5 Tampa Bay Lightning Players Poised for a Breakout 2014-15 Season

In less than two weeks, the Tampa Bay Lightning will take to the ice as they try to solidify the 23-man roster looking to make a second consecutive playoff appearance. Led by a strong group of breakout players last season, the Lightning will look for similar development from a different group in 2014-15.

Under Jon Cooper, the Lightning look to continue to build on their recent success. Cooper enters just his second full season behind the bench of the Lightning, but he has already developed some of the league's best young players.

Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat and Ben Bishop all stole the spotlight last season and paved the way for a new group of players to continue that trend. Here are the Lightning's best candidates for a breakout season in 2014-15.

Ryan Callahan

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

Could this be the breakout season Ryan Callahan has been looking for?

Throughout the 2013-14 season, Ryan Callahan wanted to be paid like an elite-level forward. Unfortunately, he didn't have the numbers to warrant his high price in New York, so he was traded to Tampa Bay at the deadline.

Callahan's career high came in 2011-12 when he recorded 54 points in 76 games. The year before, he was on a career-high pace with 48 points in 60 games. But, he hasn't hit the 40-point mark since. 

Last year, he had 25 points in 45 games with the Rangers and another 11 in 20 games with Tampa Bay. With the Lightning's dynamic offense, Callahan could get back to his 50-point level. If he could reach that mark while maintaining his physicality, this could be a breakout season for the recently extended forward.

Nikita Kucherov

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

Nikita Kucherov's offensive creativity makes him a welcomed addition to the Lightning offense.

In his first NHL season, Nikita Kucherov scored just 18 points in 52 games. He fired 102 shots on goal during that span and converted at an 8.8 percent clip.

The young winger may be the Lightning's best one-on-one offensive player (Valtteri Filppula is in that conversation). If Kucherov can find more consistency next season, the Bolts might have another high-scoring threat.

The Russian forward has an edge in camp due to his outstanding one-on-one abilities. He will need to find a way to translate that more effectively into the NHL game this season. If he adapts to the speed of the NHL game like he started to last season, this upcoming year could be big for Kucherov.

Alex Killorn

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It's only a matter of time before Alex Killorn explodes onto the scene.

Alex Killorn has gone through just about every step in his hockey development. He spent four years at Harvard University, then part of two seasons in the American Hockey League before making the transition into the NHL. 

Killorn has improved his game slowly but steadily over the past few years, including his last two seasons with the Lightning. As the 77th overall pick in the 2007 draft, Killorn was drafted before Steven Stamkos, who wasn't drafted until 2008.

As a sturdy winger, Killorn plays a strong two-way game and may just be waiting his turn to step into the spotlight. Tyler Johnson and Ondrej Palat had their chance last season. If Killorn continues to improve heading into 2014-15, this may be his year for a breakout season.

Jason Garrison

Associated Press

Jason Garrison will quarterback one of the Lightning's power-play units.

Jason Garrison is a solid puck-moving defenseman who will play a big role as the quarterback of one of the Lightning's power-play units. With a big shot, he will give opponents something to think about from the point, which is dangerous with the strong shot of Steven Stamkos coming from the wing.

Last year with Vancouver, Garrison tied a career high with 33 points, including 15 power-play points. Vancouver's PP was 26th in the league, converting at 15.2 percent. The Lightning were 13th at 18.5 percent. 

The power play was inconsistent for the Lightning last year, and Garrison will hopefully provide additional stability. He hit the 33-point mark for the first time in 2011-12 with Florida and will look to beat that mark in 2014-15 with the better half of the Sunshine State's hockey franchises.

Brett Connolly

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Brett Connolly will look to record breakout season No. 2 for the Lightning.

Brett Connolly is one player who shouldn't still be looking to break out. Connolly had 15 points in 68 games for the Lightning in 2011-12. Unfortunately for him, he regressed and has spent the majority of the past few seasons in the AHL.

The sixth overall pick in the 2010 draft, Connolly has the skill to be an everyday player in the NHL. He has been given a second chance with a one-year deal worth just $850,000. With so much fierce competition expected at forward, the Lightning are hoping Connolly will find his groove.

If Connolly can make the team out of camp, expect him to come in with even more motivation heading into the season. He just might be one of the breakout players for the Bolts in 2014-15.