Every fantasy hockey manager dreams of finding that hidden gem who transforms from a late-round pick into a league-winning superstar. Identifying these breakout players requires a keen eye for age, experience, and potential. Here’s a deep dive into the forwards who are primed to make the leap in the 2025-26 NHL season.

Key Criteria for Breakout Players

To identify potential breakout candidates, we’ve refined our criteria based on historical data:

• Age: Players under 23 years and 331 days old.
• Fantasy Production: Averaged less than 1.70 fantasy points per game (FPPG) in their career.
• Experience: At least 100 NHL games played but fewer than 180.
• Consistency: No sustained 30-game stretch averaging 1.70 FPPG or better.

Top Breakout Candidates

Here are the most intriguing forwards who meet all our criteria and are poised for a breakout season:

Quinton Byfield, C, Los Angeles Kings

• Age: 23.1 years
• Games Played: 260
• FPPG: 1.50 Byfield has shown flashes of brilliance and could surpass Anze Kopitar in fantasy points this season.

Kirby Dach, C, Montreal Canadiens

• Age: 24.6 years
• Games Played: 269
• FPPG: 1.26 Dach’s age and experience align perfectly with historical breakout trends, and he’s on a rising Canadiens team.

Connor McMichael, C, Washington Capitals

• Age: 24.6 years
• Games Played: 237
• FPPG: 1.56 McMichael had a strong first half last season and is unlikely to slow down again.

Mason McTavish, C, Anaheim Ducks

• Age: 22.6 years
• Games Played: 229
• FPPG: 1.59 McTavish is part of a youth movement in Anaheim that could dominate the offense this season.

Matias Maccelli, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs

• Age: 24.9 years
• Games Played: 224
• FPPG: 0.76 Maccelli’s highlight-reel plays could translate into significant fantasy points if he lines up with Auston Matthews.

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Conclusion

These forwards represent the best bets for breakout seasons in 2025-26. By targeting these players in your fantasy drafts, you could gain a significant edge over your competition. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the season approaches.