Nikita Kucherov #86 - Tampa Bay Lightning
Born: June 17, 1993 (23)
Hometown: Moscow, Russia
Shoots: Left
Position: Right Wing
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 178lbs
Achievements: 2014-15 +/- league leader
Nikita
Kucherov was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lighting in the 2nd round in
2011. The Russian's draft day analysis included the description of an
extremely skillful skater and puck handler who's strengths consisted of a
good one-time and wrist shot. The knock on Kucherov is his defense
mainly because of his more finesse-esque build as you can see by this
physical stats above. The forward's NHL career started for the
Lightning in the 2013-14 season and since then has already become an
integral part of the Lightning's offensive attack. The right wing's
budding careers is currently defined by his membership in one of the
most dangerous offensive lines in hockey dubbed the "Triplets." The
line consists of fellow budding stars Tyler Johnson (center), and Ondrej
Palat (left wing). All three skaters have molded the Lightning into
the playoff contender it is today and will more than likely be the
centerpiece to the post-Steven Stamkos era. Nikita has definitely found
his niche in the NHL among these three and has flourished in his first
few years in the league. In his first full season he lead the entire
league with a 38 plus/minus. He's already put together and 30 goal
season this past season (fell 1 goal short in 2014-15) and has already
proven himself in the playoffs putting up double digit goals in the past
two years with a solid plus/minus and a hefty amount of assists as well
being the arguably the best playoff contributor on the Triplets line.
In fact, there weren't many more productive, more clutch forwards in the
2015-16 playoffs than Kucherov who scored the second most amount of
goals in the playoffs (11) behind Joe Pavelski (14) of whom played an
extra round.
Nikita
Kucherov's future is extremely bright, maybe brighter than his fellow
Triplets of whom struggled in 2015-16 while Kucherov continued to grow
and contribute at high standards. This observation could be used to
make the case that Kucherov would be a highly productive player even
without the membership in the Triplets. However, only time will tell.
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Xander Bogaerts #2 - Boston Red Sox
Born: October 1, 1992 (23)
Hometown: Oranjastad, Aruba
Throws: Right
Bats: Right
Position: Short stop
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 210lbs
Achievements: 2015 Silver Slugger
Xander
Bogaerts was signed as an amateur free agent in 2009 with the Boston
Red Sox at the age of 17 making his major league debut in 2013 for the
club putting a his first full season together in 2014. His first full
year in the big leagues wasn't exactly pretty, but in the two years
since then we have seen the Aruba native bloom into a stud both at the
plate and in the field. In 2015 Xander won a silver slugger award as a
short stop batting an impressive .320 which is invaluable at the short
stop position these days. When you couple that with his defensive
skills, Xander has already become a dual threat to any opposition. His
2016 campaign has proved that he's getting even better as hes shown a
slight boost in power as well as a boost prowess and speed on the
base-paths. Of course he's also taking advantage a stacked Red Sox
lineup that includes the likes of other young budding superstars
including Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley Jr. as well as still highly
productive veterans, Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz, all of whom are
having incredible seasons which makes the early MVP talk this season
about Xander Bogaerts that much more remarkable. Bogaerts is the
shortstop of the future for the Red Sox and will most likely be part of
the centerpiece for them in Boston along with Betts and Bradley Jr.
going into a new post-David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia era.
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Damian Lillard #0 - Portland Trailblazers
Born: July 15, 1990 (25)
Shoots: Right
Position: Point Guard
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 195lbs
Achievements: 2013-14 Rookie of the Year, 2014 and 2015 All-Star
The
early career years of Damian Lillard have been shadowed by the likes of
superstars more in the spotlight. The extremely gifted 6th overall
draft pick's name seems to unfairly get omitted from discussions of the
top players in the NBA today. Many, especially the casual NBA fan will
usually find players like Lebron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and
James Harden coming to mind when thinking of the top talent the NBA has
to offer. Damian Lillard should not be left out of this conversation.
The small market of Portland can blamed for his relative unanimity, but
the tide of his fame may be turning . This year he flourished having
more particular success in the games he was directly opposing Stephen
Curry. His 51 point performance against the Warriors February 19th in
which the Trail Blazers absolutely annihilated a historically good
Golden State team definitely put him more on the NBA superstar map.
Lillard began his career with a Rookie of the Year award winning
season. He's already been to 2 All-Star Games (should arguably have
been in more) and is quickly becoming one of the most dynamic 3-point
shooters in the game. The Oakland native is also considered a great
two-way player performing admirably on defense as well. The successful
future of the Portland Trail Blazers leans heavily on this
underappreciated star. The Warriors, Spurs, and Thunder should all
continue to tower over this small market franchise, but if Portland an
add a few more game changing players around Damian Lillard, they can
overcome the overwhelming talent of the Western Conference.
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Khalil Mack #52 - Oakland Raiders
Born: February 22, 1991 (24)
Hometown: Fort Pierce, Florida
Position: Defensive End/Outside Linebacker
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 252lbs
Achievements: 2015 All-Pro Defensive End and Linebacker, 2015 Pro Bowl
The
Raiders are beginning to see an influx of positive young talent
including the likes of quarterback Derek Carr, wide receiver Amari
Cooper, and of course Khalil Mack. The Buffalo graduate went 5th
overall in the 2014 NFL draft and became the central cog to a rebuilding
Raiders defense. Strong, with great explosiveness, Mack is quickly
becoming one of the best pass rushers in the NFL and with a few more
added pieces to the defense, can help carry the Raiders into playoff
contention in the near future. Mack is also very versatile being able
to play both the defensive and outside linebacker and play both
extremely well. In fact, Mack made history in 2016, becoming the first
player ever in the NFL to be voted All-Pro at multiple positions in the
same season! The more important aspect of the achievement may be how
humbly Khalil has approached his early success in the NFL. Winning as a
team is his priority bring success and respect back to the Raiders
franchise in the near future.
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