There were a lot of break-out players in the NHL this year such as Ryan Johansen of Columbus who had the quietest 30 goal season. There’s going to be a ton more that will break out next season too. Who are the top five that will? Let’s take a look.
5. Tanner Pearson, Los Angeles Kings: Pearson has played pretty well for the Kings this season and into the playoffs. He’s played in the top nine and he’s scored some pretty nice goals for the Kings in the playoffs. He’s going to get quality minutes next year in LA if he keeps doing what he’s doing.
4. John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks: Gibson was very good in the playoffs for Anaheim this season even though they lost to LA in seven games. Anaheim had a goaltending issue and he came in and did everything he could to get Anaheim to the conference finals but it just wasn’t enough. He should get the chance to be the fulltime starting goaltender next season since he was very good in the playoffs. He could prove to be very hard to play against.
3. Olli Maatta, Pittsburgh Penguins: Maatta was a rookie defenseman this season for the Penguins and he looked great. He was paired with Matt Niskanen the whole season which helped him have a great rookie season. He didn’t total a lot of points but he made some great plays defensively. Even if he isn’t paired with Niskanen next season since he’s hitting free agency, Olli Maatta is going to have a great second season once he gets back from shoulder surgery which could keep him out the first month or two of the season.
2. Beau Bennett, Pittsburgh Penguins: Bennett was supposed to break out this year but he was injured almost all season and didn’t get to play much at all. He finally came back in time for the playoffs but he was playing injured during that time too. He’s definitely going to break out next year since he very well could be on Malkin’s line if Jussi Jokinen leaves via free agency or if James Neal is traded. One healthy season for Beau and he can probably put up 20 goals for the Penguins guaranteed.
1. Boone Jenner, Columbus Blue Jackets: Jenner was good for Columbus this season and really played well in the playoffs. He was a great line mate for Ryan Johansen who scored over 30 goals this season and is going to get paid big bucks this off-season by Columbus since he’s a restricted free agent. Boone is also going to try to help Columbus qualify for the playoffs for the second season in a row which has never happened in Columbus. Expect him to be great next season.