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

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