Paul Tutka is a multi-time winning NLL writer of the year award winner, and one of the smartest experts in lacrosse. However, after leaving NLL Insider a few years ago (pre IL Indoor era) he hasn’t been writing anywhere. Yet, his Twitter analysis of the league has taken the lacrosse world by storm, and I was lucky to speak with him about a few matters in the league in this four part interview series.
Marisa:Who are the top teams in each conference?
Paul: In the West, for me, it’s still both sides in Alberta. Both were already tops and added off-season pieces that only made them better. And then obviously Rochester in the East. Don’t think anyone comes close to the Hawks in their division. I don’t think other teams improved enough to jump over those three sides. The NLL isn’t the crap shoot it once was. That parity, which I just got so sick of hearing about, isn’t the same. Calgary, Edmonton and Rochester all approach their team build with a clear focus and direction. So while others have hit the panic button multiple times over the past 5 years, these three built for then, now, and the future. And then if I had to pick a Cup contending wildcard, it’d be Colorado. With Adam Jones healthy, Dillon Ward playing like he did in the second half of the season, and that continued chemistry we saw late in 2014, this team is well on their way. I wasn’t sure about the trio of co-head coaches, but so far, they’ve shut me up.
Marisa: Will New England have more success than the Wings of the past few years?
Paul: You know what, I love the new direction this team has taken, but it might be asking too much to see instantaneous success in 2015. I think there will definitely be long term success with this team, they just have to stay on course. They have a new plan, it makes sense, and should be given time to make it work. Hopefully ownership allows that to happen. The Wings seemed to hit the reset button almost every year for the past decade. Look at what Derek Keenan was able to accomplish when given the chance to see his plan through?
Marisa: Where does Jeremy Noble end up?
Paul: Not in Rochester that’s for sure! Well, you would think Colorado, but Curt Styres is in the driver’s seat. He has no reason to get beat up on a deal. Zero reason. Rochester has tremendous depth. Although a player like Noble, who trust me is going to be a star in this league, would add a lot of value to any team in the NLL, Styres has a first class lineup with or without him. Curt knows what he’s doing and is the smartest short and long term thinking GM in the sport right now.
Marisa: Who do you see as break out players?
Paul: Well, for non rookies, I think Brodie MacDonald will have a great year in Minnesota’s crease. I think he eventually becomes a full-time everyday starter in the NLL. He showed he was more than capable to withstand NLL level heat in the Mann Cup a few years back. Also in Minny, I think Ethan O’Connor continues emerging like he did as a rookie last year in Toronto. He led the Rock in LB as a rookie and showed a ton of pro promise. Rob Hellyer already broke out in Toronto last year, but if Brett Hickey can wiggle his way into that offense, I think he has a great opportunity to contribute nightly. And I know Calgary’s offense is so loaded with the best forwards in lacrosse, but I still think Marty Dinsdale has the chops to do big things in the NLL.
Marisa: This was such a strong rookie class, who do you think emerges as the top player?
Paul: Like I said right after the draft, I think Myles Thompson probably has the best opportunity to shine. He’s so skilled and will probably be given a lot of minutes in prime situations both even strength and on the powerplay. Think Ben McIntosh will play a big role for the Rush. Derek Keenan drafted him to fill a specific role on his offense, and I think he delivers. And then because the opportunity is there, any number of New England’s draft picks have a chance at filling big minutes. To tell you the truth, I’m not sure how many rookies will be on teams’ starting day rosters. Think it’ll be minimal this year.
