2015-16 Central Division Preview: Chicago Wolves

Details
Written by Nicholas Niedzielski
Welcome to our Central Division Preview, where one-by-one we will take a look at each of the Checkers' division rivals. Today's focus is on the Chicago Wolves, affiliate of the St. Louis Blues.

Forwards

The Wolves’ offense landed in the middle of the AHL in terms of goals per game last season, but their high-end scoring shined with four players notching over 40 points. But Chicago’s attack will have a much different look this season. Out of their top six scoring forwards from a year ago, Phillip McRae and points leader Shane Harper have signed with other teams, while former first-round pick Magnus Paajarvi’s 29 points in 36 games earned him a one-way contract with St. Louis. Add to that the fact that Ty Rattie could see significant time in the NHL and the Wolves could be left with just two of their top six forwards heading into this season.

Chicago Wolves

Wolves 2014-15 Season

  • • 40-29-6-1; 87 points; 3rd in Midwest Division; 8th in Western Conference
  • • Checkers 2014-15 Head-To-Head Record: 1-3-0-0
  • • Three Stars:
    RW Shane Harper - 50 points (32g, 18a)
    C Pat Cannone – 47 points (14g, 33a)
    RW Ty Rattie – 42 points (21g, 21a)
  • • Key Additions:
    F Zach O’Brien (Signed AHL contract)
    C Evan Trupp (Signed AHL contract)
  • • Key Departures:
    C Phillip McRae (Signed AHL contract with Bakersfield)
    F Shane Harper (Signed two-way contract with Florida)
The two veterans, Pat Cannone and former Checker Jeremy Welsh, will be counted on to continue their strong production from last season, and newcomers like Zach O’Brien and Evan Trupp should help solidify the secondary scoring. But even with that, the Wolves could be facing a drop off in terms of offense this year.

Defense

Highest-scoring defenseman Brent Regner (6g, 23a) and productive late addition Brendan Bell (10 points in 17 games) are both gone, but the Wolves still have lots of young talent to stock their blue line. Joel Edmundson and Petteri Lindbohm will look to anchor the blue line, though the latter spent considerable time in the NHL last season and could see more going forward. Chicago’s solid defensive corps helped the team rank in the top 10 in the AHL in terms of goals against per game, and despite the losses up top, they should continue to be a force.

Goalie

Jordan Binnington turned in a strong performance for Chicago as a rookie last season, and with the Blues’ goalie situation essentially set for now with Brian Elliot and Jake Allen, he should get another shot in the Wolves’ crease.

Pheonix Copely had a similarly solid rookie season in Hershey last season, and after being acquired by St. Louis, should make up the other half of a very formidable goalie tandem in Chicago.

Outlook

The loss of some of their top-tier goal scorers will sting, but a strong influx of prospects, as well as one of the most impressive young goalie tandems in the league should be enough to balance that out and keep the Wolves a dangerous opponent.