Free agency question

[Bulldawgz24]

I'm new to FHM, but absolutely loving it so far. I'm just starting my second season with the red wings in path to glory mode.

Over the summer my number 1 priority was to improve my defense since everyone on the roster was 2 stars or below.....

To my delight, I found 2 4-star players that were cheap, much cheaper than shattenkirk who was also available. Unfortunately once they signed they went from 4-stars to 2-stars even though the scouting was graded an "A". Is their a better way to know who you are signing?

Since those guys weren't very good, and I missed out on shattenkirk, I'm now in the bottom of the standings and the owner isn't happy. Any suggestions on how to fix? What to do differently in the future?

[Torgonius]

What were they rated before you signed them? Most free agents are E rated, and their star count will drop .5 - 2 stars depending on the level to which they were scouted.

Once they join your team, they are automatically A rated, so their star count should be more accurate, though that also depends on the quality of your staff.

[Fleascool]

This is something I have noticed as well.

The way round it is to assign a scout to that specific player.
Right click on their name and 'Assign Scout'.
Takes a few days to get a report back and this will show their actual rating.

To prepare for FA, look at the list of possible FA's in Front Office, the players you are interested in, scout them over the summer before FA begins.

Hope that helps.
(PS Trade for Draisaitl as the wings, he is worth it)

[Bulldawgz24]

They were A rated prior to signing them. I actually find this happening a lot with trades too. I put Mike Green (1.5stars) on the trade block and got an offer involving a 21yr old 3-star winger (A scout rating). Completed the trade and ended up with yet another 1.5/2 star player.

[Bulldawgz24]

Thanks for the tip Fleascool, I may try that. Just wish the Scout rating was a better indicator. Like I could assign scout if the rating was a B and wouldn't sign until the scout brought it up to an A.

The trading during the season is really difficult too since all you get is NO WAY, without any counter proposal.

[Torgonius]

I'd love a button for 'What would make this work?' that would have the other GM give you either a specific name/pick, or a more general 'we need a __' depending on the relative negotiation skills.

[Bulldawgz24]

Agreed!

In the draft, the stars didn't appear to drop much if at all. Even with players drafted with a B scout rating, they only dropped 0.5-1 in current ability and/or potential. Odd that Free Agency with established veterans would have more variation.

As of now, I may just use the requested contract money as an indicator.

[Romagoth]

Originally Posted by Bulldawgz24

I'm new to FHM, but absolutely loving it so far. I'm just starting my second season with the red wings in path to glory mode.

Over the summer my number 1 priority was to improve my defense since everyone on the roster was 2 stars or below.....

To my delight, I found 2 4-star players that were cheap, much cheaper than shattenkirk who was also available. Unfortunately once they signed they went from 4-stars to 2-stars even though the scouting was graded an "A". Is their a better way to know who you are signing?

Since those guys weren't very good, and I missed out on shattenkirk, I'm now in the bottom of the standings and the owner isn't happy. Any suggestions on how to fix? What to do differently in the future?

As a Wings fan, I feel your pain. You are just channeling your inner Ken Holland and signing a bunch of grinding, 200 foot players!