In this edition of the hotstove, we share our picks for the Rocket Richard in 2019-20.
Todd Cordell
Auston Matthews.
He has missed more than 30 games since entering the league and has still scored more 5v5 goals than anybody in that time. Matthews possesses an absolutely lethal shot and is legitimately a more efficient scorer than all of his peers. I think Matthews is going to have a monster season playing alongside William Nylander in his revenge tour, and I have no doubt new assistant Paul MacFarland will be able to draw up some plays to get him in good scoring positions on what will be a fresh looking power play. Nazam Kadri's departure as a 2C playing as a 3C should open up a little extra ice time for Matthews as well. Everything is lining up for the NHL 20 cover boy to put together his best season yet.
Sean Maloughney
I stated before in my own bold predictions for the Oilers this season but I am going with Leon Draisaitl to win it. Draisaitl last season as a 23 year old scored one fewer goals than Alex Ovechkin. While he may have been drafted originally as a centre, he has become an elite winger and can hold his own as part of the best duo in the NHL alongside Connor McDavid. The two will likely play the entire season together once more and I believe Leon will not only surpass 50 goals, but be the top scorer in the league.
It's hard to not pick Ovechkin still as a potential runner up but instead I am going to go with Stamkos as my runner up candidate. Since fully recovering from injury, Stamkos has steadily increased his production. He had a career high last season and I wouldn't bet on him dropping off any time soon.
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