15 Future NHL Stars Ready to Break Out

This season Steven Stamkos has undoubtedly been the breakout star of the year. In his sophomore season he has taken the NHL by storm and is on pace for 50 goals.

This list names 15 NHL players ready to break out of their shells, put up points, and star on their NHL teams.

Anybody you would add in here? Leave a comment or drop a line. Tell me who you think should be on this list.

15. Justin Peters, Carolina Hurricanes (age 24)

Justin Peters is in his first season on the Carolina Hurricanes. He was drafted in the second round in 2004. In five games played, Justin is 4-1 with a save percentage of 93.8 percent and a G.AA of 2.00.

He may not be starting, but he could have a bright future next season.

14. Artem Anisimov, New York Rangers (age 21)

Artem Anisimov is in his first full season in the NHL. In 67 games this season he has 10 goals and 21 points.

13. Michael Del Zotto, New York Rangers (age 19)

Michael Del Zotto is in his first full year in the NHL. Drafted in the late first round in 2008, he currently has 28 points for the Rangers in 65 games. He has shown some offensive spurts and could manage himself as the point man for Broadway.

12. Dan Sexton, Anaheim Ducks (age 22)

Dan Sexton is in his first full season in the NHL. He has bounced from the ECHL and AHL all the way up to the NHL. He currently has 16 points in 32 games for the Ducks.

11. Claude Giroux, Philadelphia Flyers (age 22)

Claude Giroux is in his first full season in the NHL. He played in 2008 and 2009, playing 44 games and getting 27 points. This season he has 40 points in 65 games and has 14 goals.

10. Tyler Myers, Buffalo Sabres (age 20)

Tyler Myers is 20 years old, and at 6'8", 222, he is a beast on defense. In his first full season in the NHL he has nine goals and 36 points in 65 games. He is going to take the NHL by storm.

9. Jakub Voracek, Columbus Blue Jackets (age 20)

Jakub Voracek is a power forward from Kladno, Czech Republic. He had a decent rookie season in Columbus and is in his second full season for the Blue Jackets. In 66 games he has 10 goals, 39 points, and career highs in all offensive stats.

8. Clarke MacArthur, Atlanta Thrashers (age 24)

Clarke MacArthur is in his third full season in the NHL. In his previous two seasons he played 127 games and scored 28 goals. This season he has 14 goals for the Sabres/Thrashers. He is getting more playing time with Atlanta, so expect his goal total to keep going up.

7. James van Riemsdyk, Philadelphia Flyers (age 20)

James van Riemsdyk was selected second overall in 2007 by the Flyers. He started off slow in NCAA at New Hampshire and for the Philadelphia Phantoms, but since joining the Flyers, in 62 games he has 33 points with 14 goals.

6. Brandon Yip, Colorado Avalanche (age 24)

Brandon Yip had his full college scholarship. Now the college grad is in his first season in the NHL. Before his injury he had 11 goals in 26 games. He is more than ready to break out in this league.

5. Brandon Sutter, Carolina Hurricanes (age 21)

Brandon Sutter is having a great season with the Hurricanes this season, scoring 17 goals in 57 games. He currently has 33 points and, more astonishing, only two penalty minutes.

A smart hockey player, he will break out next season and put up big numbers. I guarantee it.

4. Antti Niemi, Chicago Blackhawks (age 26)

Antti Niemi is a 26-year-old in his first season in the NHL. He played in three games last season and before that played overseas in his native country of Finland.

This season in 25 games he has 18 wins and five regulation losses. Maybe he should be the starter in Chicago next season and Cristobal Huet should ride the bench.

3. Peter Regin, Ottawa Senators (age 23)

Peter Regin is from the glorious country of Denmark. He was drafted in the third round in 2004.

He played three seasons for Timra in the Swedish Elite League before coming overseas to play for Ottawa. He is in his first full season for Ottawa and has 21 points in 60 games.

2. Steve Downie, Tampa Bay Lightning (age 22)

Steve Downie is in his first full season in the NHL. In his previous two seasons he played in 61 games and had nine goals and 138 penalty minutes. This season he has played in 63 games and scored 16 goals.

In the last seven games Downie has five goals, three assists, AND 33 penalty minutes. He is earning his $600k salary for the Lightning.

1. Niclas Bergfors, Atlanta Thrashers (age 23)

Niclas Bergfors is the pride of Sodertalje, Sweden. He was the first round pick by New Jersey in 2005. He was brought up to the Devils' roster three times, playing 63 games and only scoring 14 goals for New Jersey.

He was traded to Atlanta and in 10 games has six goals and is racking up the points on Atlanta's first line.