The NHL Network's top breakout candidates in 2021-22, plus some notable omissions

As we continue to navigate our way through the barren wasteland that is late August in the hockey world, we turn our attention to the 2021-22 season and some of the promising young players who are poised to take a huge step this year.

The NHL Network has released a list of the top nine breakout candidates for the 2021-22 season and while the list does contain several noteworthy names, there are some omissions who deserve mention. First, let's take a look at the NHL Network's list.

1. Jack Hughes - New Jersey Devils

2. Alexis Lafreniere - New York Rangers

3. Kirby Dach - Chicago Blackhawks

4. Cole Caufield - Montreal Canadiens

5. Carter Verhaeghe - Florida Panthers

6. Juuse Saros - Nashville Predators

7. Andrew Mangiapane - Calgary Flames

8. Tim Stutzle - Ottawa Senators

9. Adam Fox - New York Rangers

With those names out of the way, let's take a look at a few guys who were probably worthy of mentioning, but didn't quite make the cut.

Carter Hart - Philadelphia Flyers

2020-21 was a disappointing season for the Flyers in general, but a particularly rough go for the 23-year-old Hart, who posted career lows in every category.

Hart has a lot to prove this season and has apparently been very focused on improving his game and preparing himself mentally for the upcoming season over the past few months.

With the Flyers having revamped their D-corps this offseason, adding veteran defensemen Ryan Ellis, Rasmus Ristolainen and Keith Yandle to the fold in Philly, the blueline looks much improved on paper, which could bode well for Hart. If I were a betting man, I'd be putting my money on not only a bounce back year for Hart, but a career year in his 4th NHL season.

Trevor Zegras - Anaheim Ducks

After winning World Junior gold with Team USA back in January, Zegras found his way into 24 NHL games in his rookie season, scoring 3 times and adding 10 assists for 13 points - a respectable campaign from the 20-year-old pivot.

Zegras has reportedly put in a lot of work over the offseason to improve his strength and conditioning to help augment his overall game.

Zegras commented last week that he was ready to take the next step in his career and hopes to make a strong offensive impact for the Ducks in his first year as as top center, at both even strength and on special teams this season.

The Bedford, NY native could start the season on a line with wingers Maxime Comtois and Troy Terry, which could be an exciting trio to watch in Anaheim. I'd imagine that a breakout sophomore season is fairly likely for the 2019 9th-overall pick.

Conor Garland - Vancouver Canucks

Garland definitely flew under the radar in Arizona in his first 3 NHL seasons, but the feisty winger will have a much bigger spotlight on him in a Canadian market, coming over with Oliver Ekman-Larsson from the Coyotes this offseason.

The 25-year-old is expected to fill a top-6 role with the Canucks this season after signing a 5-year, $24.75M deal ($4.9M AAV) this summer. Daily Faceoff currently has him slotted in at RW on a line with captain Bo Horvat and up-and-comer Nils Hoglander. This is not intended to be a knock against the Coyotes, but if true, these are likely the two most skilled linemates Garland will have played with at the NHL level.

A 5th-round pick back in 2015 (123rd overall), Garland matched a career high in points in 2020-21, tallying 12 goals and adding 27 assists for 39 points in 49 games. He scored 22 goals in the 2019-20 season as well, so his ability to finish is certainly there.

Garland's pace from last season would put him around 65 points over an 82-game span, so I certainly like his chances of surpassing his 39-point career high. I don't think 55-65 points would he a stretch for the former QMJHL standout.

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