With the 2025-26 NHL season starting in early October, many players are poised to break out and become stars in the league. Here’s my top five for this role.

Five. Cole Perfetti 

Perfetti, on the Winnipeg Jets, is a young, speedy forward who specializes in scoring goals. The 23-year-old put up 111 points in the OHL in 2020 and tallied 125 points in his 222 games in the NHL. He maintains a clutch factor that comes with his scoring ability, which could very well elevate his game to the next level this year.

Four. Andrei Kuzmenko

Kuzmenko, of the L.A. Kings is a little older but still set himself up for success this season. The 29-year-old, now playing for his fourth team in just six years, remains a solid producer on each of these teams. Playing alongside very skilled players like Adrian Kempe and Quinton Byfield will lead to success all around. 

Three. Ivan Demidov

The 19-year-old Russian-born forward only played two games in the regular season and five in the playoffs. In these seven games, he showed flashes of skill that are only found in the biggest stars in the league. Playing on the Montreal Canadiens, he’s surrounded with loads of skill that will benefit his game.

Two. Kent Johnson

Johnson, a 22-year-old winger for the Columbus Blue Jackets, plays a fast and skillful game. With 116 points in 198 games played, he’s shown that he can produce at the highest level. With players like Adam Fantilli and Kirill Marchenko continuing to grow, Johnson will have plenty of opportunities.

One. Wyatt Johnston

Johnston, the 22-year-old Dallas Star, already nicknamed “Mr. Game 7”, plays the game at his pace. He’s produced plenty in the regular season and the playoffs, with 209 total points in 302 games. Playing on one of the best teams will only benefit Johnston and elevate his game even more.