Breakout Candidate: Alexander Nikishin, D
Nikishin, one of the top defensive prospects in the league, made his NHL debut in the playoffs. He struggled a bit but don’t let that deter you from grabbing him. At 6-4 with tremendous skill, Nikishin is the full package on the ice. He had 46 points (17 goals, 29 assists) in 61 KHL games with SKA St. Petersburg this past season. Nikishin finished his KHL career as SKA's all-time leader in scoring by a defender with 177 points, including 54 goals, in 288 games
Buy Low Candidate: Jackson Blake, RW
Blake is a buy-low candidate solely because the rest of the lineup around him. He put up 17 goals, 34 points, 141 shots on net and a plus-10 rating over 80 regular-season appearances in 2024-25 and added six points in 15 playoff outings. His placement here depends on his deployment. If Blake skates on the top-six, he should have a solid campaign, if not, cut bait.
Riser: K’Andre Miller, D
When Miller was dealt from the Rangers to the Canes this off-season, my thought was that it was Brady Skjei 2.0. Miller has been unable to put it all together in New York, making mental and physical mistakes. Under Brind’Amour and in the Carolina system, a rise in performance and production should ensue, resulting in Miller topping 35 points.
Faller: Jesperi Kotkaniemi, C
As good and as deep as Carolina is, many names could go here. I go with Kotkaniemi, who has yet to come close to living up to his third overall selection in 2018 status. In addition, the eight-year, $38.5 million extension he signed with the Hurricanes in March of 2022 is looking like a vast overpayment. Carolina needs a true second line center, putting Kotkaniemi’s status at risk.