Thread Starter
Emotionally in 2018
Joined: Nov. 2016
Posts: 9,293
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I think the biggest reason why Barzal gets it at this point is the sheer volume of production he's had. Having multiple 4 and 5 point games at this age is off the charts. Yes, it means that his overall production is a little spotty, but the kid is over a point-per-game. Yes, he's played with Eberle a lot this year, but from the few Islander games I've seen this season, Barzal has been the driving force on that line. He'll probably finish with around 25 goals and close to 60 assists, which are just ridiculously impressive numbers for any player, not just a rookie.
Boeser has an interesting case just due to the fact that goals are more valuable than assists. He's a pure sniper playing on a line without a high end playmaker, and is on pace for a 40 goal season (had he not been a scratch to start the season).
But it's still Barzal's. Centers have much more responsibility than wingers, and Barzal could push for a 90 point season. At that point, it's almost impossible to not give him the Calder.