10 Players Who Could Have Breakout Performances in the 2016 NHL Playoffs

The NHL playoffs are a time when players are expected to elevate their performance in pursuit of the Stanley Cup. For some, such as New York Rangers right wing Kevin Hayes, the upcoming postseason could provide an opportunity to stage a breakout performance.

It's not just players with a couple of years of NHL experience who could use the 2016 playoffs as a springboard. Rookies such as Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Matt Murray could have an opportunity to establish themselves as genuine stars on professional hockey's biggest stage.

The following slideshow lists 10 NHL players who could have breakout performances in the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs. Feel free to weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section below.

10. Brandon Pirri, Anaheim Ducks

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After a promising 22-goal performance in 2014-15, forward Brandon Pirri became the odd man out with the Florida Panthers this season. An ankle injury in February sidelined him for 13 games. Before that, he was a healthy scratch in several others.

At the Feb. 29 trade deadline, the 24-year-old was dealt to the Anaheim Ducks.

After returning from his injury, Pirri needed a few games to adjust to his new team. During a four-game stretch from March 24-30, he tallied three goals and two assists before being sidelined by a lower-body injury on April 1 against the Vancouver Canucks.

Should Pirri recover in time for the playoffs, he could provide the Ducks with valuable scoring depth. This could be his big break to prove himself as a reliable top-six forward.

9. Andre Burakovsky, Washington Capitals

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Following an inconsistent rookie season in 2014-15, Washington Capitals left wing Andre Burakovsky earned a full-time roster spot in his sophomore campaign.

In 75 games, the 21-year-old has a respectable 16 goals and 20 assists for 36 points. 

During a 24-game stretch from Feb. 2 to March 20, Burakovsky collected nine goals and 17 points. Though stuck in a scoreless drought since then, he sits eighth among Capitals scorers. His speed and versatility suggest better things to come.

Burakovsky had a decent playoff debut last spring with three points in 11 games. With the league-leading Capitals gunning for a Stanley Cup title this year, the impending postseason could be his opening to further his NHL progress.

8. Valeri Nichushkin, Dallas Stars

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Big things were expected of Dallas Stars right wing Valeri Nichushkin by this point in his NHL career. Following a promising 14-goal, 34-point rookie season in 2013-14, the 6'4", 205-pounder missed all but eight games last year because of hip surgery.

With his size, skills and speed, Nichushkin seemed destined to skate on the Stars' top line with superstars Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin.

However, he's been struggling to regain his promising form. In 77 games this season, the 21-year-old has nine goals and 18 assists for 27 points.

Approaching the 2016 playoffs, Nichushkin is playing on the second line with veteran center Jason Spezza. This could provide the young Russian with the prospect of breaking out as an NHL scorer.

7. Calle Jarnkrok, Nashville Predators

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Acquired two years ago in the David Legwand trade with the Detroit Red Wings, Nashville Predators forward Calle Jarnkrok has made quiet but steady improvement. Though listed as a center, he's also skating at left wing this season.

In 78 games, the 24-year-old has 15 goals and 14 assists for 29 points.

Jarnkrok's also seen playing time on the Predators' top line with Ryan Johansen and James Neal. With seven points in his last 10 games, he could be heating up at the right time in the schedule.

This postseason could become the perfect occasion to prove himself as a reliable top-six forward.

6. Ryan Strome, New York Islanders

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Following an impressive 50-point sophomore campaign in 2014-15, this season has been difficult for New York Islanders right wing Ryan Strome. A poor start resulted in the 22-year-old's demotion to the Islanders' farm club in Bridgeport, Connecticut, for several weeks last November.

In 67 NHL games this season, he has only eight goals and 18 assists for 26 points.

With his playmaking skills and ability to play center or wing, Strome was expected to be a key part of the Islanders offense. His ongoing struggles don't bode well for their Stanley Cup hopes this year. 

However, the postseason could be just the time for Strome to get his game back on track.

On April 4, the New York Daily News' Peter Botte reported that Strome was among three players called out by Islanders head coach Jack Capuano to improve their play. This could provide Strome with the necessary spark to prove himself as a capable offensive forward in the upcoming playoffs.

5. Kevin Hayes, New York Rangers

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New York Rangers right wing Kevin Hayes has struggled through a sophomore slump in 2015-16. After a solid rookie campaign (17 goals and 45 point in 79 games), the 23-year-old has 13 goals and 22 assists for 35 points in 76 games this season.

With his offensive skills, ability to play all three forward positions and imposing 6'5", 227-pound frame, Hayes has the potential to be an invaluable second-line forward.

Indeed, with three game-winning goals this season, he can be a clutch scorer. However, he's been used in largely a third-line role.

Hayes performed well in his Stanley Cup playoff debut last season. He netted seven points in 19 games, including an overtime goal. With the Rangers' championship window narrowing, this spring could be a terrific opportunity for Hayes to take on a bigger role.

4. Matt Dumba, Minnesota Wild

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Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba continues to progress in his development into a top-two NHL blueliner. In 80 games this season, the 21-year-old is having a solid sophomore campaign. He's tallied 10 goals and 16 assists for 26 points.

Selected seventh overall by the Wild in the 2012 NHL draft, Dumba faces lofty expectations. With his strong skating, aggressive style and big shot, he has the the skills to blossom into a reliable top-two defender.

With Jared Spurgeon recently sidelined, Dumba's seen an increase in his playing time. That could bode well for his chances to establish himself as a top-two defenseman during the 2016 playoffs.

3. Nick Bjugstad, Florida Panthers

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Following a promising 24-goal, 43-point performance last season, Florida Panthers center Nick Bjugstad has struggled through 2015-16. In 64 games, the 6'6", 218-pounder has tallied 14 goals and 18 assists for 32 points.

Bjugstad, 23, missed 15 games in December due to an upper-body injury. His play earlier in the season could have been hampered by the lingering effects of last year's season-ending lower-back surgery.

The improving play of center Vincent Trocheck also knocked Bjugstad out of the Panthers' top two forward lines.

With Trocheck sidelined by a foot injury, Bjustad moved into the second-line center role between wingers Jussi Jokinen and Reilly Smith. If Trocheck remains out for the opening round of the playoffs, it could provide Bjugstad with the opportunity to re-establish himself as a scoring center.

2. Matt Murray, Pittsburgh Penguins

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Goaltender Matt Murray split this season with the Pittsburgh Penguins and their AHL farm team in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. With Penguins starter Marc-Andre Fleury sidelined by a concussion, the 21-year-old Murray could soon get his first taste of NHL playoff action.

A star at the AHL level, Murray has the potential to become a full-time NHL starter. 

In his limited starts this season, Murray's played very well for the Penguins. He has a record of seven wins, two losses and one overtime loss, with a 1.88 goals-against average, .933 save percentage and one shutout.

Should Fleury remain out of the lineup for the start of the playoffs, Murray could have a terrific chance to stage his breakout performance. If he's successful, it could also give Penguins management something to think about regarding the future of their goaltending.

1. Robby Fabbri, St. Louis Blues

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In the opening round of the 2014 playoffs, then-sophomore Vladimir Tarasenko announced his arrival as an elite player. Two years later, 20-year-old forward Robby Fabbri could follow in his teammate's footsteps with his own postseason breakout.

Fabbri's enjoyed a good rookie campaign, netting 18 goals and 19 assists for 37 points in 71 games. He's among the NHL's rookie scoring leaders and one of the Blues' leading goal scorers.

However, Fabrri's been overshadowed by notable rookies such as Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid, Arizona Coyotes left wing Max Domi and Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel.

Unlike those youngsters, however, Fabbri will have a chance to test himself in NHL playoff competition this spring. A strong effort could not only elevate his profile among the league's promising young stars but also bolster the Blues' championship hopes.

Player and team stats via NHL.com.