As the final whispers of the preseason fade and the roar of the crowd begins its familiar cadence, the National Hockey League stands on the precipice of another exhilarating season. Beyond the established superstars and veteran stalwarts, there’s a distinct hum of anticipation for a different kind of hero: the breakout player. These are the individuals poised to shed their “potential” labels and ascend to a new echelon of impact, fundamentally altering the trajectory of their careers and, often, their teams.
Identifying a breakout candidate isn`t merely guesswork; it’s an intricate blend of statistical analysis, situational awareness, and a keen eye for untapped potential. It’s about recognizing the confluence of talent meeting opportunity, often spurred by increased ice time, elevated roles on special teams, or the invaluable chemistry with new, skilled linemates. For the 2025-26 campaign, a select group of young athletes are flashing all the indicators of monumental leaps. Let’s dive into who they are and why this season could be their defining moment.
The Anatomy of a Breakout: More Than Just Points
While offensive production is the most commonly understood metric of a “breakout,” the definition is, in reality, far broader. A player might break out by taking on significantly tougher defensive assignments, becoming a penalty-kill maestro, or evolving into a reliable two-way force. Sometimes, it’s simply finding consistency after flashes of brilliance. The ingredients often include:
- Elevated Role: More ice time, especially in critical situations like the power play or against top opposition.
- Maturation: Physical and mental growth, allowing players to handle the rigors of an 82-game season and pressure.
- Opportunity: Roster changes, injuries, or coaching philosophies creating a void that a young player can fill.
- Team Environment: Playing with skilled linemates or within a system that maximizes individual strengths.
- Statistical Regression (in a good way): Low shooting percentages correcting themselves for elite shooters, or increased shot volume leading to more goals.
The upcoming season promises to be a showcase for several players checking these boxes, ready to transition from promising prospects to cornerstone pieces.
Spotlight on the Future: Key Candidates for 2025-26
Connor Bedard
The NHL’s most scrutinized young talent, Connor Bedard, has already defied expectations in many ways, yet the truly “impossible” ones still loom. After two seasons where he showcased undeniable brilliance amidst the chaos of a rebuilding Blackhawks squad, 2025-26 feels like the inevitable ignition point. Comparisons to legends are unfair, but even a generational talent like Nathan MacKinnon needed a few seasons to fully find his rhinoceros-on-skates stride. Bedard, slightly less rhinoceros-like but equally explosive, is poised for his offensive eruption.
His preseason displays hinted at an increased shooting percentage finally aligning with his elite shot volume. Playing over 20 minutes a night, driving 3-4 shots on goal per game, and with a likely uptick in power-play opportunities, a 35-goal, 55-assist (87 points) season is not just plausible, it feels almost preordained. The question isn`t “if” Bedard breaks out, but “how spectacularly.” He`s not just expected to meet expectations this season; he`s expected to redefine them.
Quinton Byfield
The sheer physical presence of Quinton Byfield at 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, coupled with his burgeoning skill, makes him an intimidating prospect for opposing teams. With Anze Kopitar`s illustrious career nearing its twilight, Byfield is being groomed for the Kings` top-line center role—a transition that begins in earnest this season. This isn`t just about inheriting a position; it’s about carrying the torch.
Byfield has shown flashes of brilliance in his back-to-back 50-point seasons, but the upcoming campaign demands more. The Kings will intentionally expose him to tougher matchups, accelerating his development on both ends of the ice. With increased power-play time and his natural offensive progression, a 30-goal, 45-assist season is well within reach. He possesses the rare combination of size, speed, and hockey IQ to become a true 80-point, two-way pillar, making him indispensable to Los Angeles` future plans.
Matty Beniers
At just 22, Matty Beniers has already established himself as one of the NHL’s premier two-way centers, a rarity for players of his age. He`s reliable in every situation, a coach`s dream. However, the next step for Beniers, and a critical one for the Kraken, is unlocking consistent offensive firepower to complement his defensive mastery. This season could see him firmly enter the Selke Trophy conversation, an award historically intertwined with a significant offensive output (a debate for another day, perhaps).
With new Kraken coach Lane Lambert reportedly championing an aggressive penalty kill that encourages offensive chances, Beniers, a key component of special teams, stands to benefit. Couple this with his entrenched top-line minutes and power-play reps, and the stage is set. If Beniers can push past 60 points while continuing to effectively neutralize opponent`s top lines, it’s not just a breakout; it`s a statement about his comprehensive impact and Seattle`s aspirations.
Zach Benson
Sometimes, all a highly skilled young player needs is the right linemates and a significant bump in opportunity. For Zach Benson, a potential promotion to skate alongside Tage Thompson and Josh Norris on the Sabres` top line could be the catalyst for a meteoric rise. After a modest 28-point campaign averaging under 15 minutes of ice time, a jump to nearly 19 minutes per game, coupled with power-play exposure, transforms his outlook entirely.
Benson`s ability to create offense is undeniable, and placing him with players of Thompson`s and Norris`s caliber will undoubtedly amplify his production. Doubling his offensive output to 55-60 points, with around 22 goals and 35 assists, is not merely optimistic; it reflects the potential of a 2023 first-round pick finally being unleashed. The Sabres are clearly banking on him to deliver, and all signs point to him doing just that.
Cole Perfetti
For Cole Perfetti, the 2025-26 season represents a confluence of earned opportunity and undeniable talent. With Nikolaj Ehlers` departure from Winnipeg, Perfetti is finally in line for a significant upgrade in offensive responsibilities. His standout performance in the playoffs showcased his readiness for the big stage, leaving no doubt that he belongs in the top six and on the primary power-play unit.
Increasing his ice time from 15 to a more substantial 17 minutes per game will naturally lead to more shot attempts and offensive zone time. If he maintains his past two seasons` shooting percentages with this increased volume, a 25-30 goal season is highly probable. Combine that with enhanced power-play duties, and a 70-point campaign becomes not just a possibility, but a strong likelihood. It`s Perfetti`s time to shine in Winnipeg, and he`s more than prepared to seize the moment.
Logan Stankoven
Logan Stankoven’s trajectory shifted significantly after his trade from Dallas to Carolina, proving that sometimes the right fit in a new system is all a player needs. The Hurricanes immediately deployed Stankoven as their second-line center, a role that saw his production surge. This season, he`s expected to solidify that role, seeing increased ice time (up to 17 minutes per game) and playing alongside elite wingers like Andrei Svechnikov or the newly acquired Ehlers.
Stankoven’s exceptional playmaking ability could be the key to unlocking new scoring heights for his linemates, particularly Svechnikov, who many anticipate will take a step forward in goal production. Whether setting up plays or capitalizing on chances created by dual-threat offensive players like Ehlers, Stankoven possesses the skill set to thrive. His increased opportunity and an upgraded offensive environment in Carolina should translate directly into a substantial boost in his points total, making him an exciting player to watch.
The Thrill of the Unveiling
The anticipation for a new NHL season is always palpable, but the hunt for the next wave of breakout stars adds an extra layer of intrigue. These aren`t just names on a roster; they are the future of the league, the players whose performances can define a franchise`s destiny. The 2025-26 season is ripe with potential, offering a fascinating narrative of young talent finally stepping into the spotlight they`ve meticulously worked towards. It`s time to sit back, watch closely, and witness greatness unveil itself.
Rupert Hartwell 
Benedict Kingsley