Future Stars: Young Wings Poised for Breakout Seasons

Matt Boldy ©Instagram / mattboldy

NHL Network is gearing up to unveil their top 10 NHL wingers, but before the big reveal, NHL.com writers are highlighting young forwards who have the potential to become elite in the next few years. Here’s a look at these future stars (listed alphabetically):

• Matt Boldy (Minnesota Wild): This 23-year-old has already impressed with 75 goals in 203 games. His scoring prowess and clutch ability (7 game-winning goals) position him for a potential 40-goal season this year.
• Quinton Byfield (Los Angeles Kings): The No. 2 pick of the 2020 Draft, Byfield is living up to the hype. His size,strength, and skating ability make him a force to be reckoned with. With each season, his production increases,paving the way for a potential 30-goal, 60-point campaign.
• Cole Caufield (Montreal Canadiens): Leading all wings under 23 in goals (77), Caufield is a key piece of the Canadiens’ rebuild. He keeps improving, setting career highs in goals (28), assists (37), and points (65) last season.
• William Eklund (San Jose Sharks): This 21-year-old’s confidence soared last season, finishing second on the Sharks in points (45). His versatility and rapid growth make him a valuable asset, with a potential breakout season on the horizon.
• Dylan Guenther (Utah Hockey Club): As Utah prepares for their inaugural season, Guenther brings excitement.The No. 9 pick of the 2021 Draft has already established himself with 50 points in 78 games. This young talent is poised to take another step forward this year.
• Nils Hoglander (Vancouver Canucks): Expected to play a top-six role again, Hoglander is coming off his best offensive season (36 points). With continued improvement, he has the potential to be a 30-goal scorer.
• Alexis Lafreniere (New York Rangers): The No. 1 pick of 2020, Lafreniere had a breakout season and impressed in the playoffs. His upward trajectory is expected to continue, with a potential for even more goals and points this year.
• Jake Neighbours (St. Louis Blues): This 22-year-old’s strong finish to last season (38 points in 77 games) has raised expectations. Neighbours seems ready to handle the pressure and could become a key offensive contributor for the Blues.
• Lucas Raymond (Detroit Red Wings): After a sophomore slump, Raymond bounced back with a team-leading 72 points last season. His natural maturation suggests even more potential to become one of the league’s best wings.
• Juraj Slafkovsky (Montreal Canadiens): The No. 1 pick of 2022, Slafkovsky had a strong rookie season with 50 points in 82 games. His development continues, and with a hefty new contract, the pressure is on for him to become a premier wing for the Canadiens.

These young players are exciting prospects with the potential to dominate the league in the years to come. Keep an eye on them as they continue to develop and make their mark on the NHL.