In the world of hockey, Jake Neighbours is a name that is starting to gain more and more recognition. With his breakout season last year with the St. Louis Blues, where he scored an impressive 27 goals, the expectations are high for Neighbours heading into the new season.
Neighbours certainly made the most of his increased opportunity last year. At just 22 years old, he played in 77 games, notching those 27 goals. His performance on the ice didn’t go unnoticed, as he ranked fourth on the team in power play goals with eight. What’s more, his shooting percentage of 18.6% was the 16th best in the entire league. It’s clear that Neighbours has a knack for finding the back of the net.
But it wasn’t just his offensive skills that shone last season. Neighbours also showed his defensive prowess, spending time on the team’s penalty kill. His physical style of play was evident, as he ranked fourth on the team with 138 hits. It’s clear that Neighbours is a well-rounded player who can contribute in multiple facets of the game.
Despite his breakout season, Neighbours only averaged a little over 12 minutes a game. In comparison, Robert Thomas, who also had a strong season with 26 goals, averaged almost 21 minutes a game. The fact that Neighbours was able to achieve what he did with limited ice time speaks volumes about his talent and work ethic.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Neighbours is expected to see more time on the ice per game. As the Blues look to solidify their lineup and make a playoff push, Neighbours will be a key player to watch. He is set to feature on the Blues’ top two lines, alongside some of the team’s other offensive threats such as Jordan Kyrou, Pavel Buchnevich, Brayden Schenn, and Brandon Saad.
Playing on the top two lines for a full 82-game season is sure to result in more goals and assists for Neighbours. With only 11 assists last season, there is certainly room for improvement in that aspect of his game. However, his net-front play is something to be commended, as he has a knack for putting the puck on goal in front of the net.
Neighbours’ breakout season last year is a true reflection of his scouting report. His defensive abilities and offensive instincts make him a valuable asset to the Blues. Playing alongside other talented scorers will only enhance his game and lead to more opportunities to contribute offensively.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Neighbours to see if he can replicate his success and take his game to the next level. With the right opportunities and linemates, there’s no doubt that Neighbours has the potential to make a significant impact on the ice.