Kimi Raikkonen - A successful rookie season?

[mattyIceman 1,213]

Since Kimi is a man of few words and is anxious to be done doing media as soon as possible, he will be quick as he is on the track to get the spotlight off of him and back to work.

 

It's been a trying season in Riga.  With a few retirements and departures from the previous season, Kimi had some shoes to fill.  There was a gaping hole at center, with no real true centerman to step in and try to fill that gap himself.  Unlike playing For Bratislava and winning a Cup with them in VHL Europe, he was a rookie that, mid-season, put his big boy pants on and improved at the center position.  He did play with some other rookies and some teammates were entering the prime of their careers, however, no real veteran presence.  Managing to get 21 goals and 47 points with only a -3 plus/minus differential isn't too bad, he thinks.  While he did play behind some slightly more experienced veterans with the Watchmen, he did finish fourth in scoring during the season and third on the team during the postseason push to the Cup.

 

It has been proven the with every small step forward, Kimi has improved and further cemented his importance to any team he's played on.  Albeit, only slightly improved.

 

Can Kimi improve more?  Will he only marginally improve?  In what way should or would he improve?

 

Fun fact:  It's Kimi's first time entering a season with the same team... we are entering uncharted territory here, and when it comes to Kimi Raikkonen, this coming season will be an entirely new experience.

 

He's settled into his new residence and has adjusted to life in Riga.  While his team has transformed around him after the announced retirement of longtime Riga Reign GM Benjamin Zeptenbergs, Only further growth and point production will be expected of him.  He also recently agreed to terms to a contract extension until after S96 with a player option to return.  Management has made confidence in him to stick around for the longer term and that leaves nothing else for Kimi to worry about.

 

The only thing he can control is what he does out there on the ice, like he used to on the track.  And masterful skill and control he has.

 

It's going to be quite a different season in Riga next season.  Kimi will no doubt be up to the task in whatever role he can carve himself a niche in.