The 2019-20 NHL campaign is just less than a week away, making it the perfect time to preview what might be ahead.
I’ve been predicting each of the major award winners alongside honorable mentions I believe to have a realistic shot.
Today we’re looking at the Rocket Richard.
Winner: Auston Matthews – Toronto Maple Leafs
Matthews has been the NHL’s best 5v5 goal scorer since he entered the league. Despite missing 30 games over the course of three seasons, nobody has bested Matthews in volume (79) or efficiency (1.52 per 60 minutes played). Nobody touches him at 5v5.
This year I think he can become the best goal scorer, period. He’s going to benefit from a full season riding shotgun with William Nylander, one of the game’s better playmakers, during his revenge tour. I expect power play guru Paul MacFarland will draw up some plays to better put his shot to use on the man advantage. I also expect the 22-year-old superstar to take another step forward as part of his natural progression.
So long as Matthews stays healthy, there’s no reason he can’t flirt with 50+ goals this season.
Honorable mention: Alex Ovechkin – Washington Capitals
Ovechkin potted 51 goals last season, marking the fifth time in six years he has recorded at least 49. He is a machine.
Given his outputs (668 attempts – 2nd; 338 shots – 3rd; 290 chances – 9th) last season and the fact he is as durable as anyone, there’s no reason to believe there will be a big drop off this year.
Ovechkin can still wire pucks, does so with great volume, has a great supporting cast around him, and is the focal point on what is annually one of the league’s top power plays.
He’s going to seriously contend for the Rocket Richard. Again.
Honorable mention: Timo Meier – San Jose Sharks
This may seem bold. I don’t think it is. Meier finished 7th in the league in scoring chances last season and potted 30 goals despite averaging a little under 17 minutes per game.
Joe Pavelski departed in free agency. Gustav Nyquist departed in free agency. Joonas Donskoi departed in free agency. A lot of production on the wing was lost, which means returning players like Meier are going to have much more opportunity. I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays 19-20 minutes a night.
Considering he is one of the league’s most efficient chance generators, and goal scorers, it’s reasonable to think he’ll take full advantage of it.
Numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com
Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell