I've finally succumbed to making random custom teams and I see why they're all the rage in our newsless NHL landscape lol, it was fun to put together. Obviously everyone's definition of a "breakout" is a little different; I don't think everyone here is gonna put up 60-70 points next season or anything, but I do think they'll finally establish themselves as core parts of their respective teams or finally be looked at as legitimate NHL players. I tried to think a little outside the box, didn't want to just but the obvious ones like Kakko or Sorokin or Hayton. I'm also gonna say a few words about each player and why I think we're gonna see big things out of them next year, hope you enjoy!
Beauvillier - You could say Beauvillier's coming-out party was in the playoffs and while he was great, I still think there's another gear he can hit. He was tied for 2nd on the team in WAR, 4th in goals and put the team on his back against Florida and Washington back in August. Call me biased, but I actually do think 60-70 points is possible for Beau, especially if the power play can improve and he's put on a line with Barzal, which I know is something a lot of us Islanders fans have wanted to see for a long time.
Andersson - I almost forgot he was a King now lol. Always had a lot of faith in Lias and I think a new setting and system is gonna be really good for his development. He'll have to scratch and claw to differentiate himself in a stacked Kings' prospect pool, but he was a top 10 pick from just three years ago. Even if he's not a big point producer, I think he'll end up sticking in the NHL one way or another.
Nylander - Nylander is so strange because he looked great at certain points during the season and awful at other points. Some of his analytics really aren't that bad, which I think is really interesting and gives me hope that next year he can show us on a consistent basis why we traded Jokiharju for him (those two will literally never not go hand-in-hand).
Donato - 23 points in 62 games isn't stellar, but when you consider that he did it with only 10:38 minutes a game, on a defensive-minded team like Minnesota and very minimal power play time, it becomes a little more forgivable. With a bigger role and some better linemates in San Jose, I think we could see a little more out of him next season. I'm also obligated to mention that his 1.3 xWAR was third best on a very sound analytical team like the Wild, so that's cool too.
Terry - I thought it was weird when a guy who spent a good chunk of the year in the AHL got a multi-year contract well over $1 million. What that really says to me is that the Ducks like this guy and are committed to him playing a bigger role next year. Terry is one of the few guys on here that I have probably never seen play, so maybe I'm a little off base with this one. However, the new contract, plus his pedigree as a freakin Olympian give me faith in him and hopefully he can be a key piece for the Ducks going forward.
Sprong - Another (former) Duck, I've always really liked Daniel Sprong (I think it's his name). Had a really nice year for them in 18-19 after a trade from Pittsburgh and then had a very short leash this past season before a trade to Washington. I'd really like to see the Caps give him a shot this season and with the flat cap, it might be to their advantage tbh. Could add some really nice scoring depth on the 3rd line (2nd if things go well?).
Sikura - I think I've talked a lot about why I like Sikura on here before, so I'll keep it brief. He's smart, good on his skates, a solid passer and showed a lot of promise defensively with the Blackhawks. The only problem is that he has zero finishing ability. Maybe Vegas can unlock it, because he was an excellent scorer in college and even in the AHL. He's pretty similar to Sprong in the sense that he's looked pretty good in the NHL, but for whatever reason, it hasn't been good enough and this is probably his last chance to prove himself. I really hope he does, even if it's not with my team.
Lindgren - Idk much about Lindgren tbh, had some nice analytics so I threw him up here. Adam Fox probably carried him, but if it ain't broke, why fix it. If Lindgren develops a little more, that duo could eventually be recognized as one of the better ones in the NHL (again, in large part due to Fox but whatever works).
Fabbro - Fabbro had a pretty meh rookie year, espcially after all the hype he came in with. That said, Nashville seems to know what they're doing when it comes to defensemen. With the additions of Benning and Borocop, Fabbro might actually have some more insulation in the lineup, allowing his adjustment to the NHL to go a little more smoothly. I think a breakout from him next season could go a long way to help keep a retreating Predators squad relevant.
Dermott - I have a weird feeling Dermott isn't going to be a Leaf this time next year, either due to the cap or expansion. That said, this year I think he's gonna turn some heads. He's been one of the Leafs' better DFDs over the past couple seasons and if he can play the right side well, he could potentially compliment Rielly or Muzzin well and ride their coattails offensively. Again, not a big points guy but has the potential to be excellent defensively and has been.
Hague - I remember seeing a couple Vegas games from early last season and was very impressed by Nic Hague, just seemed like a really strong two way guy. He's another one who will probably benefit from the flat cap in that he'll get more opportunity with a team that needs a couple of cheap contracts in big roles to stay compliant. Considering how small of a role he played last season, it will interesting to see if he's really ready to play more, but I believe in him. Could be a nice surprise for a team full of nice surprises.
Delia - After three solid AHL seasons, an excellent NHL debut overshadowed by a 36 year old accountant and a rookie year behind one of the worst defenses I've ever seen, Collin Delia is finally ready to be an NHL starter....maybe. Honestly, I have a lot of faith in him, he did look pretty solid in 18-19 and was screwed over by the likes of a defense that included Carl Dahlstrom, Gustav Forsling and a washed Brent Seabrook (sometimes all at once). While the D isn't *that* much better, I think more experience in the AHL has prepared Delia for what he's going to face in the NHL and I think he's gonna surprise a lot of people, particularly Hawks fans.
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
CapFriendly
CapFriendly