Well it’s been a while. For those of you who are new before last season, I looked at players I knew were gonna make the team and what their season statistical targets should be. Back in April, I revisited the series with a Part 1 going over on how Vincent Trocheck, Colton Sceviour, Mark Pysyk and Jonathan Huberdeau lived up to their expectations. Although it’s been a while I decided to make Part 2. Today we will see how Nick Bjugstad, Aaron Ekblad, Aleksander Barkov and Radim Vrbata did. Remember these expectations are based on the fact the players playedd 75+ games

Nick Bjugstad

My Prediction from last offseason: 20-21-41

Stats: 82 GP, 19-30-49

Last year was great for Nick Bjugstad. After two injury riddled seasons, Bjugstad bounced back and established himself in a top six role as a winger. Bjugstad did great with Aleksander Barkov and Evengii Dadonov. Although he is rumored to be traded and Mike Hoffman has been added on, Bjugstad should continue to play with Barkov and Dadonov. As long as he is healthy and he gets a full year of ice time with Barkov and Dadonov, the sky is the limit for Big Nick.

2018-19 Prediction: 20-34-54

Aaron Ekblad

My Prediction from last offseason: 19-22-41

Stats: 82 GP, 16-22-38

Although Ekblad didn’t score as many goals as I predicted, it was a nice bounce back season for him. Ekblad is on the verge of developing into a star caliber defenseman. However this season is crucial for him. Ekblad needs to work on his speed and defensive game and he needs to be a 50+ point guy in order to match his massive contract. Ekblad consistently ranks near the top in goals for defenders and I expect him to finally pass the franchise defenseman goals in a season record held by him and Jason Garrison.

2018-19 Prediction: 18-30-48

Aleksander Barkov

My prediction from last offseason: 34-34-68

Stats: 79 GP, 27-51-78

In his first full season, Aleksander Barkov has finally reached his potential. Barkov is a phenomenal defensive center and is a franchise cornerpiece. Barkov should be a point per game player next year. As long as he stays healthy, Barkov will lead this team in points.

Prediction: 30-52-82

Radim Vrbata

My Prediction: 20-29-49

Stats: 42 GP, 5-9-14

Probably the biggest bust, Vrbata did not do well in his final season and was demoted to a scratch. Vrbata is retired and will not return next year