HockeyBuzz Hotstove: Metro Division breakout picks for the 2017-18 season

before i opened the story the first person i thought of was burakovsky. i like his game and there is so much upside for him. i could see 50 pts for him this yr

I know I'm being a bit of a homer, but no love for Jake? 33 points in 40 games last year. I have to think that 55 to 60 points over a full season is entirely possible.

I would also throw in Josh Anderson.

I know I'm being a bit of a homer, but no love for Jake? 33 points in 40 games last year. I have to think that 55 to 60 points over a full season is entirely possible.
- Rinosaur

I didn't really consider him for a breakout because he produced at a 68-point pace last season. I think *that* was the breakout haha.

I didn't really consider him for a breakout because he produced at a 68-point pace last season. I think *that* was the breakout haha.
- ToddCordellVAN

Fair enough, but producing at a rate and finishing at the point-total are two different things IMO.

HockeyBuzz Hotstove: Metro Division breakout picks for the 2017-18 season
- ToddCordellVAN

Barzal. Should step right into the Isles line up.

Konecny looks to be put into a first line role with Giroux and Voracek. Could be a big season coming up for the former 1st overall OHL pick.

I didn't really consider him for a breakout because he produced at a 68-point pace last season. I think *that* was the breakout haha.
- ToddCordellVAN

Totally agree. He's already there.

The name mentioned in the blog I think will make the biggest leap is Ho-Sang. I don't like to admit when I'm jealous of a player a rival has, but I'm jealous of the Isles having Ho-Sang. He'd look great in a Pens jersey.

Guentzel had a completely unsustainable SH% last year. Could he put up good numbers this year? Sure. But with limited PP time and a regressed SH% to even 10%, I'd expect around 45-50 pts over a full 82 game slate.

Guentzel had a completely unsustainable SH% last year. Could he put up good numbers this year? Sure. But with limited PP time and a regressed SH% to even 10%, I'd expect around 45-50 pts over a full 82 game slate.
- WaterVsAnchor

I can't disagree because I really don't know what will happen, but when you consider how he continued producing into the playoffs, the 60ish point-range isn't that far-fetched. That being said, you could be totally correct.

Really? No mention of Brady Skjei..?

Really? No mention of Brady Skjei..?
- DARKSEID

Yeah, big miss there actually.

Really? No mention of Brady Skjei..?
- DARKSEID

Really? No mention of Brady Skjei..?
- DARKSEID

He put up 39 points as a defenseman last year. I love Skjei but I don't think he's a breakout candidate. He already has broken out.

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.

- Jan Levine

Where is the penguin?

He put up 39 points as a defenseman last year. I love Skjei but I don't think he's a breakout candidate. He already has broken out.
- ToddCordellCGY

You missed the sarcasm and the general stupidity of that person's post Todd.

- Jan Levine

Where is the penguin?
- Pukeboy768

Sewers of Gotham city.

You missed the sarcasm and the general stupidity of that person's post Todd.
- tomburton99

My bad

Guentzel had a completely unsustainable SH% last year. Could he put up good numbers this year? Sure. But with limited PP time and a regressed SH% to even 10%, I'd expect around 45-50 pts over a full 82 game slate.

- WaterVsAnchor

- DeflatedPucks

So you expect him to continue to shoot at 20%?

So you expect him to continue to shoot at 20%?
- Feds91Stammer

I will take the over on 50, Alex.

My bad
- ToddCordellCGY

All good. Just giving you a heads up.

I will take the over on 50, Alex.
- DeflatedPucks

50 points?

You missed the sarcasm and the general stupidity of that person's post Todd.
- tomburton99