Four second-year NHL players destined for breakout seasons

The NHL offseason is coming to a close, with training camps set to begin in September. While several big-name young players, such as Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson, Russian phenom Matvei Michkov and 2024 first overall pick Macklin Celebrini, will garner plenty of attention as the season begins, there are several other second-year players who fans should take note of.

Which second-year players are on the rise and poised for a breakout year? Let's take a look at four names.

Marco Kasper, forward, Detroit Red Wings

Marco Kasper had a slow start to his rookie year, scoring just two goals and seven points in his first 37 games. However, the hiring of new coach Todd McLellan right after Christmas sparked the young Austrian.

In 2025, Kasper posted 17 goals and 30 points in 45 games to close out the season, ending the year centering the Red Wings' second line with Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat. His 30 points in 2025 were fifth among all rookies, and his 17 goals ranked first.

As Detroit looks to break a nine-season playoff drought, Kasper is sure to play a big role in its top six. Keep an eye out for Kasper to potentially hit 30 goals in a crucial two-way role for the Red Wings.

Frank Nazar, forward, Chicago Blackhawks

Former No. 1 overall pick Connor Bedard rightfully gets the most attention on the Blackhawks, but Frank Nazar, the 13th overall selection in 2022, may be the perfect player to pair with Bedard as a one-two punch.

Nazar started his rookie season slowly, managing just one assist in his first nine games. However, like Kasper, once the clock hit 2025, he settled into his role in the NHL, scoring 25 points in 44 games to end the season, seventh among rookies.

Nazar was rewarded for his efforts, signing a seven-year, $46.13 million contract this offseason. Although Chicago is still in the midst of a rebuild, Nazar will be a key piece; expect a big season from him as one of the Blackhawks' go-to guys.

Will Smith, forward, San Jose Sharks

Similar to Nazar, Will Smith was often overlooked by his first overall teammate, Macklin Celebrini, who finished third in Calder voting. A fourth overall pick of San Jose in 2023, Smith performed admirably in his first season, finishing with 18 goals and 45 points in 74 games.

Those numbers were actually fourth among all rookies, and, considering the Sharks' last-place finish in 2024-25, show the high potential Smith has. Highly skilled, Smith is expected to contribute even more as San Jose's likely second-line center.