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Metro Division breakout picks for 2019-20

September 16, 2019, 12:08 PM ET [5 Comments]
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Todd Cordell

Andrei Svechnikov.

He potted 20 goals, and recorded almost 40 points, as a rookie despite spending more time with Jordan Martinook and Lucas Wallmark than anyone else. He also had some very unfavorable percentages working against him (likely in part due to his linemates).

The expectation is Svechnikov will see top-6 minutes on a consistent basis this year. He could also work his way onto the top power play. If that kind of opportunity is afforded to him, he should have no problem taking advantage considering he is already one of the league’s best chance generators (last season he finished 9th in expected goals/60 at 5v5).

I think 30+ goals is in the cards.

Peter Tessier

I don't see a ton of Metro games but one player I have noticed a bit is Jakub Vrana. Since coming into the league he has quietly improved his numbers on scoring but also the underlying ones. What's nice about him is he's doing mainly in 5v5.

Last season he was 8th in 5v5 on the Caps and on the PP he was as well but by a drop of 150 minutes from the top five. He's got the tools and such at even strength and should be given more time on the PP should Washington want it and perhaps they should. If they do that's likely to be the area we see the point improvements and production come from and why he may be the division breakout player.

James Tanner

Breakout player in the Metro is Andrei Svechnikov. He didn't produce as much as his numbers said he should have, and this year he should get more ice time, more PP time and better players. If he somehow gets on a line with Aho they could be one of the best pairs in the game. Last year he was 18th in expected 5v5 goals, and 36th overall. If the power-play is making your stats worse, I think it's safe to say it most likely a function of opportunity, and that with more first unit PP time, his totals should skyrocket. Svechnikov will probably be competing for the goal scoring title within a few years, and I expect he'll take a huge leap this year.

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