The Saskatoon Blades head into the 2008-2009 WHL season with perhaps the top defensive/goaltending in the conference. The club is led by 2nd year gems Stefan Elliott and Jyri Niemi. In Stefan, the Blades have perhaps one of the smoothest skaters in the dub and a very calming presence on the blueline. Reminds me a bit of a young Bryan Rafalski in some ways. In Jryi, the Blades have a blueliner who has the hardest shot in the WHL from the point likely as demonstrated at the CHL Top prospects game in which he registered a 97mph blast. With those two leading the core on the power play and making smart, crisp passes out of the zone 2/3rds of the game things should be looking up. In addition, the Blades can throw out 3 yr veteran and Chicago Blackhawks draftee Teigan Zahn, who wears his heart on his sleeve and plays a good honest rough style. Sam Klassen is perhaps the most underated of the group combining a good edge and decent offensive upside with a hard working style of play. The group is rounded out by 4 year veterans Ryan Funk and Colin Joe who give the Blades a very reliable 3rd pairing that not every team can boast.

In goal, Braden Holtby is about as good as it gets in goal as far as the conference is concerned atleast. Entering his 3rd season, he finally has a veteran defence in front of him and something to prove to the Washington capitals who selected him in the 3rd round.

Look for Saskatoon to be a very difficult team to play against this season and very competitive due to a defence first style of play and a good anchor in Braden Holtby.