Five Eastern Conference players who could break out BIG TIME in 2017-18

It seems that almost every season there’s a new crop of NHLers who seemingly come out of nowhere to dominate the league in a way that nobody anticipated. I mean, who saw Matt Murray stepping into the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup right away and dominating like he has the past two seasons? Ditto for Boston Bruins sniper David Pastrnak.

This upcoming season will certainly see some new stars emerge and some current stars elevate themselves to superstar status, so let’s take a look at the most likely candidates to have themselves a HUGE 2017-18 campaign:

Andre Burakovsky
After back-to-back seasons of knocking at the 20 goal, 40 point plateau, look for the 22-year-old Austrian native to blow past his career average in 2017-18 for the Washington Capitals. With forward Marcus Johansson traded to the New Jersey Devils in the offseason, Burakovsky is in line to be the biggest benefactor and should be rewarded with regular top-six minutes.

Dylan Larkin
The speedy Detroit Red Wings forward burst onto the scene in 2015-16 with an outstanding rookie season, but suffered from a sophomore slump in 2016-17. With the frustration of his mediocre 17 goal, 32 point campaign last season behind him however, look for the 21-year-old to break out for 20+ goals and 50+ points in 2017-18.

Mitch Marner
With all the buzz surrounding Toronto Maple Leafs teenage superstar Auston Matthews, most hockey fans have neglected to take note of 20-year-old rookie sensation Mitch Marner. The lanky pivot put up a remarkable 19 goals and 61 points in his rookie campaign and is poised for a 25+ goal, 70+ point season in 2017-18. 

Jake Guentzel
The 22-year-old Pittsburgh Penguins forward is THE definition of a break out player. One calendar year almost no one in the hockey world knew Guentzel’s name, 21 points in 25 playoff games and serious Conn Smythe consideration has changed all that though. His 16 goals and 33 points in 40 regular season games with the Penguins last year only hint at what he’s capable of. Look for 25+ goals and 60+ points for him in 2017-18.

Jack Eichel
You saw this one coming, didn’t you? After a respectable 24 goals and 56 points in 81 games during his rookie campaign, Eichel suffered through injuries in 2016-17, but still managed to best his total from the season before in 20 fewer games. If he can stay healthy in 2017-18, he has the ability to put up 30+ goals and 75+ points.