Breakout Candidate: Will Cuylle, LW
Cuylle may have had his breakout season in 2024-25, going from 13 goals and eight assists to 20 markers and 25 helpers with 301 hits. He is slated to see an expanded role this season, skating on the top line. If Cuylle remains there. career high numbers could ensue.
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Buy Low Candidate: Alexis Lafreniere, RW
Lafreniere can’t be as bad as he was last year when he fell from a career-best 57 points in 2023-24 to just 45 points (17 goals, 28 assists) in 79 games, could he? The good news is that Laf gets a fresh start with a new coaching staff, including David Quinn who was the head coach when he was drafted. Remaining on a line with Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck could help Lafreniere rebound.
Riser: Scott Morrow, D
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Morrow, acquired from Carolina in the K’Andre Miller deal, has a shot to break campa with the team. If that happens, Morrow should quarterback the second power play unit. Offensively, Morrow should have no problems, it’s on the defensive side of the ice where questions exist.
Faller: Jonathan Quick, G
Quick was brilliant his first season in New York, posting an 18-6-2 mark with a 2.62 goals-against average (GAA) and .911 save percentage (SV%). The bottom fell out last season, as Quick went just 11-7-2 with a 3.17 GAA and a .893 SV% over 24 appearances. On just a one-year deal, if Quick’s decline continues, Dylan Garand could be recalled from Hartford of the AHL to back up Igor Shesterkin.
All stats courtesy of naturalstattrick.com, moneypuck.com, hockeyviz.com, allthreezones.com, hockey-reference.com, eliteprospects.com unless otherwise noted.