Metropolitan Division Breakout Candidates

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Earlier, I looked at the Atlantic Division and identified a player from each team that had the potential to “breakout”. This is a pretty vague definition, but essentially it means the player having the opportunity to move up a level or two. It could be to go from minor leaguer to quality NHLer, or it could mean going from 20 point scorer to 50 point scorer.

May 19, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; New York Rangers forward Derick Brassard (16) dumps the puck down ice against the Boston Bruins in game two of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ivins-USA TODAY Sports

So, now we move to the Metropolitan Division

Carolina Hurricanes

Apr 13, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Nathan Gerbe (42) during the game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the First Niagara Center. Sabres beat the Flyers 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Nathan Gerbe – With a spot on the second line seemingly up for grabs, as well as the Canes’ recent success with reclamation proects (Alexander Semin, Jiri Tlusty), Gerbe seems like a good candidate to break out. Bought out (seemingly unnecessarily) by the Sabres, Gerbe signed a league minimum deal but has the skill to be a real contributor. Size will always be a knock against him, but his compete level and chip on his shoulder to prove Buffalo wrong could propel him to new heights.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Apr 25, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Alex Goligoski (33) blocks a shot by Columbus Blue Jackets center Ryan Johansen (19) during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Blue Jackets defeated the Stars 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Johansen – Entering his third NHL season, the former 4th overall pick is now comfortable in his surroundings and hopefully the constant turnover of the franchise is over and they can get down to playing hockey. Stability and a definite role on the second line will go a long way to helping Johansen break out this season.

New Jersey Devils

Mar 25, 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; New Jersey Devils defenseman Adam Larsson (5) controls the puck in the second period against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Adam Larsson – The defenseman who was once ranked above Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has spent some time adjusting to the NHL, and in his third season will be counted on to bounce back from an underwhelming lockout-shortened season. The Devils are not deep in offensive talent on the blue line, and he should be given more power play time and other offensive situations.

New York Islanders

May 9, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Thomas Hickey (14) skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period in game five of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Thomas Hickey – Buried behind a deep blue line in LA until getting a chance with the Islanders last season, Hickey will get a chance to see some power play time with the first unit now that Mark Streit has departed and Lubomir Vishnovsky remains the lone viable offensive threat from the blue line. Hickey won’t be confused with a shut-down defenseman, but there is room in the league for a puck mover who can quarterback a power play, and that could end up being his niche this season on Long Island.

New York Rangers

Derick Brassard – After really spinning his wheels as a middling centre in Columbus, Brassard went to the Big Apple at the trade deadline and all he did was put up nearly a point per game in the 13 regular season games he played (11 points) and proceeded to get a point per game in the postseason (12 points in 12 games). The spotlight seems to agree with him, and he could really arrive in New York this season.

Philadelphia Flyers

Apr 9, 2013; St. Paul, MN, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie Ray Emery (30) makes a save during the third period against the Minnesota Wild at the Xcel Energy Center. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Ray Emery – A team starving for consistent goaltending may have found its match with a second tour of duty for Emery. The Flyers don’t need him to steal many games, just not lose them. Emery has matured since his Ottawa days, and with an 18-1 record and Stanley Cup Championship last season (although a backup in the playoffs), the man that has never lacked confidence could really make his mark this season in Philly.

Pittsburgh Penguins

May 1, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Beau Bennett (19) handles the puck against the New York Islanders during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Beau Bennett – On a team that relies largely on veterans, it will be tough for a young player to break out. However, there is also a long history of injuries in Pittsburgh, and the player most likely to take advantage of one of those inevitable chances is the speedy and skilled Bennett. Bennett had 14 points in 26 games with just over 12 minutes of ice time per game. the availability of chances might stunt the breakout, but if there is going to be one on the Pens, Beau is as likely as any player to do it.

Washington Capitals

Mar 30, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson (74) during the game against the Buffalo Sabres at the First Niagara Center. Capitals beat the Sabres 4-3 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

John Carlson – Entering his fifth pro season, Carlson has been an effective puck mover, but there is still another level to his game that maturity could bring this season. Now that he is more comfortable in Adam Oates‘ system, the reins might be released a bit and Carlson could move from 40 point level to 60 point level this year.

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