Each NHL team’s top breakout candidate for the 2019-20 season

Edmonton Oilers – Cooper Marody

I try to avoid rookies, but the Edmonton Oilers don’t really have any strong options to be breakout candidates. Also, Cooper Marody isn’t a normal rookie. He’s one who, thanks to a lack of depth, has a legitimate shot at earning a top-nine forward role. And Marody has had far more success in the AHL than most rookies.

With the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL, he put up 64 points in 59 games at the age of 22. The Oilers current third-line center, according to CapFriendly’s depth chart, is Kyle Brodziak. Edmonton’s not winning too many games if he’s their third-line center. Marody would at least provide some offense.

Because he’s exempt from waivers, he might be sent down to the AHL to start the year. But I have a feeling Marody will be up pretty soon. He’s way better than any of their current third-line center options.

Honorable mention: I’m not sure what to think of Jesse Puljujarvi at this point. But the Oilers would sure love for him to have a breakout year. If head coach Dave Tippett can find a consistent role for him and help him gain some much-needed confidence, he might finally start showing the immense potential that got the Oilers to draft him with the fourth overall pick. But it’s fair to question if Puljujarvi’s anything more than damaged goods at this point.