TSM shock with Huni signing, close to deal for Suning's SwordArt

TSM caught many fans and analysts flat-footed last night when Jacob Wolf dropped a major wolf bomb: Huni is set to be the replacement for Broken Blade and SwordArt will be their new support.

As reported on the show: @TSM are finalizing a buyout agreement with @EvilGeniuses for top laner @Huni, sources told me.

Huni will replace Broken Blade as the top laner of the dynastic North American franchise.

— Jacob Wolf (@JacobWolf) November 17, 2020

Huni arrives after a rough year on Dignitas, then Evil Geniuses, but has historically been one of the most aggressive and successful top laners in the world. His career includes impressive runs on the likes of Fnatic, SK Telecom and Immortals. His signing in place of Sergen “Broken Blade” Çelik is a risky one and has fans and analysts divided:

Literally everyone's reaction to TSM Huni as portrayed by @YamatoMebdi: pic.twitter.com/uTnlz4RKEa

— Evil Jacob (@JacobWoIf) November 17, 2020

Per @JacobWolf

Huni will be TSM's toplaner pic.twitter.com/b9JBFWQL9a

— LEC Wooloo 🇪🇺 (@LEC_Wooloo) November 17, 2020

The decision is surely made in part because of Huni’s newly instated residency status, which allows the NA organisation to also play PowerOfEvil and SwordArt.

SwordArt on the other hand has supposedly agreed to a deal and wants the move to TSM, but there are still concerns around immigration and visa issues exacerbated by the pandemic.

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If he does make the move, it is a huge signing for TSM. SwordArt has long been considered one of the very best supports in the world, first making a name for himself on LMS super team Flash Wolves, and again recently with a 2020 Worlds Finals run with underdogs Suning Gaming.

The official @suning_gaming Weibo account has announced

SwordArt has entered Free Agent status

👀👀👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/w73Bwy2bOe

— Ashley Kang #Worlds2020 (@AshleyKang) November 17, 2020

Assuming both roster moves don’t run into issues, that leaves TSM with a roster of Huni / Spica / PowerOfEvil / Doublelift / SwordArt, which at its peak could be absolutely devastating. It's a hugely talented and experienced roster, but there are fears of TSM once again having too many chefs in the kitchen.

• Read more: TSM want to harness the PowerOfEvil as they rebuild roster 

PowerOfEvil, Huni and Doublelift have, at their peaks, all been known for their resource-intensive (or at least pressure intensive) play-styles, and all are known for being vocal members of a team with distinct ideas on how to play the game.

Doublelift (pictured) will be playing with a much-changed side. (Picture: lolesports)

At its theoretical best it allows TSM to play through any and all lanes with great versatility… at its worst egos and play-style clashes could see it all crumble and fail to even get off the runway, unable to play weak-side of the map effectively.

Add in Søren “Bjergsen” Bjerg’s retirement from pro-play and move to a coaching role as another new factor, and TSM have a lot to prove. TSM’s historical track record with coaching has been suspect, and while their new roster and coaching staff should have fans hopeful there is a rightful tinge of worry - everything really could fall apart.