In the current landscape of the NHL, one of the most difficult jobs is remaining consistent on a yearly basis. With injuries and scoring droughts in the mix, that task grows even more arduous. Yet every club has high expectations of their top skaters, and when the compete level or offensive production begins to falter, it can make a dramatic impact on overall team performance.
More than anyone else, these three players are in search of a bounce-back campaign as they remain key members of their respective teams in the hunt for playoff contention.
Jonathan Huberdeau, Calgary Flames
Huberdeau played his way into a massive contract after putting up 115 points with the Florida Panthers in 2021-22, his fourth straight season operating at over a point-per-game pace. But since then, he has only eclipsed the 60-point mark one time, which was this past season when he scored 28 goals and 62 points across 81 games. He has had an underwhelming tenure with the Flames so far and hasn't quite lived up to the $10.5 million annual price tag.
The 32-year-old still shows flashes of brilliance -- he finished second on the team in scoring in 2024-25, which was a major improvement over his first two seasons with the Flames, and he's developed into a key penalty killer as well. Despite the pressure on him to generate offense, Huberdeau is more often than not making smart plays and doing things right away from the puck as well. When a skater is playing a responsible game, the points are bound to follow.
"Every night he gives us a chance, helps us, and makes plays. You feel like his overall game is really good right now. I'm really happy with the way he's playing."Flames GM Craig Conroy, in March 2025
Huberdeau could very well still be capable of being the elite playmaker he once was, and a return to form might be a difference-maker when it comes to Calgary's playoff push in 2025-26.
Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks
Pettersson saw his offensive stats regress significantly this past season after being plagued by various injuries, falling from 103 points in 2022-23 all the way to 45 points in 62 games in 2024-25. That's not the level of production that the Canucks expect or need out of their top center.
There is reason to be optimistic about Pettersson finding his groove again after he closed out the season with 10 points in his final nine games. It's also worth considering that Pettersson battled knee tendonitis last summer, which limited his ability to train for the 2024-25 season. He told NHL.com in Sweden that he has been focusing on building muscle this summer now that he can workout fully again,
With the off-ice drama surrounding Pettersson and former teammate JT Miller in the rearview mirror, as well as linemate Brock Boeser re-signing in Vancouver, there is hope that this is be the year Pettersson re-establishes himself as an elite scorer and worthy playmaker once again.
"I'm not happy with the season that was. But it's done now. There's no point in dwelling on it. I'm learning from what happened last season to become a better and more mature player for next year. "Elias Pettersson
Chris Kreider, Anaheim Ducks
At age 34, Kreider enters his first season away from the New York Rangers with a lot to prove. Like Pettersson, Kreider dealt with numerous ailments over the course of the 2024-25 campaign that saw him score just 22 goals and 30 points in 68 games. That's a far cry from his peak form, where he produced 35 or more goals in each of the three previous seasons including 52 tallies in 2021-22.
The Ducks organization is hoping that Kreider can be a source of both offense and leadership for their young skaters who continue to shape the team's evolving identity. Anaheim is in the midst of a rebuild, but could be playoff-bound earlier than some people predict after making strong offseason improvements including the acquisition of Kreider from the Rangers via trade.
Kreider, a power play specialist, could be a major factor in boosting the Ducks' dead-last man advantage and third-worst goals per game. He's expected to play on the second line but will undoubtedly be a staple on the top power play unit. With his knack for getting to the dirty areas, tireless work ethic, and tremendous offensive instincts, Kreider has the potential to return to the reliable player he has proven himself as over his career in 2025-26.
These three athletes carry a lot of responsiblity, and they are poised for a bounce-back campaign if they can not only remain healthy but bring more consistency on a nightly basis.