In this edition of the hotstove, we share our Rocket Richard picks for the 2017-18 season.
Todd Cordell
I went with Vladimir Tarasenko last season and am going to try my luck again this year.
I think the St. Louis Blues will play a more open, free-flowing game than they did under Ken Hitchcock and that should lead to more scoring opportunities for Tarasenko. There appeared to be some sort of friction between Hitchcock and Tarasenko and that resulted in the latter being weirdly underutilized (he was 4th among Blues forwards in average ice time). I expect that to be rectified moving forward, too.
I think Tarasenko can take his game up another gear and, with a little more opportunity and freedom, he should be able to do so this season.
Peter Tessier This one could have a sleeper pick in it if some one stays healthy and that some one is Steven Stamkos. Now I'm not thinking he's going to win but I would not rule him out making a huge impact.
Think of the young guns (that term is nauseating isn't it?) like Matthews, Laine and then wonder if Crosby still can reign supreme.
I think one of Matthews or Laine makes a huge run but the title goes to a more seasoned vet such as Crosby, Kucherov or again, Stamkos.
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