RealGM Hockey: Shift Change - Be The GM: Jonathan Toews Vs. Steven Stamkos

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Be The GM: Jonathan Toews Vs. Steven Stamkos

Authored by Nick Obergan - 25th January, 2012 - 9:14 am

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The last matchup before the finals of our Be A GM series features a playoff MVP and the leading goal scorer in the NHL.

Why Jonathan Toews Is a Franchise Player

At 23-years-old, he has resume can almost rival that of Sidney Crosby. He too was named captain at a very young age, and he too led his team to the Stanley Cup, earning the Conn Smythe trophy in 2010 after putting up 29 points in 22 games.

Toews is one of the more multi-talented players in the league. He can get you 30 goals and hover around a point per game if needed; he is one of the best in the face-off circle; he is one of the best defensive forwards in the league; he brings exceptional leadership; and he produces on the biggest stage (he was named the top forward of the Winter Olympics in 2010).

He is second in goals this year, a change for him, and among the top-10 in points; earning him a trip to the 2012 All-Star Game.

Toews defeated Jimmy Howard in the first round, Shea Weber in the second round and Alexander Ovechkin in the third round.

Why Steven Stamkos Is a Franchise Player

The first overall pick in 2008 was unfairly panned after scoring "only" 23 goals as an 18-year-old rookie. So I guess that would make his sophomore season as a 19-year-old "pretty good?" He shared the Rocket Richard Trophy that year by scoring 51 goals, and led the league with 24 power play goals. Last year he scored 45 times even though he slumped badly after the All-Star break, good for second in the league.

The 2011 All-Star is developing into a leader, being named an assistant captain this year, and is once again the league leader in goals and near the top of the league in points. At 21-years-old, there are likely to be many more Rocket Richard Trophies in his house, and perhaps an Art Ross or three as well.

Stamkos defeated Dustin Byfuglien in the first round, Drew Doughty in the second round and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in the third round.

-- Nick is an NHL Feature Writer for RealGM. You can reach him by email nick.obergan@realgm.com or on twitter @NickObergan.

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