Anaheim Ducks: Lukas Dostal, G
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. — Pete Jensen
Boston Bruins: Mason Lohrei, D
Lohrei, who led Bruins defensemen with 33 points (five goals, 28 assists) including a team-high 15 power-play assists in his first full NHL season, proved he could be a standout on Boston’s top pair alongside Charlie McAvoy. Elevated into an expanded role due to injuries, Lohrei averaged 21:18 of ice time per game after the 4 Nations Face-Off compared to 19:40 per game before the event. Per NHL EDGE stats, Lohrei ranked highly at his position in both midrange goals (five; 94th percentile) and power-play skating distance (25.02 miles; 91st percentile). With McAvoy healthy as his defensive partner at even strength and his own emergence to play on the man advantage, the 24-year-old Lohrei should set career highs in goals, assists and points, to go along with 100-plus blocked shots again this season. — Troy Perlowitz
Buffalo Sabres: Jack Quinn, F
Quinn, who scored 14 goals in his rookie season in 2022-23, had career highs in goals (15), assists (24), points (39) and power-play points (13) in 74 games last season. Per NHL EDGE stats, Quinn ranked in the 88th percentile in midrange shots on goal (61) and 81st percentile in midrange goals (eight) among forwards last season. He finished the season strong with 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) over his final 16 games. The No. 8 pick in the 2020 NHL Draft has breakout potential with a chance to play on the top line and/or first power-play unit with elite forward Tage Thompson, who was tied for third in the NHL in goals (44) last season, after the Sabres traded JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth on June 26. — Chris Meaney
