Finding the Next Fantasy Hockey Breakout Stars:
Fantasy hockey enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the next breakout star to add to their roster. While age has traditionally been a key factor in determining potential breakout players, a deeper analysis that includes NHL experience can provide valuable insights into identifying forwards poised to shine in the upcoming season.
Age and Experience: Key Factors in Fantasy Breakouts
While the age range of 25 to 30 has been considered the peak range for NHL fantasy production among forwards, a closer look at NHL experience can further refine the search for breakout candidates. By examining game logs from the past 15 seasons and identifying players who debuted in 2009-10 or later with at least 100 games of NHL experience, a list of 96 players who have achieved passing fantasy relevance emerges.
The average age at which these players met the fantasy threshold was 22 years and 331 days, with an average of 140 games of NHL experience. This data serves as a valuable guide in identifying top candidates approaching the breakout threshold for the upcoming season.
Refining the Search: Criteria for Breakout Candidates
To narrow down the pool of potential breakout forwards, specific criteria are applied to filter out players who have already established themselves as fantasy stars. Players with at least 50 games played and a fantasy points per game rate of better than 1.7 are excluded from consideration.
Additionally, players with between 100 and 180 games of NHL experience are targeted as ideal candidates for breakout potential. By applying these filters, a list of 20 forwards under the age cutoff, in the right range for experience, and who have not yet achieved sustained success is generated.
Identifying the Top Breakout Candidates:
From the final list of 20 potential breakout forwards, 14 players stand out as prime candidates for a breakout season in fantasy hockey. These players exhibit the right combination of age, experience, and potential for increased production in the upcoming season.
1. **Jack Quinn, F, Buffalo Sabres**: Quinn, at 23 years old with 104 games played, shows promise as part of the Sabres’ top six this season.
2. **Quinton Byfield, F, Los Angeles Kings**: Despite falling short of the 30-game rolling threshold, Byfield, at 22 years old with 179 games played, is poised for a potential breakout season.
3. **JJ Peterka, F, Buffalo Sabres**: Peterka, at 22 years old with 161 games played, has the opportunity to seize a top-line role and increase his fantasy relevance.
4. **Matias Maccelli, F, Utah Hockey Club**: Maccelli, at 23 years old with 169 games played, will need depth-chart luck to elevate his fantasy value.
5. **Cole Perfetti, F, Winnipeg Jets**: Perfetti, at 22 years old with 140 games played, aims to secure a top-six role and demonstrate scoring consistency.
6. **Marco Rossi, F, Minnesota Wild**: Rossi, at 22 years old with 103 games played, seeks to solidify his role alongside key linemates for increased fantasy production.
7. **Connor McMichael, F, Washington Capitals**: McMichael, at 23 years old with 155 games played, aims for consistent top-six minutes and a potential spot on the top power-play unit.
8. **Luke Evangelista, F, Nashville Predators**: Evangelista, at 22 years old with 104 games played, faces competition for a top-six role but remains a potential breakout candidate.
9. **Kent Johnson, F, Columbus Blue Jackets**: Johnson, at 21 years old with 130 games played, looks to contribute to a youthful Blue Jackets lineup.
10. **Alexander Holtz, F, Vegas Golden Knights**: Holtz, at 22 years old with 110 games played, benefits from a change of scenery and the opportunity to compete for a top-line role.
Additional Fantasy Breakout Candidates:
While not included in the final list of 14 potential breakout forwards, several players show promise as fantasy breakout candidates based on their performance and potential for increased production in the upcoming season.
– **Shane Wright, F, Seattle Kraken**
– **Logan Stankoven, F, Dallas Stars**
– **Thomas Bordeleau, F, San Jose Sharks**
Conclusion:
As fantasy hockey enthusiasts prepare for the upcoming season, the search for breakout forwards is a key component of building a competitive roster. By considering a combination of age, NHL experience, and potential for increased production, fantasy managers can identify top candidates poised to shine in the fantasy hockey realm. Keep an eye on these breakout stars as they aim to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.