NHL Breakout Tiers: 30 Players Ready to Shine in 2025-26

In the dynamic world of hockey, the term “breakout player” often sparks debate. Can a true superstar, already a household name, still be considered for such a list? Our take is that while players like Jack Eichel of the Vegas Golden Knights—who appears set to surpass his career-best goal tally this season alongside Ivan Barbashev and newcomer Mitch Marner—are undeniably performing at an elite level, the `breakout` designation is better reserved for those on the cusp.

This category is for known talents yet to reach widespread fame, prospects we`ve patiently awaited to bloom since their draft year, or rookies poised to make an unexpected and significant splash in their inaugural full season. Below, we present 30 NHL players forecasted for a breakthrough in the 2025-26 season, thoughtfully organized into tiers reflecting the unique circumstances surrounding their anticipated ascent.

Tier 1: New Scenery

These players have recently changed teams, and their relocation could be the catalyst for a significant performance boost.

Matias Maccelli
F, Toronto Maple Leafs

Matias Maccelli isn`t expected to entirely fill Mitch Marner`s shoes in Toronto. However, the 24-year-old former Utah forward, who was often a healthy scratch last season, now finds himself in a top-line role alongside Auston Matthews. If he can rediscover his playmaking prowess from two seasons ago in Arizona and maintain this position, Maccelli is well-positioned to exceed his previous career high of 57 points, even if he doesn`t match Marner`s peak offensive production with the Leafs.

K`Andre Miller
D, Carolina Hurricanes

The Rangers opted not to meet Miller`s demands for future potential, trading the restricted free agent to Carolina, where he secured an eight-year, $60 million contract. Few NHL teams, outside of Florida, have demonstrated such a knack for elevating acquired defensemen, a testament to coach Rod Brind`Amour`s system and the specialized coaching from Tim Gleason. After a sharp decline in offensive production over the last two seasons, Miller is set to reignite his game in Carolina and realize his full potential.

JJ Peterka
F, Utah Mammoth

Peterka gained significant attention during last season`s trade deadline as a sought-after restricted free agent. Now, he`s recognized as a key acquisition for the nascent Utah Mammoth, who traded Josh Doan and Michael Kesselring to Buffalo for the 23-year-old before signing him to a five-year, $38 million deal. Peterka already enjoyed a prime role in Buffalo alongside star center Tage Thompson. The question now is how much higher his offensive numbers can soar playing on Utah`s top line with the explosive Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther.

Daniil Tarasov
G, Florida Panthers

Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito has long admired Tarasov`s potential, dating back to his time as assistant general manager with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Tarasov served as Elvis Merzlikins` primary backup for two seasons before his rights were traded to the Panthers in June. With the Stanley Cup champions losing Vítek Vanecek to free agency and trading Spencer Knight, a need arose for a backup and potential successor to Sergei Bobrovsky. Tarasov now moves from a team ranked 24th in five-on-five defense to the NHL`s fourth-best defensive squad. If he is to realize his potential, it will likely happen in Florida, supported by their system and Roberto Luongo`s goaltending department.

Trevor Zegras
C, Philadelphia Flyers

When reflecting on his aspirations for his first year in Philadelphia, Zegras shared with ESPN: “I want them to go from saying `he`s good at hockey` to `he`s a hockey player.`” The structured support of coach Rick Tocchet should undoubtedly help. However, Zegras also emphasized the need to rediscover the joy he felt at the start of his career in Anaheim. Playing center on a line with Matvei Michkov could certainly help him reignite his hockey joie de vivre.

Tier 2: New Linemates

These players are expected to flourish by forming new and impactful connections on their lines.

Zach Benson
LW, Buffalo Sabres

While Benson saw some time with Tage Thompson last season in Buffalo, he is slated to begin this season alongside the Sabres` top offensive talent and Josh Norris, acquired from the Ottawa Senators. Benson, 20, is entering his third NHL season, and last year`s results were promising. If he can solidify his spot with Thompson, replacing Peterka, Benson`s offensive production could explode this season.

Leo Carlsson
C, Anaheim Ducks

Carlsson was featured in this tier last season and makes a return thanks to Chris Kreider, who waived his trade protection to join the Ducks from the New York Rangers in June. Kreider recorded 326 goals and 256 points in 883 career games with the Rangers, though his output dropped significantly last season due to injuries (22 goals, 8 assists in 68 games). A healthy 34-year-old Kreider could significantly impact Carlsson, a 6-foot-3 center who posted 20 goals and 25 assists in 76 games for Anaheim last season, his second after being drafted second overall in 2023.

Will Cuylle
LW, New York Rangers

Chris Kreider`s departure creates an opportunity for Will Cuylle. The 23-year-old has ascended to the Rangers` top line this season, playing alongside new captain J.T. Miller and Mika Zibanejad, Kreider`s long-time linemate. Cuylle recorded 20 goals and 25 assists in 82 games last season, known for a blunt, physical style that quickly endeared him to fans. This approach appears to complement Miller`s production as a top-line center effectively.

Gage Goncalves
F, Tampa Bay Lightning

Few rookies finished last season as strongly as Gage Goncalves. He amassed 18 points in his final 33 games of 2024-25, followed by an additional four points in five playoff appearances for Tampa Bay. This stellar finish has earned him a significant role, with ample ice time alongside Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel on the team`s second line this season. Their limited time together last season showed great promise, generating a 63% expected goals rate.

Mackie Samoskevich
F, Florida Panthers

With Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov sidelined for significant periods, the Panthers are seeking offensive solutions from within their roster. Mackie Samoskevich, the 22-year-old winger drafted 24th in 2021, is one such answer. Last season, he contributed 15 goals and 16 assists in 72 games for the Stanley Cup champions, averaging 13:19 of ice time. He already registered two assists on Florida`s opening night. Given the team`s depleted lineup, an increased role and more prominent linemates are certainly within reach for Samoskevich.

Tier 3: Young Star to Superstar

You might already recognize these names, but prepare to hear them much more frequently as they ascend to elite status.

Pavel Dorofeyev
LW, Vegas Golden Knights

Pavel Dorofeyev was already pegged for this tier even before his opening-night hat trick against the Los Angeles Kings. That performance perfectly highlighted the potential the 24-year-old brings to the Golden Knights this season, following a 35-goal campaign in 82 games during 2025-26. He stands out as one of the purest shooters on the roster, boasting a 13.8% shooting percentage on 254 shots last season.

Cutter Gauthier
LW, Anaheim Ducks

Cutter Gauthier is transitioning from a standout rookie to a player on the verge of superstardom with the Ducks this season. Last season, he tallied 20 goals and 24 assists in 82 games, with the vast majority coming at even strength. With increased power-play opportunities and a more effective man advantage – Anaheim’s power play was a league-worst 11.8% last season – those numbers are poised for a dramatic surge.

Jackson LaCombe
D, Anaheim Ducks

“Who is Jackson LaCombe?” was a common question among casual NHL fans recently, following his unexpected invitation to the U.S. Olympic Hockey Orientation Camp and his signing of an eight-year, $72 million contract extension. After this season, everyone should know his name. The 24-year-old defenseman recorded 12 goals and 29 assists in 75 games last season. While he spent most of his time with veteran Radko Gudas, it would be exciting to see him paired more often with fellow young talent Olen Zellweger this season.

Cole Perfetti
C, Winnipeg Jets

Cole Perfetti is our sole returnee from last season`s third tier. He had an impressive season with 18 goals and 32 assists in 82 games for the NHL`s top regular-season team. However, he hasn`t yet reached the widespread recognition of a true breakout star. His current season has started roughly, as he`s on injured reserve due to an ankle injury. But upon his return, he is expected to solidify his spot on the Jets` second scoring line.

Logan Stankoven
C, Carolina Hurricanes

Logan Stankoven was a pivotal acquisition for Carolina from Dallas in the Mikko Rantanen trade. Stankoven proved to be a tenacious, albeit undersized, forward for the Stars, scoring 12 goals in his rookie season. The Hurricanes hope he can fill a critical void at second-line center. With Nikolaj Ehlers now on the Hurricanes` top line, Andrei Svechnikov will likely drop to the second line, potentially alongside promising winger Jackson Blake. If Stankoven can connect with them, it bodes well for Carolina and for those anticipating the 22-year-old forward`s true breakout.

Tier 4: The Wait Is Over

These are the players we`ve been patiently waiting for, and their time to truly break out has finally arrived.

Brandt Clarke
D, Los Angeles Kings

Eventually, Brandt Clarke will compel the Kings to unleash his full potential. The 6-foot-2 defenseman, drafted eighth overall in 2021, registered 33 points in 78 games last season, averaging 16:17 of ice time. He consistently showed positive metrics in shot attempts, shots created, and expected goals percentage relative to his teammates. Clarke has always been considered the future of their blue line, and that future is rapidly becoming the present.

Jet Greaves
G, Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets fans have eagerly awaited the moment Jet Greaves takes flight and claims the Columbus crease from veteran Elvis Merzlikins. He impressed greatly in 11 games last season, achieving a 7-2-2 record with a .938 save percentage and an astonishing 14.5 goals saved above expected. Greaves made the opening start for Columbus this week, potentially marking the first of many for the 24-year-old, who signed with the Jackets in 2022 as an undrafted free agent.

Marco Kasper
C, Detroit Red Wings

Marco Kasper was set up for success in his rookie season, spending a good portion of his time (273 minutes) with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond on the team`s top line. For an encore, Kasper will be tasked with driving his own line this season, potentially centering Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane. That line demonstrated strong defensive results last season (1.2 goals against per 60 minutes) alongside its offensive firepower.

Frank Nazar
C, Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks fans—and certainly a certain Chicago center drafted first overall in 2023—likely breathed a sigh of relief when Frank Nazar collected nine points in his final eight games and then 12 points in Team USA`s historic IIHF World Championship victory. Connor Bedard needs all the support he can get, and Nazar enters the 2025-26 season as the team`s second-line center, poised to lead a line that can alleviate some pressure from the phenom in the Windy City.

Matt Savoie
F, Edmonton Oilers

Matt Savoie was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres in July 2024 as part of the Ryan McLeod trade and spent last season developing with the Bakersfield Condors. As the Oilers seek high-talent players on low-cost contracts to complement Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Savoie fits the mold perfectly after showcasing strong playmaking skills in the AHL. Drafted in 2022, this season finally presents the opportunity for the rookie to make his mark in the NHL, having played only five games prior.

Will Smith
C, San Jose Sharks

Often overshadowed by the Calder-nominated season of first overall pick Macklin Celebrini, his linemate Will Smith also had an outstanding rookie campaign. The fourth overall pick in 2023, Smith recorded 45 points (18 goals, 27 assists) in 74 games for the Sharks, finishing with a minus-15 rating. They are expected to reunite on the Sharks` top line. With expectations high for Celebrini to take another leap in points production, Smith is perfectly positioned to rise alongside him.

Tier 5: Rookie Sensations

These first-year players are not waiting for their breakout; they are set to make an immediate impact.

Yaroslav Askarov
G, San Jose Sharks

Once considered the future goaltender for Nashville, Yaroslav Askarov was acquired by the Sharks in August 2024, becoming their new hope between the pipes. While most of his action last season was with the AHL Barracuda, his 13 games in San Jose were solid. Askarov was the only Sharks goalie, aside from Mackenzie Blackwood, to finish with a positive goals saved above expected. The 23-year-old rookie is anticipated to receive the majority of starts for coach Ryan Warsofsky`s team this season.

Ivan Demidov
RW, Montreal Canadiens

The preseason favorite for the Calder Trophy, Ivan Demidov joined the NHL late last season after an impressive, highlight-reel career in the KHL. A creative puck-handler and explosive offensive talent, the Canadiens are counting on him to ignite their scoring, especially for a team that ranked 17th in goals per game last season.

Alexander Nikishin
D, Carolina Hurricanes

The 24-year-old made his NHL debut last postseason, appearing in four playoff games for the Hurricanes. Standing at 6-foot-3 and around 220 pounds, he is a ferocious hitter who could evolve into one of the league`s top young defensemen if his offensive game continues to blossom.

Zeev Buium
D, Minnesota Wild

Zeev Buium is an exceptional puck-moving defenseman with a high hockey IQ. The anticipation is that the 19-year-old could quickly become the Wild`s power-play quarterback. To start the season, the Wild have partnered him with steady veteran Jared Spurgeon.

Zayne Parekh
D, Calgary Flames

If Zayne Parekh remains with the Calgary Flames rather than being sent back to the OHL, he possesses the talent to become one of the NHL`s premier young offensive defensemen. One hopes he does stay, because what more does a defenseman who recorded 107 points in 61 games last season have left to prove?

Jimmy Snuggerud
RW, St. Louis Blues

Jimmy Snuggerud offered the Blues a promising preview at the end of last season, tallying four points in seven games after concluding his collegiate career at the University of Minnesota. The son of former NHLer Dave Snuggerud, this playmaking winger is expected to bolster the Blues` secondary scoring depth.

Sam Rinzel
D, Chicago Blackhawks

The 6-foot-4 defenseman is slated for a substantial role this season in Chicago, playing top-pairing minutes and being given the opportunity to quarterback the Blackhawks` top power play.

Matthew Schaefer
D, New York Islanders

As the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL draft, Matthew Schaefer is an elite offensive defenseman, celebrated for his exceptional passing and skating. The fact that he`s also expected to inject a dose of charisma into the Islanders` lineup is simply the icing on the cake.

Arturs Silovs
G, Pittsburgh Penguins

Arturs Silovs, the 24-year-old, earned his spot on this list not only through tantalizing moments as a Canuck but also with his opening-night shutout in Madison Square Garden. Silovs was also named one of Team Latvia`s first six players for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, highlighting his rising profile.