Top breakout candidates in NHL this season

As the 2026-27 NHL season approaches, several players are being spotlighted as breakout candidates, particularly from the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres. According to The Hockey News, Ivan Demidov of the Canadiens, who led all rookies with 19 goals and 62 points last season, is poised for a significant leap, potentially scoring 40 goals this coming season.

The Canadiens' prospect pool remains robust, featuring players like Jacob Fowler and David Reinbacher, both of whom are likely to make an impact in the NHL this season. Meanwhile, the Sabres are looking to fill the void left by Alex Tuch with young talent like Konsta Helenius, a 20-year-old center who scored 63 points in the AHL last season and showed promise during the playoffs.

Helenius's strong performance in the IIHF World Championships, where he scored the championship-winning goal for Finland, further indicates his readiness for a full-time NHL role this season. With internal improvement from these young stars, both teams are hopeful for a successful season ahead.