In this edition of the hotstove we share our picks for breakout player of the year.
Todd Cordell
Conor Sheary is my choice.
He fared well in a depth role last season and was good in the playoffs but I don't think anyone expected him to be as good as he is.
Playing with Sidney Crosby helps, obviously, but Sheary is producing at almost a point per game clip (43 in 48) and his underlying numbers are excellent as, by almost every measurement possible, the Pens are a much better team with him on the ice than without.
James Tanner There are several players who jump to mind immediately, but I can't think of one who is an obvious choice.
Dougie Hamilton has stepped out of the shadows of Giordano and Brodie to become the best defenseman on the league's most surprising team.
David Pasternak has 28 goals, Mark Scheifele is a top ten scorer and Nazem Kadri broke out last year, but this year he's getting the results to convince the people who only care about goals and assists.
Also, Cam Atkinson and Jake Gardiner have surprised some people too.
Peter Tessier I'm going to say Michael Grabner. While looked at as a talent and having signed a big deal a few years ago Grabner never seemed to live up to his potential, at least when he had that deal. Now signed cheap to the Rangers he's potted 27 goals. Who saw that coming?
It's not so much a breakout season for Grabner as it's been expected of him for some time but again, did anyone see this coming?
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