hey wolves fan, wild fan here after sokolov scored 48G last year what are your production expectations for him this year? thx. im hoping he tears up the ohl & leads all goal scorers by a country mile!
Considering there seems to be a bit of a consensus on David Levin taking a big step forward next year, and since he's a playmaker, Sokolov's production should continue to improve. If Levin actually starts putting the puck in the net more frequently as well, that'll raise Sokolov's assist total too.
I'm thinking 55g, 40a. From an NHL prospect perspective though and less as a Wolves player, you should be more concerned with his +/- number, which needs to get better especially considering 22 of the team's 68 games will be vs North Bay (who should rank 20 out of 20 this year), Barrie, and Niagara (these two should fight for the 8 seed in the east). If he can drop a couple more pounds and his stride improves visibly once again, I think you've got an NHLer on your hands.
We all know he can shoot. The second half of last season saw a better passing game from him, and when he wants to be physical he can be physical.
Last thing to note, is that if Sudbury isn't leading the central by the deadline, or at least not neck and neck with Mississauga, don't be surprised to see him get moved to a contender out west such as London, Owen Sound, or Sault Ste Marie. Sudbury historically retains these players in hopes of winning a round or two, but I think the new management is a bit more modern and will take the king's ransom Sokolov would fetch.