NHL Players Most Likely to Have Sophomore Slumps in 2015-16

It's a challenge for NHL players to establish themselves in their rookie seasons. For some, it's an even bigger test to build upon their impressive debuts. Over the years, a number of NHL players have slumped during their sophomore campaigns.

Last season's top rookies, like Florida Panthers defenseman and 2015 Calder Trophy winner Aaron Ekblad (pictured above), will face the pressure of higher expectations in 2015-16. They have their work cut out for them attempting to improve upon last season's performances. 

The following slideshow examines the NHL players most likely to have sophomore slumps in 2015-16, providing analysis of their rookie performances and explaining why they could struggle. Feel free to voice your opinion in the comments section below.

Nikita Zadorov, Colorado Avalanche

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Rookie performance: In 60 games last season with the woeful Buffalo Sabres, defenseman Nikita Zadorov tallied 15 points. He was also among the rookie leaders in hits with 134. On June 26, the 20-year-old blueliner was dealt to the Colorado Avalanche as part of the Ryan O'Reilly trade.

Analysis: Considering he played for the worst team in the league last season, Zadorov did well in his rookie campaign. Changing teams, however, requires an adjustment to his new city, teammates and system. The 6'5”, 220-pounder has the size to become an effective two-way blueliner but must use it more effectively. Only 20, his inexperience remains an issue.

Outlook: Zadorov faces the challenge of earning a full-time spot on what could be a crowded Avalanche blue line. They weren't much better defensively last season than the Sabres, so it remains to be seen if his performance will significantly improve in 2015-16. 

Michael Hutchinson, Winnipeg Jets

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Rookie performance: In 38 games last season with the Winnipeg Jets, goaltender Michael Hutchinson posted a record of 21 wins, 10 losses and five overtime losses. He had a 2.39 goals-against average, a .914 save percentage and two shutouts. He led all rookie goalies in games played.

Analysis: At 6'3" and 202 pounds, Hutchinson has the size to become an effective NHL goalie but must improve his consistency in the big leagues. At one point last season, Hutchinson saw more playing time than starter Ondrej Pavelec. However, his late-season struggles allowed Pavelec to reclaim his spot.

Outlook: Given Pavelec's occasionally erratic play, Hutchinson might get another crack at the starter's job with the Jets. However, it's likely he will see less playing time compared to last season, which will affect his numbers. 

Oscar Klefbom, Edmonton Oilers

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Rookie performance: In 60 games last season with the Edmonton Oilers, defenseman Oscar Klefbom tallied 20 points. He finished second among Oilers defensemen in points and third among rookie blueliners.

Analysis: Playing on one of the league's worst teams last season, Klefbom had a promising debut performance playing alongside Justin Schultz. The 6'3”, 210-pounder has good defensive skills and decent puck-moving ability. However, he must use his size more effectively in his own zone and play with more patience. 

Outlook: Klefbom has a promising future, but the arrival of veteran defenseman Andrej Sekera and the likely addition of promising Darnell Nurse could cut into his ice time. The Oilers defense corps still needs improvement, which will put more pressure on young Klefbom to step up his game. It could prove a stiff test for the 22-year-old rearguard.

Petr Mrazek, Detroit Red Wings

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Rookie performance: In 29 games last season with the Detroit Red Wings, 23-year-old goaltender Petr Mrazek had a record of 16 wins, nine losses and two ties. He also had a 2.38 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage. His three shutouts ranked second among rookie netminders.

Analysis: Mrazek did a good job filling in for sidelined starter Jimmy Howard midway through last season. He also played in every game of the Wings' first-round playoff series against Tampa Bay. Mrazek has considerable promise but has yet to play a full season as an NHL starting goalie.

Outlook: It's uncertain how Mrazek will handle a heavier workload over the course of a season. He will face a difficult task unseating a motivated Howard for the starter's role. Should the veteran reclaim his spot, Mrazek could see fewer games, and his stats could suffer.

John Klingberg, Dallas Stars

Kamil Krzaczynski/Associated Press

Rookie performance: In 65 games last season, Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg tallied 40 points. He finished among the NHL's rookie scoring leaders, as well as among the Stars' leading scorers.

Analysis: Klingberg recently turned 23, giving him more maturity than most players entering their sophomore seasons. He's a skilled puck-moving blueliner, but his defensive numbers need improvement. He had more giveaways than takeaways last season. Klingberg has good height (6'2”) but is rather lanky at 180 pounds and isn't very physical. 

Outlook: Klingberg will be taking on more blue-line responsibilities this season with the Stars. Opposing players will put more pressure on him in his own zone, hoping to wear him down and force him into turnovers. He faces the challenge of improving his defensive game while maintaining his puck-moving effectiveness.

Kevin Hayes, New York Rangers

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Rookie performance: In 79 games last season, New York Rangers forward Kevin Hayes tallied 17 goals and 45 points. The 23-year-old finished fifth in the NHL rookie points race and was among the Rangers' leading scorers.

Analysis: Hayes, who can play center or either wing, has the size (6'5”, 225 pounds) and offensive skills to be an effective power forward. However, he must become more dominant along the boards and in front of opposing nets. He averaged just over 13 minutes of ice time last season and will likely see more playing time in 2015-16.

Outlook: Hayes will try to avoid the same fate that befell teammate Chris Kreider, who struggled through his own sophomore slump last season. To do so will mean stepping up his performance and adjusting to heightened expectations in one of hockey's most demanding markets. He could struggle under a heavier workload.

Mike Hoffman, Ottawa Senators

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Rookie performance: In 79 games last season, Ottawa Senators left wing Mike Hoffman led the Senators and all NHL rookies in goals with 27. The 25-year-old also finished third among rookie skaters with 57 takeaways.

Analysis: After three uneventful call-ups by the Senators, Hoffman came through in a big way in 2014-15. However, he faded down the stretch, with only four of his 27 regular-season goals coming after Feb. 28. The 6-foot, 185-pound Hoffman improved his defensive game but is a tad undersized and not particularly physical. He averaged only 14:33 minutes in ice time last season. 

Outlook: Hoffman should see more responsibilities and playing time this season, but could find it difficult adjusting to an increased workload. Rival clubs will put more emphasis on shutting him down this season. Hoffman must improve his offensive consistency to avoid a sophomore slump.

Aaron Ekblad, Florida Panthers

Joel Auerbach/Associated Press

Rookie performance: Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad won the 2015 Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year. The 19-year-old blueliner finished last season among the rookie scoring leaders, as well as among the Panthers' leading scorers. Ekblad was also second in ice time among the Panthers' skaters.

Analysis: Ekblad has all the tools to become an NHL superstar, but winning the Calder also puts considerable pressure upon him to improve. While he has impressive size (6'4”, 216 pounds), offensive skills and hockey sense, his defensive play needs work. Ekblad had more giveaways than takeaways last season and needs to use his size more effectively to shut down his opponents. 

Outlook: Ekblad must avoid the sophomore struggles of recent Calder Trophy winners like Colorado's Nathan MacKinnon and teammate Jonathan Huberdeau. Opposing players will attempt to put more pressure on Ekblad in his own zone, hoping to force him into costly turnovers. He'll have to improve his defensive game, which could result in a decline in his offensive production.