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Hotstove: Metro Division Breakout Players |
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Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
In this edition of the hotstove we share our breakout picks from the Metro Division.
Todd Cordell
The most obvious choice to me is Andre Burakovsky. Despite seeing limited ice throughout the season he still managed to register 17 goals and 38 points in 79 games. Those counting totals won't 'wow' anyone but he was extremely efficient as he recored a hair under two points per 60 minutes of 5 v 5 play. He ranked ahead of Sean Monahan, Nicklas Backstrom, Evgeni Malkin, Daniel Sedin and Patrice Bergeron, among many others, in that regard. With more ice time in 2016-17 there's no reason to believe the points won't follow - and in a big way.
Honorable mention: Damon Severson. I don't know that he'll pile up the points but I expect him to succeed playing a larger role with the Devils this season.
Jason Lewis
I feel like Burakovsky really takes a big step this year in noteworthy production. Guy is producing really really well in limited minutes for Washington, which is making him look somewhat less valuable than he actually is on a statsheet. In fact, know who the top 3 players in points per 60 at 5v5 last year for the Caps were?
Kuznetsov - 2.54
Ovechkin - 2.03
Burakovsky - 1.98
Differences between those guys?
Kuznetsov - 17:25
Ovechkin - 20:19
Burakovsky - 13:01
If they at all elevate Burakovsky's usage you are talking about a probable 60-70 point scorer. I think he really comes close to that this year IF Trotz decides it's time to elevate him.
Adam French
Andre Burakovsky is my selection.
There were several other players I flirted with. Perennial vexer Chris Kreider. When is the offense going to match the defense Sean Couturier. Seth Jones who has looked really good in this tournament pre-lims.
I think Burakovsky is primed to have a big year. He's only 21 and has been brought along slowly after making the NHL far earlier than everyone expected. Last season he scored 17 goals and 38 points. A very fine sophomore season by any measure. This year I think he will find himself more in the top-6 and Washington looks like an offensive juggernaut again this year (at least in the regular season). Maybe I'm downplaying "breakout" as a term, but I think 25g 55p is within his sphere this year.
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