Last week, we covered five NHL players who are likely to take steps back this season. This time, we will take a look at five players who could be poised for breakout years.

Brandt Clarke, Los Angeles Kings defenceman

After losing Vladislav Gavrikov to the New York Rangers in the off-season, the Kings have big skates to fill on their blue line. Gavrikov played around 23 hard minutes per game, and the 22-year-old Clarke will get a shot to fill them.

Clarke, who led all Kings defencemen last season with 28 assists and 33 points, is known more for his offensive skill set; he averaged 21.5 possession-driving plays per 20 minutes at 5-on-5 last season — seventh most out of 214 qualified defencemen (minimum 500 minutes at 5-on-5). Clarke also has an accurate shot, hitting the net on 53.7 per c

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