The NHL's ten best breakout candidates and there's one Detroit Red Wings prospect in it
These players represent some of the most exciting breakout candidates for the 2024-25 NHL season.
With their unique skill sets, larger roles, and better opportunities, they have the potential to make significant strides. Here's a quick summary of the players who stand out:
1. Logan Cooley - Utah Hockey Club: Aided by his elite skating and linemate chemistry, Cooley should surpass his rookie numbers, moving into a more prominent offensive role.
2. Leo Carlsson - Anaheim Ducks: Despite injuries, Carlsson's smooth puckhandling and playmaking should shine with increased responsibility, positioning him for a major breakout.
3. Jack Quinn - Buffalo Sabres: With Jeff Skinner's departure, Quinn's excellent IQ and offensive instincts place him in a position to elevate his game with top-line and power-play minutes.
4. Adam Fantilli - Columbus Blue Jackets: After injuries slowed his rookie year, Fantilli's athleticism and play-driving ability give him the potential for a significant points increase.
5. Simon Edvinsson - Detroit Red Wings: With a potential top-four defensive role now open, Edvinsson's size, mobility, and two-way play should allow him to break through defensively, though point totals may not explode.
6. Matty Beniers - Seattle Kraken: A stronger role on the Kraken's top line, power play, and a potential statistical bounce-back could result in Beniers exceeding his underwhelming sophomore performance.
7. Connor Bedard - Chicago Blackhawks: Bedard's transcendent talent, now supported by better wingers, should see his point totals leap to 80-plus as he continues to evolve.
8. Pavel Dorofeyev - Vegas Golden Knights: With top-nine roster spots open, Dorofeyev's shot-generating prowess could translate into a breakout offensive year if he improves his defensive game.
9. Juraj Slafkovsk� - Montreal Canadiens player has always had powerful tools and scoring ability, but his improved playmaking stands out. His underrated vision and east-west passing add versatility to his game. A 60-70-point season is realistic if he continues his second-half form.
10. Brandt Clarke - Los Angeles Kings player is poised for a breakout with the Kings after key right-handed defensemen departures. Known for his smooth puckhandling, creative play, and offensive upside, Clarke could thrive in a top-four role if he carries his AHL success into the NHL.
Each player is primed for a step up, and many could become key contributors to their teams' success this season.
As seen on The Athletics
The NHL's 10 best breakout candidates: Connor Bedard, Juraj Slafkovsk�, Logan Cooley and more
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 20 | 58 ANSWERS The NHL's ten best breakout candidates and there's one Detroit Red Wings prospect in it Do you think Simon Edvinsson will breakout this season in the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 48 | 82.8 % |
| No | 10 | 17.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
