In 2021-22, Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson increased his career high in goals from eight to 38 and his career high in points from 14 to 68. St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas scored at better than a point-per-game pace, with 77 points in 72 games — after scoring 12 points in 33 games a season earlier. Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson jumped from 14 points to 51.
Those players made names for themselves, won fantasy pools and earned paydays.
Who will follow in their footsteps in 2022-23?
The Athletic asked its local and national writers for their predictions for one breakout candidate on each team. Here are their answers:
Anaheim Ducks
Frank Vatrano: It might seem odd to choose a 28-year-old who’s on his fourth team. But in lieu of Troy Terry breaking out last season,