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Welcome to another edition of the Hockeybuzz hotstove.
In the last edition we
predicted breakout players in the Eastern Conference, so in this one we'll follow that up and do the same for the Western Conference.
Todd Cordell: Sami Vatanen
If you saw the
bold predictions from the Western Conference hotstove, this pick probably won't surprise you.
Vatanen posted very good possession numbers on a mediocre possession team with the Ducks, and was 12th among NHL defensemen in 5v5 points/60 minutes played.
The Ducks have a ton of firepower with Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, Ryan Kesler and co. so there's no reason to believe a steadily improving defenseman won't be able to post higher totals this season.
I think he'll establish himself as a legitimate top-4 guy (I think he has already) and, if he sees enough power play time, could surpass 40 points.
Ryan Wilson: Vladimir Tarasenko
I didn't have to think long about this one. I think Tarasenko is primed for a breakout season. He is highly skilled and the Blues will start to lean more on him. The addition of Paul Stastny will further help the Blues offense with his puck distribution abilities and I think Tarasenko is a good fit on his wing. I look for Tarasenko to flirt with 35 goals and 75 points.
Michael Stuart: Brandon Saad
Heading into the final year of his entry-level deal with the Chicago Blackhawks, Saad is poised to take another step forward in his development this season. 2011’s 43rd overall pick scored 19 goals and 47 points in 2013-14.
What intrigues me most about Saad, beyond his size and offensive abilities, is his ability to drive possession. This is a player who has established himself as a relatively positive possession player on a very good team. According to data from BehindTheNet.ca, Saad was Chicago’s 6th best relative Corsi player last season. Add to that the fact that his with-or-without-you numbers are sparkling, and it’s easy to predict big things.
Matt Henderson: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
Look, 56 points for most players is pretty good and they should be happy being in the top 60 of league scoring. For Ryan Nugent-Hopkins it was disappointing. In his Rookie year, when he was dominating the rookie scoring race, he tripped (not as a result of a hit) and fell awkwardly into the boards. That ended his season and a series of bad decisions cost him his effectiveness for parts of the next two season. He re-injured the shoulder during the lockout year while playing in the AHL and was loaned to Team Canada for the World Juniors where he lead the tournament in scoring on 1 shoulder. Steve Tambellini, for some reason, believed the club could make the playoffs that year and Nuge played until they were eliminated and only then did he have shoulder surgery to repair the issue. After said shoulder surgery, in early October of last year the Oilers were playing like the mockery of an NHL club that they were and needed their 1C back. He “miraculously” returned to play about a month and a half earlier than expected and missed only 2 games on the season but had missed out on the training that most professional athletes rely on to maintain their edge.
Long story short, RNH is healthy, was able to prepare all summer, is up about 10lbs of muscle, and is shooting laser beams in Training Camp. This is his breakout year. He was good with 1 shoulder, he’ll be lights out with 2.
Tim Chiasson: Vladimir Tarasenko
Tarasenko has every opportunity to bring his game to the next level in 2014-2015. Next to T.J. Oshie he’s the most talented forward on the St. Louis roster. The 22 year old Russian had 43 points in 64 games last year for St. Louis. Before missing the last portion of the campaign he had nine points in his last eight regular season games. He should see first unit power play time and play a huge role offensively for the Blues this year. He falls in the category of forgotten young stars but blues fans have been treated to highlight reel plays from Tarasenko since he broke into the league during the lockout shortened season and if he can stay healthy he’s lining up for a 60-70 point season.
Agree or disagree with our picks? Feel free to share your thoughts, as well as who you could see having a breakout year from the Western Conference.
Recent posts
Eastern Conference breakout players
Western Conference bold predictions
Eastern Conference bold predictions
Atlantic Division Predictions
Metro Division Predictions
Pacific Division Predictions
Central Division Predictions
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