Every season, a group of young players breaks into the big time. This year will be no different.
But who will they be?
There are a few givens, one being the first-overall selection of the 2008 Draft, Steven Stamkos.
Without rambling on, here are my five young breakout candidates for the 2008/2009 season:
Bobby Ryan: RW, Ducks
Ryan is perfect for the Ducks' system, and should be with the team all year after a cup of coffee last season.
He's a big kid (6'1", 218 lbs.) who can skate and bang bodies. He has a good scoring ability and could see some power-play time with the Ducks this year.
His production will partially depend on Teemu Selanne. If the Finnish Flash decides to call it a career, the Ducks will obviously need to fill the void—and Bobby could help do just that. If Teemu comes back, Ryan will be pushed down the depth chart.
Regardless, Ryan is an extremely talented kid with the frame to be a prototype power forward. This is going to be the year he shows the world why he was the guy selected after Sidney Crosby.
Peter Mueller: RW, Coyotes
The big Minnesotan had a strong rookie season in the desert last year, posting 22 goals and 54 points. Thanks to the big-time rookie years from Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Carey Price, Mueller has flown under the radar a bit.
He possesses good puck skills and will see the top unit next year, joining Shane Doan and Olli Jokinen to form a potent punch. With those two on his line, he is almost guaranteed to see an improvement on his 32 assists from last season.
Things are rapidly turning around for the better in the desert—and Mueller is a huge reason for it.
Kyle Turris: C, Coyotes
Seems like the Coyotes have all the young talent in the league at this point, boasting Mikkel Boedker, Turris, Mueller, Martin Hanzal, and others.
Turris has been ranked in the top five of The Hockey News Future Watch, and is poised to take his big-time skills to the NHL.
He only played in three games last season but is set to take over second-line center duties. While his frame is a bit thin (just 180 pounds on his 6'1" frame), he will add bulk throughout the rest of the offseason, and probably during the year.
Playing with Boedker, the two could combine to have a tremendous campaign. If the Yotes want to go to the playoffs, Turris' development is crucial.
Rostislav Olesz: LW, Panthers
Olesz, the seventh-overall pick in the 2004 Draft, made strides last year, picking up 26 points in 56 games. This should be the break-out year for him, as he could see the top line following the departure of captain and leading scorer Olli Jokinen.
Like the others listed, he's got the frame (6'1", 214 lbs.) and the skills to be a big-time player. But the big question is, can he put it together—or will he end up like most of the Panthers prospects?
Steven Weiss has failed to live up to lofty comparisons to Sakic and Yzerman. Nathan Hornton seems to always be on the verge of a superstar breakthrough. Jay Bouwmeester is about the only Panther prospect in recent memory to actually live up to his hype.
Here's hoping that Olesz can join him.
Jack Johnson: D, Kings
The man known to some as JMFJ (and yes, it stands for what you think) has all the tools in the world to become an elite defender, and showed glimpses through his first full NHL season last year.
Jack has a good shot from the point, able to see its way through to the net. He's a tremendous skater, and can unleash a thunderous hit at his whim. His offensive skills are top notch, and he is the future power-play quarterback for the Kings.
His maturity level seems to be the only thing standing in the way of a big-time NHL career. But it's obviously too early to doubt him. He is going to be a staple of the Kings blue line, and he's going to start this year by making a huge impact.
There you have it. Should also note that honorable mention goes to Islanders winger Kyle Okposo and Thrashers center Angelo Esposito.
See you in September!
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2 months ago
Normally I hate doing this, but i figured its partially my job since i handle the Ducks journalism on the site. It appears from what Brian Burke has said, that Teemu Selanne and Bobby Ryan are completely independent matters. Bobby is expected to earn a second line wing position in training camp (so its all about his performance) when Burke has made comments that if Teemu does not return he hopes to trade for an experienced replacement. Nice article, just wanted to make that tiny correction.
from 2 months ago
Much appreciated as I'm far from an expert on the Ducks.
2 months ago
I can't wait to see the kind of year Kyle Turris is going to have! Phoenix is going to be one sick team to watch for years to come. I wish they were still in Winnipeg to do it, but they're going to be an amazing young team with good coaching and good goaltending along with veteran leadership.
Great read!
2 months ago
I know LA is in peril right now, but man is there defensive pairing going to be the leagues best one day or what?
Jack Johnson is only getting better. Thomas Hickey is a smooth skater with a booming shot. And Drew Doughty. Well, what can you say about Drew Doughty?
Look at the numbers Doughty put up in junior that made him the number 2 pick. Now factor in that he has lost like 245 pounds, and is in even better shape, and he will be a scary defenseman.
2 months ago
Would add Brandon Dubinsky to this list. He's gonna become a top-flight NHL center.
2 months ago
I might be a bit of a homer, but look out for Claude Giroux. The kid had 51 points in 19 playoff games for Gatineau of the QMJHL. Yes, I know it's the Q, but 51 points in 19 games...just wow.
I expect him to be paired with Jeff Carter and maybe Scott Hartnell, both big kids, where his lack of size will be less magnified than if he were on a line with Briere or Upshall. Carter's never had a playmaker on his wing, and Carter is a natural scorer, so having Giroux's speed and passing on the right wing for him should get Carter close to 40 goals (he had 30 this year) while Hartnell is on the other wing to play the grinder role, digging behind the boards and making space in front of the net. Giroux could really be in for a big rookie season this year.
2 months ago
Nice coverage on Ryan - - He's got a lot of potential upside. I consistently felt like he couldn't get his legs square under him last year. More playing time should help, he's got the tools.
2 months ago
Great picks, these guys have definite potential to not only breakout, but become NHL stars. The predictions for next breakout players are always crap shoots. Since your list seems a little bit Western heavy, here are some other possibilities:
Drew Stafford
Brett Sterling
Phil Kessel
Matt Niskanen
Sam Gagner
from 2 months ago
I thought about throwing Kessel in but reconsidered. As a Sabres fan, Stafford show me a ton his rookie year and then regressed a bit (as most do). Hopefully he can bounce back because he reminds me of Chris Drury.
2 months ago
great job, I agree with all of them. stamkos will also be amazing this year. i predict about 90 points for him
from 2 months ago
I really hope you are being sarcastic on that one Alan....you gave me a good laugh. 90 points on Tampa Bay? They may have a bunch of good offensive players but I don't think Stamkos is THAT good (yet). If he scores 90 points....i don't even know what to say to that. How is he going to score 90 points on a team whose defense won't be able to help him? Unless he is making rushes lie Toews did vs Colorado this year, Stamkos isn't even sniffing 90 points. Physical play will bring him down. 90 points in a few years ill believe but with a new coach and no defense, 90 is a long way off....
2 months ago
im a fan of Olesz. Mainly because im a fan of players who really dont get much attention. He is one of them as well. I surely hope that Olesz can have a breakout season in 2008-09 and step it up with the departure of Olli Jokinen. The Panthers could stand to have a different face to lead the way along with Jay Bouwmeester and Stephen Weiss. great article...i plan on writing a few hockey articles in the near future...
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