The biggest moves of the 2024 offseason have passed and the 2024-25 season is close to two months away, meaning it is the perfect time to start predicting how each NHL team will perform. Every season comes with countless shocking results and breakout stars. This season is expected to be no different as the caliber of skill in the league is at an all-time high. While it is obvious Connor McDavid and Cale Makar will continue their stardom, who are the lesser-known players poised to break out?
Anaheim Ducks – Mason McTavish
Mason McTavish was selected with the third overall pick by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2021 Draft but is yet to find his groove on the scoresheet. His 19 goals and 42 points in 64 games last season are admirable, but it is clear his offensive potential is far from reached. As the main engine behind Frank Vatrano’s breakout 37 goals last season, McTavish has already demonstrated an ability to lead a line in the NHL. This season, he could be in line to join the premier tier of young forwards, raising his point production to around or above a point per game.
Boston Bruins – Justin Brazeau
Justin Brazeau was relatively unknown by hockey fans last season given his undrafted status. The 26-year-old was a midseason call-up for the Boston Bruins, scoring five goals and two assists in 19 regular season games. He also scored a goal and tallied an assist in nine playoff games.
Brazeau will not grow into a top-six scorer, but his playing style is ideal for the Bruins’ bottom six. With a full training camp and preseason, he may establish himself as a reliable point contributor and physical two-way winger in the bottom six.
Buffalo Sabres — Zach Benson
Zach Benson was considered a top-five prospect entering the 2023 Draft, but he slipped due to worries about his 5-foot-9 frame. However, he quickly disproved the naysayers, making his NHL debut at the age of 18 and scoring 11 goals and 30 points for the Buffalo Sabres in his first season.
Benson is an elite playmaker with strong edgework, competitiveness, and hands. He can play both left wing and center and can lead the offensive rush from anywhere on the ice. A breakout is inevitable for the highly skilled teenager, with the only question being when. The Sabres are hopeful to break their 13-season playoff drought this season, and Benson could be a key factor behind the team’s success.
Calgary Flames – Kevin Bahl
Kevin Bahl is a left-handed defenseman who was acquired by the Calgary Flames from the New Jersey Devils in the Jacob Markstrom trade earlier this offseason. Bahl is just 24 years old and has already played 148 NHL games where he has four goals and 25 points. Impressively, he did all this with a limited role in New Jersey due to the team’s abundance of defensemen.
Bahl has an average ice time of little over 16 minutes per game during his career, a figure that is sure to rise with the Flames. With the losses of Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, and Oliver Kylington, the team’s defensive core has been decimated, potentially putting Bahl at the top of the depth chart among defenseman. Furthermore, his competition for a top-four job includes Jake Bean, Joel Hanley, Danill Miromanov, Nikita Okhotiuk, and Brayden Pachal, indicating that he will have an easy path to gaining greater responsibilities.
Carolina Hurricanes’ Jack Drury
With the Carolina Hurricanes losing important forwards Jake Guentzel, Teuvo Teravainen, Evgeny Kuznetsov, and Stefan Noesen this offseason, Jack Drury is well-positioned to take on a larger role. He had excellent analytics.
Despite being a constant member of the bottom six last season, he was unable to develop into a top-six center due to increasing opportunities. Drury played just over 12 minutes a night last season, yet he still managed to score eight goals and 27 points over 74 games. He also had one goal and four assists in 11 playoff games. While he is expected to continue in the Hurricanes’ middle-six, he may see more time on the powerplay, allowing him to realize his scoring potential of 20+ goals and 40+ points.
Chicago Blackhawks’ Lukas Reichel
Lukas Reichel is a very bright young player who has struggled to put his talent on the scoresheet in the NHL. The 22-year-old has 21 goals and 59 points in his last 65 American Hockey League (AHL) games, but had only five goals and 16 points in 65 games with the Chicago Blackhawks last season. He did score seven goals and 15 points in 23 NHL games in 2022-23, but his dismal performance last season overshadowed any earlier accomplishments.
Despite his problems last season, Reichel is ready to have a breakout season if he can make the NHL squad out of training camp. The Blackhawks signed in several big free agents, so even if he plays in the
bottom six, he could suit up alongside someone like Nick Foligno, Andreas Athanasiou, or Ilya Mikheyev. If the former first-round pick wants to unleash his potential, this season is the time to do it.
Colorado Avalanche – Justun Annunen
Even though Alexander Georgiev was not a liability in net last season, the Colorado Avalanche are still searching for goaltending stability. Luckily, Justus Annunen is here. The 6-foot-4 netminder went 8-4-1 with a 2.25 goals against average (GAA), a .928 save percentage (SV%), and 11.5 goals saved above expected (GSAx) last season, according to MoneyPuck. While this is a short sample size, he has proven he can succeed in the NHL, paving the way to take over as the team’s starter if Georgiev has a rough stretch.
Columbus Blue Jackets – Dmitri Voronkov
Dmitri Voronkov had a strong rookie campaign last season, scoring 18 goals and 34 points in 74 games. However, he did all of this under a makeshift coaching staff, inconsistent linemates, and around just 13 minutes per night. With 20.8 expected goals, 1.24 expected goals per 60 minutes, and just seven powerplay points, his production is bound to increase. He is an extremely skilled goalscorer, so a consistent role in the Columbus Blue Jackets’ top-six with a new coaching staff is bound to see him hit the 20-goal at the very least, with 30 goals well in the realm of possibilities.
Dallas Stars, Thomas Harley
Thomas Harley had a huge influence on the Dallas Stars’ blue line last season, but there is still untapped potential. Despite limited ice time and variable linemates, he has 15 goals and 47 points in 79 games to highlight his scoring abilities. Although his point production dropped during the playoffs, he played nearly three minutes longer per game.
Playoff performance generally reflects a head coach’s trust, and Harley’s increased position despite reduced productivity indicates that Peter DeBoer believes in him. Reuniting with playoff partner Miro Heiskanen this season might help Harley establish himself as one of the NHL’s elite defensemen in terms of point output and defensive consistency.
Detroit Red Wings’ Simon Edvinsson
Other than Moritz Seider, the Detroit Red Wings’ defensive core is one of the weakest.
in the NHL. With Simon Edvinsson ready to step up, he will be crucial in helping the team push for the playoffs.
Edvinsson may start the season on the third pair, but he’s likely to finish in Detroit’s top four, possibly even on the top pairing. He offers a complete package, with strong offensive production and one of the best defensive skill sets among prospects. While it’s unfair to set specific scoring expectations, Edvinsson’s breakout will be best measured by his role in the team’s defense. If he can secure a top-pairing spot by season’s end, it will show he has developed into the player the team needs.
Edmonton Oilers – Dylan Holloway
Dylan Holloway is an obvious candidate for this list given his impressive toolset but lack of production. He saw a handful of different linemates across his 38 games last season but will hopefully find stability with the Edmonton Oilers strengthened bottom six this season. Ideally alongside Adam Henrique and Connor Brown, Holloway will most definitely hit 10 points in a season for the first time in his career. From there, some time on the powerplay could lead him to a 20+ goal, 20+ assist season if all goes right. On such a powerhouse forward core, ice time is earned, not given, but Holloway is well-equipped to handle the adversity
Florida Panthers’ Adam Boqvist
Finding a breakout candidate for the Florida Panthers is tricky given that nearly every player broke out last season on their way to winning the Stanley Cup. Both AJ Greer and Spencer Knight make sense, but perhaps no one is a better fit for the nomination than newly signed free-agent defenseman Adam Boqvist.
Boqvist was the Blackhawks’ first-round pick in 2018, traded to the Blue Jackets for Seth Jones, and bought out this offseason. The soon-to-be 24-year-old is extremely talented, but has failed to flourish in the tumultuous Blue Jackets system. However, the Panthers have a tendency for getting the most out of their depth players, so Boqvist may be able to realize some of his latent potential as he develops into a dependable bottom-four defenseman.
Los Angeles Kings – Warren Foegele
The Los Angeles Kings signed Warren Foegele to a three-year contract this offseason. He may not be the most flashy free agent, but he answers a very specific need in the forward core. When Jim Hiller was introduced as head coach, the squad emphasized the need of physicality in the front core. Foegele contributes to the solution by being the type of player who is not afraid to get dirty around the crease. He does not eliminate the necessity for top-end scoring, but he will assist his linemates in scoring an extra few goals this season.
Montreal Canadiens: Kaiden Guhle
The Montreal Canadiens just signed defenceman Kaiden Guhle to a six-year contract extension. The 22-year-old defenceman was one of the team’s top performers last season, finishing with
Finished the season second on the team in blocked shots (178), third in average ice time (20:51), and seventh in assists.
Guhle was a major member of the young defense core, which resulted in weariness and blunders. However, he improved significantly over the season, and his good conclusion is really promising. He scored seven points during his final seven games, including three against the Seattle Kraken. It’s difficult to predict what a breakout would look like for Guhle, but don’t be surprised if he exceeds 10 goals and 40 points while playing excellent defense.
Minnesota Wild: Marco Rossi
The Minnesota Wild have lots of talented wingers, defensemen, and goaltenders, but they lack top-tier center potential. Marco Rossi is prepared to fill
that gap. The 22-year-old center scored 21 goals and 40 points last season, yet his potential is much higher. With likely linemates in Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello, Rossi is likely to set career highs in every offensive category, aiming for a 25+ goal, 60+ point season. Nashville Predators – Cody Glass
The Nashville Predators had a very busy offseason, bringing in three of the top free agents. While these moves are exciting, winning requires more than just a few standout players, making Cody Glass one of the team’s underrated yet crucial pieces.
Once fighting for an NHL spot, Glass’ valuable contributions and versatility in the bottom six could lead to a breakout season. His four goals in his final eight games last season showcased why he was a first-round pick and he will continue providing value in the team’s bottom six. In addition to his defensive abilities, do not be surprised if he has a bit of an offensive resurgence with a 10+ goal, 25+ point campaign.
New York Rangers – Braden Schneider
With the New York Rangers shopping their captain, Jacob Trouba, this offseason, there will inevitably be tension in the organization. While this is an unfortunate circumstance to be in, it does pave the way for Braden Schneider to break out.
Schneider, a 2020 first-round pick by the Rangers, is a right-handed defenseman, just like Trouba. He has sat on the third pairing for his entire 206-game career due to the team’s strong defensive core
Schneider’s five goals and 19 points in under 16 minutes of average ice time last season were excellent, and an enhanced even-strength role with the chance of powerplay time this season could see him swiftly emerge as one of the team’s top defensemen.
New York Islanders’ Anthony Duclair
The New York Islanders don’t have many breakout candidates this season because the whole squad has either reached their peak or has recently broken out. Despite posting a career-high 31 goals in a season, Anthony Duclair is a breakout prospect because of his potential role on the team’s top line.
The Islanders have failed to cement Mat Barzal’s linemates throughout his career; but, the acquisitions of Bo Horvat and now Duclair may
form one of the best lines in the NHL. The speed, skill, and upside among the three forwards are palpable, and a 30+ goal, 60+ point season is very likely for Duclair.
New Jersey Devils – Simon Nemec
Simon Nemec was selected second overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2022 Draft. He scored three goals and 19 points in 60 NHL games after beginning last season in the AHL. He will have a tough path to earning more ice time with Dougie Hamilton and Brett Pesce ahead of him on the depth chart, but he is too skilled to remain on the bottom pair. He may take a few more seasons to reach his prime, but it is hard to imagine he does not vastly improve his production from last season.
Ottawa Senators – Shane Pinto
After missing the first half of last season due to a suspension, center Shane Pinto is set to break out for the Ottawa Senators this year. Despite not practicing with the team for months, he scored nine goals and 27 points in 41 games with limited powerplay time. The team aims to improve its overall performance, and elevating Pinto to a permanent top-six role could be the key to pushing them into the playoffs for the first time in seven years.
Philadelphia Flyers – Cam York
The Philadelphia Flyers have one of the worst defense cores in the NHL, but that cannot be blamed on Cam York. The 23-year-old defenseman was a first-round pick by the club in the 2019 Draft and had 10 goals and 30 points in 82 games last season. He trailed only Travis Sanheim in average ice time (22:37) and was a staple on the powerplay and penalty kill.
York averaged over 20 minutes per game for the first time in his career last season, and it was the first time he played over 55 NHL games in a season. He has gone from fighting for a spot in the NHL to being one of the Flyers’ top defensemen, and next season should see him finally breakthrough on the scoresheet. His goal total is unlikely to increase by much, if at all, but his overall point production and efficiency will improve. Pittsburgh Penguins – Drew O’Connor
Pittsburgh Penguins winger Drew O’Connor has not had a lengthy career, but he has been very effective. The 26-year-old scored 16 goals and 33 points last season, including 23.4 expected goals, all while playing just 12 minutes all season on the power play. He is 6-foot-3, plays a well-rounded game, and with the departure of multiple wingers, do not be surprised if he finds an elevated role and sets career highs in each offensive category. Depending on his linemates and special teams usage, a 20+ goal, 45+ point season is obtainable.
San Jose Sharks – Ty Emberson
The San Jose Sharks roster is infused with veteran leadership, youth, and reclamation projects. While they have multiple breakout candidates, nobody is better situated than defenseman, Ty Emberson. The 6-foot-2, 24-year-old played just 30 games last season, scoring a goal and nine assists. However, this season should be even better given his situation.
The Sharks have a depleted defense core, especially on the right side. Emberson will be given every opportunity to become a top-four defenseman early on, and with the team once again expected to be bottom feeders, there will be no expectations or stress. For someone fighting to prove his worth in the NHL, Emberson is in the best situation of anyone on the Sharks to cement a lengthy NHL career, meaning a breakout season feels inevitable.
Seattle Kraken – Shane Wright
The Kraken have been patient with Shane Wright throughout his development, allowing him to round out his game in the AHL prior to beginning his NHL career. He has played 16 games for the Kraken, scoring five goals and seven points in the process.
Shane Wright Seattle Kraken
Shane Wright, Seattle Kraken (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The stars have aligned for the 20-year-old this season, clearing the road for him to break into the NHL. The Kraken not only elevated Dan Bylsma, Wright’s coach, from the AHL, but also made significant squad adjustments, including dealing Alex Wennberg at the 2024 Trade Deadline and signing Chandler Stephenson and Brandon Montour as free agents this summer.
Wright’s 2023-24 performance in the AHL, which included 22 goals and 47 points in 59 regular season games and four goals and 13 points in 12 postseason games, demonstrates that he is ready for a full-time NHL job. With his resume, skill set, and future opportunities, he’s prepared to make a significant impact in the NHL.
St. Louis Blues’ Joel Hofer
This season, the 20-year-old’s stars have aligned, paving the way for him to make his NHL debut. The Kraken not only promoted Wright’s coach, Dan Bylsma, from the AHL, but they also made significant roster changes, including trading Alex Wennberg at the 2024 Trade Deadline and signing Chandler Stephenson and Brandon Montour as free agents this summer.
Wright’s 2023-24 performance in the AHL, which included 22 goals and 47 points in 59 regular-season games and four goals and 13 points in 12 postseason games, shows that he is ready for a full-time NHL position. With his resume, skill set, and future prospects, he is poised to make an impact in the NHL.
St. Louis Blues’ Joel Hofer
Despite Jordan Binnington’s great showing last season, Joel Hofer could be the St. Louis Blues’ starting goaltender this season. The 6-foot-5 24-year-old finished 15-12-1 with a 2.65 GAA,.914 SV%, and 10.3 GSAx. Given his consistency throughout his professional career, his outstanding performance is unsurprising. With the Blues undertaking a retool but still hoping to make the playoffs, handing Hofer more starts is a choice that will benefit the team both long and short term.
Tampa Bay Lightning, Michael Eyssimont
The Tampa Bay Lightning quickly retooled this summer, adding Guentzel to their top six. However, the bottom six is full of uncertainties, giving Michael Eyssimont the potential to
step up. The 27-year-old was an underrated asset for the Lightning last season, scoring 11 goals and 25 points while playing just under 12 minutes per night. With an increased role and potential powerplay time, he can help address some of the team’s bottom-six concerns, likely becoming a 15+ goal, 35+ point producer who also delivers strong defense.
Toronto Maple Leafs – Bobby McMann
Bobby McMann broke onto the scene for the Toronto Maple Leafs last season, scoring 15 goals and 24 points in 56 games. He spent time all over the lineup but found the most success alongside John Tavares and William Nylander. It is unknown how the lines will look under new head coach Craig Berube, but McMann will greatly benefit from the coaching change. Considering he performed so well while being thrown around the lineup last season, a full season with more consistent usage could result in a 20+ goal season for the 28-year-old winger.
Utah Hockey Club – John Marino
The Utah Hockey Club wasted no time making moves this offseason with their additions of Mikhail Sergachev and John Marino. The team transformed its defense, a weak spot from last season, into a strength. While Sergachev, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, has a well-defined role, Marino’s role is less clear, which might be for the best.
Marino’s consistent two-way play has made him a fixture on the Devils’ blueline over the last two seasons. His advanced analytics are incredible, and his main flaw is his offensive performance. He has the ability to perform, but the Devils have never given him the opportunity. This season, he is at the top of Utah’s defensive depth chart, putting him in position to finally break out and become one of the top four defenseman he is capable of being.
Vancouver Canucks’ Daniel Sprong
The Vancouver Canucks made the most undervalued signing of the 2024 offseason, signing Daniel Sprong for $975,000 on a one-year contract. Despite four seasons of near-20 goal productivity, the 27-year-old winger had little free-agent attention. While
He may not have profited from his good play last season, but moving to Vancouver provides him with an excellent opportunity to earn a large sum of money next offseason.
Concerns about Sprong’s game are around consistency and defensive skills, but they are minor. He is a dedicated worker with excellent advanced analytics, and he adds value to his team with his good shot and instinct. He is anticipated to play with Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller, so don’t be surprised if he soon creates chemistry and earns a regular spot in the top six.
Vegas Golden Knights – Alexander Holtz
Alexander Holtz has consistently performed effectively in the Devils’ bottom six despite his little ice time, thus when he was dealt
Most hockey fans were startled when the Vegas Golden Knights were sold for pennies on the dollar. With the Knights so thin on the left flank, Holtz will almost certainly be given an opportunity in the team’s middle six as a left wing, despite the fact that it is his off-hand. With his wide skill set, he is prepared to take advantage of his opportunity, rapidly demonstrating why the Devils were foolish to deal him.
Washington Capitals’ Aliaksei Protas
Aliaksei Protas is little-known among hockey fans, despite being one of the Washington Capitals’ most efficient forwards last season. The 23-year-old had only six goals and 29 points in 78 appearances but was one of the team’s finest even-strength players.
Protas finished the season with 13.4 anticipated goals, despite
difficulties in establishing synergy within the lineup. The Capitals just signed him to a five-year contract extension, indicating that they see his potential and confidence in his future development. With new faces on the roster, he’s expected to capitalize on what should be a permanent spot in the team’s middle six.
Winnipeg Jets’ Cole Perfetti
Cole Perfetti is a forward with all the potential in the world but has struggled to find a rhythm on the scoreboard in the NHL. Last season, the 22-year-old scored 19 goals and 38 points in 71 games, making him one of the Winnipeg Jets’ most efficient point creators on the ice. He placed fourth in goals per 60 minutes, ninth in assists per 60 minutes, and sixth in goals.
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