TORONTO — Every year a few NHL players enter training camp with high expectations for a breakthrough season. Here are five players who could step up their game in 2017-18:
1. Sven Andrighetto, Colorado. 2016-17 stats: 46 games, seven goals, 17 assists, 24 points
Andrighetto bounced between Montreal and the minors over the past three seasons, unable to stick with the big club before finally being dealt to Colorado at last year's trade deadline. The 24-year-old Swiss forward has a chance for more ice time and an increased role on the rebuilding Avalanche, and could be a major contributor to the team offensively. In 83 games with the Canadiens, Andrighetto produced just 11 goals and 33 points, but scored five goals and 16 points in just 19 games with the Avs after the trade. He also contributed 18 goals and 45 points in his final 44 games with AHL St. John's.
2. Jonathan Drouin, Montreal. 2016-17 stats: 73 games, 21 goals, 32 assists, 53 points
After requesting a trade out of Tampa Bay two years ago, Drouin finally got his wish this off-season when Montreal acquired him. Naturally a winger, the 22-year-old has been given a chance to crack Montreal's lineup as top-line centre, a position general manager Marc Bergevin has been attempting to fill for years. The Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Que., native spent the summer working out with Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty, who may end up being his left-winger and favourite target to set up on the power play. Drouin elevated his game last season, and still has room to grow.
3. Jake Guentzel, Pittsburgh. 2016-17 stats: 40 games, 16 goals, 17 assists, 33 points
Guentzel was called up from the AHL last season in the middle of the year when injuries struck Pittsburgh and played well enough not to be sent back down, eventually becoming the leading post-season scorer with 13 goals en route to a Stanley Cup for the Penguins. The 22-year-old Omaha, Neb., native will try and build off his rookie campaign this year as he gets to start the year with the Penguins out of training camp. His first year in the NHL was only a small sample size and included Sidney Crosby as a linemate, but his call up came after excelling in the AHL, putting up 21 goals and 42 points in 33 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
4. Andre Burakovsky, Washington. 2016-17 stats: 64 games, 12 goals, 23 assists, 35 points
Burakovsky has shown flashes of his skill in his first three seasons with Washington, and could finally get the chance he needs to take the next step after the trade of Marcus Johansson opened up a spot on the top two lines and power play. An opportunity for more ice time, better linemates and an expanded role could help the 22-year-old Austrian crack the 20-goal mark for the first time while also surpassing his career-best 38 points in 79 games from two seasons ago.
5. Anthony Mantha, Detroit. 2016-17 stats: 60 games, 17 goals, 19 assists, 36 points
Mantha is one of the few young talents Detroit has as the club attempts to bounce back from its first playoff absence in 25 years. The 23-year-old from Longueuil, Que., was drafted 20th overall in 2013 by the Red Wings for his ability to score goals. With an expected increase in responsibility and the potential for more ice time, including on the power play, he could hit the 20-goal mark this season while also exceeding last year's point total.
Kyle Cicerella, The Canadian Press
