With the NHL preseason drawing to a close, it`s time to identify which players are poised for a significant surge in their roles and on-ice performance this upcoming 2025-26 season. Last year, talents such as Dylan Guenther and Matthew Knies featured on our list and subsequently experienced notable advancements in their responsibilities and output. Some other players who didn`t quite `pop` last season (for various reasons) are again highlighted for the 2025-26 campaign.
Traditionally, a `breakout` isn`t exclusively about offensive statistics. It often signifies a more prominent role during even-strength play, increased involvement in special teams, or facing tougher opponents. Many of the athletes mentioned here are anticipated to undertake significantly larger roles, and several are expected to achieve a traditional offensive breakout.
Connor Bedard
C, Chicago Blackhawks
Following two seasons where he faced incredibly high expectations, this year feels like Connor Bedard`s moment to truly erupt. It`s worth recalling that even Nathan MacKinnon, the dominant force he is today, didn`t reach his full potential until his fifth NHL season, so the physically smaller Bedard deserves patience and opportunity.
While preseason performances aren`t always definitive, Bedard`s exceptional shot and remarkable vision were consistently evident throughout September. Assuming he remains healthy, he is expected to exceed a point-per-game pace. To secure a spot on the Olympic team, he would likely need to maintain an 85-90 point projection by the time the roster is finalized, a feat well within his capabilities.
We`ve all witnessed Bedard`s flashes of brilliance, but consistency has been a work in progress over his first two years. This season, he`s anticipated to play over 20 minutes per game and take three to four shots nightly. His shooting percentage, a common growth area for elite shooters, should see an increase. If Bedard converts 13% of 270 shots, he could net 35 goals, a significant jump from his previous 22 and 23-goal seasons. He requires more situations to create scoring chances, both through his individual skill and his deployment. A projection of 32 goals and 55 assists, totaling 87 points, seems a reasonable expectation for his campaign.
Quinton Byfield
C, Los Angeles Kings
The imposing 6-foot-5, 225-pound center, Quinton Byfield, is set to become a cornerstone for the Los Angeles Kings. He`s being groomed to assume the top-line center position upon Anze Kopitar`s retirement at the season`s end. While Kopitar remains an outstanding player, the Kings will strategically place Byfield in challenging matchups to foster his growth as a complete two-way player.
Byfield possesses all the attributes of a potential 80-point scorer who can also be a defensive stalwart. He`s expected to receive increased power-play time, building on the significant strides his even-strength offensive game made last season. Following two consecutive seasons in the mid-50s for points, Byfield is anticipated to leverage his speed, strength, and skill to assert physical dominance during his shifts. A legitimate path exists for him to achieve a 30-goal, 45-assist season as he takes on a more substantial role within the Kings` top-six forwards.
Matty Beniers
C, Seattle Kraken
At just 22 years old, Matty Beniers, the Kraken`s first-line center, stands out as one of the NHL`s premier two-way players. His dependability across all game situations is uncommon for someone under 25. However, Beniers has yet to elevate his offensive game, a crucial need for Seattle.
Looking at a true breakout, this season could see Beniers firmly establish himself in the Selke Trophy discussions for the league`s top defensive forward. Selke winners often also have strong offensive numbers, and Beniers will have significant roles on both special teams units to make his mark. New Kraken coach Lane Lambert aims for an aggressive penalty kill, encouraging players to create scoring opportunities when possible.
This tactical shift, coupled with top-line minutes and primary power-play assignments, should provide Beniers ample chance to boost his offensive production. In his rookie year, Beniers scored 57 points playing a second-line role. Now, facing tougher matchups on the top line, if he can exceed 60 points while effectively neutralizing opposing stars, he will undoubtedly enter the Selke conversation. This would mark a significant leap in his ongoing development.
Zach Benson
LW, Buffalo Sabres
For Zach Benson to earn a spot on this list, a promotion to the top line alongside Tage Thompson and Josh Norris is key. Regardless of whether he maintains that spot or shifts to second-line center to support Ryan McLeod in a third-line role, Benson is poised for substantial increases across all statistical metrics.
After tallying 28 points last season with under 15 minutes of ice time per game, he`s projected to play closer to 19 minutes each night this season. He will also receive power-play chances and be paired with more skilled teammates than in previous campaigns. Considering all factors, there`s a strong likelihood that this exceptionally talented young player will double his offensive output from last season, potentially reaching between 55 and 60 points.
He will face tougher minutes by matching up against elite defenders, but Benson`s offensive creativity should flourish with more skilled linemates and increased time in the attacking zone. The Sabres are relying on him this season, making approximately 22 goals and 35 assists a realistic target for the 2023 first-round draft pick.
Cole Perfetti
C, Winnipeg Jets
With Nikolaj Ehlers` move to Carolina, Cole Perfetti is finally positioned for a significant boost in offensive opportunities. This, coupled with his impressive playoff showing for Winnipeg, leaves no valid reason to withhold him from the top power-play unit or consistent top-six minutes.
Given these expanded chances at even strength and on special teams, it`s highly plausible that Perfetti could achieve 70 points in the 2025-26 season. Elevating his ice time from 15 to 17 minutes per game will naturally create more shooting chances. If Perfetti can maintain his shooting percentage from the last two seasons, he`s expected to score between 25 and 30 goals. Greater power-play exposure will inherently contribute to his increased offensive output. The time for Perfetti to shine in Winnipeg has arrived, and he appears thoroughly prepared to seize this well-deserved opportunity.
Logan Stankoven
C, Carolina Hurricanes
Following his trade from Dallas to Carolina, the dynamic center Logan Stankoven experienced a surge in both opportunities and production. The Hurricanes effectively utilized Stankoven as their second-line center, a decision that yielded positive results. Similar to Perfetti, Stankoven is projected to average 17 minutes of ice time per game this season, an increase of two minutes from his previous average.
Regardless of whether he plays alongside Andrei Svechnikov or Nikolaj Ehlers on his left wing, he will be paired with a highly skilled forward capable of generating significant points. Stankoven`s exceptional playmaking could be the catalyst that helps Svechnikov achieve the goal-scoring breakout many have anticipated. If he plays with Ehlers, both are versatile offensive threats, and Stankoven possesses the finishing touch to capitalize on Ehlers` creative chances. In any linemate combination, an enhancement in skill level and expanded opportunities are expected to drive increased offensive output for the Hurricanes` promising young center.
