In this edition of the hotstove we share our picks for a breakout player in the Metro Division.
Todd Cordell: Evgeny Kuznetsov The sky is the limit with Kuznetsov and I think we started to see that late last season.
In his final 17 regular season games Kuznetsov tallied 13 points and he followed that up with a solid postseason where he chipped in five goals, seven points and looked dynamic while doing it.
He should be a regular in Washington's top-6 - one that features Ovechkin, Backstrom, Oshie, Williams and Burakovsky(?) - and will get plenty of opportunity on the power play.
I think Kuznetsov will be a star and we could see that as early as next season. I could easily see him hitting the 50-point plateau and wouldn't be surprised if he records 60.
Ryan Wilson: Derrick Pouliot Pouliot is the former eighth overall pick in the 2012 draft and is known for his puck skills and skating ability. He was given his first extended taste of NHL action last year and did an OK job. In the AHL he has been over a point per game player which is a great sign for a defenseman and their ability to become an impact player in the NHL.
In 2015-16 Pittsburgh will not have Paul Martin or Christian Ehrhoff to lean on for top 4 minutes. Pouliot will be presented the opportunity to play a larger role with the Penguins. There is a good chance that he takes that opportunity and excels in it. Pittsburgh's forwards need defensemen who can create time and space as well as freeing them up in the neutral zone with speed. Pouliot can do that.
There is also an outside chance that by the end of the year he is on Pittsburgh's first power play unit. It is believed that Pouliot is better suited to run a power play than Kris Letang.
The planets have alligned for Derrick Pouliot to be a breakout player in 2015-16
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