Breakout Candidate: Dylan Cozens, C
Cozens has a big year in 2022-23, tallying 68 points. The past seasons, he has notched only 47 points in each campaign. Cozens experienced a resurgence after arriving in Ottawa, posting five goals and 11 helpers in 21 contests. Slated to center the second line. Cozens could notch 60+ points in 2025-26.
Buy Low Candidate: Claude Giroux, C/LW/RW
Giroux, 37 years old, saw his production fall for the second straight season. He dropped from 79 to 64 to 50 points last season. Expecting more than that amount would be foolish. But 50 points from someone who is likely to be a late round pick and will see power play time is never the worst thing in the world.
Riser: Jake Sanderson, D
Sanderson took a major step forward, upping his point total from 38 to 57 points. Much of that increase came on the man advantage, as he went from 14 to 30 points on the man-advantage. The fifth overall pick in 2020, Sanderson’s next step will come once he improves 5x5. A possibility for the US Olympic team, Sanderson should continue his ascent this season.
Faller: Ridly Greig, LW
Greig or Shane Pinto could be listed here. Both will be solid on the third line but neither are likely to play in the top-six, which puts a ceiling on their value. For that reason only, Greig is listed here, though I do think he will play a key role for Ottawa.
All stats courtesy of naturalstattrick.com, moneypuck.com, hockeyviz.com, allthreezones.com, hockey-reference.com, eliteprospects.com unless otherwise noted.