The Dallas Fuel have always been a team of camaraderie. Therefore, it’s not too surprising that most of their roster is still under contract through 2020. One of the only players to be released into “free agent” territory is new offtank player Lucas “NotE” Meissner. A recent addition to the Dallas roster, NotE was obtained during Season 2 from the Boston Uprising in a trade for Richard “rCk” Kanerva. This trade from Dallas and Boston was revered as one of the best moves during the season.
However, the results were not what both teams were hoping for. With that, NotE’s contract is up and he’s free to explore other options. As one of the best Western off-tanks in the League, NotE shouldn’t struggle with finding a new team. If he chooses to leave, of course. Once called the best D.va in the entire League, NotE excels with dive play, and has shown his skill during Boston’s perfect Stage 3 in the first season of the Overwatch League. Since the changing metas, NotE needs to brush up on his Sigma play in order to make sure he can thrive in the new season. With that in mind, there are plenty of spots for him all around the League.
1: NotE to the Houston Outlaws
It might seem tacky to send NotE to the Fuel’s rival Texas team. It’s no secret that the Outlaws are in need of some major changes. They haven’t revealed too much, considering they’re still getting used to being under new managment it’s safe to say that the Outlaws are looking for some off-tank star power. While Matt “coolmatt” Iorio is a star on D.va, he’s been called out as being a one-trick pony. Alexandre “SPREE” Vanhomwegen, on the other hand, thrived during the GOATs meta. When Zarya was at the forefront, SPREE played out his mind.
Unfortunately, these two players have shown difficulty in learning new things. Perhaps what the Outlaws need is an off-tank player who can play the D.va at a high level, as well as being able to learn new heroes like Sigma and Roadhog when the situation calls for it. With a mostly Western roster, NotE would have no problems fitting in with the boys in green.
2: NotE to the Washington Justice
With recent announcements of Hyang-ki “SanSam” Ki being released from the Justice roster, it looks like Washington is on the hunt to rebuild. Though they have signed players Lukas “LullSiSH” Wiklund and Elliot “ELLIVOTE” Vaneryd waiting in the wings, having a selection is better. Therefore, NotE could work alongside these two on either roster. The San Francisco Shock, recent winners of the Grand Finals, have shown the League what having two amazing rosters can do. Their A and B team were better than most regular teams. With the way things seem to be going for the Justice, rebuilding two rosters could be the key to success in 2020.
Speculation also points to the Justice becoming a more Western roster. By dropping most of their Korean players, and keeping fan favorites like Corey “Corey” Nigra, NotE would find ease in joining their new roster.
3: NotE to the Toronto Defiant
Another team that’s gone through immense changes throughout their inaugural season is the Toronto Defiant. Getting late signings in players like Andreas “Logix” Berghmans (thank, Mr. Logix) and Daniel “Gods” Graeser, the Defiant haven’t quite found what they’re looking for. Though starting strong in Stage 1, they ended Stage 3 with an 0-7 record, joining the likes of the Houston Outlaws and the Los Angeles Valiant.
While vague in his announcement, Gods recently tweeted about his time with the Defiant ending. With him currently on the hunt for a new team, the Defiant look like they’re in need of an offtank. That’s where NotE comes in. It is unclear what kind of direction this team wants to progress in, NotE has experience with mixed rosters, as well as Western ones. With how long he was with the Boston Uprising, there’s a surefire dedication that he’ll succeed with the right teammates. Perhaps those teammates could be on Toronto.
4: NotE to the Philadelphia Fusion
A team that many have speculated about since the middle of the season is the Philadelphia Fusion. With a strong core, the Fusion nearly made it back into the playoffs this year. However, roster changes and unwavering beliefs in how things should be played held them back. Though they’ve got some of the best players in their respective roles, the Fusion are a team that many expect to shake things up as they head into 2020. With rumors floating around that star off-tank Gael “Poko” Gouzerch is looking to join the Paris Eternal, Philly could use someone like NotE to take the torch.
Both players are very good in their respective roles as D.va, as shown throughout the first and second season of the League. However, for Poko, the move would be wise. Since he’s French, being with French teammates and living locally in Paris could improve his overall 2020 season. For NotE, the adjustment to the Fusion could be easy, and smooth. Plus, with the Fusion potentially looking to bring up most of their Fusion University roster, NotE could be joining into a powerful dynasty.
5: NotE stays with the Dallas Fuel
In the end, it’s entirely possible that NotE could stay with his new team. Though the Fuel didn’t do much to improve their gameplay by the end of the season, fans could hardly argue that NotE was the problem. Without true clarity for their DPS play, the Fuel will struggle until they find a line up that suits their needs. In 2020, look towards Dallas for potential changes among the players that are in it for the long haul.
Featured Image Courtesy of Robert Paul for Blizzard Entertainment.
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from other TGH writers.
Follow me on twitter @macklemalloryOW for all things Valiant! #WingsOut