10 NHL Players Poised for Breakout Seasons in 2015-16

Entering every NHL season, there are promising players facing expectations for breakout performances. Most have completed their rookie campaigns and have yet to reach their full potential.

Some, like Tampa Bay's Jonathan Drouin, are hoping to overcome a disappointing big-league debut. Others, like Montreal's Alex Galchenyuk, must build upon the promise of their entry-level years. 

The following slideshow lists 10 NHL players poised for breakout seasons in 2015-16, evaluating their strengths, weaknesses and expectations for next season. Feel free to voice your opinion in the comments section.

Honorable Mentions

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Marko Dano, Chicago Blackhawks: The 20-year-old winger had a promising debut last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, netting 21 points in 35 games. Dealt to the Blackhawks this summer, Dano could shine with the defending Stanley Cup champions.

Calvin de Haan, New York Islanders: Despite missing 17 games last season, De Haan still ranked among the Islanders' leaders in blocked shots and hits. Expect the 24-year-old to log more responsibilities and playing time next season.

Matt Dumba, Minnesota Wild: As an NHL rookie, Dumba put up solid all-around numbers in only 58 games. As the 21-year-old continues to develop, he should fully establish himself on the Wild's second-defense pairing. 

Tomas Hertl, San Jose Sharks. The 21-year-old winger struggled last season to match his impressive, injury-shortened debut in 2013-14. With a full NHL season under his belt, Hertl should blossom into a reliable top-six scoring forward. 

Bo Horvat, Vancouver Canucks: In his NHL debut, Horvat tallied 25 points in 68 games and was second among Canucks forwards in blocked shots. The 20-year-old center could push for a top-six role in 2015-16.

J.T. Miller, New York Rangers: Capable of playing center or wing, the versatile Miller made steady improvement last season. With his speed and all-around skills, the 22-year-old could be poised for bigger and better things in 2015-16. 

Valeri Nichushkin, Dallas Stars: Hip surgery sidelined the promising Nichushkin for all but eight games last season. Now healthy, the 20-year-old right winger could establish himself as a scoring star in 2015-16. 

David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins: With 27 points in his 46-game NHL debut, Pastrnak was among the few bright spots in an otherwise forgettable season for the Bruins. Entering his sophomore season, the 19-year-old could earn regular top-six forward minutes. 

Damon Severson, New Jersey Devils: A left ankle injury cut Severson's promising rookie season by 31 games. A skilled mobile defenseman, Severson should carve out a permanent spot among the Devils' top-four rearguards.

Cam Talbot, Edmonton Oilers: Talbot did fine last season filling in for sidelined New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. Traded to the Oilers in June, he'll have a great opportunity to establish himself as a full-time starter.

Cody Ceci, Ottawa Senators

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Strengths: Ottawa Senators defenseman Cody Ceci has quickly established himself as a top-four blueliner. The 6'3", 209-pounder possesses good two-way skills. He led the Senators in blocked shots last season and was second in points (21) among Senators defensemen. 

Weaknesses: Only 21, Ceci's NHL game still lacks polish. While his defensive numbers are getting better, there's still room for improvement. He must learn to use his size more effectively in a shutdown role. 

Expectations for 2015-16: Considering Ceci's rapid development, the best is yet to come for this rising young defenseman. He should receive more ice time and responsibilities in 2015-16, providing invaluable blue line depth for the Senators. 

Jonathan Drouin, Tampa Bay Lightning

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Strengths: Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Jonathan Drouin is a skilled and creative playmaker. Despite limited playing time last season, Drouin still managed to tally 32 points in 70 games. He also finished among the league's rookie assist leaders. 

Weaknesses: A star in junior hockey, the 20-year-old Drouin struggled to adjust to the NHL level. At 5'11” and 186 pounds, he had difficulty against bigger opponents. An offensive-minded winger, he must improve his defensive play.

Expectations for 2015-16: Drouin needs top-six minutes to be truly effective, but he faces a tough task unseating Ondrej Palat or Alex Killorn among the Lightning's top-two left wingers. With Drouin's offensive skills and desire to improve, don't discount his chances.

Alex Galchenyuk, Montreal Canadiens

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Strengths: Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Galchenyuk has the tools to become a scoring star. He progresses with each passing season, reaching 20 goals and 46 points in 2014-15. The 21-year-old also improved his defensive game and is capable of playing center or left wing. 

Weaknesses: Consistency is an issue, as Galchenyuk struggled down the stretch last season and in the 2015 playoffs. Despite his three NHL seasons, his overall performance needs work. He's yet to prove capable of becoming the Canadiens' second-line center.

Expectations for 2015-16: Galchenyuk will likely remain as the Canadiens' second-line left wing to open the season. He will have plenty of chances to boost his offensive production and improve his defensive game. A 30-goal, 60-point campaign isn't out of the question.

Seth Jones, Nashville Predators

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Strengths: Nashville Predators defenseman Seth Jones has all the traits to become an NHL star. He's big (6'4”, 205 pounds), skates very well, logs big minutes and plays a responsible game at both ends of the ice. The 20-year-old has only scratched the surface of his full potential. 

Weaknesses: Though his defensive game improved last season, there was little progress in his offensive production. Despite his size, he's yet to fully make his mark as a physical presence on the Predators' blue line.

Expectations for 2015-16: Entering his third NHL season, Jones will continue his trek toward NHL stardom. He's already established himself as a top-four defenseman. While he won't unseat Shea Weber or Roman Josi from the top pairing, Jones will earn more ice time and find a suitable balance between his offensive and defensive game.

Evgeny Kuznetsov, Washington Capitals

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Strengths: Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov possesses dazzling offensive skills. If necessary, he can also play on the wing. As a rookie last season, Kuznetsov performed very well in his first NHL playoffs, tallying five goals and seven points in 14 games. 

Weaknesses: The 6-foot, 172-pound Kuznetsov isn't a very physical player and can be outmuscled by larger opponents. He must improve his faceoff percentage and defensive game.

Expectations for 2015-16: With a full NHL season behind him, Kuznetsov will likely center the Capitals' second line. That will give the 23-year-old the opportunity to improve his offensive numbers and overall game. Kuznetsov could be on his way toward full-fledged NHL stardom.

Petr Mrazek, Detroit Red Wings

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Strengths: Detroit Red Wings goaltender Petr Mrazek displayed considerable poise filling in for sidelined starter Jimmy Howard in the second half of last season. The 23-year-old also took over as their playoff starter. He positions himself well and is also capable of making acrobatic saves.

Weaknesses: The 183-pound Mrazek has never played a full season as a starter. Inconsistency can be an issue, as he can be brilliant in one game and struggle the next. Mrazek must also deal with heightened expectations next season.

Expectations for 2015-16: If last spring's solid playoff performance is any indication, Mrazek could unseat Howard as the Red Wings' full-time starter. It won't be an easy task, but if Mrazek's up for the challenge, he could establish himself as a goaltending star.

Derrick Pouliot, Pittsburgh Penguins

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Strengths: Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Derrick Pouliot has the skills to become a potential top-two blueliner. He's a good skater who moves the puck well, benefiting the Penguins' offensive attack. Both of his goals last season were game winners. 

Weaknesses: The 21-year-old only has 34 games of NHL experience. He still needs to fully adjust to the big-league game, especially in his own zone. It could prove detrimental to his development if given too much responsibility too soon.

Expectations for 2015-16: The departure of Paul Martin to free agency opens up a top-four spot on the Penguins' blue line for Pouliot. With the right defense partner, the youngster could gradually play his way into a larger role in 2015-16.

Jakob Silfverberg, Anaheim Ducks

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Strengths: Anaheim Ducks right wing Jakob Silfverberg continues to improve as a scoring forward. The 24-year-old possesses a quick, accurate wrist shot and can play on either wing. He finished fourth in points and shots among Ducks scorers last season and was third in takeaways. He also tallied 18 points in 16 playoff games.

Weaknesses: Scoring consistency has been an issue for Silfverberg, though last spring's playoff performance suggests he's overcoming this problem. He's not a very physical player and could stand to add more size to his 6-foot, 199-pound frame. 

Expectations for 2015-16: If Silfverberg's 2015 playoff performance is any indication, he's poised for a major breakout. Skating with center Ryan Kesler and left wing Carl Hagelin, Silfverberg will give the Ducks solid second-line scoring punch. He could reach 30 goals and 60 points.

Jacob Trouba, Winnipeg Jets

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Strengths: Winnipeg Jets defenseman Jacob Trouba has made significant progress in his brief NHL career. Despite missing 27 games last season, he finished second on the Jets in blocked shots and third in ice time. Trouba possesses solid shutdown ability and good offensive skills.

Weaknesses: Durability is a question mark, as he's been sidelined by injuries for significant periods over the last two seasons. At times, his aggressive style can lead to defensive mistakes. He must learn to control his youthful enthusiasm. 

Expectations for 2015-16: The future remains very bright for Trouba. He has quickly become an invaluable part of the Jets' blue line. With maturity and a healthier season, the 21-year-old rearguard could challenge for a full-time spot on their top defense pairing. 

Nail Yakupov, Edmonton Oilers

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Strengths: Edmonton Oilers right wing Nail Yakupov has the offensive ability to become an NHL scoring star. He's a swift-skating forward with impressive playmaking skills. Yakupov isn't afraid to fire the puck, leading the Oilers last season in shots. 

Weaknesses: Since his promising rookie season, Yakupov has struggled to reach expectations that come with being a former first-overall draft pick. The Oilers' revolving door of coaches in recent years hasn't helped. His defensive game still needs a lot of work.

Expectations for 2015-16: Yakupov will be playing for his fourth NHL coach in as many seasons. Fortunately, it's the well-respected Todd McLellan, who should help the 21-year-old get his career back on track. Yakupov will have Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or Connor McDavid centering his line, which should provide a substantial boost to his production.

Player stats via NHL.com.