Five Western 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:

Sam Bennett
The former 4th overall draft pick of the Calgary Flames from the 2014 NHL Entry Draft has shown flashes of brilliance in his young NHL career, but has struggled with consistency and often lets his frustration affect his play. After a stellar 18 goal, 36 point rookie campaign in 2015-16, Bennett took a step backward in 2016-17 with just 13 goals and 26 points in 81 games. Look for him to put the past in the past and finally deliver 20+ goals and 40+ points in 2017-18.

Bo Horvat
The 22-year-old Vancouver Canucks pivot remains without a contract for the 2017-18 season, but is expected to sign in time to improve upon his outstanding 20 goal, 52 point season from a year ago. The former 9th overall pick of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft could see an increase in his offensive totals thanks in part to some reduction to captain Henrik Sedin’s ice time. An expectation of 25+ goals and 60+ points is not unreasonable.

Viktor Arvidsson
Some would argue that Arvidsson’s true breakout campaign was last season. In 80 games, the small but speedy Nashville Predators winger put up an incredible 31 goals in 61 points. The best part? This kid is just scratching the surface of his true ability. With his combination of speed and skill there’s no telling how good he can be, 35+ goals and 70+ points isn’t out of the question.

Nikolaj Ehlers
Another member of the “Already Broke Out” club along with Arvidsson is 21-year-old Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers. The speedy Dane put up 25 goals and 64 points in 2016-17, but looks poised to do so much more in 2017-18. Playing alongside talented playmaker Mark Scheifele and deadly sniper Patrik Laine, Ehlers could put up 30+ goals and 75+ points next season.

Leon Draisaitl
Assuming he finally gets signed and plays alongside superstar Connor McDavid, the sky is the limit for Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl in 2017-18. He dominated the playoffs with 16 points in 13 games after a 29 goal, 77 point regular season. It’s not unreasonable to expect 35+ goals and 85+ points out of the big German in 2017-18.