RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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The NHL is seeing an impressive display of young talent, starting with Macklin Celebrini, who broke out and is the franchise player for the San Jose Sharks. NHL Muse selected five players whom they think could break out this season; we have selected four of our own, with some overlap with theirs.
The youth movement is in full swing, and many young players have a great chance to succeed and break out this upcoming season. The question is which ones will take advantage of their scenarios and become breakout candidates for the 2026-27 season.
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Matvei Gridin | Calgary Flames
Apr 14, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames right wing Matvei Gridin (92) against the Colorado Avalanche during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images Matvei Gridin is an exciting prospect for the upcoming season, showcasing significant potential. In his rookie year, he played 37 games and accumulated 20 points, projecting to a remarkable 44 points over a full 82-game season.
With the Flames’ youthful roster, Gridin is poised to emerge as a key scorer for the team. As the Flames continue to develop, all eyes should be on Matvei Gridin, who can lead the team in scoring this year.
Gabe Perreault | New York Rangers
Apr 5, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers right wing Gabe Perreault (94) skates against the Washington Capitals during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images The Rangers found a steal in Gabe Perreault, and with more ice time, he can be a special player for New York. When Artemi Panarin departed, Perreault and Lafreniere were an awesome line together, and both should be great players poised for breakouts. For Perreault, who is younger than Lafreniere, he can be a player to watch because he had 27 points in his first 49 games, and his game really took off when he finished with 19 points in the final 23 games.
If Perreault can play well, this strengthens the entire team and changes how people may view the Rangers if they have a potential superstar on their hands. Mike Sullivan should be playing Perreault for much of the game, and we will see if Perreault can have an amazing season.
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Michael Misa | San Jose Sharks
Mar 30, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Michael Misa (77) controls the puck against the St. Louis Blues in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images The big talk about the franchise right now is Macklin Celebrini, a 100-plus-point season from the youngster, but let’s not forget Michael Misa. Misa can have an amazing season for the Sharks, and the team has the talent to be a playoff team.
Misa was drafted right after Matthew Schaefer, the New York Islanders defenseman. Misa is getting top-six minutes, which was already a given because of his elite talent. Being the 2nd center will be good for Misa, as he will see lots of ice time, and Sharks fans will fall in love with Michael Misa quickly.
Cole Hutson | Washington Capitals
Mar 28, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Cole Hutson (44) warms up before a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Many people expressed that the Capitals got a steal in Cole Hutson, and that might be true. Hutson’s talent is very solid, and he can be a good defenseman for the Caps this season. He won’t need to play top minutes right now because he is still young, but that helps out a young player develop, and if he plays well for the minutes that are given, then that is a major success.
Hutson picked up 10 points in 14 games last year, and now, with the moves Washington made this offseason, Hutson can certainly help them be a playoff-caliber team. Cole has learned a lot from playing with his brother Lane Hutson, and they are different types of players, as Lane is a more shifty defenseman, while Cole brings a more physical side to his game. Expect a big season from Cole this year.
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