Biggest NHL breakout candidates for every team in the 2024-25 season

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William Austin
August 3, 2024 (10:03)

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The biggest moves of the 2024 offseason have passed, and with the 2024-25 season close to two months away, it's a great time to predict potential breakout stars in the NHL.

As the league's skill level reaches new heights, familiar names like Connor McDavid and Cale Makar will continue their dominance, but who might surprise us?

Anaheim Ducks / Mason McTavish: McTavish, the third overall pick in 2021, showed promise with 19 goals and 42 points last season. As a key player behind Frank Vatrano's breakout year, he's primed to elevate his game, potentially reaching a point-per-game pace.

Boston Bruins / Justin Brazeau: An undrafted gem, Brazeau impressed with 5 goals and 2 assists in 19 games last season. With his physical, two-way play, he could become a staple in the Bruins' bottom-six.

Buffalo Sabres / Zach Benson: Despite his smaller stature, Benson, who scored 11 goals and 30 points last season, has elite playmaking skills. Expect him to be a crucial factor in ending the Sabres' 13-season playoff drought.

Calgary Flames / Kevin Bahl: Acquired from New Jersey, Bahl could emerge as a top-four defenseman for the Flames, given the team's depleted defense and solid potential.

Carolina Hurricanes / Jack Drury: With several key forwards gone, Drury could step into a larger role and possibly score over 20 goals and 40 points.

Chicago Blackhawks / Lukas Reichel: Despite a challenging season, Reichel, who has shown promise in the AHL, could break out if he secures an NHL roster spot.

Colorado Avalanche / Justus Annunen: Annunen, with a solid performance last season, may become a key player if Alexander Georgiev falters.

Columbus Blue Jackets / Dmitri Voronkov: Voronkov, who scored 18 goals last season, should see increased production with a more consistent role and new coaching staff.

Dallas Stars / Thomas Harley: Harley's offensive potential remains high, and he could become a top defenseman alongside Miro Heiskanen.

Detroit Red Wings / Simon Edvinsson: Edvinsson, poised to be a key part of the defense, may secure a top-pairing role by season's end.

Edmonton Oilers / Dylan Holloway: Holloway's toolset and new linemates could help him achieve career highs, including a 20+ goal season.

Florida Panthers / Adam Boqvist: Boqvist, now with the Panthers, can unlock his potential in a supportive environment.

Los Angeles Kings / Warren Foegele: Foegele's physical play will be valuable in the Kings' forward core, adding grit and potential scoring.

Montreal Canadiens / Kaiden Guhle: With a new contract, Guhle could surpass 10 goals and 40 points, bolstering Montreal's defense.

Minnesota Wild / Marco Rossi: Rossi is set to benefit from playing with top-line talent, likely achieving career highs in goals and points.

Nashville Predators / Cody Glass: Glass, with his versatility and recent performances, is set for a breakout season, potentially reaching 10+ goals and 25+ points.

New York Rangers / Braden Schneider: Schneider could see increased ice time and a more prominent role, making him a defensive breakout candidate.

New York Islanders / Anthony Duclair: Duclair's role on the top line could lead to a 30+ goal, 60+ point season.

New Jersey Devils / Simon Nemec: Nemec, despite strong competition, is poised to improve on his rookie season and become a key defenseman.

Ottawa Senators / Shane Pinto: Pinto's return and potential top-six role could help the Senators make the playoffs.

Philadelphia Flyers / Cam York: York's role is expected to grow, leading to improved point production and efficiency.

Pittsburgh Penguins / Drew O'Connor: O'Connor could take advantage of increased opportunities, aiming for a 20+ goal, 45+ point season.

San Jose Sharks / Ty Emberson: With a chance to become a top-four defenseman, Emberson is well-positioned for a breakout season.

Seattle Kraken / Shane Wright: Wright's strong AHL performance suggests he's ready for a significant NHL role and impact.

St. Louis Blues / Joel Hofer: With potential increased starts, Hofer could become the Blues' top goalie.

Tampa Bay Lightning / Michael Eyssimont: Eyssimont could see increased ice time and power-play opportunities, leading to a 15+ goal, 35+ point season.

Toronto Maple Leafs / Bobby McMann: With a full season and consistent usage, McMann could surpass 20 goals. His success alongside Tavares and Nylander last season suggests he could thrive under Berube's new system.

Utah Hockey Club / John Marino: Marino's role in Utah's revamped defense could finally allow him to showcase his offensive abilities. He's poised for a breakout season with increased responsibility.

Vancouver Canucks / Daniel Sprong: Sprong's new deal and potential top-six role with Vancouver could lead to a significant production increase. His strong shot and advanced analytics suggest he might become a key player.

Vegas Golden Knights / Alexander Holtz: Holtz's move to the Golden Knights presents a great opportunity. He's expected to thrive in the middle six and show why the Devils' trade was a mistake.

Washington Capitals / Aliaksei Protas: Protas's efficient play and new extension indicate his role will be solidified in the middle six. With new talent around him, he could see increased production.

Winnipeg Jets / Cole Perfetti: Perfetti's strong underlying stats suggest he's due for a breakout. His talent and efficiency should earn him a more prominent role soon despite limited playoff action.

Source: The Hockey Writers
Every NHL Team's Breakout Candidate in 2024-25