Projecting the NHL's leap-forward, regression candidates: Michkov, Misa, Mantha, more

Projecting the NHL's leap-forward, regression candidates: Michkov, Misa, Mantha, more

Here are a dozen players who are in for a heightened -- or lowered -- level of production this season.

Projecting NHL breakout and regression candidates for 2026–27

ESPN identified a dozen NHL players who could either take a significant step forward or regress in 2026-27, with eligibility limited to non-rookies. According to ESPN, many players projected to improve are in the final year of entry-level deals or the first year of their first standard contract, while regression candidates often come off career […]