Central Division Breakout Candidates

In late August I looked at the two divisions in the Eastern Conference (Atlantic and Metropolitan), picking a player from each team that had the potential to “break out”, meaning to increase their production and importance to their team to levels previously unreached.

Now, I look at the Central Division…

Jun 24, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Andrew Shaw (65) battles for the puck without his helmet against Boston Bruins center Tyler Seguin (19) during the second period in game six of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS

Jun 24, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center

(65) loses his helmet while battling for the puck with Boston Bruins center

(19) during the second period in game six of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ivins-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Shaw – Perhaps no player raised his profile more than the competitive Shaw during the Blackhawks playoff run.  Essentially a spare part during the regular season, he became a very integral part of the team, moving to centre and being a positive contributor to the cause.  For my money, his impact will be greater over the long term than that of Bryan Bickell, who was the breakout player of the playoffs.

COLORADO AVALANCHE

April 5 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche forward

(27) during the first period of the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Downie – While all eyes will be on Nathan MacKinnon and the top end offensive players on the Avs, watch out for Downie, who is a fierce competitor with some unrealized offensive upside. A knee injury kept him out of most of the season, and he was limited to 2 games. If healthy, watch out for this guy (literally and figuratively).

DALLAS STARS

Jun 22, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Bruins center Tyler Seguin (19) carries the puck away from Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Johnny Oduya (27) during the second period in game five of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Tyler Seguin – After a so-so end to his time in Boston, Seguin will get the opportunity to be the #1 center in Dallas, an opportunity that he never got in Boston due to their depth. Seguin has had good seasons in the past, but if he can keep his off-ice antics in check, he could be the break-out player of the NHL this season.

MINNESOTA WILD

Apr 9, 2013; St. Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward Mikael Granlund (64) against the Chicago Blackhawks at the Xcel Energy Center. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Mikael Granlund – Being tagged with the label of “best player outside the NHL” the previous season, at lot was expected of Granlund in his first season in North America. He failed to live up to those expectations, but that could be considered a transition year. With more opportunity to play on the top two lines he could meet expectations.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS

Mar 8, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis (4) shoots against the Edmonton Oilers during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Ellis – This should be the year Ellis comes into his own. All the attention will be on Seth Jones, and he can fly under the radar and I would expect a very productive season from the 3rd year pro.

ST. LOUIS BLUES

Apr 19, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) looks to pass as Dallas Stars center Vernon Fiddler (38) defends during the first period at the Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Vladimir Tarasenko – He got off to a fast start in his rookie season, and then tailed off dramatically. Now that he knows what it takes to play in Ken Hitchcock’s system, he will be more ready for the grind. All reports have indicated that he has put in the work this off-season to improve on his deficiencies, and the trade of David Perron opens up some quality ice time for the talented Russian.