2017 NLL Predictions, Picks, and Power Rankings

It's that time of year again where professional indoor lacrosse begins it's season. But before we do that, we have to know where we've been.

Recap:
Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz began the offseason by moving the league office from New York City to Philadelphia, where he took the job from. This could also signify a move to bring a team back to Philly. This is the fourth city that the league office has been stationed. This culminated with last week's league re-brand from the traditional red and blue representing two conferences to the modern black and silver with 3D features. This all with an entry draft and the introduction of NLLTV in between. The expansion conversation hasn't accelerated as much as was discussed during game two of the Champions Cup Final. However there is an abundance of players in this regard, but at least they aren't losing teams like the Arena Football League, who is now struggling down to just five teams after having thirteen but three seasons ago.

Power Rankings:

1.  If history repeats itself, a three-peat is coming.
2.  Got the better end of free agency battle with Thieves.
3. There will be a new NLL team faceoff leader. }cough>New England<caugh{
4. Jones to Rush for Greer is way lopsided.
5. Their draft may have been the best despite Point and Brad Self going to Banditland.
6. Their best years seem like a long time ago...
7. Last year s slow start cost them, now that KHawks are kinda back.
8. Not sold on their preseason performance.
9. At least they lasted longer than Everett, possibly San Jose and Albany even.

Predictions:

                              

                             

                              

                              

33

2112

Champions: Saskatchewan Rush
Most Improved: Rochester Knighthawks
Rookie of the Year: Bryan Cole (Maryland), Georgia
Les Bartley Award (coach): Curt Malawsky, Calgary
Sportsmanship Award: John Gallant, Colorado
Defensive Player of the Year: Steve Priolo, Buffalo
Goaltender of the Year: Mike Poulin, Geogria
Transition Player of the Year: Jeremy Thompson, Saksatchewan
General Manager of the Year: Rich Lisk, New England
Most Valuable Player: Dhane Smith, Buffalo
Teammate of the Year: Joel McCready, Vancouver
Air Canada Wingman of the Year: Paul Rabil, Toronto
Executive of the Year: Scott Loffler, Buffalo
Tom Borrelli Award (media): Budd Bailey, The Buffalo News

All-Pro First Team:
F - Dhane Smith, Buffalo
F - Randy Staats, Georgia
F - Jay Thorimbert, Rochester
T - Jeremy Thompson, Saskatchewan
D - Steve Priolo, Buffalo
G - Aaron Bold, Saskatchewan
C - Curt Malawsky, Calgary

All-Pro Second Team:
F - Adam Jones, Saskatchewan
F - Curtis Dickson, Calgary
F - Mark Matthews, Saskatchewan
T - Brad Self, Buffalo
D - Steve Priolo, Buffalo
G - Matt Vinc, Rochester
C - Derek Keenan, Saskatchewan

Picks:

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Top Attraction: Toronto Rock (0-0) @ Rochester Knighthawks (0-0)

Time: Fri 29 DEC 2016 7:30p EST, Connors & Ferris Field @ Blue Cross Arena
Line: Knighthawks -3.5
The Scoop: These rivals from the late 90s and early 2000s both finished out of the playoffs for the first time in a long time. Toronto ended their preseason at 3-0, while Rochester could be considered as most improved. Let's see Brett Hickey for the Rock be the go to even with recently acquired Paul Rabil in the lineup.
Outlook: Toronto by 1 - best bet

Dog of the Day: Colorado Mammoth (0-0) @ Buffalo Bandits (0-0)

Time: Fri 30 DEC 2016 7:30p EST, KeyBank Center
Line: Buffalo -1.5
The Scoop: Buffalo hasn't found a long-term solution to beat the Rush of Saskatchewan at home, which cost them the title last year. Colorado beat the Bandits at the Pepsi Center, in each team's second game, courtesy of a Adam Jones (traded to Saskatchewan) sock trick prior to Buffalo's strong regular season finish. MVP Dhane Smith should continue his performance from that game and the season in Banditland.
Outlook: Bandits by 3

*Away team is above the home team; underline below arrow indicates correct pick.