3 Players Who Are Poised For Breakout Seasons in 2025-26

The 2025-26 NHL season is upon us as training camps are opening this week and the preseason schedule starts this weekend. It's a clean slate for players to win over the trust of their coaches, carve themselves roles among their teams, and for some, have themselves a breakout season this year.

Here's three players to keep an eye on as breakout candidates for 2025-26:

Frank Nazar,  Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks turned a lot of heads after signing Nazar to a long-term contract, even though the 21-year-old only had 54 games of NHL experience under his belt. Nazar is going to be given every opportunity to succeed in Chicago this season and should see a ton of ice-time with a very motivated Connor Bedard. Nazar is one of the best passers around, and he'll look to build off his showing at the World Championships in May. Expect close to a point a game this season.

Arturs Silovs, Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins are going to give Silovs a chance to win the starter's job in Pittsburgh, and absolute run with it. Tristan Jarry could be on the way out, and Silovs, recently acquired from the Canucks, has quickly become the goaltender of the future for the Penguins, and early on this season, he could solidify the goaltender of the now. The 24-year-old was a Calder Cup standout, and look for him to build off that experience and show his new team that he's ready for a starting gig in the NHL. 

Will Smith, San Jose Sharks

Macklin Celebrini's running mate is ready to take a huge leap forward this season. Will Smith will see his ice-time increase in his second season, as he'll look to build off his 19-point stretch in the final 22 games of last season. Smith finished with 45 points and it looks like this season something around 65 points could be doable. 

Photo credit:  Rob Gray-Imagn Images