Every NHL season, a relatively unknown player breaks through in a big way. Think Edmonton Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard, whose stock skyrocketed last season as he nearly doubled his career high in points, or Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston, who was a revelation in his second year with 42 combined goals in the regular season and playoffs.
Who could be next? Here are five possibilities:
Philip Broberg, St. Louis Blues defenceman
The Blues landed Broberg and forward Dylan Holloway last month after the Oilers declined to match St. Louis’ two-year offer sheets. A depth defenceman for the Oilers, Broberg is slated to start in a top-four role with the Blues in place of the injured Torey Krug. (In his pre-season debut Sunday, Broberg played with big-minute blueliner Colton Parayko.)
Broberg, 23, stepped into the Oilers’ lineup late in the playoffs and showed poise in high-pressure situations. His 28.8 defensive plays, which include stick checks and blocked passes, per 60 minutes ranked third among 63 defencemen who had at least 100 minutes of 5-on-5 ice time during the post-season. Edmonton outscored the Stars and Florida Panthers 6-2 when Broberg was on the ice at 5-on-5.
Drafted eighth overall in 2019, Broberg was unable to unlock his full potential with the Oilers. More opportunity awaits him in St. Louis.
Leo Carlsson, Anaheim Ducks forward
Carlsson was limited to 55 games in his rookie season, which was partially by design. The Ducks put their prized prospect on a load-management plan of sorts to prepare him for the rigours of the league. He also missed time because of injuries but still finished with 29 points (0.53 points per game).
No such restrictions exist this season, which could mean big things for Carlsson.
The 19-year-old centre pushes the pace, as evidenced by his 66.2 possession-driving plays per 60 last season. That ranked 32nd out of 391 forwards who played at least 500 minutes in all situations. His 4.46 rush pass completions per 60 were 10th most at the position.
At Ducks training camp, Carlsson is skating with Calder Trophy candidate Cutter Gauthier and veteran Alex Killorn — a combination with plenty of offensive potential.
Jalen Chatfield, Carolina Hurricanes defenceman
The departures of second-pairing defenders Brett Pesce (New Jersey) and Brady Skjei (Nashville) should lead to more playing time for the 28-year-old Chatfield, who signed a new three-year contract worth a total of $9 million with the Hurricanes in June.
Despite averaging just 15:12 of ice time per game in 2023-24, Chatfield led all Hurricanes defencemen with 1.27 points per 60 at 5-on-5. He is not shy about firing the puck from the back end, scoring on 3.6 per cent of his 5-on-5 shot attempts — ninth-best out of 138 qualified defencemen (minimum 1,000 minutes played).
Offensive production is not Chatfield’s only specialty. Only rugged blueliner Chris Tanev (6.76) won more 5-on-5 puck battles per 60 than Chatfield (6.58) among qualified defencemen.
The Hurricanes rely heavily on their defencemen for offence; Carolina has finished in the top five in points at the position in each of the past three seasons. Alongside partner Dmitry Orlov, Chatfield appears capable of handling a bigger role.
Dylan Guenther, Utah Hockey Club forward
The newly christened Utah Hockey Club (formerly the Arizona Coyotes) has multiple breakout candidates, including Guenther, who just signed an eight-year deal worth roughly $7.14 million per season.
Guenther put up 35 points in 45 games in 2023-24 — a 64-point pace over a full season. If he takes a step forward this season, it will be on the strength of his one-timer. Guenther averaged 4.59 one-timer attempts per 60 in all situations — 13th-most out of 391 forwards (minimum 500 minutes). Around a quarter of his overall attempts (56 of 218) were one-timers, leading to five of his 18 goals.
Utah, which has one of the youngest rosters in the league, intends to compete in its inaugural season. Guenther, 21, could quickly become a fan favorite in Salt Lake City.
Jack Quinn, Buffalo Sabres forward
Serious injuries derailed Quinn’s 2023-24 season. After missing the Sabres’ first 32 games while recovering from a ruptured Achilles, the No. 8 overall draft pick in 2020 broke his left fibula in January. When healthy, however, Quinn was outstanding, recording 19 points in 27 games.
How efficient was Quinn last season? The only forwards who produced more points per 60 at 5-on-5 were the top four vote-getters for the Hart Trophy.
Quinn was most dangerous off the rush, averaging 3.48 scoring chances per 60 at 5-on-5 — 12th out of 431 forwards who played at least 300 minutes in that situation. He scored five of his nine total goals off the rush.
The Sabres fell off a cliff offensively last season, dropping from third in goals per game (3.57) to 23rd (2.98) and missing the playoffs for the 13th year in a row. They hope Quinn, 23, will be part of the solution.
“(A) healthy Jack Quinn in your lineup every day is a difference-maker,” Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams told The Buffalo News. “He can play any type of role. He can play either wing. He’s got elite offensive ability with his shot, and he can make plays and make others around him better, but he can also kill penalties. He’s just an impact player in your lineup.”
All stats via Sportlogiq