Every year, numerous players arrive at NHL training camps with hopes high, convinced that this is the year.
The year they secure a place on the team, become regular contributors, or earn a spot on a scoring line. The year they take that crucial leap forward.
As the regular season approaches, fantasy drafts on the horizon and optimism in the air, which players are optimally positioned to make a mark in 2024-25?
The Athletic reached out to its NHL staff for insights: one breakout candidate from each team. Here’s what they had to say.
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Leo Carlsson, C: This choice seems quite straightforward. During his first season, the Ducks implemented a game-management strategy for 19-year-old Carlsson, leading to occasional game absences. Additionally, he faced setbacks from a knee sprain and a concussion, which further limited his playtime. Despite this, when on the ice, Carlsson exhibited impressive skating, vision, and playmaking abilities that prompted Anaheim to utilize him as a first-line center. He recorded 29 points in 55 games. With Cutter Gauthier joining him as a skilled goal scorer and likely to play alongside other top offensive talent from the Ducks on the power play, Carlsson has the potential to significantly enhance his production in his second year, provided he maintains his health. — Eric Stephens
Matt Poitras, C/RW: Poitras is ready for a fresh start after shoulder surgery curtailed his 2023-24 season, which he wasn’t even anticipated to play with the Bruins. Now 20 years old, eight pounds heavier, and fully recovered from his surgery, Poitras feels more confident following his pro season and is poised for development. While he is naturally a center, the Bruins are experimenting by placing him at second right wing behind David Pastrnak. — Fluto Shinzawa
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Jack Quinn, RW: Last season, Quinn ranked fifth in the NHL for points per 60 minutes during five-on-five play. Unfortunately, he managed to participate in only 27 games due to two significant injuries. Fully recovered now and securing a spot on the top power play, Quinn is poised for substantial growth with the Sabres. Buffalo’s performance transformed with Quinn in the lineup last season, and his absence significantly contributed to the team’s offensive regression. — Matthew Fairburn
Connor Zary, LW: Zary started the previous season in the AHL, but when the Flames urgently required youthful energy and speed, he was granted an opportunity and made an immediate impact. He is now the leading candidate to kick off the season alongside Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman, two of the Flames’ most dependable and industrious forwards. Zary’s skill and speed could effectively compensate for the absence of Andrew Mangiapane as a secondary scorer. In a year where fans are eager to witness the rise of young talents, Zary’s potential shines brightly. — Julian McKenzie
Pyotr Kochetkov, G: The moment has arrived for Kochetkov, who enters his second year…
of a four-year extension that costs the Hurricanes merely $2 million against the salary cap. With Frederik Andersen playing in the final year of his contract and Kochetkov entering his prime, Carolina must determine whether he can lead their goalie tandem for the upcoming years. Under the guidance of coach Rod Brind’Amour, the Hurricanes have a track record of enhancing the performance of goalies, and Kochetkov is likely the next beneficiary of that trend. — Cory Lavalette
Lukas Reichel, RW: Apart from Connor Bedard, Reichel stands out as the other forward under 23 expected to remain with the Blackhawks throughout the season. Last year, he did not meet expectations, but both he and the Blackhawks are optimistic about a turnaround this season. He is anticipated to secure a spot in the top-six right from the start. It remains to be seen how he capitalizes on this opportunity. — Scott Powers
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Justus Annunen, G: Annunen excelled in 12 starts last season, and at 24, he should see an increase in his workload this year. Alexandar Georgiev has played 125 games over the past two seasons, which is the second most in the NHL, just one game shy of the reigning Vezina winner, Connor Hellebuyck. This workload is excessive for Georgiev, and Annunen demonstrated last season that he is more than capable of taking on additional games. His .928 save percentage was the second highest in the league, albeit from a limited sample size, while his 13.37 goals saved above expected ranked him 21st overall. Anticipate more opportunities for him to shine. — Jesse Granger
Adam Fantilli, C: Fantilli, selected as the No. 3 draft pick in 2023, was just starting to find his stride when he sustained a season-ending injury on January 28. A laceration to Fantilli’s left calf hindered his progress…
He sustained an injury when he awkwardly kicked the back of his leg while emerging from a wall check. Through 49 games, he recorded 12 goals, 15 assists, and 27 points, but had begun to find his rhythm as the second-line center. This season, expect Fantilli to continue in a similar capacity, and during the early days of camp, he has been paired with wingers James van Riemsdyk and Yegor Chinakhov. He is also anticipated to receive considerable power-play time. The Blue Jackets’ capacity to effectively compete in the NHL this season likely depends on the growth of their young players, with Fantilli playing a significant role. — Aaron Portzline
Mavrik Bourque, C: Two years ago, Wyatt Johnston made a noteworthy entrance as a 19-year-old. Last season saw Logan Stankoven shine at 21 and Thomas Harley at 22. Now, the spotlight is on Bourque. The reigning AHL scoring champion (26 goals, 51 assists) had only two appearances with the Stars last year — one during the regular season and another in Game 6 of the Western Conference final. However, he is expected to secure a spot in the Stars’ top nine after the exits of Joe Pavelski and Ty Dellandrea. Early in the camp, Bourque has been centering Jamie Benn and Stankoven, creating an exciting blend of youth, scoring ability, and experience. The Stars have consistently positioned young talent for success, and Bourque is poised to take full advantage of this opportunity. — Mark Lazerus
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Simon Edvinsson, D: Edvinsson debuted late last season and made a notable impact for the Red Wings during a playoff push that ultimately fell short. He is now set for a full-time position in the top four, where he can leverage his long reach and skating skills to disrupt plays and navigate breakouts effectively. While Edvinsson may not immediately rack up significant offensive stats due to a lack of a designated power-play role, helping tilt the ice in Detroit’s favor could make him a key player in the team’s efforts to turn things around. — Max Bultman
Ty Emberson, D: The Oilers boast a team poised for a Stanley Cup run, filled with established stars and high-achieving players. Options here are limited, making Emberson the logical choice. The Oilers revamped their right-side defense this offseason, moving on from Cody Ceci, Philip Broberg, and Vincent Desharnais. Now, they rely on Emberson, who was acquired from San Jose for Ceci, to fill a critical role alongside Darnell Nurse despite having just 30 NHL games under his belt. Whether Emberson can rise to the occasion remains a significant question, but he is the only candidate available to fulfill this need. — Daniel Nugent-Bowman
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Mackie Samoskevich, RW: The defending champions find themselves with limited options here, which is no accident. The capabilities of most of their players are well understood.
Samoskevich, however, is quite intriguing. Last season, he excelled in the AHL as a 21-year-old, tallying 44 points in his last 45 games, and he could potentially inject some offensive flair into the open position on Florida’s third line. It is worth monitoring his durability; standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 183 pounds, he is currently contending with an upper-body injury. — Sean Gentille
Brandt Clarke, D: With Quinton Byfield transitioning to center, the 22-year-old could find himself thriving as he leads his own line, although he did experience a sort of breakout last season. As we look towards this year, the circumstances seem favorable for Clarke to achieve significant success. Due to Drew Doughty’s ankle injury, Clarke might receive more power-play opportunities than initially anticipated. The 21-year-old, who is expected to fill a third-pairing role, could also see increased five-on-five minutes while Doughty is sidelined. Jordan Spence is another player to consider if he performs well during Doughty’s absence. Additionally, keep an eye on winger Alex Laferriere, who scored 12 goals as a rookie and is now starting on the top line alongside Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe. — Eric Stephens
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Marco Rossi, C: Last season, the 23-year-old ranked second among NHL rookies with 21 goals, yet team president and general manager Bill Guerin remains unconvinced, and Rossi is aware of this. This season is crucial for him if he hopes to compel the Wild to sign him to a long-term deal. Rossi was selected ninth overall in 2020. Consider other players from his draft class: Anton Lundell, picked twelfth, recently signed a six-year, $30 million extension. Seth Jarvis, selected thirteenth, just secured an eight-year, $63.2 million contract. Cole Perfetti, the tenth pick, has a $3.25 million AAV on a two-year deal. Dylan Holloway was the fourteenth pick and signed a two-year offer sheet with St. Louis for over $2.29 million. Rossi is a highly confident and determined player, so if he secures a top-six position this season and gains more power-play opportunities, he’s likely to have a stronger performance. — Michael Russo
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Juraj Slafkovský, RW: In his initial 81 NHL games, Slafkovský recorded eight goals and 17 assists. However, in the final 40 games of last season, he scored 16 goals and provided 19 assists. During this latter stretch, his points-per-game rate of 0.88 equaled those of notable players such as Jesper Bratt, Travis Konecny, Jordan Kyrou, William Karlsson, and Vincent Trocheck. Just before the conclusion of last season, on March 30,
He just turned 20. Slafkovský starts this season in a top-line position, contributing significantly on the power play and playing a vital role in the Canadiens’ offensiveness. As Slafkovský continues to enhance his game, his second-half statistics are expected to improve naturally. — Arpon Basu
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Tommy Novak, C: There isn’t much space for emerging players on a squad that is now filled with all-stars; however, Novak appears to have every chance to elevate his performance — centering a line with Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault should positively impact any player’s output. He must, of course, seize this opportunity. Another potential candidate is forward Zachary L’Heureux, though he may require additional development time in Milwaukee. — Joe Rexrode
Simon Nemec, D: Drafted as the No. 2 pick in 2022, Nemec has the full support of the Devils, as evidenced by his participation in 60 games during the 2023-24 season. Due to injuries, he was thrust into a larger role than he might have been prepared for, but that experience will serve him well in his second NHL season. The Devils are expected to have a more fortified defensive lineup surrounding him, despite injuries to Luke Hughes and potentially Brett Pesce to start the year. Dougie Hamilton returns from injury, and Pesce and Brenden Dillon were solid additions through free agency. — Peter Baugh
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Simon Holmstrom, LW: With this well-known roster, expectations are fairly clear. Holmstrom, selected as the 23rd pick in the 2019 draft, has yet to fully realize his potential. Last season, he netted 15 goals, achieving a career high across all levels — AHL and Europe. Should he secure the second-line left wing position next to Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri, Holmstrom could be in for significant ice time and might surpass the expectations set during his developmental phase. — Arthur Staple
Braden Schneider, D: Schneider is recognized for his strong defensive skills. While his offensive contributions may be limited, his responsibilities have increased each season he’s played in the NHL. At 23 years of age, this 2020 first-round pick now has over 200 games of NHL experience. Last postseason, Coach Peter Laviolette averaged 17:32 minutes for him on the ice, a rise from 15:54 during the regular season. If Jacob Trouba shifts to the third pairing, Schneider may find himself in a top-four role this season. Even if he remains on the third pair, he is anticipated to see a rise in both ice time and responsibilities. — Peter Baugh
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Shane Pinto, C: Pinto was sidelined for the first half of last season due to a suspension for breaching NHL gambling regulations. However, after becoming eligible to return, he played every game and recorded an impressive 27 points in 41 outings, averaging 0.66 points per game, ranking him sixth on the team, just behind Vladimir Tarasenko. With Tarasenko no longer in Ottawa, Pinto is positioned well as the second-line center, likely playing alongside Drake Batherson and Josh Norris. Unlike last season, he has a two-year, $7.5 million contract, allowing him to focus solely on his game. A breakout season with 60 points is certainly within his grasp. — Eric Duhatschek
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Tyson Foerster, LW: While Matvei Michkov may dominate the headlines regarding the Flyers’ young talent, Foerster might be in a better position to make an impact this season. From January 12 onward, Foerster led the Flyers in goals and earned the trust of coach John Tortorella to be utilized in crucial end-of-game situations thanks to his strong two-way play, ability to win battles along the boards, and determination to fight for tough positioning. Foerster is expected to log significant minutes in a top-six role starting from day one this season. — Kevin Kurz
C
Rody Glass, RW: By the second week of camp, it seems that coach Mike Sullivan has more faith in veterans than in prospects. While opinions may vary on whether this is the best approach for the Penguins, it certainly gives Glass an opportunity for a career revival in Pittsburgh. Two seasons ago, Glass netted 14 of his 29 career goals, and management believes he could replicate that success within Sullivan’s system. General Manager Kyle Dubas took a chance on Glass, a former No. 6 draft pick, in hopes that Sullivan’s system and belonging to an offensive-focused organization might help unlock Glass’s unrealized potential. At the very least, Glass is expected to start the season on a third line. The Penguins aim to create a robust third line featuring Glass and Kevin Hayes as wingers. Drew O’Connor made a leap from a bottom-six role to a top-line winger by late last season. While that may be a stretch for Glass, he will still receive ample opportunities to prove himself within the top nine. — Rob Rossi
Macklin Celebrini, C: Can we really label someone who has yet to play an NHL regular-season game as a “breakout” candidate? Absolutely. Is it a bit of a loophole in this context? Maybe, but the truth is that Celebrini is poised to make a notable impact on the Sharks in his rookie season. To begin with, Logan Couture is still recovering from ongoing inflammation in his groin and abdominal areas, though Celebrini might have started as their top center regardless. With the addition of Tyler Toffoli, a proven scorer paired beside the 18-year-old, opportunities abound. Celebrini also possesses the “look” of a true NHL center after dominating college hockey in his only season. His impressive skating, vision, and anticipation are immediately evident. Although it’s preseason and he may face challenges, the circumstances are ideal for Celebrini to leave his mark and emerge as a frontrunner for the Calder Trophy. — Eric Stephens
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Shane Wright, C: This is Wright’s moment. For a Kraken team in need of standout contributors, it certainly has to be. The 20-year-old center enjoyed a solid draft plus-two campaign in the American League last season, concluding with an impressive eight-game stint in the NHL where he scored four goals and delivered a point-per-game performance during the Calder Cup playoffs. As the season kicks off, Wright has a strong chance of securing a full-time NHL role. Moreover, the Kraken boast a roster of skilled and defensively responsible wingers to support him as he finds his footing early on. While various forms of breakouts exist, Wright is unlikely to explode as a 60-point center in his debut NHL season. Even a performance resembling that of Sam Bennett’s first NHL season—18 goals and just under 40 points—would signify considerable growth for Wright and be vital for the development of the Ron Francis-era Kraken. — Thomas Drance
Zack Bolduc, LW: Bolduc, 21, sparked excitement among Blues fans towards the end of the 2023-24 season with three goals in five games. His performance at the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase earlier this month further fueled that enthusiasm. Now the question looms: Will Bolduc maintain that level of impressive play in 2024-25? First, he must secure a spot on the roster. Despite the depth present at camp, Bolduc—who was a first-round draft pick in 2021—has the talent to excel in the top six and seems prepared to make his mark if given the chance. — Jeremy Rutherford
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J.J. Moser, D: The Lightning are somewhat limited in options due to a lack of emerging young talent, creating an opening for one defenseman to potentially rise to a top-pairing caliber. If Moser can elevate his performance while playing on his off side, the right, he could well be in line for a breakout year. It’s unnecessary for him to become the team’s primary No. 2, as Ryan McDonagh fills that role; he merely needs to maintain pace and support Victor Hedman to solidify their top pairing. — Shayna Goldman
Matthew Knies, LW: Knies delivered a decent yet inconsistent performance during his rookie regular season. However, once the playoffs arrived, his game significantly improved. He became one of the Leafs’ most impactful players in their first-round matchup against Boston, increasing his ice time as the series progressed. It seems likely that Knies will net at least 20 goals this season, especially with an anticipated rise in his power-play opportunities. Furthermore, he appears to be the prime candidate for first-line minutes alongside Auston Matthews and could also take on a more consistent role in penalty killing. The future looks bright for the soon-to-be 22-year-old. — Jonas Siegel
Dylan Guenther, RW: Guenther might be the most obvious choice on this list. After being sent to the AHL for the first half of the previous season, he quickly adjusted to the NHL’s pace following a January call-up, finishing with a remarkable tally of 12 goals and 23 points over his last 23 games. His powerful shot and strong work ethic will likely earn him considerably more ice time this year as a 21-year-old, including on the top power play unit. Currently, he stands as one of the most electrifying young talents in the league, and reaching 35 goals seems increasingly attainable. — James Mirtle
Nils Höglander, LW: Although Höglander may seem like an unconventional pick, given his breakout season as a goal scorer with 24 goals and an unusually high shooting percentage of 20%, there are underlying factors that suggest he could secure a more significant role and larger opportunities. For instance, despite last season’s impressive scoring, he was a healthy scratch for two games during the Stanley Cup playoffs, managing only 12 minutes of ice time per night, primarily on the fourth line. Additionally, he has not scored a power-play goal since 2021-22. The Vancouver Canucks enter this season with numerous vacancies in their top-six forward group, presenting chances to play alongside J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser on the top line, and with Elias Pettersson and Jake DeBrusk on the second line. Vancouver acquired several free-agent wingers, including Danton Heinen, Daniel Sprong, and Kiefer Sherwood, while 2022 first-round pick Jonathan Lekkerimäki may also contend for a spot. Considering who might seize these openings and potentially elevate their production, Höglander, a 23-year-old winger who netted over 20 goals last season and has averaged 19 goals per 82 games over 200 NHL appearances between ages 20 and 23, is certainly a strong candidate. — Thomas Drance
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Pavel Dorofeyev, LW: Following his inaugural full NHL season, Dorofeyev is expected to join the second line of the Golden Knights alongside Mark Stone and William Karlsson. This change will likely increase his ice time from the 13 minutes he averaged during his rookie campaign and position him as the net-front player for the line. With a powerful shot and a talent for locating the puck in high-danger areas, Dorofeyev is poised for a significant sophomore season in 2024-25, particularly with two highly-skilled, pass-oriented forwards. — Jesse Granger
Aliaksei Protas, RW/C: Although Protas’ offensive numbers weren’t particularly striking (six goals, 23 assists) due to primarily playing third-line minutes, he still ended up third on the Capitals in five-on-five points with 28. His combination of playmaking skills and defensive contributions is noteworthy. Plus, at 6-6 and 225 pounds, he definitely makes an imposing figure on the ice. If his shooting improves—given his lowly 5.7 percent shooting percentage over 169 career games—and if he earns better ice time, a 15-goal season appears realistic. — Sean Gentille
Cole Perfetti, LW/C: Currently healthy and under contract, Perfetti is also receiving attention from his coach, who regards him as a valuable top-six forward suited for power-play time. It’s common for players around the age of 22 to experience significant developmental leaps. Perfetti has an excellent chance to capitalize on this opportunity, possibly increasing his five-on-five playtime by nearly two minutes per game and getting a shot at the Winnipeg power-play unit. Also worth mentioning are Nikolaj Ehlers, who was given the first look at the open power-play slot, and Brad Lambert, who faces challenges in securing a roster spot but possesses game-breaking potential. However, Perfetti exhibits the most significant potential for growth among the trio. — Murat Ates
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(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic. Photos: David Kirouac / Icon Sportswire; Bill Wippert, Christopher Mast / NHLI via Getty Images)
2024-25 NHL Season: Breakout Candidates to Watch from Every Team
The excitement of the upcoming 2024-25 NHL season brings with it a wave of potential breakout players from each team. These players are poised to make significant contributions and impact their teams as they aim for playoff glory. Below, we delve into each NHL team and highlight a breakout candidate that fans should keep an eye on this season.
Atlantic Division
Boston Bruins: Jeremy Swayman
This young goaltender is set to take the reins as the primary starter. With increasing confidence and skill, Swayman could emerge as one of the league’s top goaltenders, making critical saves that propel the Bruins into the postseason.
Buffalo Sabres: Owen Power
The 2021 first overall pick is ready to shine. As a defenseman with excellent skating and vision, Power can contribute offensively and defensively, making him a pivotal player for Buffalo’s playoff aspirations.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Mikhail Sergachev
After developing alongside elite players, Sergachev is ready to assert himself as a top-tier defenseman. His combination of offensive skill and defensive acumen will be crucial for the Lightning’s success.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Nick Robertson
Robertson’s speed and goal-scoring ability make him a prime candidate for a breakout season. His chemistry with Toronto’s elite forwards could lead to a significant increase in his point total.
Metropolitan Division
Carolina Hurricanes: Seth Jarvis
Jarvis showed flashes of brilliance last season. His ability to find the back of the net and create plays makes him a valuable asset as the Hurricanes aim for a deep playoff run.
New Jersey Devils: Dawson Mercer
Mercer’s skill set and tenacity on the ice could see him flourish this season. With a growing role on a talented Devils roster, he is ready to be a breakout star.
New York Islanders: Simon Holmstrom
Holmstrom is an emerging forward whose offensive potential is starting to surface. Expect him to play a significant role on the Islanders’ scoring lines, potentially leading to a breakout season.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Radim Zohorna
With size and skill, Zohorna is poised for a breakout season, especially with the Penguins needing depth scoring. His versatility could see him slot into various positions as needed.
Central Division
Chicago Blackhawks: Lukas Reichel
Reichel is a highly skilled prospect who is ready to make the leap to the NHL. With his offensive creativity and playmaking ability, he could become a fan favorite in Chicago.
Colorado Avalanche: Alex Newhook
Newhook’s speed and offensive instincts make him a prime candidate for a breakout year. Expect him to capitalize on the Avalanche’s offensive firepower and contribute significantly.
Dallas Stars: Ty Dellandrea
After an impressive playoff run, Dellandrea is ready to step up. His strong two-way game and ability to score important goals could make him a key player for the Stars this season.
Winnipeg Jets: Cole Perfetti
Perfetti is a highly skilled forward who has the potential to break out. With increased playing time and responsibility, he could be a significant goal scorer for the Jets.
Pacific Division
Anaheim Ducks: Mason McTavish
The young center has shown great potential and will be a vital part of the Ducks’ future. His ability to score and facilitate could lead to a breakout season.
Calgary Flames: Matthew Coronato
Coronato’s offensive talent and adaptability could make him a breakout star for the Flames. Watch for him to make an immediate impact with his scoring touch.
Edmonton Oilers: Dylan Holloway
Holloway’s speed and offensive upside make him a candidate to watch. If given a top-six role, he could elevate his game alongside Edmonton’s star players.
Los Angeles Kings: Quinton Byfield
Byfield’s size and skill set make him a player to watch. As he grows into his role, he has the potential to become a cornerstone player for the Kings.
San Jose Sharks: William Eklund
Eklund’s offensive talent and playmaking ability could see him shine in his second NHL season. Expect him to take on a larger role in the Sharks’ lineup.
Vancouver Canucks: Vasily Podkolzin
Podkolzin has a strong physical presence and scoring ability. With increased responsibility, he could be a breakout candidate for the Canucks this season.
Vegas Golden Knights: Pavel Dorofeyev
Given the chance to play a bigger role, Dorofeyev could make a name for himself. His offensive instincts could greatly benefit the Golden Knights in critical situations.
Breakout Candidates Summary Table
| Team | Breakout Candidate | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Bruins | Jeremy Swayman | Goaltender |
| Buffalo Sabres | Owen Power | Defenseman |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | Mikhail Sergachev | Defenseman |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | Nick Robertson | Forward |
| Carolina Hurricanes | Seth Jarvis | Forward |
| New Jersey Devils | Dawson Mercer | Forward |
| New York Islanders | Simon Holmstrom | Forward |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | Radim Zohorna | Forward |
| Chicago Blackhawks | Lukas Reichel | Forward |
| Colorado Avalanche | Alex Newhook | Forward |
| Dallas Stars | Ty Dellandrea | Forward |
| Winnipeg Jets | Cole Perfetti | Forward |
| Anaheim Ducks | Mason McTavish | Forward |
| Calgary Flames | Matthew Coronato | Forward |
| Edmonton Oilers | Dylan Holloway | Forward |
| Los Angeles Kings | Quinton Byfield | Forward |
| San Jose Sharks | William Eklund | Forward |
| Vancouver Canucks | Vasily Podkolzin | Forward |
| Vegas Golden Knights | Pavel Dorofeyev | Forward |
Benefits of Watching Breakout Candidates
- Enhanced Viewing Experience: Following breakout candidates adds excitement to watching games, as fans can observe their growth and impact on the team.
- Fantasy Hockey Insights: Identifying potential breakout players can give fantasy hockey players an edge in drafting and trading strategies.
- Team Pride: Supporting emerging talents fosters a deeper connection with the franchise as fans witness the development of future stars.
