Anaheim Ducks Star Listed as Potential Breakout Fantasy Candidate

With the new NHL season starting soon, that means that fantasy hockey will be returning as well. While fantasy hockey isn't as popular as football, it's still something that many people play throughout the season.

There are a ton of impactful players in the NHL, and it could be tough to draft this season. But which players could be the real breakout stars that nobody saw coming?

One may be out in Anaheim, playing for the emerging Ducks. That would be goalie Lukas Dostal.

Ducks Breakout Star?

NHL insider Pete Jensen of NHL.com listed Dostal as a potential breakout candidate for fantasy purposes. Dostal also has a chance to be a true breakout star in general for the Ducks as well.

"Dostal, who had an NHL career-high 23 wins in 54 games last season, could reach another gear after the Ducks traded veteran goalie John Gibson to the Detroit Red Wings this offseason. Per NHL EDGE stats, Dostal was the only goalie in the NHL to rank in the top five in saves from each major shot location region last season; he was fourth in high-danger saves (350), fifth in midrange saves (412) and fifth in long-range saves (371). With the addition of experienced forwards Mikael Granlund and Chris Kreider to provide more goal support and boost the power play in front of Dostal, the 25-year-old could reach the 30-win mark and perhaps even make the Ducks a dark horse Stanley Cup Playoff contender if their young skaters also take the next step," Jensen wrote.

With Dostal now taking over as the leading man for the Ducks between the pipes, he has a chance to fully shine. Anaheim has all the confidence in Dostal for the upcoming year, and he will be tasked with helping to break the team's long playoff drought.

The Ducks rewarded Dostal this summer with a new contract extension, and he will likely lead them forward for years. If he can live up to the hype, he could be a true steal in fantasy for fans this season.

Anaheim will go as far as Dostal can take them, and there is a lot of optimism around him. Don't sleep on the Ducks this season or on Dostal for fantasy purposes.