Leon Draisaitl, Sam Reinhart Headline Heated Race for Rocket Richard Trophy

The race for the Rocket Richard is still out as there are many contenders to take home the prized award after Toronto's Auston Matthews losing ground after missing significant time. The Leafs new captain has finished with the most goals in the league in three of the last four years but now finds himself 13 goals behind league-leader Sam Reinhart.

The slow start to the season from the Boston Bruins has also distanced David Pastrnak from scoring many goals as he's recorded just nine goals in 26 games. This should create for a sensational race for the award as there are many contenders close to Reinhart, who leads with 18 goals so far this season.

Despite leading the pack, he actually isn't the current favourite as Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl, who is one goal behind at 17 this season. He has a subtle lead with his odds listed at +340 compared to Reinhart's +430 odds. This makes sense as the German forward has been a very reliable goal scorer over his career with 40 or more goals in five of his last six seasons.

Reinhart and Draisaitl are used to being in competition with each other as they were drafted second and third respectively in the 2014 NHL entry draft. Over a decade later, the two players are contending for the title of top goal scorer in the league.

There are still some great values on the board after Reinhart and Draisaitl like Tampa's Brayden Point. He has probably the best value of any player at this point being listed at +1300 which is absurd considering he's scored the third-most goals over the last three seasons with 113 over 182 regular season games. He has two less goals than Reinhart and could catch fire at any moment with how special Tampa Bay has been this season.

It's also safe to say you can't count out Kirill Kaprizov, who is piecing together an early MVP caliber season with 15 goals and 23 assists for 38 points in 23 games. Minnesota's face of the franchise has +700 odds to win the award, which is third-highest.

Last but not least, Montreal's Cole Caufield has played this season with his heart on his sleeve after experiencing the tragic death of his hockey hero Johnny Gaudreau this offseason. The 23-year-old Wisconsin native has hit a new gear this season with 16 goals in 24 games and is far outpacing his career-best numbers in a full season.

The race is far from over and create one of the most compelling storylines of the season as no one expected anyone other than Auston Matthews to win the award. We will have a new winner and only time will tell who it will be.