Here’s a full list of the hockey viking’s top breakout candidates for the upcoming NHL season, including breakout star factors and trophy races
Breakout Candidates for the 2025-26 Season
As we head into the 2025-26 NHL campaign, it’s time to highlight players on the verge of a significant jump — those who have shown flashes of high performance, are entering opportunity-rich situations, and could emerge as major contributors. Whether you’re writing for fantasy hockey, team analytics, or general hockey coverage, these ten players should be on your radar.
1. Jack Quinn (Forward – Buffalo Sabres)
Why he’s a breakout candidate:
- Quinn posted career highs in 2024-25 with 15 goals and 24 assists (39 points) in 74 games.
- His underlying shot metrics are strong and his role is poised to expand — if he secures more consistent top-6 minutes and power-play usage, the next tier is within reach.
- What to watch: Will he lock in on the first or second line? Does his usage on the power play increase? A more stable role could unlock 50+ points.
2. Matvei Michkov (Forward – Philadelphia Flyers)
Why he’s a breakout candidate:
- In his rookie season Michkov posted an impressive stat line (e.g., 26 goals, 37 assists in 80 games) and finished 4th in Calder Trophy voting.
- Analysts call him “the league’s top breakout star” for 2025-26.
- What to watch: Can he step into a full top-6 role with heavy minutes and become the go-to winger? His high ceiling makes him worth tracking.
3. Matt Coronato (Forward – Calgary Flames)
Why he’s a breakout candidate:
- In his first full NHL season, Coronato ranked third on the Flames in goals (24) and tied for third in points (47) while only age 22.
- He’s part of a young core in Calgary poised to ascend — more opportunity = more upside.
- What to watch: If he earns top-6 minutes or climbs into a power-play unit, he could push into 60+ points territory.
4. Vasily Podkolzin (Forward – Edmonton Oilers)
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Why he’s a breakout candidate:
- Podkolzin played all 82 regular games and 22 playoff contests last season, albeit in a bottom-six role, and recorded 24 points.
- His speed and shot metrics are elite for his age/role, and with multiple departures from Edmonton’s forward group, his opportunity is rising.
- What to watch: Does he get promoted into the top-6 and power play? If yes, he could go from 20-ish points to 40-50+.
5. Simon Nemec (Defense – New Jersey Devils)
Why he’s a breakout candidate:
- The 2022 second-overall pick has top-end defensive tools and skating ability.
- New Jersey is in transition and young players such as Nemec are likely to get elevated roles.
- What to watch: Will he consistently play big minutes (1st or 2nd pairing) and be trusted on special teams? A breakout defenseman can provide value offensively and defensively.
6. Jake Neighbours (Forward – St. Louis Blues)
Why he’s a breakout candidate:
- Neighbours is listed by NHL.com as a breakout candidate with a point projection in the 50s.
- He’s at the age and career stage where a jump can happen if he secures more ice time and consistency.
- What to watch: How the Blues deploy him early in the season — top-9 role? Power-play time? If so, his offensive numbers could jump.
7. Will Smith (Forward – San Jose Sharks)
Why he’s a breakout candidate:
- As part of the Sharks’ young emerging core, Smith delivered 45 points in 74 games during his first full NHL season.
- The Sharks are in rebuild mode which means more opportunity for young forwards to take the next step.
- What to watch: Can he move into a top-6 winger role and take on more offensive responsibility? This would unlock his breakout.
8. Tyson Foerster (Forward – Philadelphia Flyers)
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Why he’s a breakout candidate:
- Foerster posted new career highs last season (25 goals, 43 points) and is part of a Flyers core that is trending upward.
- With improved linemates or increased ice time, his offensive numbers could make a leap.
- What to watch: Increased power-play usage or playing alongside a rising star like Michkov. Those changes could drive a breakout.
9. Jamie Drysdale (Defense – Philadelphia Flyers)
Why he’s a breakout candidate:
- At 23, Drysdale is still ascending and has the offensive skill set for the modern NHL defenseman.
- The Flyers’ system and roster turnover mean there is room for young defensemen to step into larger roles.
- What to watch: A jump in power-play minutes and point production would signal his breakout.
10. Zach Benson (Forward – Buffalo Sabres)
Why he’s a breakout candidate:
- Benson (age 20) was mentioned by ESPN as a high-upside breakout candidate entering 2025-26, with potential to flourish in the Sabres’ system.
- With the Sabres giving younger players more opportunity, he has the chance to move from prospect to regular contributor.
- What to watch: Does he start the season in a consistent NHL role? Early success + confidence = breakout potential.
Breakout seasons rarely happen in a vacuum — they require the right mix of talent, opportunity, confidence, and context. These ten players check many of those boxes. But it might also ultimately come down to a few major factors:
- Usage matters: More ice time, better role (top-6 forward, first power-play unit, top-4 defense) often signals the jump.
- Underlying metrics: Look at shot volume, speed bursts, high danger chances — they support the potential beyond just last season’s box score.
- Team context: Roster changes, coaching shifts, and club rebuilds often open doors for younger players.
- Age & experience: Most sustained breakouts happen in the early-20s age range when the player has already had a taste of NHL action and is ready to ascend.
Star Factors
There’s nothing quite like discovering the next big star before they hit the spotlight. Breakout candidates in the NHL are those players who suddenly spike in performance, sometimes seemingly out of nowhere. These players capture the imaginations of fans and analysts alike because their growth can change the dynamics of their teams and reshape the season. Spotting these players ahead of time is a bit like finding that hidden gem.
When trying to figure out who’s got the potential to break out, a few factors come to mind. Age and maturity level are always on my radar. Younger players still carving their path might surprise us; they’ve got that hunger. Then there’s the importance of past performance trends.
A player showing steady improvement over a couple of seasons might just be poised for that big leap. Team dynamics also play a crucial role. New coaching styles, better linemates, or even a change in team strategy can be the catalyst a player needs.
So, what should you keep your eyes peeled for when assessing breakout potential? The main ingredients include ice time – that’s a big one. If a player gets more minutes, it means they’ve got a chance to make more plays. Another hint is if a player gets promoted to a line with more skilled teammates. That’s usually a sign the coach trusts them to deliver.
In this NHL season, stay sharp and watch for these indicators. These emerging stars could be the key players changing the playoff picture. The thrill of watching a breakout performance unfold is second to none, offering a fresh story every fan can get behind.
Race for the Trophies: Predicting Award-Worthy Performances
Every season brings a fresh mix of talent, and this year, several players look ready to chase some of the NHL’s most coveted individual awards. Seeing players rise from the ranks to become contenders for major trophies is always fascinating.
Let’s start with a look at potential Hart Trophy candidates. Players like Connor Bedard, with his prolific offensive skills, seem to be turning heads even before the season kicks off. His ability to score combined with the flair for crucial plays makes him someone who could dominate MVP talk if everything falls into place.
On the defensive end, the Norris Trophy has names like Charlie McAvoy popping up repeatedly. His all-around game and leadership on the ice boost his odds significantly. A true workhorse at the blue line, matching skill with savvy, he’s someone you’re going to want to keep tabs on.
The Calder Trophy race is heating up with the entry of new faces. Matvei Michkov is a name that’s been circling among the top rookies expected to make waves. His knack for quick adaptation and game-breaking talent is worth the buzz, and he might just live up to the expectations placed on him.
Then, there’s the Vezina Trophy for the league’s top goaltender. Ilya Sorokin’s name has become synonymous with mind-bending saves and consistency in the crease. With the right backup from his defense, he’s likely to be a frontrunner in this category.
As we gear up for another thrilling NHL season, keeping an eye on these award races adds an extra layer of excitement. Watch their performances closely, because they might just give you a sneak peek into the future stars of the league.
Be sure to check out the hockey vikings season outlook for the league