The largest strikes of the 2024 offseason have handed and the 2024-25 season is shut to 2 months away, that means it’s the good time to begin predicting how every NHL staff will carry out. Each season comes with numerous surprising outcomes and breakout stars. This season is predicted to be no totally different because the caliber of talent within the league is at an all-time excessive. Whereas it’s apparent Connor McDavid and Cale Makar will proceed their stardom, who’re the lesser-known gamers poised to interrupt out?

Anaheim Geese – Mason McTavish

Mason McTavish was chosen with the third general choose by the Anaheim Geese within the 2021 Draft however is but to seek out his groove on the scoresheet. His 19 targets and 42 factors in 64 video games final season are admirable, however it’s clear his offensive potential is way from reached. As the primary engine behind Frank Vatrano’s breakout 37 targets final season, McTavish has already demonstrated a capability to guide a line within the NHL. This season, he might be in line to hitch the premier tier of younger forwards, elevating his level manufacturing to round or above a degree per sport.

Boston Bruins – Justin Brazeau

Justin Brazeau was comparatively unknown by hockey followers final season given his undrafted standing. The 26-year-old was a midseason call-up for the Boston Bruins, scoring 5 targets and two assists in 19 common season video games. He additionally scored a objective and tallied an help in 9 playoff video games.

Brazeau won’t develop right into a top-six scorer, however his playstyle may be very well-suited for the Bruins’ bottom-six. With a full coaching camp and preseason, he may develop right into a everlasting member of the underside six as a precious level producer and bodily two-way winger.

Buffalo Sabres – Zach Benson

Zach Benson was arguably a top-five prospect heading into the 2023 Draft however fell resulting from issues along with his 5-foot-9 body. Nevertheless, he instantly proved the doubters mistaken, debuting at 18 years previous and scoring 11 targets and 30 factors for the Buffalo Sabres as a rookie.

Benson is an elite playmaker with robust edgework, competitiveness, and fingers. He can play each left wing and middle and may lead the offensive rush from anyplace on the ice. A breakout is inevitable for the extremely expert teenager, with the one query being when. The Sabres are hopeful to interrupt their 13-season playoff drought this season, and Benson might be a key issue behind the staff’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 within the Jacob Markstrom commerce earlier this offseason. Bahl is simply 24 years previous and has already performed 148 NHL video games the place he has 4 targets and 25 factors. Impressively, he did all this with a restricted position in New Jersey as a result of staff’s abundance of defensemen.

Bahl has a median ice time simply north of 16 minutes per sport over his profession, a metric that’s sure to extend with the Flames. The staff has depleted its defensive core with the departures of Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, and Oliver Kylington, that means Bahl may land atop the depth chart amongst defensemen. As properly, his competitors for a top-four position is Jake Bean, Joel Hanley, Danill Miromanov, Nikita Okhotiuk, and Brayden Pachal, that means he won’t have a really troublesome path to incomes extra duty.

Carolina Hurricanes – Jack Drury

With the Carolina Hurricanes shedding key forwards Jake Guentzel, Teuvo Teravainen, Evgeny Kuznetsov, and Stefan Noesen this offseason, Jack Drury is in a fantastic place to earn a heightened position. He had nice analytics and manufacturing final season regardless of being a everlasting member of the underside six, so elevated alternatives are all holding him again from creating right into a top-six middle.

Drury performed simply over 12 minutes per night time final season, however nonetheless scored eight targets and 27 factors in 74 video games. He additionally scored a objective and 4 assists in 11 playoff video games. Whereas he’s more likely to stay within the Hurricanes’ middle-six, he may see extra time on the powerplay, permitting him to succeed in his offensive potential of 20+ targets and 40+ factors.

Chicago Blackhawks – Lukas Reichel

Lukas Reichel is a really promising younger participant who has struggled to translate his expertise to the scoresheet within the NHL. The 22-year-old has scored 21 targets and 59 factors throughout his previous 65 American Hockey League (AHL) video games however had simply 5 targets and 16 factors in 65 video games with the Chicago Blackhawks final season. He did rating seven targets and 15 factors in 23 NHL video games within the 2022-23 season, however his disappointing manufacturing final season erases any earlier success.

Regardless of his struggles final season, Reichel is poised to interrupt out this season if he can earn an NHL roster spot out of camp. The Blackhawks introduced in a number of impactful free brokers, that means even when he performs within the backside six, he may swimsuit up alongside somebody like Nick Foligno, Andreas Athanasiou, or Ilya Mikheyev. If the previous first-round choose needs to unleash his potential, this season is the time to do it.

Colorado Avalanche – Justun Annunen

Despite the fact that Alexander Georgiev was not a legal responsibility in web final season, the Colorado Avalanche are nonetheless looking for goaltending stability. Fortunately, Justus Annunen is right here. The 6-foot-4 netminder went 8-4-1 with a 2.25 targets towards common (GAA), a .928 save proportion (SV%), and 11.5 targets saved above anticipated (GSAx) final season, in response to MoneyPuck. Whereas it is a quick pattern dimension, he has confirmed he can succeed within the NHL, paving the way in which to take over because the staff’s starter if Georgiev has a tough stretch.

Columbus Blue Jackets – Dmitri Voronkov

Dmitri Voronkov had a robust rookie marketing campaign final season, scoring 18 targets and 34 factors in 74 video games. Nevertheless, he did all of this beneath a makeshift teaching workers, inconsistent linemates, and round simply 13 minutes per night time. With 20.8 anticipated targets, 1.24 anticipated targets per 60 minutes, and simply seven powerplay factors, his manufacturing is sure to extend. He’s an especially expert goalscorer, so a constant position within the Columbus Blue Jackets’ top-six with a brand new teaching workers is sure to see him hit the 20-goal on the very least, with 30 targets properly within the realm of prospects.

Dallas Stars – Thomas Harley

Thomas Harley made a major influence on the Dallas Stars’ blueline final season, however there’s nonetheless untapped potential. His 15 targets and 47 factors in 79 video games spotlight his offensive expertise, regardless of restricted ice time and inconsistent linemates. Though his level manufacturing dipped within the playoffs, he performed almost three extra minutes per sport.

Playoff efficiency typically displays a head coach’s belief, and Harley’s elevated position regardless of decrease manufacturing reveals Peter DeBoer believes in him. Reuniting along with his playoff accomplice Miro Heiskanen this season may assist Harley turn out to be one of many NHL’s high defensemen in each level manufacturing and defensive reliability.

Detroit Crimson Wings – Simon Edvinsson

Exterior of Moritz Seider, the Detroit Crimson Wings’ defensive core is without doubt one of the weakest within the NHL. With Simon Edvinsson able to step up, he will likely be essential in serving to the staff push for the playoffs.

Edvinsson might begin the season on the third pair, however he’s more likely to end in Detroit’s high 4, presumably even on the highest pairing. He presents a whole package deal, with robust offensive manufacturing and probably the greatest defensive talent units amongst prospects. Whereas it’s unfair to set particular scoring expectations, Edvinsson’s breakout will likely be greatest measured by his position within the staff’s protection. If he can safe a top-pairing spot by season’s finish, it should present he has developed into the participant the staff wants.

Edmonton Oilers – Dylan Holloway

Dylan Holloway is an apparent candidate for this record given his spectacular toolset however lack of manufacturing. He noticed a handful of various linemates throughout his 38 video games final season however will hopefully discover stability with the Edmonton Oilers strengthened backside six this season. Ideally alongside Adam Henrique and Connor Brown, Holloway will most positively hit 10 factors in a season for the primary time in his profession. From there, a while on the powerplay may lead him to a 20+ objective, 20+ help season if all goes proper. On such a powerhouse ahead core, ice time is earned, not given, however Holloway is well-equipped to deal with the adversity.

Florida Panthers – Adam Boqvist

Given nearly each participant on the Florida Panthers broke out final season en path to their Stanley Cup victory, discovering a breakout candidate is troublesome. Each AJ Greer and Spencer Knight make sense, however maybe no one is a greater match for the nomination than just lately signed free-agent defenseman Adam Boqvist.

Boqvist was a 2018 first-round choose by the Blackhawks, traded to the Blue Jackets for Seth Jones, then purchased out this offseason. The soon-to-be 24-year-old is very expert however struggled to develop within the chaotic Blue Jackets group. Nevertheless, the Panthers have a knack for maximizing the efficiency of their depth defensemen, so Boqvist would possibly unlock a few of his untapped potential as he evolves right into a dependable bottom-four defenseman.

Los Angeles Kings – Warren Foegele

The Los Angeles Kings signed Warren Foegele to a three-year deal this offseason. He will not be the flashiest free agent, however he fills a really clear want within the ahead core. On the introduction of Jim Hiller as head coach, the staff highlighted a necessity for physicality within the ahead core. Foegele helps remedy that drawback by being the participant who will not be afraid to be gritty across the crease. He doesn’t remedy the necessity for top-end scoring, however he’ll assist his linemates discover an additional few targets this season.

Montreal Canadiens – Kaiden Guhle

The Montreal Canadiens have just lately prolonged defenseman Kaiden Guhle to a six-year contract extension. The 22-year-old defenseman was one of many staff’s high performers final season, ending the season second on the staff in blocked photographs (178), third in common ice time (20:51), and eighth in assists.

Associated: Montreal Canadiens Prolong Kaien Guhle to Six-Yr Deal

Guhle was a key participant within the younger protection core, which led to inevitable fatigue and errors. Nevertheless, he confirmed important progress over the season, and his robust end may be very promising. He recorded seven factors in his last seven video games, together with a three-point efficiency towards the Seattle Kraken. It’s robust to outline what a breakout would appear like for Guhle, however don’t be shocked if he surpasses 10 targets and 40 factors whereas offering spectacular protection.

Minnesota Wild – Marco Rossi

The Minnesota Wild have loads of expertise amongst their wingers, defensemen, and goaltenders, however they lack top-end middle expertise. Marco Rossi is poised to fill that hole. The 22-year-old middle scored 21 targets and 40 factors final season, but his potential is way greater. With probably linemates in Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello, Rossi is more likely to set profession highs in each offensive class, aiming for a 25+ objective, 60+ level season.

Nashville Predators – Cody Glass

The Nashville Predators had a really busy offseason, bringing in three of the highest free brokers. Whereas these strikes are thrilling, profitable requires greater than only a few standout gamers, making Cody Glass one of many staff’s underrated but essential items.

As soon as combating for an NHL spot, Glass’ precious contributions and flexibility within the backside six may result in a breakout season. His 4 targets in his last eight video games final season showcased why he was a first-round choose and he’ll proceed offering worth within the staff’s backside six. Along with his defensive skills, don’t be shocked if he has a little bit of an offensive resurgence with a ten+ objective, 25+ level marketing campaign.

New York Rangers – Braden Schneider

With the New York Rangers purchasing their captain, Jacob Trouba, this offseason, there’ll inevitably be rigidity within the group. Whereas that is an unlucky circumstance to be in, it does pave the way in which for Braden Schneider to interrupt out.

Schneider, a 2020 first-round choose by the Rangers, is a right-handed defenseman, identical to Trouba. He has sat on the third pairing for his whole 206-game profession as a result of staff’s robust defensive core.

Schneider’s 5 targets and 19 factors in beneath 16 minutes of common ice time final season had been spectacular, so an elevated even-strength position with the potential of powerplay time this season may see him shortly turn into one of many staff’s high defensemen.

New York Islanders – Anthony Duclair

The New York Islanders wouldn’t have many breakout candidates this season as a result of entirety of the roster having already hit their primes or just lately damaged out. Nevertheless, regardless of having a career-high of 31 targets in a season, Anthony Duclair is a breakout candidate resulting from his probably position on the staff’s high line.

The Islanders have struggled to cement Mat Barzal’s linemates all through his profession, however the additions of Bo Horvat and now Duclair might type probably the greatest strains within the NHL. The velocity, talent, and upside among the many three forwards are palpable, and a 30+ objective, 60+ level season may be very probably for Duclair.

New Jersey Devils – Simon Nemec

Simon Nemec was chosen second general by the New Jersey Devils within the 2022 Draft. He scored three targets and 19 factors in 60 NHL video games after starting final season within the AHL. He may have a troublesome path to incomes extra ice time with Dougie Hamilton and Brett Pesce forward of him on the depth chart, however he’s too expert to stay on the underside pair. He might take a couple of extra seasons to succeed in his prime, however it’s arduous to think about he doesn’t vastly enhance his manufacturing from final season.

Ottawa Senators – Shane Pinto

After lacking the primary half of final season resulting from a suspension, middle Shane Pinto is about to interrupt out for the Ottawa Senators this 12 months. Regardless of not practising with the staff for months, he scored 9 targets and 27 factors in 41 video games with restricted powerplay time. The staff goals to enhance its general efficiency, and elevating Pinto to a everlasting top-six position might be the important thing to pushing them into the playoffs for the primary time in seven years.

Philadelphia Flyers – Cam York

The Philadelphia Flyers have one of many worst protection cores within the NHL, however that can not be blamed on Cam York. The 23-year-old defenseman was a first-round choose by the membership within the 2019 Draft and had 10 targets and 30 factors in 82 video games final season. He trailed solely Travis Sanheim in common ice time (22:37) and was a staple on the powerplay and penalty kill.

York averaged over 20 minutes per sport for the primary time in his profession final season, and it was the primary time he performed over 55 NHL video games in a season. He has gone from combating for a spot within the NHL to being one of many Flyers’ high defensemen, and subsequent season ought to see him lastly breakthrough on the scoresheet. His objective complete is unlikely to extend by a lot, if in any respect, however his general level manufacturing and effectivity will enhance.

Pittsburgh Penguins – Drew O’Connor

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Drew O’Connor has not had a prolonged profession, however he has been very efficient. The 26-year-old scored 16 targets and 33 factors final season, together with 23.4 anticipated targets, all whereas enjoying simply 12 minutes all season on the ability play. He’s 6-foot-3, performs a well-rounded sport, and with the departure of a number of wingers, don’t be shocked if he finds an elevated position and units profession highs in every offensive class. Relying on his linemates and particular groups utilization, a 20+ objective, 45+ level season is obtainable.

San Jose Sharks – Ty Emberson

The San Jose Sharks roster is infused with veteran management, youth, and reclamation initiatives. Whereas they’ve a number of breakout candidates, no one is best located than defenseman, Ty Emberson. The 6-foot-2, 24-year-old performed simply 30 video games final season, scoring a objective and 9 assists. Nevertheless, this season needs to be even higher given his scenario.

The Sharks have a depleted protection core, particularly on the correct aspect. Emberson will likely be given each alternative to turn out to be a top-four defenseman early on, and with the staff as soon as once more anticipated to be backside feeders, there will likely be no expectations or stress. For somebody combating to show his value within the NHL, Emberson is in the very best scenario of anybody on the Sharks to cement a prolonged NHL profession, that means a breakout season feels inevitable.

Seattle Kraken – Shane Wright

The Kraken have been affected person with Shane Wright all through his growth, permitting him to spherical out his sport within the AHL previous to starting his NHL profession. He has performed 16 video games for the Kraken, scoring 5 targets and 7 factors within the course of.

The celebs have aligned for the 20-year-old this season, paving the way in which for him to interrupt by means of within the NHL. The Kraken not solely promoted Dan Bylsma, Wright’s coach from the AHL but in addition made important roster modifications, together with buying and selling Alex Wennberg on the 2024 Commerce Deadline and bringing in Chandler Stephenson and Brandon Montour as free brokers this offseason.

Wright’s 2023-24 efficiency within the AHL, with 22 targets and 47 factors in 59 common season video games and 4 targets and 13 factors in 12 playoff video games, reveals he’s prepared for a full-time NHL position. Together with his resume, talent set, and alternative forward, he’s poised to make a big effect within the NHL.

St. Louis Blues – Joel Hofer

Regardless of Jordan Binnington’s robust play final season, Joel Hofer might push his approach into the starter’s web for the St. Louis Blues this season. The 6-foot-5, 24-year-old went 15-12-1 with a 2.65 GAA, .914 SV%, and 10.3 GSAx. His stellar play ought to come as no shock given his consistency all through his skilled profession. With the Blues present process a retool however nonetheless aiming to make the playoffs, giving Hofer extra begins is a choice that might not solely assist the staff in the long run but in addition quick time period.

Tampa Bay Lightning – Michael Eyssimont

The Tampa Bay Lightning underwent a fast retool this summer season, bolstering its high six by bringing in Guentzel. Nevertheless, the underside six has many uncertainties, offering a chance for Michael Eyssimont to step up. The 27-year-old was an underrated asset for the Lightning final season, scoring 11 targets and 25 factors whereas enjoying slightly below 12 minutes per night time. With an elevated position and potential powerplay time, he might help deal with a number of the staff’s bottom-six issues, probably changing into a 15+ objective, 35+ level producer who additionally delivers robust protection.

Toronto Maple Leafs – Bobby McMann

Bobby McMann broke onto the scene for the Toronto Maple Leafs final season, scoring 15 targets and 24 factors in 56 video games. He frolicked everywhere in the lineup however discovered probably the most success alongside John Tavares and William Nylander. It’s unknown how the strains will look beneath new head coach Craig Berube, however McMann will drastically profit from the teaching change. Contemplating he carried out so properly whereas being thrown across the lineup final season, a full season with extra constant utilization may lead to a 20+ objective season for the 28-year-old winger.

Utah Hockey Membership – John Marino

The Utah Hockey Membership wasted no time making strikes this offseason with their additions of Mikhail Sergachev and John Marino. The staff remodeled its protection, a weak spot from final season, right into a energy. Whereas Sergachev, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, has a well-defined position, Marino’s position is much less clear, which may be for the very best.

Marino was a staple on the Devils’ blueline for the previous two seasons along with his dependable two-way presence. His superior analytics are superb, and his solely weak point is his offensive manufacturing. He has the talent to provide, however the Devils by no means gave him the chance. This season, he’s on the high of the defensive depth chart in Utah, setting the stage for him to lastly get away and turn out to be one of many high 4 defensemen he’s able to being.

Vancouver Canucks – Daniel Sprong

The Vancouver Canucks made probably the most underrated signing of the 2024 offseason by bringing in Daniel Sprong for simply $975,000 on a one-year deal. The 27-year-old winger, regardless of 4 consecutive seasons of near-20 goal-pace manufacturing, had minimal free-agent curiosity. Whereas he might not have cashed in on his robust play final season, touchdown in Vancouver is the right alternative to make subsequent offseason a giant payday.

Considerations round Sprong’s sport are consistency and defensive capability, however they don’t stem from a lot. He’s a tough employee with nice superior analytics, and he gives worth to his staff by means of his robust shot and intuition. He’s anticipated to get an opportunity to play alongside Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller, so don’t be shocked if he shortly establishes chemistry and turns into a everlasting fixture within the high six.

Vegas Golden Knights – Alexander Holtz

Alexander Holtz had produced properly within the Devils’ backside six all through his profession regardless of his restricted ice time, so when he acquired traded to the Vegas Golden Knights for pennies on the greenback, most hockey followers had been shocked. With the Knights so depleted on the left wing, Holtz will most positively be offered the chance within the staff’s center six as a left wing, regardless of it being his off-hand. Together with his intensive skillset, he’s poised to profit from his alternative, shortly exhibiting why the Devils had been mistaken to commerce him.

Washington Capitals – Aliaksei Protas

Aliaksei Protas is comparatively unknown amongst hockey followers regardless of being one of many Washington Capitals’ most effective forwards final season. The 23-year-old scored simply six targets and 29 factors in 78 video games however was one of many staff’s greatest even-strength contributors.

Protas ended the season with 13.4 anticipated targets, regardless of going through challenges to find chemistry throughout the lineup. Not too long ago signed to a five-year extension with the Capitals, the staff clearly values his potential and believes in his continued growth. With new expertise becoming a member of the roster, he’s more likely to capitalize on what needs to be a everlasting position within the staff’s center six.

Winnipeg Jets – Cole Perfetti

Cole Perfetti is a ahead who has all of the expertise on the planet however has but to discover a groove on the scoresheet within the NHL. The 22-year-old scored 19 targets and 38 factors in 71 video games final season and was one of many Winnipeg Jets’ most effective level producers when on the ice. He ranked fourth in targets per 60 minutes, eighth in assists per 60 minutes, sixth in targets per 60 minutes, sixth in taking pictures proportion, third in on-ice targets proportion, and fourth in on-ice anticipated targets proportion. Though he noticed minimal motion within the 2024 playoffs, which could elevate issues in regards to the teaching workers’s belief in him, his elite talent is certain to earn him a outstanding spot within the high six quickly.