Thursday Thoughts: Maritimes Division

Tonight, another QMJHL season begins in Rimouski as the Oceanic take on Shawinigan. Before the puck officially drops, I thought I'd make some predictions for the standings of the Maritimes division at the end of this season.

1. Cape Breton Screaming Eagles
The Eagles are poised to make a run for the top of the Maritimes division. Veteran netminder Alexandre Belanger was a solid pick-up for the team and I expect big seasons from both Maxim Lazerev and Evgeny Svechnikov. Loik Leveille will help out the blue line as well.

2. Charlottetown Islanders
The Islanders are stacked with veteran talent. With one of the best goalies in the league in Mason McDonald backstopping an attack up front led by Daniel Sprong and Filip Chlapik. I expect a deep run in the playoffs for Charlottetown.

3. Saint John Sea Dogs
The Sea Dogs really impressed me last season. They came out of nowhere and played very well last season. This year, they have the first player to ever be granted exceptional status in Joe Veleno. Add Luke Green and Jakub Zboril on defense and the Sea Dogs are poised to battle for the top of the Maritimes division.

4. Moncton Wildcats
Just because I have the Wildcats in fourth doesn't mean they couldn't surprise and finish higher. They have the Q point leader in Conor Garland, however the loss of Ivan Barbashev will be a big void for the Wildcats to fill.

5. Halifax Mooseheads
It's a rebuilding year for the Moose. A winless pre-season albeit it is pre-season was an indication this could be a tough year in Moose Country. Timo Meier and Danny Moynihan will lead the offensive front. Eric Brassard will be leaned on to make some huge saves with a younger D core in front of him. On offense for the rookies I think Ilya Putintsev and Otto Somppi will impress this season.

6, Acadie-Bathurst Titan
The Titan like the Mooseheads have several rookies up front and on defense. They're also in rebuild mode. These two standing positions could be interchangeable with the Mooseheads.

It will be an interesting season in the Maritimes Division this year.

The Halifax Mooseheads open up the 2015-2016 schedule tomorrow night at 7pm at Eastlink Centre vs the Charlottetown Islanders.