Top Ten Breakout Candidates
10. Sam Bennett – Calgary Flames
The fourth overall pick from the draft missed five months to shoulder surgery. After returning he went to the Kingston Frontenacs where he dominated the final 13 games of the season before a short playoff series. In his NHL preseason games he impressed and was even recalled to play in the final regular season game where he scored his first NHL point.
9. Mark Scheifele – Winnipeg Jets
The Jets first ever draft pick will one day assume the role of first line centre. He had a good season with 49 points in his first 82 game season, but his ceiling is much higher and if the Jets are to advance past Anaheim, he will have to be a difference maker to rival the Ducks depth at centre led by Getzlaf and Kesler
8. Charlie Coyle – Minnesota Wild
There is plenty of depth on the Wild roster and other youngsters pressing for ice time like Erik Haula and Justin Fontaine, but Coyle is the total package of size, speed and skill and his role will increase soon.
7. Jonathan Drouin – Tampa Bay Lightning
The former third overall pick had a quiet rookie season after being sent to Junior after his draft season scoring 32 points in 70 games. Now he has his feet wet look for this supreme talent to score some impressive goals for the Lightning in the playoffs and make his presence felt.
6. Evgeny Kuznetsov – Washington Capitals
There was a long wait for this high profile prospect to come over from the KHL and now he has he is beginning to live up to the hype. With Ovechkin facing a stronger quality of competition Kuznetsov could seize the opportunity for a breakout
5. Petr Mrazek – Detroit Red Wings
Mrazek has been announced as the Wings starting goalie for round one. He has a history of playing his best in big games in the past winning a Calder Cup for Grand Rapids and a breakout World Junior performance for the Czechs.
4. Mark Stone – Ottawa Senators
While the Hamburgler was getting the lime light for the Senators during their amazing push to make the playoffs, Mark Stone quietly scored his way into the Calder conversation.
3. Kevin Hayes – New York Rangers
Since the All-Star break, Hayes has 29 points in 38 games and was pacing the New York Rangers offensively down the final stretch. With the strong potential for a long playoff run in New York, Hayes should be able to enjoy a breakout performance.
2. Alex Galchenyuk – Montreal Canadiens
If Max Pacioretty is not ready to play someone will need to pick up the slack offensively. If he is healthy enough to return to the Left wing Galchenyuk may finally migrate to his natural centre position. Either way, look for the American to enjoy a strong playoff performance and help carry the Habs deep into the post season.
1. John Gibson – Anaheim Ducks
Gibson enters the postseason with a hand injury and is day-to-day which allows Frederik Andersen to start the playoffs. Andersen was slowing down during the stretch for the Ducks and he did the same thing last year before ultimately succumbing to Gibson. This time the difference will be Gibson will not look back