Question, how common is it for a 22/23 year old to put up near 40 goals (in Puempel's case a pace of) in the AHL? Same thing with 30 goals as a 20 year old. Are there any comparable players?
I know older players can put up huge numbers in the AHL and be completely irrelevant in the NHL level. But I am wondering if there is any correlation between that kind of goal scoring production at that age in the NHL and future success in the NHL.
Something to consider. Although a 1 year contract is common for an RFA who hasn't proved anything in the NHL, unless I've misunderstood the expansion draft rules, the expansion draft might have prevented Ottawa from offering anything longer than 1 year. Apparently 20 of Vegas' 30 selections have to be signed to a contract, and unless I've heard incorrectly, this means that Vegas can only select 10 RFAs/UFAs.