Atlantic Division Breakout Candidates
Every year, there are players in the NHL who have seasons that go beyond the pace of their career history, and step up to either meet or exceed expectations. Those seasons signify a realization of talent and signify the arrival of a player as a true NHLer. It doesn’t necessarily mean they will be all-star caliber players or set the world on fire, but sometimes simply move from spare part or minor leaguer to solid NHL regular, or regular to bigger contributor in the grand scheme of things.
Here are the names of a player from each team in the Atlantic Division who are my top candidates for Breakout player this coming season:
Boston Bruins
March 16, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Dougie Hamilton (27) during the second period against the Washington Capitals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Dougie Hamilton – The remaining piece of the Phil Kessel trade that will be a contributor to the Bruins, he had a very mediocre first season in the NHL. The adjustment period is over, and the departure of Andrew Ference has opened up a chance for him to play a more important role, if he can earn it.
Buffalo Sabres
Apr 22, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Marcus Foligno (82) during the game against the Winnipeg Jets at the First Niagara Center. The Jets beat the Sabres 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Marcus Foligno – The more skilled of the Foligno brothers now has over 60 games of NHL experience, and is ready to progress from pest to offensive contributor in Buffalo. If he earns the right opportunity, he could net 15-20 goals and 40 points in a secondary scoring role.
Detroit Red Wings
March 10, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Tomas Tatar (21) during the second period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Tomas Tatar – The creative forward has had auditions in each of the last two season, and had 7 points in 18 games last season. All he needs is an opportunity to crack the top 6, and with the talent the Red Wings have to support him, he could become a full-time NHLer.
Florida Panthers
March19, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; Florida Panthers defensemen Erik Gudbranson (44) reacts against the Carolina Hurricanes at the PNC center. The Panthers defeated the Hurricanes 4-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Erik Gudbranson – Although he might never be a really offensive presence, Gudbranson enters year three with the Panthers on the verge of a breakout season. He has the potential to be a solid shutdown defenseman who takes care of his own end first, but should pick up some points with his ability to move the puck.
Montreal Canadiens
Mar 16, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jarred Tinordi (42) skates with the puck while being defended by New Jersey Devils left wing Patrik Elias (26) during the second at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Jarred Tinordi – Although he only has 8 games on NHL experience, the Canadiens desperately need his combination of size and toughness on the blue line. They are a small group on the whole, and Tinordi will be a physical presence that will help them in their own end.
Ottawa Senators
Jan 19, 2012; San Jose, CA, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman Jared Cowen (2) skates with the puck against the San Jose Sharks during the first period at HP Pavilion. Ottawa defeated San Jose 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports
Jared Cowen – Health seems to be the only thing standing between Cowen and a true breakout season. If his hip is back to 100%, Cowen should be the Senators’ #3 defenseman and could see time in every situation. His size, physicality and abilty to jump into the rush could make him an all-around threat.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Apr 14, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA;Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Richard Panik (71) during the game against the Buffalo Sabres at the First Niagara Center. Sabres beat the Lightning 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Richard Panik – The skilled second-year pro has good hands and should crack the Lightning full-time this season. He could earn a prime spot on the wing on one of the top two lines and could get some power play time. He had 9 points in 25 games last season, but could get 35-40 points easily in full time duty.
Toronto Maple Leafs
May 12, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) carries the puck against the Boston Bruins during game six of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at the Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Bruins 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jake Gardiner – Concussion problems derailed his season last year, but this could be the coming out party for Gardiner. He posted 5 points in 6 playoff games, and should finally be a mainstay on the Leafs blue line. If Cody Franson‘s contract negotiations extend into the season, Gardiner could impose himself into Franson’s spot and not give it up.
Over the next few days, I will look at the other divisions as well, but these are some of the players I would look for to become full time players and solid contributors to their clubs.