Season Preview: Patrick Sharp

My ex-girlfriend last year said that if she had a chance to go back to prom, and could ask any hawk to go with her, she'd pick Patrick Sharp. Why she would think about going to prom at 23 years old and why exactly she'd pick Sharp I wasn't too clear on, but it's probably because he's a good lookin' guy who had a phenomenal year.

Season	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PP	SH	GW	S	S%
2007-2008	80	36	26	62	23	55	9	7	7	209	17.2

Playing on a line with Kane and Toews certainly seemed to agree with Sharp. He had career highs in goals, assists, and points. In fact he almost doubled his career high in points - 62 up from 35 the year before. Sharp was second on the Hawks in points behind Kane.

The Hawks lack of depth at center could be one of the biggest set backs for Sharp this year. It seems Sharp might drop down to center the second line now instead of playing on the wing like he did last year. Sharp has played center before, so it won't be a huge change for him - a lot of reference sites still have him listed as a center actually. It'll be interesting to see if Sharps great season last year was a product of who he was playing with, or if he really is coming into his prime. I suspect it's a bit of both but he'll still be a key player this year. Sharp was a beast on the Kill last year and led the NHL in short handed goals at 7 (tied with Alfredsson).

One thing I always seem to forget (maybe you do too) is that Sharp is only 26 years old. He has room to improve having only played over 50 games in a year three times now. Behind the choice of Toews, I could have easily seen the C going to Sharp as he is a leader on this team.

Not that it really matters or counts for anything, but Sharp was overlooked at the start of last year and should have gone to the All-Star Game.. Now fantasy hockey magazines are advertising articles like "Who will be this year's Sharp?" He's made a name for himself in the league now, lets see what he can do.