It can be a bit risky drafting a player who just had a tough season in fantasy hockey. While this is the case, we often see players turn things around and have bounce-back seasons. This will very likely occur with multiple players during the 2024-25 campaign. Because of this, let’s take a look at the top three bounce-back candidate forwards for this upcoming season now.
Bounce-Back Forwards for 2024 Fantasy Hockey
Tage Thompson, C, Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo Sabres star Tage Thompson is a clear bounce-back candidate to watch this upcoming season. The 26-year-old is coming off a down season for his standards, posting 29 goals and 56 points in 71 games. Yet, when looking at his previous campaigns, he undoubtedly can bounce back.
Just back in 2022-23, Thompson was dominant, posting 47 goals and 94 points in 78 contests. He also had 38 goals and 68 points in 78 games during the 2021-22 season. When looking at how excellent he was in recent years, it is apparent that he is a prime bounce-back candidate.
The Sabres are entering next season hoping to break their 13-year playoff drought. For this to happen, they will need Thompson to have a successful bounce-back year and regain his superstar form.
Patrik Laine, RW, Montreal Canadiens
This offseason was a rollercoaster for star forward Patrik Laine. After requesting a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets, the star winger finally got his change of scenery with the Montreal Canadiens. Now, he is one of the NHL’s top bounce-back candidates as he looks to take advantage of his new opportunity.
Laine was limited to just 18 games this past season with Columbus, recording six goals and three assists. The star forward suffered a broken clavicle in December and then entered the NHL Player Assistance Program in January. Now, after being cleared to return last month and being traded to Montreal, he will look to have a successful bounce-back season. He certainly should heat back up, as he had a combined 48 goals and 108 points in 111 games in his two previous campaigns.
Laine will be a significant part of the Canadiens’ top six this season and should see a ton of power-play time. Thus, he will be put in a position to succeed, so he should have a bounce-back season.
Elias Lindholm, C, Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins made a huge splash this summer, signing Elias Lindholm to a seven-year, $54.25 million contract. The Bruins desperately needed a first-line center, and Lindholm is now it. However, for this signing to be a success, the Bruins need Lindholm to have the bounce-back season he is certainly capable of.
This past season was tough for Lindholm, as he posted 15 goals and 44 points in 75 games. These numbers are not necessarily bad, but they were low for his standards. Just back in 2022-23 with the Calgary Flames, he had 22 goals and 64 points. In the campaign before that, he set career highs with 42 goals and 82 points in 82 games. He can be a star when playing at best, and he is a prime bounce-back candidate because of it. This is especially so when remembering that he will play on a line with superstar David Pastrnak.
Nevertheless, it will be fascinating to see how these bounce-back candidates perform next season. Thompson, Laine, and Lindholm all have the skill to have big campaigns. but time will tell if that does come to fruition.