Five potential breakout candidates for the 2021-22 season

The 2021-22 NHL season is set to get underway in exactly one month, October 12th, with two games including Seattle's debut. Today, we're going to take a look at five players who could potentially have a breakout season in 2021-22.

First up is Isac Lundestrom of the Anaheim Ducks. The 21-year-old Swede was drafted by the Ducks in first round in 2018, and his development has progressed each year. With Anaheim still in the midst of it's rebuild, Lundestrom could make a push to become a legitimate top-six forward in the NHL, but with Trevor Zegras and Sam Steel in the center ice position, he may have to find himself playing on the wing.

Nolan Patrick returned to the Flyers lineup during the 2020-21 season after missing the entire 2019-20 season due to a migraine disorder. He went on to play in 52 games this past season, putting up 9 points (4 G, 5 A), but the Flyers decided it was time to move on. In July, Patrick was dealt to Vegas in a three-team trade that saw the Flyers acquire some much needed defensive help from Nashville in the way of Ryan Ellis. Vegas lacked a true number one centerman during the 2020-21 season, with Chandler Stephenson occupying that role for the year. Patrick will more than likely get time in that role along side wingers Max Pacioretty and Mark Stone, which could help him increase his production significantly.

Next up is Dante Fabbro of the Nashville Predators. With the departure of Ryan Ellis, Fabbro will take on an expanded role for the 2021-22 season. His ice-time has gone up in each of his three seasons in the NHL, with the most TOI average coming this year at 19:19. Fabbro could slide up and down the right side on Nashville's defensive core, and will likely see time with captain Roman Josi and Mattias Ekholm.

The fourth player on my list is Boston Bruins forward Jack Studnicka. Boston has a glaring hole in the middle of their lineup after centerman David Krejci signed in the Czech Republic. While Charlie Coyle will get the first crack at trying to fill the 2C role, Studnicka could go into training camp next week competing for the 3C role with Erik Haula. If he fails to win the third line center role, he could potentially start the season on the wing, as the Windsor, Ontario native wants to prove he can play in the NHL after playing in twenty games last season.

The fifth and final player is Jack Roslovic of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Roslovic was traded to Columbus along with Patrik Laine in early-2021. The Columbus, Ohio native enjoyed a strong season with his hometown club, recording career highs in assists (22) and points (34). He also had the most average ice-time of his career during the 2020-21 season at 16:54. The 24-year-old will probably see another jump in average ice-time this upcoming season, and will occupy the 1C role to start the season, with Laine and Oliver Bjorkstrand likely as his wingers.

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