Every year fantasy hockey general managers are looking to find an edge when it comes to finding the next breakout candidate that is on the verge of becoming a superstar. These players are established star prospects that undoubtedly have the potential to be elite with a focus on whether or not this is the year they actually take it to that superstar level. Here is a look at the top five potential breakout candidates for 2016-17.
C: Aleksander Barkov, Florida Panthers
While he flew under the radar somewhat skating in Florida, Barkov averaged 0.89 points per game last season as one of the top-10 centers in the NHL. Now he has the chance to ascend in to the truly elite as a 21-year-old with outstanding potential. Barkov finished last season with 28 goals and 31 assists in 66 games and he was a plus-18 overall.
Remember that the Panthers relied quite a bit on two past-their-prime (or at least players that should be in their twilight) in Jussi Jokinen and Jaromir Jagr. It wouldn’t be wild if those two still performed at a high level this year but for the Panthers to take that next step, they’ll need youngsters like Jonathan Huberdeau and Barkov to emerge as stars. Another year of experience should translate in to improved production as Barkov emerges as a true fantasy superstar this season.
C: Mark Sheifele, Winnipeg Jets
Scheifele finished with a flurry last season to put the NHL on notice that he is ready to ascend in to the fantasy elite this season. Scheifele had 17 goals and 17 assists over the course of Winnipeg’s final 26 games playing on a line with Blake Wheeler and he should pick up from where he left off as the Jets’ No. 1 center this season. Winnipeg has the potential to be a much better team and Scheifele’s emergence could be the key to their success.
G: John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks
Gibson tied for the rookie lead in wins with 21 last season while sharing the Ducks net with Frederick Andersen, who was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs this past offseason. Gibson will be Anaheim’s No. 1 goalie this season and if he stays healthy he could be a star. Gibson’s numbers were excellent last season as he finished with a 2.07 goals against average and a .920 save percentage. Now the unquestioned No. 1 goaltender for the Ducks, Gibson should thrive in a breakout season.
D: Rasmus Ristolainen, Buffalo Sabres
Ristolainen is a defensemen to keep an eye on heading into this season as he has the chance to break out as a 21-year-old. Ristolainen had nine goals and 41 points while playing for one of the worst teams in the NHL last season but he gained some valuable experience and appears primed for a breakthrough season. He – like many members of the Sabres – look like he’s ready to take that next step. When you’re investing in terms of fantasy hockey and average draft position, you’re looking for players on the rise and Ristolainen has all the makings of that type of a breakout candidate.
Ristolainen is still just 21-years-old and he is set to anchor a powerplay that features Jack Eichel, Ryan O’Reilly and Kyle Okposo so it won’t be a surprise if he breaks through as a top-10 fantasy defensemen this season.
C: Alex Galchenyuk, Montreal Canadiens
Galchenyuk is coming off his first 30-goal season and will have the opportunity to build on that success as Montreal’s first-line center this season. Galchenyuk is still just 22-years-old and he will have every chance to top the 56 points he put up last year playing on a line with Max Pacioretty and Brendan Gallagher. People forget but the Montreal Canadiens had an incredible start to last season and were an incredible unit up until goaltender Carey Price was injured. If they return to that level and Galchenyuk continues to grow, he could be one of the most valuable members at his position in fantasy hockey.
The third-overall pick from the 2012 NHL Draft is ready for a breakout season and this could be the year he emerges as an absolute fantasy stud.
