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Greg Wyshynski, ESPNOct 1, 2024, 07:00 AM ET
CloseGreg Wyshynski is ESPN’s senior NHL writer.
Lucas Raymond had that breakout player aura last season.
The Detroit Red Wings winger had a strong rookie season in 2021-22, followed by a dip in production. He entered last season primed to break out, thanks in part to improved linemates, and break out he did: 31 goals and 72 points that resulted in an eight-year contract extension worth $64.6 million he signed in the offseason.
There are plenty of players this season who have a similar aura. Some are familiar names placed in advantageous situations; some are rookie sensations; and some could be the next Lucas Raymond, who go from young standouts to NHL stars.
Here are 36 players who could be breakouts in 2024-25, organized into tiers.
Jump to a tier:
New scenery
New linemates
Young star to major star
The wait is over
Rookie breakouts
Tier 1: New scenery
These players switched teams and could see their stock rise with new scenery.
Both of these players have seen their stock climb rather high during their lengthy NHL careers. But neither of them has had this kind of opportunity to pile on the points playing alongside one of the best offensive players on the planet: Oilers center Leon Draisaitl. With Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman cemented on Connor McDavid’s line, both of these wingers could slide onto Leon’s wings.
If Arvidsson can stay healthy, topping his career high in points (61) is within reason if he sees time with Draisaitl. Skinner had an 82-point season in 2022-23 before dipping back to 46 last season in Buffalo. Playing alongside Draisaitl will get that roller coaster climbing again.
The Blackhawks also imported a pair of veteran free agent wingers to potentially sandwich around Calder Trophy winner Connor Bedard on their top line. They’ve skated with the phenom in the preseason, and the trio makes a lot of sense for coach Luke Richardson.
Bertuzzi is a terrific passer who has played with high-end talent before and has…
Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/insider/story/_/id/41512880/nhl-2024-25-breakout-predictions-players-stats-goals-points-stars
Author : Greg Wyshynski
Publish date : 2024-10-01 11:31:30
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