NHL Players Facing Drastically Raised Expectations in 2016-17 Season

NHL fans were gifted with dozens of surprising performances a year ago. Names such as Artemi Panarin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Matt Murray and Shayne Gostisbehere went from unknown or little known to impact status.

The trick is to do it again. In the case of rookies, the role on the roster may change, and more responsibility could mean struggles. Some players—such as Adam Larsson—arrive in new cities facing enormous expectations based on the circumstances surrounding their arrival.

Here are 10 NHL players who will be under a microscope this coming season for one reason or another—and what reasonably can be expected of them in 2016-17. 

Jack Eichel, C, Buffalo Sabres

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Previous assessment: The Buffalo Sabres lost the 2015 draft lottery but won an outstanding player in Jack Eichel. His dominant performance in Hockey East for Boston University foretold his impact in the NHL.

Review of last season: Eichel had a strong season with the Sabres, scoring 56 points in 81 games. He finished No. 2 in scoring among all rookies, and there were dozens of highlight-reel plays by the freshman.

Expectations for 2016-17: The Sabres should be a better team this coming year, and Eichel will likely spike offensively—possibly to point-per-game territory. The signing of Kyle Okposo may give Eichel a natural fit on the wing, and if the chemistry works, it could be an exciting winter in Buffalo.

Artemi Panarin, LW, Chicago Blackhawks

Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Previous assessment: The Chicago Blackhawks signed Russian forward Artemi Panarin in April 2015. It is interesting to note that success was not assured—as this Brian Hedger article for NHL.com details. Panarin had an out in his contract that would have allowed him to return to the KHL if he didn't make the team.

Review of last season: It was a dream season for Panarin, who finished in a tie for No. 9 overall in NHL scoring. He was effective with linemates Patrick Kane and Artem Anisimov—Stats.HockeyAnalysis.com shows—and won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year.

Expectations for 2016-17: Panarin had an outstanding season, and at age 24—he turns 25 in October—is mature enough to handle the pressure and repeat his performance of a year ago. The Blackhawks may move him off the top line in an effort to spread out scoring, and that could also challenge him. He scored 77 points a year ago; the pressure will be on beginning opening night.

Dylan Larkin, C, Detroit Red Wings

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Previous assessment: Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings was chosen No. 15 overall in the 2014 draft. He spent 2014-15 at Michigan of the NCAA, showing a tremendous range of skills in his only college season.

Review of last season: Larkin—chosen in an area of the draft where an impact player is not expected—showed the potential to be just that kind of player. Stats.HockeyAnalysis.com shows he was Detroit's most effective even-strength scorer as a rookie and displayed two-way skills not normally associated with such a young player.

Expectations for 2016-17: The Red Wings have legendary prowess at the draft table and appear to have scored another complete player. Pavel Datsyuk is in Russia, and Henrik Zetterberg is aging, so the emergence of Larkin is both welcome and timely. He will be expected to play a more prominent role and deliver across all areas this coming season.

Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Previous assessment: The Edmonton Oilers won the 2015 draft lottery, and the prize was generational prospect Connor McDavid. The only thing that kept McDavid from breaking junior records was injury, and his playoff performance for the Erie Otters was stellar.

Review of last season: McDavid was outstanding when healthy but lost 37 games to injury. He did post over a point per game, giving a hint of his tremendous ability.

Expectations for 2016-17: The Oilers haven't been in a playoff game since the spring of 2006. The club has made few changes, and the big part of any improvement is likely to come from McDavid. If he plays a full season, he could post 90 points.

Adam Larsson, D, Edmonton Oilers

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Previous assessment: The New Jersey Devils received solid play from young defenseman Adam Larsson in 2014-15, including a nice improvement offensively and an increased role on the team. His most common defense partner was Andy Greene, who plays against the tough opposition—and the pairing performed well considering the circumstances.

Review of last season: Larsson and Greene were attached for most of the season. Despite less impressive possession numbers—via Stats.HockeyAnalysis.com—it was the appropriate pairing against tough opponents. Larsson also continued to contribute enough offensively to be considered a two-way player.

Expectations for 2016-17: The Edmonton Oilers traded impact winger Taylor Hall to the Devils for Larsson, and the pressure will be on to prove his worth. The Oilers are badly in need of defensive help, so his addition makes sense for a struggling young team in need of his skills. If Larsson can help Edmonton push toward the playoffs, it could be an outstanding year—but the pressure will be on.

Aaron Ekblad, D, Florida Panthers

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Previous assessment: The Florida Panthers drafted Aaron Ekblad No. 1 overall in 2014, and his rookie season was sensational. He was effective in possession—a rare item for a teenage rookie defenseman—courtesy of pure talent and reliable veteran Brian Campbell.

Review of last season: It was another successful season, although the young defender continued to rely on Campbell. As Stats.HockeyAnalysis.com shows, Campbell and Ekblad were at about 58 percent in possession at even strength—while Ekblad without Campbell was below 50 percent.

Expectations for 2016-17: The loss of Campbell to the Chicago Blackhawks could have a significant impact on Ekblad. Although he is clearly one of the best young players of his generation, this is a young defender still finding his way. A downturn in performance is possible, depending on the reliability of his new partner.

Shayne Gostisbehere, D, Philadelphia Flyers

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Previous assessment: Shayne Gostisbehere of the Philadelphia Flyers was not a lock for the 2015-16 roster—in fact, he was in the AHL for extended periods in October and November.

Review of last season: Once established in the NHL, it was clear the Flyers had fallen into something good. Gostisbehere finished inside the league's top 20 defensive scorers and was an offensive catalyst at even strength and on the power play.

Expectations for 2016-17: Philadelphia needed someone to emerge in the role Gostisbehere filled and badly need that and more for the coming year. Despite a playoff appearance in the spring, the Flyers are still in rebuild mode under general manager Ron Hextall. Gostisbehere must maintain his production until youngsters such as Ivan Provorov (19) and Travis Sanheim (20) arrive.

Jakub Voracek, RW, Philadelphia Flyers

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Previous assessment: The Philadelphia Flyers missed the playoffs in 2014-15, but star winger Jakub Voracek was outstanding. He posted 81 points in 82 games, leading the club.

Review of last season: The Flyers enjoyed a terrific year, making the playoffs and solving a lot of big problems with emerging talents such as Gostisbehere. One of the few underperforming Philadelphia players was Voracek, who fell to 55 points and saw his goal total cut in half. It was a poor year.

Expectations for 2016-17: Voracek's big contract—as Frank Seravalli of TSN reported—kicks in this fall and represents an enormous investment. Philadelphia will need to find a good spot for him in the lineup—Stats.HockeyAnalysis.com shows he was all over the place—but the pressure will be on Voracek in a big way this year.

Matt Murray, G, Pittsburgh Penguins

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Previous assessment: The Pittsburgh Penguins had an interesting goalie prospect in Matt Murray, who dominated AHL shooters in 2014-15.

Review of last season: Murray was effective in 13 regular-season games for the Penguins, but his story didn't become special until the playoffs. He won 15 of Pittsburgh's Stanley Cup wins and was an integral part of the Penguins' championship team. What's more, he relegated all of the team's goalies to backup status—to the point where he may not give up the net for years.

Expectations for 2016-17: Veteran general manager Jim Rutherford, who wisely chose to retain veteran Marc-Andre Fleury despite the enormous cap hit ($5.75 million), runs the Penguins. The pressure will be on Murray to prove he can hold the job without Fleury as a safety net. When that happens, Pittsburgh probably trades the veteran, clearing the way for Murray to start for years to come.

Evgeny Kuznetsov, C, Washington Capitals

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Previous assessment: The Washington Capitals are a franchise teeming with young offensive talent, and Evgeny Kuznetsov was part of that group in 2014-15. He finished No. 5 among forwards in team scoring, with 37 points in 80 games.

Review of last season: Kuznetsov blossomed into one of the top point producers in the entire NHL in 2015-16, scoring 77 points—including 57 assists. Perhaps most impressive, his primary linemates at even strength were Justin Williams and Andre Burakovsky—not Alex Ovechkin. It was one of the truly impressive feats of the season.

Expectations for 2016-17: The increase in points year over year is massive—Kuznetsov spiked by 40 points. If he does it again, we can consider it an established level of ability, meaning the Capitals will have two Russian impact forwards. The talent is there, and Washington stands to benefit in a big way if Kuznetsov becomes one of the best offensive centers of his generation.

Salary information courtesy of General Fanager.