Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher, 21, tunes out talk about sophomore slumps just like he used to ignore those who said he was too small to play in the NHL.
"A lot of people have mentioned (the sophomore slump)," Gallagher said. "I could listen to it, but that doesn't do me any good. I'm confident in the work I did this summer, and in the ability that I have and the teammates I have."
The feisty 5-8 right wing was one of the major surprises of 2012-13, finishing as a finalist for rookie of the year after registering 15 goals and 13 assists in 44 games.
The work he did this summer included beefing up to 184 pounds. That doesn't seem like much until you factor in that he played most of last season at 178.
"There were some nights when I was even lighter," Gallagher said.
He weighed 150 pounds when he started his junior career as a 16-year old with the Vancouver Giants in the Western Hockey League. He blossomed into a 40-goal scorer with some tenacity. But his size worked against him and he wasn't drafted until the fifth round. He weighed about 165 pounds during his draft year.
He says he never even considered the possibility that his size would prevent him from living his big-league dream.
"Never," he said. "People always said that. But I always believed I could play in the National Hockey League and be an effective player. There has never been a doubt. … I have confidence in my ability."
His goal this season is the same as it is every season. "I have to be the hardest-working guy on the ice, or I'm no good," he said.
2013-14 prediction: Gallagher isn't considered a primary Montreal scorer, but he combined for 25 goals between the NHL and American Hockey League last season. He could get 20 to 24 goals with the same number of assists this season.
Other scorers who might be flying under the radar:
-Left wing/center Brayden Schenn (Philadelphia Flyers): Schenn, 22, could play alongside newcomer Vincent Lecavalier and should be expected to have a breakout season. He has the ability to be a full-service forward. Prediction: 20 goals, 31 assists.
-Left wing/center Colin Wilson (Nashville Predators): He has improved every season and he should play regularly on Nashville's top line and have power play time. Prediction: 23 goals, 29 assists.
-Left wing David Perron (Edmonton Oilers): With the injuries Perron has had and the fact he scored 10 goals last season in the abbreviated season, it's easy to forget that he is capable of a 25- to 30-goal season. Perron, 25, is entering his prime and is surrounded by highly skilled players. Prediction: 25 goals, 24 assists.
-Left wing Marcus Johansson (Washington Capitals): He will play on the top line with Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin. He's 22 and just starting to explore the depths of his talent. He has the potential to post big numbers: Prediction: 25 goals, 44 assists.
-Right wing Mikkel Boedker (Phoenix Coyotes): He should end up playing alongside Mike Ribeiro and that will significantly boost his numbers. Boedker, 23, has the confidence to be a top-line performer. Prediction: 19 goals, 27 assists.
-Right wing Kyle Okposo (New York Islanders): Ignore last season's production of four goals in 48 games and remember that he's also entering his best years playing with a group of guys growing with confidence. Prediction: 27 goals, 24 assists.
-Right wing Emerson Etem (Anaheim Ducks): Etem's speed makes him a dangerous scorer. His scoring touch hasn't yet caught up to his speed, but he's playing with Andrew Cogliano and Saku Koivu. If he stays with those two, he will get scoring chances. Prediction: 18 goals, 18 assists.
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