The sophomore slump is a thing in hockey that many players experience, but others push past it for one reason or another. It is not a reason to avoid drafting talented young players for your fantasy hockey team who are capable of breaking out and doing much better than their rookie season. Especially on young teams, second-year players get lots of opportunities to take another step forward. These are the seven second-year forwards I believe can be fantasy hockey breakouts this season.
Fantasy Hockey Sophomore Breakouts
Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks
Connor Bedard came into the NHL swinging even though the Chicago Blackhawks weren’t a good team and had the least amount of goals scored last season. This is about to change dramatically as the players who missed time are healthy and the team loaded up with established players. Bedard is the number-one center and is coming off a season in which he scored 22 goals and 61 points in 68 games. Given he has a full season of experience, better potential linemates, and is expected to play 82 games, it’s only going up from here, and quickly.
Logan Cooley, Utah HC
Logan Cooley had a formidable first season in the NHL. He didn’t get to play much with any stars, but that could change this season. Cooley is projected to center the second line, and while he should improve from 20 goals and 44 points, that would be without playing with Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz. Barrett Hayton is expected to play on the top line, but he only scored three goals and 10 points in 33 games last season. There is a decent chance Cooley will take over as the number one center already in Utah. If that’s the case, his value will rise significantly. He’s already on the top power-play unit.
Adam Fantilli, Columbus Blue Jackets
Adam Fantilli didn’t have a fantastic rookie season, but he also only played 49 games. He will be the number two center in Columbus this season and have good enough young linemates to impress. Fantilli scored 12 goals and 27 points and didn’t have the power play to help his production. His role will be bigger this season as he is expected to get a bump in ice time by at least two minutes. With that, he should see more time on the man advantage and add that to what he provides owners in fantasy hockey.
Leo Carlsson, Anaheim Ducks
Leo Carlsson also didn’t get enough games to be impactful in fantasy hockey in his rookie season, but he is going to get there. He logged over 18 minutes of ice time per game, indicating the Anaheim Ducks already have a lot of trust in him. He is projected as the first-line center playing in between Alex Killorn and Troy Terry. Carlsson scored 12 goals and 29 points in 55 games last season, but rest and injuries will likely play a lesser impact on his sophomore season. He should be on the top power-play unit and will provide enough blocked shots and hits.
Tyson Foerster, Philadelphia Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers played better than how good they actually were last season. That won’t happen again, but I could be proved wrong by John Tortorella and how he runs the bench. Nevertheless, Tyson Foerster came in and performed as advertised. He scored three goals and seven points in eight games to end the 2022-23 season, but in his first full season, he scored 20 goals and 33 points in 77 games. The Flyers’ top 9 is very spread out and he is projected to play on the top line. Whether that holds true or not, he will be playing all season with talented and hungry players who will produce at 5-on-5.
Matthew Knies, Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are going to give Matthew Knies a perfect opportunity this season to build off of 2023-24. Tyler Bertuzzi is gone and the team didn’t add any top-6 winger to play above Knies. He had 15 goals and 35 points last season but should get full-time duties alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. We’ve seen what production comes with that for even an average player. Knies won’t get time on the top power-play unit, but his ice time will jump and he’s already a great player to have for hits.
Connor Zary, Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames are now into a rebuild and the team doesn’t look very good at all. That being said, Connor Zary is going to get ample opportunities to continue to prove himself and do well. He broke into the NHL last season and put up 14 goals and 34 points in 63 games. That was with just over 15 minutes of ice time per game. He is expected to play on the second line, so his ice time will rise. Power-play time will elude him, but like Carlsson, Zary blocks shots and will hit a decent amount. He’s worth a late-round look in deeper leagues.
Related: 7 Best Fantasy Hockey Grinders to Draft in 2024
Not every one of these sophomores is guaranteed to be a fantasy hockey breakout this season, but some are bound to improve nicely. Some will be drafted while others are top options on the waiver wire. Be sure to keep an eye on all of them for the best success.