As the NHL season and the fantasy season wind down, you can look back with some angst if you happened to spend a high draft pick on a player that left you high and dry. It happens every year, or so it seems: Can’t miss superstar struggles to get in sync all year.
There have been several notable exceptions that have more than made up for the shortcomings of their contemporaries if you were lucky enough to snag them. It seemed like this was a year when big names dropped off the fantasy map, most notably due to injury or unforeseen circumstances; Kris Letang (stroke), John Tavares (knee), Pavel Datsyuk (knee), Henrik Zetterberg (back) and Steven Stamkos (broken leg).
On the positive side of things, there were a few other options to grab in the fantasy world. These five players may not have been on your radar at the start of the season (or in some cases their own team’s opening night roster), but have made a name for themselves since then. Here are your top five breakout fantasy stars of 2013-14.
Gustav Nyquist, C/RW, Detroit Red Wings
One might wonder if Nyquist would have had quite the same amount of success had the Red Wings not piled up so many injuries. Regardless, the newest Swedish import into the Hockeytown lineup has been sensational all year. Preseason Rank: 272 Current Rank: 174
Ben Bishop, G, Tampa Bay Lightning
The tallest goaltender to ever play in the NHL has had one of the best seasons of any goaltender this season. Before the season the Tampa goaltending position was completely up for grabs before the six-foot seven inch giant took charge. The challenge of replacing their best player, Stamkos, was met by the huge backstop as he has kept the Lightning in the playoff picture all season long. Preseason Rank: 159 Current Rank: 14
Nathan MacKinnon, C/RW, Colorado Avalanche
Of course it is easy to say that a rookie is a breakout star, but MacKinnon has mirrored the success of the club that selected him with the top overall pick last summer. The freshman center man certainly can’t take all the credit for Colorado’s success, but he has been a huge part of it. Pegged as the fourth line center before the season, MacKinnon has moved up to the top line with versatile play on the right wing. Preseason Rank: 253 Current Rank: 44
Kyle Okposo, RW, New York Islanders
Of course the obvious benefits of playing on Tavares’ wing are there, but Okposo has continued to excel even in his captain’s absence. The 25-year old winger has already surpassed career highs in goals, assists and points. His stock is on the rise and he’ll be a top 40 player in next season’s rankings. Preseason Rank: 176 Current Rank: 50
Clarke MacArthur, LW, Ottawa Senators
About the only thing that has gone right for Ottawa this season has been their free agent left wing signing. MacArthur has already set a career high in goals this season and has arguably been the most consistent player on a talented Senator’s roster. As a solid two-way forward, MacArthur has been on point posting a plus-14 on a dismal defensive team.
Preseason Rank: 301 Current Rank: 54
Matt Niskanen, D, Pittsburgh Penguins
Before the season started, Niskanen was considered the odd man out in a deep Pittsburgh defensive corps. As the Pens blue liners began dropping like flies, the most consistent and durable defenseman was the man who was sure to be traded. He has been worthy of whispers around the Norris Trophy discussion with his production levels, but the award is seldom given to breakout stars. Preseason Rank: 370 Current Rank: 69