Here are 10 players who I think will have breakout seasons. Note: I did not include players named on the Impact Rookies list…
1. Steven Stamkos, TB
The #1 overall pick from last summer is poised to break loose in the NHL. After Rick Tocchet took over behind the bench, Stamkos ended the season strongly. He scored 31 of his 46 points after January 8. Then he really broke out in the World Championships over in Switzerland, scoring 7 goals in 9 games. Playing on the 2nd line, Stamkos will give the Bolts the quality secondary scoring to compete for a playoff spot.
2. Erik Johnson, STL
This is an easy pick as far as breakout players go. Johnson was selected #1 overall in 2006, but missed all of last year with a torn ACL (suffered in a run in with a golf cart!). He should be able to pick up right where he left off, and play to his potential. He’ll be counted on to become the Blues’ power play quarterback. After tallying 33 points in his rookie season two years ago, look for Johnson to burst onto the scene in 09/10.
3. Claude Giroux, PHI
Giroux is really good… scary good! He recorded 27 points in 42 games last season, and had a good postseason while it lasted. He’s versatile up front; can play all center on the 3rd line, or wing on the top two lines. Either way, he’ll contribute big-time for the Flyers this year. I’m pretty confident that this season is just stepping stone towards greatness for the 21-year-old.
4. Derick Brassard, CBJ
Brassard was another young player that had his season cut short due to injury. When a separated shoulder sidelined him after 31 games, the Jackets struggled to find a consistent #1 center to pivot Rick Nash’s line. But worry no more, Ohioans. Brassard had 25 points in 31 games, and has potential to eclipse the 80 or 90-point mark down the road. A healthy season from this kid will pay big dividends for Ken Hitchcock’s crew.
5. Zach Bogosian, ATL
Bogosian lies in the same line as Brassard and Johnson, as he missed a majority of the 08/09 campaign with a leg injury. But when he was on the ice, he showed a lot of skill and potential, compiling all 19 of his points when returning from the injury. If he can play like he did towards the end of last season, it’ll be a shot in the arm for John Anderson & company.
6. Ville Leino, DET
Not many people know much about him. Leino, 25, could have been signed by anyone as he was dominating the Finnish Elite League. He had 77 points in 55 games for Jokerit in 07/08, and played well for Grand Rapids last year. He also had an impressive cup of coffee in Detroit, tallying 9 points in 13 games. I’m convinced that Leino will be the next great player to don the Winged Wheel in Detroit.
7. Jonas Gustavsson, TOR
‘The Monster’ is going to get plenty of opportunities in Toronto once he recovers from a minor heart ailment. He’s well-liked by GM Brian Burke, contrary to his predecessor Vesa Toskala. Gustavsson lit up Sweden in the 2009 playoffs, giving up just 14 goals in 13 games. He’s only signed for one year, so essentially this is his contract year. I have a hunch Burke’s recruitment of ‘The Monster’ will pay off.
8. Nick Foligno, OTT
This is a player that could be negatively affected by the acquisitions of Milan Michalek and Jonathan Cheechoo in the Heatley trade. Foligno was expected to be on the 2nd line up front, but may not get that chance now. But I still feel like he can be a solid contributor for the Senators. He has it in his blood lines to do so, and performed really well when Cory Clouston took over behind Ottawa’s bench late last year.
9. James Sheppard, MIN
Under Jacques Lemaire’s watch, Sheppard was probably rushed to the NHL. The 9th overall pick in 2006 played in 78 games in the 07/08 season, and a full season in 08/09. With the coaching change, Sheppard is just one of Minnesota’s prospects who could start living up to their potential. His style fits Richards’ system, and will get an opportunity to play on the 2nd line in Minnesota.
10. Jonathan Ericsson, DET
This may be a year early for Ericsson to breakout, as he has a lot of company on the Detroit blue line. Nevertheless, he played well when the games counted the most. He appeared in the last 19 games of the regular season, and played big minutes in the playoffs. Ericsson had 8 points in the postseason, along with a +9 rating. Sooner or later, he’ll become another late-round pick to turn into a gem in the Motor City.
Others to Watch:
Dustin Boyd, CGY
Alex Goligoski, PIT
Matt D’Agostini, MTL
James Neal, DAL
Mike Santorelli, NSH
1. Steven Stamkos, TB
The #1 overall pick from last summer is poised to break loose in the NHL. After Rick Tocchet took over behind the bench, Stamkos ended the season strongly. He scored 31 of his 46 points after January 8. Then he really broke out in the World Championships over in Switzerland, scoring 7 goals in 9 games. Playing on the 2nd line, Stamkos will give the Bolts the quality secondary scoring to compete for a playoff spot.
2. Erik Johnson, STL
This is an easy pick as far as breakout players go. Johnson was selected #1 overall in 2006, but missed all of last year with a torn ACL (suffered in a run in with a golf cart!). He should be able to pick up right where he left off, and play to his potential. He’ll be counted on to become the Blues’ power play quarterback. After tallying 33 points in his rookie season two years ago, look for Johnson to burst onto the scene in 09/10.
3. Claude Giroux, PHI
Giroux is really good… scary good! He recorded 27 points in 42 games last season, and had a good postseason while it lasted. He’s versatile up front; can play all center on the 3rd line, or wing on the top two lines. Either way, he’ll contribute big-time for the Flyers this year. I’m pretty confident that this season is just stepping stone towards greatness for the 21-year-old.
4. Derick Brassard, CBJ
Brassard was another young player that had his season cut short due to injury. When a separated shoulder sidelined him after 31 games, the Jackets struggled to find a consistent #1 center to pivot Rick Nash’s line. But worry no more, Ohioans. Brassard had 25 points in 31 games, and has potential to eclipse the 80 or 90-point mark down the road. A healthy season from this kid will pay big dividends for Ken Hitchcock’s crew.
5. Zach Bogosian, ATL
Bogosian lies in the same line as Brassard and Johnson, as he missed a majority of the 08/09 campaign with a leg injury. But when he was on the ice, he showed a lot of skill and potential, compiling all 19 of his points when returning from the injury. If he can play like he did towards the end of last season, it’ll be a shot in the arm for John Anderson & company.
6. Ville Leino, DET
Not many people know much about him. Leino, 25, could have been signed by anyone as he was dominating the Finnish Elite League. He had 77 points in 55 games for Jokerit in 07/08, and played well for Grand Rapids last year. He also had an impressive cup of coffee in Detroit, tallying 9 points in 13 games. I’m convinced that Leino will be the next great player to don the Winged Wheel in Detroit.
7. Jonas Gustavsson, TOR
‘The Monster’ is going to get plenty of opportunities in Toronto once he recovers from a minor heart ailment. He’s well-liked by GM Brian Burke, contrary to his predecessor Vesa Toskala. Gustavsson lit up Sweden in the 2009 playoffs, giving up just 14 goals in 13 games. He’s only signed for one year, so essentially this is his contract year. I have a hunch Burke’s recruitment of ‘The Monster’ will pay off.
8. Nick Foligno, OTT
This is a player that could be negatively affected by the acquisitions of Milan Michalek and Jonathan Cheechoo in the Heatley trade. Foligno was expected to be on the 2nd line up front, but may not get that chance now. But I still feel like he can be a solid contributor for the Senators. He has it in his blood lines to do so, and performed really well when Cory Clouston took over behind Ottawa’s bench late last year.
9. James Sheppard, MIN
Under Jacques Lemaire’s watch, Sheppard was probably rushed to the NHL. The 9th overall pick in 2006 played in 78 games in the 07/08 season, and a full season in 08/09. With the coaching change, Sheppard is just one of Minnesota’s prospects who could start living up to their potential. His style fits Richards’ system, and will get an opportunity to play on the 2nd line in Minnesota.
10. Jonathan Ericsson, DET
This may be a year early for Ericsson to breakout, as he has a lot of company on the Detroit blue line. Nevertheless, he played well when the games counted the most. He appeared in the last 19 games of the regular season, and played big minutes in the playoffs. Ericsson had 8 points in the postseason, along with a +9 rating. Sooner or later, he’ll become another late-round pick to turn into a gem in the Motor City.
Others to Watch:
Dustin Boyd, CGY
Alex Goligoski, PIT
Matt D’Agostini, MTL
James Neal, DAL
Mike Santorelli, NSH
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1 comments:
Nice list Ryan. I thought Leino might be more ready from DET but Ericsson may be more set up to do so.
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