitely see at least one being moved early on to obtain a better forward.
+ Overall (C): Tough to judge where Trevor will finish but believe his team is clumped together with a slew of others in the middle. Wouldn't be surprised if this is upgraded during the Mid-Term Report Card.

Fur Engee (CP)