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In this edition of the hotstove, we share breakout picks for players within the Metro Division.
Todd Cordell
Andre Burakovsky.
Over the last two seasons, Burakovsky tallied 73 points in 143 games (42 per 82) despite seeing limited ice on a stacked Washington team. All he needed is more ice time and, with Justin Williams and Marcus Johansson departing this off-season, that should no longer be a problem. Not only will Burakovsky see consistent ice, but he'll do so while playing alongside an elite center in Nicklas Backstrom or Evgeny Kuznetsov (more likely the latter).
I'm expecting a big breakout season for Burakovsky and I wouldn't be surprised if his point total is in the 55-60 range.
Jan Levine
The examples provided for consideration in the blog included many names that could have utilized. That list consisted of Burakovsky, Bjorkstrand, Darling, Hanifin, Zacha, Ho-Sang, Beauvillier, Buchnevich, and Konecny, among many others. Each team is represented amongst that list.
I may be in the minority here but really loved the acquisition and signing of Darling by Carolina. He benefitted from the system and players around him in Chicago. So while his overall GAA and SV% may be adversely impacted a bit, his overall play should warrant him assuming the top role from Cam Ward.
The Canes should be a team on the rise, bolstered by a solid young defense. Darling gives them a goalie that can grow as the team rises. The jury is out if he can be a true #1 but I think he is up to the task. That makes him the breakout candidate for me in the Metro.
James Tanner
I am a huge fan of Carolina's Sebastian Aho. 24 goals as a rookie, and has a 53% Corsi. 14 of his goals were 5v5 and he only had an 8% shooting percentage.
I also like that he played on a line with Jordan Staal and Terravainen - it's an awesome line which is almost guaranteed to keep the shots tilted in a very favorable offensive directions.
Aho is fun to watch and could score 30 or more. I think he's going to be a huge star and that the Hurricanes are going to be a great team this year.
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