NHL Players Facing Drastically Raised Expectations in 2015-16 Season

Every NHL player enters a new season hoping to improve upon their previous performance. For some, various circumstances can lead to increased expectations for the coming season.

Several players, such as Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad, face pressure to build upon their strong NHL debuts. Some, like St. Louis Blues winger Vladimir Tarasenko (pictured above), must adjust to the hype generated by their breakout performances. Others, including Calgary Flames blueliner Dougie Hamilton, must meet the challenge of adapting to a new team following an offseason trade.

Here's a look at several NHL players facing drastically raised expectations in 2015-16. We'll examine the previous assessment of their abilities, review last season's performance and analyze the challenges they'll face in the coming season.

Matt Beleskey, Boston Bruins

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Previous assessment: Prior to last season, Boston Bruins left wing Matt Beleskey was a hardworking, oft-injured depth forward with the Anaheim Ducks. He only had one season in which he reached double digits in goals (2009-10) and one exceeding 20 points (2013-14).

Review of last season: Beleskey had a breakout campaign in 2014-15, reaching the 20-goal mark for the first time. He led the Ducks in game-winning goals (eight), while his 22 tallies ranked third among their goal scorers. In the 2015 playoffs, he again led them in game-winners (three) while finishing second in goals. He joined the Bruins this summer as a free agent, inking a five-year, $19 million contract.

Expectations for 2015-16: Now 27, Beleskey could fill a second-line scoring role with the Bruins. His physical style of play should make him a good fit in Boston and his new contract ($3.8 million cap hit) is reasonable. However, he'll face the challenge of matching or exceeding last season's totals while adjusting to living and working in a new city. 

Devan Dubnyk, Minnesota Wild

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Previous assessment: Minnesota Wild goaltender Devan Dubnyk entered last season hoping to salvage his NHL career. He washed out with the Edmonton Oilers and Nashville Predators, finishing 2013-14 playing for the Montreal Canadiens' AHL affiliate in Hamilton. In July 2014, Dubnyk signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Coyotes. 

Review of last season: After playing well in a backup role with the Coyotes, Dubnyk was dealt in January 2015 to the then-struggling Minnesota Wild. He became the story of the season's second half. Dubnyk backstopped the Wild into the playoffs, became a finalist for the Vezina Trophy and won the Masterton Trophy for perseverance. The Wild re-signed him to a six-year, $26 million contract.

Expectations for 2015-16: With his NHL career back on track, Dubnyk faces the challenge of justifying the Wild's faith in him. His playoff numbers weren't as impressive as his regular-season stats. Was that due to being overplayed, or was he coming back to earth? Dubnyk must prove he's not a one-year wonder.

Aaron Ekblad, Florida Panthers

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Previous assessment: Aaron Ekblad joined the Florida Panthers last fall as a rookie defenseman. As the first overall selection in the 2014 NHL draft, he faced the challenge of proving himself worthy of that honor.

Review of last season: Ekblad's debut exceeded expectations, as he quickly became a key part of the Panthers lineup. Skating alongside veteran Brian Campbell on the top defense pairing, Ekblad logged over 21 minutes per game. His 39 points in 81 games ranked among the Panthers' leading scorers. In June, he was awarded the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie. 

Expectations for 2015-16: After his impressive debut, Ekblad will be expected to develop into a franchise defenseman for the Panthers. He'll have to work hard to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump. The 19-year-old will receive more responsibilities from his coaches as well as more attention from opponents. It'll be a significant test for the promising young blueliner.

Filip Forsberg, Nashville Predators

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Previous assessment: Prior to last season, Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg was considered a promising, but still largely untested, young forward. He saw action in only 18 games through two NHL seasons, spending the bulk of 2013-14 with the Predators' AHL affiliate in Milwaukee. 

Review of last season: Forsberg's first full rookie campaign was impressive. Paired with veteran winger Mike Ribeiro, he tallied 63 points in 82 games to lead the Predators in regular-season scoring. He was also their leading playoff scorer, with six points in as many games. Forsberg finished among last season's rookie scorer leaders.

Expectations for 2015-16: Like every player coming off a terrific NHL debut, the 21-year-old Forsberg must avoid a downturn in his sophomore campaign. With forwards like Ribeiro and Mike Fisher aging, the full burden of carrying the offense could fall upon the young Swede. 

Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Flames

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Previous assessment: Calgary Flames left wing Johnny Gaudreau was considered a promising, though undersized (5'9”, 150 pounds), young forward entering 2014-15. The Boston College star had one NHL game under his belt in 2013-14, in which he scored his first big league goal. 

Review of last season: Gaudreau proved to be a red-hot performer for the Flames. Skating on the top line with veteran Jiri Hudler and sophomore Sean Monahan, he tallied 24 goals and 64 points. Johnny Hockey finished second in both team scoring and among NHL rookie scorers. He dazzled in the playoffs, leading the Flames with nine points in 11 games. Gaudreau's stellar play made him a finalist for the Calder Trophy.

Expectations for 2015-16: After such an impressive debut, much more will be anticipated from Gaudreau in his sophomore season. Now 22, he'll face considerably more attention from larger opponents hoping to neutralize his speedy offense. Given his size, he must again prove his durability and avoid a downturn in his production. 

Dougie Hamilton, Calgary Flames

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Previous assessment: Entering the 2014-15 campaign, Dougie Hamilton was considered an up-and-coming young defenseman with the Boston Bruins. With his size (6'5”, 212 pounds) and all-around skills, he was expected to have a long-term future on the Bruins blue line. 

Review of last season: Hamilton made significant strides in his development. The young rearguard put up career-best offensive totals (10 goals, 32 assists, 42 points) to lead all Bruins defensemen in points. Unable to reach an agreement on a new contract, the Bruins traded the 22-year-old to the Calgary Flames, who signed him to a six-year, $34.5 million contract.

Expectations for 2015-16: As the Flames attempt to build a Stanley Cup contender, it's anticipated Hamilton will play a key role. He could play on the first defense pairing with Flames captain Mark Giordano. Hamilton must adjust to living and playing in a new city, facing the pressure of proving his worth as an expensive top-two blueliner.

Ryan O'Reilly, Buffalo Sabres

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Previous assessment: Entering last season, Ryan O'Reilly was a skilled second-line center with the Colorado Avalanche. He was coming off a career-best performance (28 goals, 64 points) in 2013-14, helping the Avs reach the playoffs for the first time since 2010. He was also awarded the Lady Byng Trophy as the season's most gentlemanly player. 

Review of last season: O'Reilly's offensive numbers were down last season (17 goals, 55 points), as the Avalanche struggled to follow up their 2013-14 success and missed the playoffs. That didn't hurt his value on the trade market. In June, the Buffalo Sabres acquired the 24-year-old center in a multiplayer deal. The Sabres promptly re-signed him to a seven-year, $52.5 million contract extension.

Expectations for 2015-16: A talented two-way forward, O'Reilly faces considerable challenges this coming season. He'll assume a leadership role on the rebuilding Sabres and could have more responsibilities than what he had in Colorado. Even though his new contracts kicks in next season, he'll still have to prove his worth. O'Reilly must also deal with the fallout of being charged with driving while impaired by alcohol.

Mark Stone, Ottawa Senators

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Previous assessment: Prior to last season, right wing Mark Stone was considered a promising young forward with the Ottawa Senators. He had yet to establish himself at the NHL level with only 23 games of experience over two seasons.

Review of last season: Stone enjoyed a splendid breakout performance in 2014-15, scoring 26 goals and 64 points in 80 games. Among Senators scorers, he finished second in goals and tied for second in points. He also led all NHL rookies in points and plus-minus. Stone was a finalist for the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie. The Senators rewarded him with a three-year, $10.5 million contract.

Expectations for 2015-16: Stone played a key role in the Senators' stunning second-half march to the playoffs. He faces the challenge of building upon his rookie campaign and proving himself worthy of his new contract. He must also show he's fully recovered from the wrist injury that hampered his playoff performance.

Vladimir Tarasenko, St. Louis Blues

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Previous assessment: Entering last season, St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko was considered a promising scoring forward. He had a solid sophomore campaign in 2013-14, scoring 21 goals and 43 points in 64 games, along with four goals in six playoff games. 

Review of last season: Tarasenko signalled his arrival as a full-fledged offensive star with 37 goals and 73 points in 77 games. The 23-year-old led the Blues in goals and points and was among the league leaders in both categories. His performance also elevated that of linemates Jaden Schwartz and Jori Lehtera. The Blues rewarded his efforts with a monstrous eight-year, $60 million contract.

Expectations for 2015-16: Given last season's exploits, Tarasenko established himself among the Blues' core players. He now carries the burden of being their franchise player and justifying that big raise in salary. Tarasenko will be expected to carry his playoff-underachieving club into championship contention.

Jakub Voracek, Philadelphia Flyers

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Previous assessment: Prior to last season, Philadelphia Flyers right wing Jakub Voracek was considered a reliable scoring forward. He was coming off a career-best performance of 23 goals, 39 assists and 62 points, good for second in team scoring in 2013-14. 

Review of last season: With 59 assists and 81 points, Voracek topped his previous career highs in those categories. He was the Flyers' leading scorer and finished among the league's top 10 offensive leaders. Throughout the season, Voracek was never held pointless in more than two games. The Flyers rewarded his efforts by signing the 26-year-old to an eight-year, $66 million contract extension.

Expectations for 2015-16: As the Flyers attempt to rebuild into a playoff contender, Voracek could take on more of a leadership role. He faces the pressure of repeating or exceeding his stellar 2014-15 numbers. While his new contract doesn't kick in until 2016-17, he will still have to prove worthy of the hefty raise.

Player stats via NHL.com and salary info via General Fanager.