10 NHL Players Poised for a Hot Start to the 2015-16 Season

As the NHL's 2015-16 regular season approaches, every player hopes to have a strong start. There are several stars who could be hot out of the blocks.

Some, like Pittsburgh Penguins winger Phil Kessel, will try to make a strong first impression with their new NHL clubs. Some, like Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon (pictured above), look to bounce back from disappointing efforts last season. Others, like Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos, could try to parlay strong starts into lucrative new contracts.

Here's a look at 10 NHL players poised for hot starts to the 2015-16 season. We'll review last season's performances along with analysis and key factors as the new campaign approaches. Feel free to voice your opinion in the comments section below.

Ryan Johansen, Columbus Blue Jackets

Jay LaPrete/Associated Press

2014-15 performance: It was a career-best season in assists (45) and points (71) for Columbus Blue Jackets center Ryan Johansen. He also tallied 26 goals and finished second among Jackets scorers.

Analysis: Johansen is unquestionably the Blue Jackets' franchise player. His strong performance in 2014-15 followed up his breakout 33-goal, 63-point effort in 2013-14. Despite the Jackets' injury-depleted roster last season, the 6'3", 223-pounder still put up strong numbers. 

Notable factors entering 2015-16: Johansen kicked off last season netting 23 points in his first 20 games. With a healthier lineup surrounding this rising 23-year-old star, he should put up better numbers in 2015-16. Johansen's already lighting it up in preseason action, which bodes well for another hot start.

Evander Kane, Buffalo Sabres

Tom Brenner/Getty Images

2014-15 performance: Last season was left wing Evander Kane's swan song with the Winnipeg Jets. It was a disappointing outing, as injuries limited him to 10 goals and 12 assists for 22 points in 37 games. In February, the Jets dealt Kane to the Buffalo Sabres in a multiplayer trade. 

Analysis: Having struggled through injury and inconsistency with the Jets, Kane gets a fresh start with the rebuilding Sabres. The 24-year-old appears motivated to elevate his game for his new team. NHL.com's Joe Yerdon reported Kane reminded everyone he's a former 30-goal scorer and suggested he could reach 40 or 50 goals this season. 

Notable factors entering 2015-16: The Buffalo News' John Vogl reported Kane was skating alongside center Ryan O'Reilly and right wing Tyler Ennis on the Sabres' first line. If that combination stays intact, Kane could enjoy the best start of his NHL career. With three goals in his first two preseason games with the Sabres, Kane seems ready to silence his critics.

Phil Kessel, Pittsburgh Penguins

Keith Srakocic/Associated Press

2014-15 performance: Skating with the Toronto Maple Leafs, right wing Phil Kessel scored 25 goals and added 36 assists for 61 points in 82 games. While he led the Leafs in scoring, it was the first time in a full season that Kessel failed to score 30 goals since 2007-08. On July 1, the Leafs traded him to the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

Analysis: By acquiring Kessel, the Penguins added a marquee winger to complement one of their superstar centers in Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin. For the first time in his career, the 28-year-old winger gets to skate alongside an elite first-line center. Regardless of which one he plays with, Kessel should reach the 40-goal mark for the first time in his NHL career.

Notable factors entering 2015-16: Despite skating on a lesser-talented team in Toronto last season, Kessel burst from the gate with 23 points in his first 20 games. He should do the same on a deeper Penguins squad. In Kessel's first two preseason games with the Penguins, he netted three goals and added an assist. He seems to be fitting in well with his new teammates. 

Milan Lucic, Los Angeles Kings

Chris Carlson/Associated Press

2014-15 performance: Playing for the Boston Bruins, left wing Milan Lucic netted 18 goals and 26 assists for 44 points in 81 games. It was a disappointing effort for the 6'3”, 235-pounder, as those numbers were his worst in a full season since his sophomore campaign in 2008-09. In June, the Bruins dealt Lucic to the Los Angeles Kings. 

Analysis: The upcoming season is a crucial one for Lucic. He will likely skate on the Kings' top line alongside center Anze Kopitar and right wing Marian Gaborik. The 27-year-old winger is also due to become an unrestricted free agent next July. 

Key factors entering 2015-16: Entering a contract year and playing alongside better linemates, Lucic should enjoy a bounce-back performance with the Kings. A hot start could re-establish him among the league's elite power forwards, as well as boost his potential free-agent value.

Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche

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2014-15 performance: After winning the Calder Memorial Trophy as the 2014 rookie of the year, Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon struggled through injuries and a sophomore slump. In 64 games, he managed only 14 goals, 24 assists and 38 points. 

Analysis: Last season was a difficult one for the Avalanche as a team, not just for MacKinnon. The Denver Post's Mike Chambers reported the 20-year-old center intends to be more aggressive this season. He's fully recovered from his season-ending foot injury. 

Notable factors entering 2015-16: Entering his third NHL season, MacKinnon is now a more experienced and determined player. Don't be surprised if that results in a strong start for the young Avalanche star. He's already picked up two points in his first two preseason games.

Kyle Okposo, New York Islanders

Jay LaPrete/Associated Press

2014-15 performance: An eye injury derailed what promised to be a career-best season for New York Islanders right wing Kyle Okposo. In 60 games, he scored 18 goals and added 33 assists for 51 points.

Analysis: Despite putting up solid numbers the last two seasons, Okposo faces an uncertain future with the Islanders. He's an unrestricted free agent next summer, and Newsday's Arthur Staple reported the 27-year-old was the subject of trade rumors.

Notable factors entering 2015-16: Okposo has a recent history of starting strong, tallying 19 points in his first 20 games last season and 20 points in as many games in 2013-14. Given his UFA status, another hot start could help prove his worth to the Isles this season.

T.J. Oshie, Washington Capitals

Nick Wass/Associated Press

2014-15 performance: In his final season with the St. Louis Blues, right wing T.J. Oshie netted 19 goals and 36 assists for 55 points in 71 games. However, he was held to only two points in six playoff games as the Blues were bounced from the opening round of the 2015 playoffs. On July 2, Oshie was dealt to the Washington Capitals. 

Analysis: After several seasons playing alongside good players in St. Louis, the 28-year-old Oshie will be skating on the Capitals' top line with superstars Alexander Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. A slick playmaker with three 50-plus-point seasons on his resume, Oshie is the first-line right wing the Capitals have needed for some time.

Notable factors entering 2015-16: Oshie's had hot starts before, netting 18 points in 20 games to open the 2013-14 season. He will be motivated to prove himself with his new club. Playing with superstar linemates for the first time in his NHL career could also factor into a strong start for Oshie.

Tyler Seguin, Dallas Stars

Winslow Townson/Associated Press

2014-15 performance: A late-season knee injury may have prevented Dallas Stars center Tyler Seguin from winning the Art Ross Trophy as the league's leading scorer. Still, the 23-year-old equalled his career high for goals (37) as he finished the season with 40 assists for 77 points. 

Analysis: Since arriving in Dallas via a trade with the Boston Bruins in 2013, Seguin has blossomed into a superstar. As per Hockey-Reference.com, only Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby averaged more points per game last season. We haven't seen the best of Seguin yet. He should once again challenge for the scoring title.

Notable factors entering 2015-16: Last season, Seguin netted 24 points in his first 20 games. He also had 23 points in 20 games to start 2013-14. In his first two preseason games, he scored three goals and set up another. Expect another red-hot start from the Dallas superstar. 

Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

2014-15 performance: Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos led his club in goals (43) and points (72). He also finished second league-wide in goals and collected 18 points in 26 playoff games.

Analysis: Stamkos remains the face of the Lightning. The 25-year-old is also among the NHL's top stars. However, he's an unrestricted free agent next summer and re-signing him could prove expensive.  

Notable factors entering 2015-16: The Lightning captain has had hot starts before, including his 24 points in 20 games last season. Entering his contract year, Stamkos will be motivated to exceed last season's numbers. He could bolt strongly out of the gate in October.

Vladimir Tarasenko, St. Louis Blues

Jeff Roberson/Associated Press

2014-15 performance: It was a breakout effort for St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko, as he achieved career highs in goals (37), assists (36) and points (73) to lead the club in scoring. During the offseason, the Blues re-signed the 23-year-old to an eight-year, $60 million contract extension. 

Analysis: The Blues have a rising young superstar in Tarasenko. Considering his new deal, he'll be motivated to prove himself worthy of that big raise. We've yet to see the best from this dazzling winger. A 40-goal, 80-point performance could be in the cards this season.

Notable factors entering 2015-16: Tarasenko enjoyed a hot start last season, with 23 points in his first 20 games. He netted three goals and three assists for six points in his first two preseason games. Safe to say Tarasenko is primed for an explosive start to the regular season. 

Player and team stats per NHL.com and salary info per General Fanager.