10 NHL Players Poised for Breakout Seasons in 2016-17

Entering the NHL's 2016-17 season, there are several promising young players on the verge of breakout performances. Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Jonathan Drouin and St. Louis Blues center Robby Fabbri could be among those emerging as full-fledged stars.

Drouin is among several up-and-comers attempting to overcome a slow start to their careers. Fabbri is one of several youngsters trying to follow up a solid rookie season with a strong sophomore campaign.

Others, such as Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak, will attempt to bounce back from an injury shortened 2015-16 season. 

This slideshow examines 10 NHL players poised for breakout seasons. We'll examine their strengths and weaknesses, plus the factors that held them back and those that could lift them to stardom. 

Feel free to weigh in with your thoughts on this topic in the comments section below.

Sam Bennett, Calgary Flames

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Following a promising effort in the 2015 playoffs, expectations were high for Calgary Flames forward Sam Bennett entering his first full NHL season. Despite some inconsistency, Bennett finished with 18 goals and 18 assists for 36 points. He ended the season sixth in goals among Flames scorers. 

Bennett, 20, is a feisty two-way forward capable of skating at center or on the wing. Despite his lean frame (6'1", 186 lbs), he doesn't shy away from physical play. Last season, he was tied for fifth among the Flames leaders in hits with 110. 

With his rookie season now behind him, Bennett could be better adjusted to the demands of a full NHL campaign. Under new Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan, Bennett's role with the Flames could grow in 2016-17 as either a second-line winger or center. 

Joonas Donskoi, San Jose Sharks

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

San Jose Sharks right wing Joonas Donskoi tallied 36 points in 76 games as an NHL rookie last season, tying for eighth in team scoring. The 24-year-old performed well in his first Stanley Cup playoffs, picking up 12 points in 24 games (tied for sixth among Sharks scoring leaders).

A versatile forward who can play either wing, Donskoi's strong skating and good offensive skills made him an invaluable addition to the Sharks last season. Being a little older than most NHL rookies gave him the maturity and poise to quickly adapt to the NHL game.

Donskoi's solid effort in his rookie campaign suggests he has scratched the surface of his potential. If he can avoid a sophomore slump and adjust well to heightened expectations, Donskoi could blossom into a reliable top-six winger. 

Jonathan Drouin, Tampa Bay Lightning

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Jonathan Drouin's 2015-16 regular season was memorable for his demotion to the minors and subsequent trade request. Upon being recalled in time for the 2016 playoffs, the 21-year-old regained his offensive stride. He finished with 14 points in 17 games, tied for third in team scoring.  

Those playoff numbers were a significant improvement over Drouin's 10 points in 21 regular-season games. When fully motivated, he's a skilled playmaker capable of creating quality scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Despite his 5'11", 188-pound frame, Drouin proved he can handle physical playoff hockey.

It remains to be seen if Drouin can carry over that strong playoff performance into a full 82-game regular season in 2016-17. Consistency remains an issue to be addressed. If he can put that behind him, he could turn into the scoring star he was projected to become when selected third overall in the 2013 NHL draft. 

Nikolaj Ehlers, Winnipeg Jets

Danny Moloshok/Associated Press

Highly touted Winnipeg Jets prospect left wing Patrik Laine is expected to make his NHL debut in 2016-17. However, left wing Nikolaj Ehlers could steal some of Laine's thunder with a breakout performance.

Through 72 games last season, the 20-year-old Ehlers netted 15 goals and 23 assists for 38 points. He finished tied for sixth in team scoring and ninth among the league's rookie scoring leaders. A very creative playmaker who can skate on either wing, Ehlers has the ability to become a top offensive star with the Jets. 

Slender at 6'0" and 172 pounds, Ehlers must improve his strength and muscle mass to be more effective against bigger NHL defensemen. Last season's trade of top-line left wing Andrew Ladd should create an opening for Ehlers to move up in the pecking order among Jets forwards. 

Robby Fabbri, St. Louis Blues

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

St. Louis Blues forward Robby Fabbri had a good NHL debut season, netting 37 points in 72 NHL games to finish 10th among NHL rookie scorers. The 20-year-old then took his play to a higher level in the 2016 playoffs. He tied for the club lead in points with 15. 

A center converted to left wing, Fabbri is a versatile forward with terrific playmaking abilities. Despite averaging only 13 minutes and 18 seconds of ice time per game in the regular season and 14:21 in the postseason, Fabbri made the most of his opportunities. 

The offseason losses of David Backes and Troy Brouwer should provide Fabbri with more playing time and responsibilities in 2016-17. While the 5'10", 180-pounder won't replace their physical style, his offensive skills should provide a substantial boost to the Blues' attack. If he can handle the additional workload, he has the potential to become an offensive star. 

Noah Hanifin, Carolina Hurricanes

Jim Mone/Associated Press

The fifth-overall pick in the 2015 NHL draft, defenseman Noah Hanifin wasted little time fitting in with the Carolina Hurricanes last season. He finished second among Hurricanes blueliners in points (22) while averaging over 17 minutes and 54 seconds of ice time per game. He was also among the club's leaders in blocked shots with 78.

Only 19, the 6'3", 206-pound Hanifin displayed uncommon all-around skills and maturity for such a young defender. As the season progressed, he saw second-pairing minutes and power-play time. 

The Hurricanes have one of the NHL's youngest and most-promising defense corps. Hanifin is considered a key part of that group. He should see more playing time and defensive responsibilities in 2016-17.

Oscar Klefbom, Edmonton Oilers

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

A broken finger and a leg injury sidelined Edmonton Oilers defenseman Oscar Klefbom for the final 52 games of the 2015-16 NHL season. His absence was a significant blow for the Oilers and contributed to the club missing the playoffs for the 10th straight season. 

Klefbom showed considerable promise in his rookie season of 2014-15, finishing with 20 points in 60 games. The skilled Swede emerged as the Oilers best all-around defenseman. He was among their leaders in blocked shots (102) and takeaways (48).

At 6'3" and 215 lbs, Klefbom possesses the size and two-way skills to become a dominant NHL blueliner. Now 23 and with 107 games of big-league experience under his belt, he should be a more mature performer in 2016-17. If Klefbom can avoid further injury, he could address the Oilers' need for a skilled top-two defenseman.

David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins

Jay LaPrete/Associated Press

Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak saw his sophomore NHL season cut short by injury. In 51 games, he scored 15 goals and collected 11 assists for 26 points. Despite the injuries, he finished tied for fifth among Bruins goal scorers in 2015-16. 

Pastrnak showed considerable promise when called up full time midway through 2014-15, tallying 27 points in 46 games. Combined with his efforts in his shortened 2015-16 campaign, Pastrnak has shown the potential to become a scoring star. Only 20 years old, this gifted young forward's best seasons are still ahead of him. 

Given Pastrnak's offensive skills, he could be looked upon to replaced departed right wing Loui Eriksson. If he can remain healthy and cope with the additional workload, he could be ready to play a big part in the Bruins' offensive game. 

Sam Reinhart, Buffalo Sabres

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

After a brief nine-game appearance in 2014-15, Buffalo Sabres forward Sam Reinhart enjoyed a fine rookie season in 2015-16. Skating alongside fellow rookie center Jack Eichel, the 20-year-old tallied 23 goals and 42 points. He finished second among Sabres scorers in goals and third in points. 

A center converted to right wing, the 6'1", 189-pound Reinhart developed a solid offensive chemistry last season with Eichel. He's a versatile forward with good offensive skills. Averaging 16 minutes and 50 seconds of ice time per game, he established himself as a valuable part of the Sabres' offense.

With the Sabres signing veteran right wing Kyle Okposo this summer, Reinhart likely will remain in a second-line role in 2016-17. Given how well he and Eichel perform together, he stands a very good chance of seeing a substantial increase in his scoring.  

Alexander Wennberg, Columbus Blue Jackets

Jay LaPrete/Associated Press

In his sophomore NHL campaign, Columbus Blue Jackets center Alexander Wennberg showed substantial improvement. After netting only 20 points in 68 games in 2014-15, the 21-year-old netted 40 points in 69 appearances. He led the Jackets in assists (32) and finished fifth in team scoring. 

A skilled playmaker, Wenneberg also can skate on both wings. For the Blue Jackets, who finished tied for 18th in scoring in 2015-16, this young center's rapid development last season bodes well heading into 2016-17. If he starts shooting more, he could become a more complete offensive presence. 

Skating behind centers Boone Jenner and Brandon Dubinsky, Wenneberg could find it difficult moving up in the depth chart. If paired with quality scoring linemates, however, he should continue to see a steady increase in his assist and point numbers. Given his youth, Wenneberg still has plenty of upside.

Stats via NHL.com.