(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Over the next few weeks, I will go through each division of the NHL, analyzing players who I think will have breakout performances in the '09-'10 campaign.
We begin with the Atlantic division.
Ryan Callahan
Callahan enjoyed a breakout year already in '08-'09, setting career highs in goals, assists, points, games played, and penalty minutes. However, many believe that Callahan has just begun.
Under new coach John Torterella, Callahan was seemingly the best player night in and night out for the Rangers, leaving much optimism that his offensive numbers this year were no fluke. Callahan not only scored 22 goals and 40 points this year, but he finished with a plus-seven rating while coming in fourth in the league in hits.
He's not a point per game guy, but he will certainly fit into the Rangers top six while still providing tons of energy and physical play night in and night out. Realistically, Callahan could score 30 goals. He doesn't posess the playmaking skills to get any more than 25 or 30 assits. He's a safe bet this season to score anywhere from 50-60 points, or at the very least, mimic the 40 points he put up this year.
Claude Giroux
Claude Giroux has already become a fan favorite amongst Flyers' faithful. A midseason call-up, Giroux was able to put up decent numbers alongside Danny Briere, while playing third line minutes during the regular season.
He was the Flyers' best offensive weapon in their first round playoff exit to Pittsburgh. Big things are expected of Giroux come this season, as he's expected to help pick up the slack left by Mike Knuble and Joffrey Lupul.
Giroux will no doubt see his ice time increase this season, and will play on the top two lines alongside either Mike Richards or Jeff Carter. Giroux showed good chemistry with both Danny Briere and Simon Gagne at points last year, but Giroux is not a player who needs amazing line mates to make things happen. He is a very talented player and can make the players around him better.
He has fantastic offensive instincts, and even though he's generally considered a playmaker, Giroux is an underrated shooter and finisher. Point per game totals wouldn't surprise many, given Giroux's talent, but I would expect 70 points or so from the 21-year-old Ontario native.
Alex Goligoski
Although Goligoski only saw two games during the Penguins' cup run in this year's playoffs, the young Minnesota native turned in a fine regular season.
Goligoski was called up from the baby Pens to help Kris Letang provide some offense from the blue-line because veteran quarterback Sergei Gonchar was out most of the season with an injury.
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