Five NHL players who could break out in 2025-26

Last week, we covered five NHL players who are likely to take steps back this season. This time, we will take a look at five players who could be poised for breakout years.

After losing Vladislav Gavrikov to the New York Rangers in the off-season, the Kings have big skates to fill on their blue line. Gavrikov played around 23 hard minutes per game, and the 22-year-old Clarke will get a shot to fill them.

Clarke, who led all Kings defencemen last season with 28 assists and 33 points, is known more for his offensive skill set; he averaged 21.5 possession-driving plays per 20 minutes at 5-on-5 last season — seventh most out of 214 qualified defencemen (minimum 500 minutes at 5-on-5). Clarke also has an accurate shot, hitting the net on 53.7 per cent of his total attempts at 5-on-5. That ranked second at the position behind Philadelphiaâ€s Rasmus Ristolainen (57.4 per cent).

The question for Clarke, who played 16:17 per game last season, is whether he can perform at that level while possibly handling tougher assignments. Kings coach Jim Hiller recently lavished praise on Clarke for how much progress he has made defensively over the past year, which bodes well for the young defender.

The departure of John Gibson after 12 seasons in Anaheim means Dostal, 25, is the unquestioned starter in SoCal.

Dostal, who signed a five-year deal in July that carries a $6.5 million cap hit, did not turn heads with his traditional numbers last season (3.10 goals-against average, .903 save percentage in 54 games). But he shared the league lead with nine steals, which occur when the total of goals saved above expected (GSAE) is larger than the final score differential. For example, Dostal saved 5.2 goals above expected in Anaheimâ€s 2-1 shootout win against Los Angeles on Feb. 8. (That was also the single-highest GSAE recorded by any goaltender in a game last season.)

Dostal, who will represent Czechia at the 2026 Winter Olympics, played behind the leagueâ€s worst defence last season. He faced 27.2 scoring chances per 60 minutes — most among the 62 goaltenders who played at least 1,000 minutes. If the Ducks can improve there, Dostal has major breakout potential.

Nazar, 21, showed signs of that down the stretch last season, when he produced five goals and nine points in his final eight games (not to mention his 12 points in 10 games for Team USA at the IIHF World Championship). He is at his best when attacking with speed, ranking 11th in rush scoring chances and 13th in offensive-zone carry-ins per 20 minutes at 5-on-5 last season among 378 qualified forwards (minimum 500 minutes). Five of Nazarâ€s 12 goals in 2024-25 came off the rush.

The Sharks†roster is filled with potential breakout candidates, including Smith, who finished sixth in Calder Trophy voting last season. Smith, 20, picked up steam in the second half of his rookie year, posting 30 of his 45 points over his final 34 games.

Smith, who will primarily play wing this season, developed strong chemistry with No. 1 centre Macklin Celebrini. San Jose outscored opponents 18-17 and generated 52.4 per cent of the expected goals at 5-on-5 last season when Celebrini and Smith were on the ice simultaneously. The Sharks, by contrast, had a 40.3 XGF% and were outscored by 47 goals at 5-on-5 when Celebrini and Smith were off the ice. (The young forwards are expected to open the season on the same line.)

Playmaking was Smithâ€s most impressive attribute. He completed 51.2 per cent of his slot passes at 5-on-5 — 13th out of nearly 230 forwards who had at least 100 slot-pass attempts last season.

The silver lining for the Hurricanes after striking out with Mikko Rantanen is that they ended up with Stankoven, whom they see as a core part of their future. Carolina signed the 22-year-old forward to an eight-year, $48 million contract over the summer.

Stankoven, listed at 5-foot-8 and 165 pounds, plays much bigger than his size. He led all forwards last season in total rebound scoring chances at 5-on-5 and ranked tied for eighth in offensive-rebound recoveries. Stankovenâ€s feistiness is a perfect fit for the Hurricanes†forecheck-heavy attack.

Hurricanes coach Rod Brindâ€Amour has tapped Stankoven, who had 10 goals and 17 points in 34 games (including playoffs) for Carolina, as the teamâ€s second-line centre. That comes with increased offensive opportunities, which should lead to Stankoven topping his career-high 38 points from last season.

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