One player from Each Team in the Metro to keep an Eye on for this Upcoming Preseason

With the preseason approaching starting this Saturday fans will rejoice with the return of hockey after a long hiatus that feels like centuries for die hard fans of their respected teams. This time is also very important for the front office, coaches and the players. Especially young players who are trying to crack rosters or veterans trying to hang on it is a highly competitive time despite meaning nothing to the regular season. Some players shine brighter than others and have big implications for their teams success whether it's a prospect developing or a player off of injury here are some players from the NHL Metro that you should watch during the NHL Preseason.

Columbus Blue Jackets-

Adam Fantilli

The 19 year old drafted in 2023 had a very solid rookie season last year posting 27 points with 12 goals and 15 assists in only 49 games on a struggling Blue Jackets team. With tons of veterans on the team including Boone Jenner and Sean Monahan looking to share some knowledge with Fantilli for his development. Fantilli in college was a monster leading the NCAA with 30 goals and 35 assists for 65 points winning the Hobey Baker Award for the best collegiate hockey player. He also helped team Canada win the IIHF championship capturing the gold. I am excited to see him develop into a franchise center the Blue Jackets desperately need and work with other upcoming stars like Kent Johnson and Kirill Marchenko.

Washington Capitals-

Ivan Miroshnichenko

The 20 year old Russian has had a crazy couple of years with being drafted 20th overall by the Capitals but having to stay in Russia to play for the KHL due to his contract. He was also diagnosed in 2022 with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and having to take time off of hockey for treatment but being cancer free since 2023 where he also scored his first NHL goal after the KHL agreed to put a stipulation in his contract to let him play in the NHL. So these past couple years have been a whirlwind of craziness for the prospect but despite all of that his skill is undeniable. In 21 games last year Miroshnichenko had 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points. His standout ability is his shot where he draws a similar comparison to another fellow Russian on the team who you might have heard of his name being Alexander Ovechkin. The Capitals hope to see Miroshnichenko transform into something similar and take the mantle as the inevitability of Ovechkin retiring soon and passing the torch.

New Jersey Devils-

Simon Nemec

I know some may say the big name to watch is Luke Hughes but I tend to disagree to the point the Hughes already proved himself both in namesake and skill wise on the ice. The big question is can his newly drafted teammate from last year be as big to give support when needed. Nemec did play last year having 3 goals and 16 assists for 19 points somewhat living in the shadow of Luke Hughes last year but still being effective. Be sure to look out for him this preseason and where they use him on that defensive lineup.

Philadelphia Flyers-

Owen Tippett

Very under the radar player but I feel as if people have forgotten about Tippett and how exciting he was to see coming out of the draft. He was dealt to the Flyers from the Florida Panthers in 2022 and quietly solidified himself as a top 6 forward in this Flyers offense. Last year Tippet put up 28 goals and 25 assists for 53 points in 78 games. I really think if paired up correctly with guys like Bobby Brink, Morgan Frost or Travis Konecny he could easily break 30 goals this year especially if he plays all 82 games. He also just signed a massive 8 year contract worth 6.2 million for 8 years so expect more ice time and a bigger role on this Flyers team.

Carolina Hurricanes-

Martin Necas

The 25 year center from Czech Republic has emerged onto the scene over these past few seasons as a number one center giving superstar Sebastion Aho competition for that first line center role giving head coach Rod Brind’Amor a good problem to have figuring out who to start on the first line. This offseason Necas was paid hamsonly in a 2 year contract that carries an annual average value of 13 million. Last season he put up 24 goals and 29 assists for 53 points in 77 games. He really came alive in the playoffs having 4 goals and 5 assists for 9 points in 11 playoff games. I am very excited to see him hopefully breakout into a full point per game player especially with that supporting cast.

New York Islanders

Ilya Sorokin

This Islanders team lives and dies by the hands of Ilya Sorokin who is now going to be out 6-8 weeks following recent back surgery this summer. Sorokin held the Islanders in it last year posting a .901 save percentage and a 3.01 goals against which doesn’t scream all star caliber but with the drama surrounding the team with coaching changes and injuries he held that team up to the playoffs as well. The most important thing to look for with Sorokin is if he can bounce back after this injury and play to that caliber that he was performing at prior.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Rutger Mcgrorty

By no surprise McGroarty is my player to watch since being dealt this summer from the Winnipeg Jets to the Penguins in a trade that only really benefits the Penguins acquiring a young center that could develop into a fine replacement for Sidney Crosby pending development from the penguins that have a very nice track record in developing forwards especially centers. Drafted 14th overall by the Jets, McGroarty tore the NCAA up playing for the Michigan Wolverines noching 16 goals and 36 assists for 52 points in only 36 games played. I can’t wait to see this guy learn behind guys like Crosby and Malkin who have decades of experience to share with him and would not be surprised if he had an immediate impact on the team.

New York Rangers

Jacob Trouba

This one stings a little to write but Trouba has and is on the hot seat not just as the team captain but as a Ranger in general being that there were tons of trade rumors this offseason specifically to go to the Detroit Red Wings but were silenced after no move was made. Trouba last year was notorious for his physicality and was often criticized for how much he was throwing his body around. Trouba had a notable 73 penalty minutes this past season spending a lot more time in the box than on the ice. Trouba is for sure someone to keep an eye on whether he proves the front office wrong or if he is dealt with by the deadline.

One player from Each Team in the Metro to keep an Eye on for this Upcoming Preseason

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