Top 5 Breakout Players in the 2020-21 NHL Season

Often times when our favorite teams draft a player we look at what could be. Our expectations are often too high from the very start and we make absurd comparisons. We can forget that the NHL is not an easy jump by any means. You have to find a way to be at your best night-in and night-out to be able to solidify a spot on the NHL roster. Even from that point, you are never safe in the lineup. Many players struggle early in their careers due to expectations and maturing their game. Here are some of the best breakout players in the 2021 season who have finally reached their goals.

1. Jack Roslovic- In 2015 the Winnepeg Jets selected Jack Roslovic 25th overall with high hopes of him becoming a solid top 6 forward. In his tenure with the Jets, Roslovic has been a competent scorer notching multiple 20 point seasons, but we never saw his true potential. Roslovic was traded to the Blue Jackets along with Laine this year. Roslovic took the new opportunity with Columbus and hit it in stride becoming the best player for the Blue Jackets immediately. Roslovic has 34 points in 48 games this year breaking his career-high of 29 points in 28 fewer games. He has been a threat almost every time he is on the ice and there is hope he could be the number one center in the future for the Jackets.

2. Alex Nedeljkovic- The 25-year-old netminder has been stellar for the Hurricanes posting a 1.90 GAA and an impressive 0.932 save percentage. It was not an easy path to the NHL for Nedeljkovic as he was playing for the Hurricanes minor league team for four years. Being given little opportunity to play for the Canes it seemed as if he would be there the rest of his career. This year Nedeljkovic was given another opportunity to play in the big leagues and has shined for the Hurricanes with very impressive play. Many prospect analysts insist that a goaltender does not hit his prime until 28-30. It can take a lot longer to develop a goalie than you would a skater as it is a much more difficult position. The ultimate test will be if Nedeljkovic starts in the playoffs to test how mature of a goaltender he is and if he is truly ready to be a starter in the NHL.

3. Martin Necas- Another reason why the Hurricanes are at the top of their division is the play of Martin Necas. In 52 games, the Czech has put up a solid 41 points breaking his career-high of 36 points last season in 18 fewer games. Necas has always been a solid prospect being a 12th overall pick in 2017. He has seen tons of success in the AHL and it has translated well to him transitioning into the NHL. Necas is a very smooth skater with great hands who can slip by defensemen and create space for his linemates. He gets top-line minutes playing on the Canes top-six with skilled players which has helped him improve his game rapidly. Necas has been a big reason why the Hurricanes have been successful this season and I see this player potentially becoming a star in the NHL.

4. Carter Verhaeghe- Verhaeghe has put on a show for the Florida Panthers this year. The 25-year-old shattered his previous years in points, putting up an impressive 35 points in 42 games. Verhaeghe was a stud in the AHL when he was affiliated with the Tampa Bay Lightning but couldn't make the jump to the NHL smoothly with the Lightning. With the Lightning being contenders already Verhaeghe was sent to Florida where he was able to get lots of playing time, plus the opportunity to play with guys like Barkov and Huberdeau. He's an all-around solid player with the ability to use his speed to create plays. He has a knack for where to be on the ice to score goals or create scoring opportunities. Verhaeghe will look to help the Panthers in the playoffs, oddly enough, against his former team.

5. Jacob Chychrun- Chychrun of the Arizona Coyotes has been on a tear this season. The 6"2" blue-liner has been a force for the Coyotes almost helping them to secure a playoff spot. Chychrun has put up a Norris Trophy season notching 41 points in 55 games. He has a calming presence for the young Coyotes team and can play a tremendous two-way game. Chychrun broke out this year as in the past four years he was a 20 point scorer. For a young defenseman that's not bad at all, and a lot of players in Arizona go under the radar. For a lot of young guys making the jump to the NHL, they can have trouble with their confidence. You can see that Chychrun is realizing the talent he had in juniors and is really coming along nicely. Look for the name Jacob Chychrun in Norris contention for many years to come.