Rookie of the year Candidates [1/2]

[Gooningitup 1,290]

This year we have 5 legit candidates for rookie of the years, unless one falls of the cliff or another just gets on a huge streak id imagine these are the men possible to win this award.

 

Two of our Candidates are from the Cologne Express they are Clayton Keller, and Shawn Broduer.

 

Chase Keller - Center - Colgone Express

GP:37 G:24(7th overall) A: 30 P:54(8th overall) +/- -5 PIMS:18 Hits:37 SB:6 FO: 46%

 

Keller is the franchise face for the Colgone express, he currently sits 8th in league scoring and 7th in goals. He currently sits 3rd in rookie scoring though, that can change quickly.His all around game is seriously lacking though, but can be forgiven as he is a young player.  If he wants to be a big center he will need to work on his ability in the circle with a 46%.Keller agency looks like its built another potential hall of famer. Which is rather impressive, he will be a top dog for years to come and is a serious contender for rookie of the year.

 

Why he will win.

Keller gets to feast on the Vikings and Dynamo both of whom are just pitiful, the Dynamos only saving grace has been Degrath. If Keller is to catch up in points, it will be because he has more games against bad opponents. Right now i put his odds at winning 3/1

 

Shawn Broduer - Goalie - Cologne Express

GP:37 W:10 L:24 OTL:3 SV%:914(8th) GAA:3.47(9th) SA:1493(2nd)

 

Broduer is the least likely to win out of the five, i will talk about. That being said his rookie season should not be overlooked. He may not garner any votes unless he really turns it on, however after some really bad seasons in Vegas it seems Broduer will be just fine. Facing a ton of shots on a bright future, but shallow roster seems he can keep them afloat.

 

Why he will win

He faces a ton of shots, and like Keller can have his stats really boosted by facing the Vikings, and Dynamo. Its unlikely unless he pitches a bunch of shut outs, however he certianly sits atleast in my opinion in the top 5 rookies to this point. Odds to win it 20/1. Colgones future is bright with Keller and Broduer leading the charge, something they have not been able to say for quiet some time now.

 

Next up we have three players from the New York Americans. Casey Jones, Ike Arkander, Sergei Komarov.

 

Ike Arkander - Goalie - New York Americans

GP:37 W:18 L:15 OTL:4 SV%928(5th) GAA:2.58(7th) SA:1339(4th)

 

Ike numbers will not garner him any goalie of the year awards, but rookie of the year he has a legit shot. Not only is he playing in a strong division, but his numbers are right up there with many of the best in the league. Arkander is a goalie, its hard enough to play, let alone a rookie on a very young team. Which i think garners him serious consideration.

 

Why he will win

If Ike can maintain this play, all season long he will certianly garner votes, if not win it all. I would put his odds similar to those of Keller and one other player 3/1. The Americans are certianly hoping this is a sign if things to come.

 

Casey Jones - Defense - New York Americans

GP:37 G:16 A:40(4th) P:56(6th) +/- +24 PIMS:36 H:69 SB:110(4th) 

 

Casey Jones the rigning VHLM MVP has picked up right where he left off, tearing the league a new one. His 40 assists puts him 4th and his points put him 6th. He also sits 2nd in rookie scoring. All of which is incredibly impressive for a rookie defender. It doesnt get bad either, he plays a complete games blocking shots, laying the body. His plus minus shows he plays both ends of the ice. Jones sits in a 3 ways tie for me on who will win. The second hardest position as a rookie behind goalie is defense and hes is making it look easy. We failed to mention well its unlikely, if Jones can keep pace, he will atleast be a finalist for defender of the year further boosting his case for rookie of the year.

 

Why he will win

As i stated earlier i had three guys sitting at 3/1 odds to win rookie of the year, Jones is the third. He plays a complete game, and barring some kind of collapse at the end offensively i feel he had a legitimate shot at winning rookie of the year. Like Cologne the future is bright with young stars like Ike and Jones.

 

Sergei Komarov - Center- New York Americans.

GP:37 G:22(10th) A:36(6th) P:58(5th) +/- +27 PIMS:18 H:102 SB:34 FO%: 57%(9th)

 

Komarov plays a complete game, he sits 10th on goals, 6th in assists, 5th in points, and leads the rookie scoring race to this point. Throw in a plus 27, over 100 hits, 30 shots blocked and a top 10 faceoff percentage and it shows. He prides himself on being a complete package player, and that may be his downfall. Keller is a better offensive tool, who will likely close the gap even further as the seasom goes on if not over pass him. If Komarov can keep his lead over Keller then id put his odds at better to win it all, however i dont see that happening. That being said if Komarov can maintain atleast a decent pace offensively i think he could make a case for top 2 way forward of the year. 

 

Why he will win

Komarovs complete game puts him at another level, if he can maintain the offense atleast from Keller. However if he starts to slip offensively for too long it could be his downfall. Its really hard to place Komarov, because i think he can be in the talks for two awards, but at the same time could collapse, id give the odds of winning 5/1. Komarov is another big piece of New Yorks future going forward.

 

Claiming for this week and next. 

Word count: 1008

 

 

Edited November 2, 2017 by Gooningitup

[Da Trifecta 1,902]

@Gooningitup it's Chase Keller not Clayton

[DollarAndADream 3,357]

1 hour ago, KGR said:

@Gooningitup it's Chase Keller not Clayton

Chase ain't got shit on Clayton! 

[Kendrick 4,741]

....that awkward moment when @Gooningitup finds out that everyone plays each equally. What a terrible reason why I won't win. Come on now

[BluObieZ 1,125]

Ok I admit these guys are the logical choice. But Ko Kane deserves a little consideration. 

[boubabi 4,725]

4 minutes ago, BluObieZ said:

Ko Kane deserves a little consideration. 

Thats what I'm thinking every Friday night

[BluObieZ 1,125]

1 minute ago, boubabi said:

Thats what I'm thinking every Friday night

Ah I see what you did there

[DollarAndADream 3,357]

Review:

There were a lot of great candidates for the rookie of the year this season, which is great to see. I have a feeling in the end it's going to go to either Keller or Jones. It's a good one.

[Exlaxchronicles 415]

IMO, if I was to draft from this group it would be Jones or Komarov. As An all around player, probably a slight edge over Jones.

As for rookie of the year award...I would choose Komarov over Keller. Keller has a higher ceiling offensive wise but I'd rather have an all around complete player due to that forward can be utilized in pretty much all situations.