Every year, multiple young players take massive leaps in their development. Here are six players we project will break out in 2026-27.
Mavrik Bourque
Age: 24
Position: C/RW
Team: Predators
Bourque was buried on a loaded Dallas Stars depth chart over the last two seasons, but he has a chance to become a featured player after his trade to Nashville. He could easily earn his way into a top-line role with a spot on the team's No. 1 power-play unit - especially if the Predators sell at the deadline.
The 24-year-old still managed to produce 20 goals and 21 assists in 82 games with the Stars last season despite averaging just 15:29 per contest and seeing little time on the man advantage.
Easton Cowan
Age: 21
Position: LW/RW
Team: Maple Leafs
Cowan ended his up-and-down rookie year on a high note, tallying seven points in his final eight games while getting an extended look on what was the Maple Leafs' top line with John Tavares and William Nylander. He also added 18 points in 22 AHL playoff contests, helping the Toronto Marlies win the Calder Cup.
The 21-year-old projects to start the season on Toronto's third line, though he may not be there for long. Jack Roslovic is expected to get the first look with Matthew Knies and Auston Matthews, but the poor defensive play that's plagued him throughout his career could result in a demotion. In that case, Cowan might be next up. His playmaking skills and ability to hound pucks could make him a good fit next to Matthews. If Cowan takes a step in his development, the Maple Leafs won't be able to deny him a top-six role.
Adam Fantilli
Age: 21
Position: C
Team: Blue Jackets
The contract dispute between Fantilli and the Blue Jackets isn't an ideal way to start, but if that gets settled soon, a major breakout year could lie ahead. Fantilli has all the tools to develop into a legitimate No. 1 center: he's big, fast, physical, and highly skilled. It's only a matter of time before he puts it all together.
Fantilli took a big leap last season in his ability to generate offense, but his finishing took a step back, as his shooting percentage dropped from 16.2% in 2024-25 to 11.2% in 2025-26. If Fantilli continues to improve in the underlying parts of his game and gets some better puck luck this season, the 2023 No. 3 pick could produce 40 goals and 80 points.
Zeev Buium
Age: 20
Position: LD
Team: Canucks
While his defensive game remains a work in progress, Buium flashed plenty of offensive potential as a rookie in 2025-26, tallying 26 points in 76 games between the Canucks and Minnesota Wild.
The 2024 No. 12 pick is an extremely talented skater and puck transporter who racked up 98 points in 83 career NCAA games with Denver. Defensemen often take longer to develop than forwards, but don't be surprised if Buium takes a major leap as a sophomore for a rebuilding Canucks team.
Simon Nemec
Age: 22
Position: RD
Team: Flames
It's rare for a No. 2 overall pick to become an afterthought, but that's what happened to Nemec in New Jersey. Because of the Devils' defensive depth and the fact that Dougie Hamilton and/or Luke Hughes typically ran the top power play, Nemec rarely got chances high in the lineup.
However, minutes won't be an issue in Calgary. Though he may have to fend off Zayne Parekh for No. 1 power-play duties, Nemec should easily be the Flames' time-on-ice leader. That opportunity should breed confidence, and for a player with his offensive ability, a 50-point season is within reach.
Devon Levi
Age: 24
Position: G
Team: Oilers
Levi was once one of the NHL's top goalie prospects, and it would be foolish to write him off completely at just 24, especially given how long it can take netminders to reach their full potential. He played OK during his first two NHL seasons, sporting a respectable .901 save percentage across 30 games between 2022-24 on some mediocre Buffalo Sabres teams. But after posting an .872 mark in nine contests in 2024-25, Levi hasn't appeared in the NHL since.
A change of scenery may do wonders for Levi, who was traded to the Oilers this offseason. He likely would've entered the season as Edmonton's No. 3 goalie, but with the oft-injured Frederik Andersen out to start training camp, Levi could enter the year as the No. 2. From there, all he'll need to do is beat out the inconsistent Tristan Jarry for the No. 1 job. Levi, who owns a .914 save percentage in 120 career AHL games, is more than capable of seizing this opportunity.
