As the NHL preseason wraps up, it`s time to predict which players are poised for a significant leap in their roles and on-ice production during the upcoming season.
Last season, players like Dylan Guenther and Matthew Knies, who were featured on this list, indeed saw significant boosts in their roles and offensive output. Several other players, who for various reasons didn`t quite `pop` last year, are again considered strong candidates for a breakthrough in 2025-26.
Traditionally, a `breakout` isn`t solely defined by offensive point production. It can also signify an elevated role in even-strength play, increased time on special teams, or facing tougher opponents. Many of the athletes on this roster are projected to experience significant increases in their responsibilities, while a select few are anticipated to achieve a breakthrough in the more conventional, scoring-focused sense.
Connor Bedard
C, Chicago Blackhawks
Undeniably the most apparent candidate for this list. Following two seasons where he performed below what many considered nearly impossible expectations, it appears this is finally Bedard`s moment. It`s worth recalling that even Nathan MacKinnon didn`t transform into the dominant force he is today until his fifth NHL season, so the considerably smaller Bedard deserves patience. While preseason isn`t always definitive, Bedard consistently showcased his exceptional shot and elite vision throughout September. Assuming he remains healthy, he`s expected to exceed a point-per-game pace. To secure a spot on the Olympic team, he`ll need to maintain an 85- to 90-point trajectory by the time the roster is announced—a goal well within reach for a player of his caliber.
While Bedard`s moments of brilliance are widely recognized, his consistency over his first two years has been a work in progress. He`s likely to log over 20 minutes per game and is projected to register three to four shots nightly. His shooting percentage, a common trend for players with an elite shot like Bedard`s, should begin to rise. If Bedard converts 13% of 270 shots, he could net 35 goals, a significant increase from his previous 22 and 23-goal seasons. He requires more chances to create game-changing plays, both from his individual efforts and the tactical situations he`s placed in. A reasonable forecast for him this season includes 32 goals and 55 assists, totaling 87 points.
Quinton Byfield
C, Los Angeles Kings
This 6-foot-5, 225-pound center is set to become a cornerstone for the Kings, poised to assume the top-line pivot position once Anze Kopitar retires at the season`s end. While Kopitar remains an exceptional player, the Kings must expose Byfield to challenging minutes to further cultivate his two-way game. Byfield possesses all the attributes of a player capable of tallying 80 points while also being defensively dependable. He`s expected to receive increased power-play opportunities, building on the momentum of his even-strength offensive game, which truly began to flourish last season.
Following two consecutive seasons where his point totals hovered in the mid-50s, Byfield is anticipated to leverage his speed, strength, and skill to physically dominate his shifts. There’s a clear trajectory for him to achieve a 30-goal, 45-assist season as he steps into a more prominent role within the Kings` top six.
Matty Beniers
C, Seattle Kraken
At just 22 years old, the Kraken`s first-line center stands out as one of the NHL`s premier two-way players. Beniers demonstrates reliability in all scenarios, a rare trait for someone under 25. However, he has yet to achieve the next level offensively, a development Seattle urgently requires. From a genuine breakout standpoint, this season could see Beniers firmly enter the Selke Trophy discussion for the league`s top defensive forward. While Selke winners often have strong offensive numbers (even if that shouldn`t be the sole criterion), Beniers will play crucial roles on both special teams units to make an impact.
New Kraken coach Lane Lambert favors an aggressive penalty kill, encouraging players to create scoring opportunities when possible. This aggressive approach, combined with top-line minutes and primary power-play assignments, should provide Beniers with the chance to boost his offensive production. During his rookie season, Beniers recorded 57 points while playing on the second line. Now, he faces tougher matchups on the top line, and if he can surpass 60 points while effectively neutralizing opponents` top threats, he will undoubtedly be a strong Selke contender. This would represent a significant stride forward in his player development.
Zach Benson
LW, Buffalo Sabres
A promotion to the top line, potentially alongside Tage Thompson and Josh Norris, is all Benson needs to solidify his place on this list. Regardless of whether he maintains that top-line spot or shifts to second-line center to enable Ryan McLeod to excel in a third-line capacity, Benson is poised for a significant surge across all statistical categories. After a 28-point season last year, where he averaged under 15 minutes of ice time per game, he is projected to play closer to 19 minutes per contest this season. He will also receive power-play opportunities and be positioned to play with more skilled teammates than in previous campaigns.
Considering all factors, there`s a strong possibility this highly talented youngster could double his offensive output from last season, accumulating between 55 and 60 points. While he will face more challenging minutes due to matchups against top defenders, Benson possesses the ability to generate offense and should flourish with more talented linemates and increased offensive zone time. The Sabres are relying on him this season, making a total of approximately 22 goals and 35 assists a realistic target for the 2023 first-round draft pick.
Cole Perfetti
C, Winnipeg Jets
With Nikolaj Ehlers moving to Carolina, Perfetti is finally set to receive a substantial increase in offensive opportunities. This, coupled with his impressive playoff performance for Winnipeg, leaves no justifiable reason to exclude him from the top power-play unit or deny him consistent top-six minutes. Given these expanded roles at even strength and on special teams, there`s every indication that Perfetti could achieve 70 points in the 2025-26 season. Elevating his ice time from 15 to 17 minutes per game will naturally translate to more shooting opportunities.
If Perfetti maintains his shooting percentage from the past two seasons, he could realistically score between 25 and 30 goals. Greater power-play exposure will inherently boost his offensive output. It appears to be Perfetti`s moment in Winnipeg, and he is thoroughly prepared to seize this well-deserved opportunity and make the most of it.
Logan Stankoven
C, Carolina Hurricanes
This undersized center experienced a rise in both opportunity and production following his trade from Dallas to Carolina. The Hurricanes utilized Stankoven as their second-line center, a decision that paid dividends. Similar to Perfetti, Stankoven is expected to average 17 minutes of ice time per game this season, an increase of two minutes over last season`s average. Whether he plays alongside Andrei Svechnikov or Ehlers on his left wing, he will be paired with a highly skilled player capable of generating significant points.
Stankoven`s exceptional playmaking might be precisely what propels Svechnikov to the goal-scoring surge many have anticipated. If he plays with Ehlers, both are dual-threat offensive talents, and Stankoven possesses the finishing touch to capitalize on Ehlers` creative plays. Irrespective of his linemates, a boost in his skill set and expanded opportunities should culminate in increased production for the Hurricanes` young center.
Duncan Priestley