NHL Breakout Performers: Top 15 in 2015-16

NHL Breakout Performers: Top 15 in 2015-16

Whether it’s an older veteran having a bounce back season, or younger player in his second or third campaign, NHL breakout performers are typically abundant each year. Today’s countdown will focus on those who emerged this season.

Below are a few names on the outside of our top 15 who deserve to be mentioned for their performance in 2015-16:

Honorable Mentions:

F Vladislav Namestnikov, Tampa Bay Lightning
2014-15: 43gp 9g 7a 16pts
2015-16: 70gp 12g 18a 30pts

F P.A. Parenteau, Toronto Maple Leafs
2014-15: 56gp 8g 14a 22pts
2015-16: 66gp 17g 19a 36pts

G James Reimer, San Jose Sharks
2014-15: 9-16-1 3.16gaa .907 sv pct
2015-16: (TOR 11-12-3 2.49gaa .918 sv pct) (SJ 3-1-0 1.26gaa .952 sv pct)

It’s worth noting that an argument can be made for several players who didn’t make the list. The following countdown considers both point production and significance of impact on their respective teams overall.

NHL Breakout Performers: Top 15 Countdown

15. F Andre Burakovsky, Washington Capitals
2014-15: 53g 9g 13a 22pts
2015-16: 68gp 16g 20a 36pts

14. F Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Ottawa Senators
2014-15: 50gp 10g 9a 19pts
2015-16: 73gp 17g 19a 36pts

13. G Michal Neuvirth, Philadelphia Flyers
2014-15: (BUF 6-17-3 2.99gaa .918 sv pct) (NYI 1-3-1 2.94 .881 sv pct)
2015-16: 17-8-2 2.28gaa .925 sv pct

12. F Tomas Hertl, San Jose Sharks
2014-15: 82gp 13g 18a 31pts
2015-16: 71gp 18g 24a 42pts

11. F J.T. Miller, New York Rangers
2014-15: 58gp 10g 13a 23pts
2015-16: 72gp 19g 20a 39pts

10. F Leo Komarov, Toronto Maple Leafs
2014-15: 62gp 8g 18a 26pts
2015-16: 66gp 19g 17a 36pts

9. F Rickard Rakell, Anaheim Ducks
2014-15: 71gp 9g 22a 31pts
2015-16: 68gp 19g 21a 40pts

8. F Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers
2014-15: 37gp 2g 7a 9pts
2015-16: 65gp 18g 30a 48pts

7. F Vincent Trocheck, Florida Panthers
2014-15: 50gp 7g 15a 22pts
2015-16: 72gp 22g 27a 49pts

6. F Boone Jenner, Columbus Blue Jackets
2014-15: 31gp 9g 8a 17pts
2015-16: 72gp 25g 17a 42pts

5. F Kyle Palmieri, New Jersey Devils
2014-15: 57gp 14g 15a 29pts
2015-16: 73gp 27g 23a 50pts

4. F Ryan Spooner, Boston Bruins
2014-15: 29gp 8g 10a 18pts
2015-16: 72gp 12g 34a 46pts

3. D Rasmus Ristolainen, Buffalo Sabres
2014-15: 78gp 8g 12a 20pts
2015-16: 73gp 9g 30a 39pts

2. G Martin Jones, San Jose Sharks
2014-15: 4-5-2 2.25gaa .906 sv pct
2015-16: 35-19-3 2.26gaa .919 sv pct

1. F Evgeny Kuznetsov, Washington Capitals
2014-15: 80gp 11g 26a 37pts
2015-16: 71gp 20g 53a 73pts