Fansided

NHL: Five bounce back candidates in 2016-17

By Dave Stevenson

Dec 12, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Mason Raymond (21) chases after New York Rangers left wing Rick Nash (61) during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Mason Raymond (21) chases after New York Rangers left wing Rick Nash (61) during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Nick Bjugstad

Coming off a career season in 2014-15 that saw Florida Panthers center Nick Bjugstad set career highs in goals (24) and points (43), he was viewed by many as a breakout candidate for the 2015-16 season. He was even on most early projections for the World Cup of Hockey. However, Bjugstad missed 15 games due to injury in 2015-16 and saw his point total drop to 34, the second lowest of his career. What factors caused the decline, other than the injury? There are two that jump out.

The first? Vincent Trochek took over his role as second line center while he was injured. By the time Bjugstad was healthy, Trochek had cemented himself as the second line center. That forced Bjugstad to fall to a third line center role, where he had to adjust to new linemates and deployment. This showed, as Bjugstad had just three points in 11 games in January as he adjusted.

With a full off-season to prepare, Bjugstad should be comfortable in that role. His four points in five playoff games is certainly encouraging, even though that was technically in a second line center role with Trochek injured.

Bjugstad also suffered from not having strong linemates. Once the Panthers upgraded his wings by trading for Jiri Hudler and Teddy Purcell, Bjugstad finished with 12 points in his last 20 games. That’s much closer to what fans expect from him.

The Panthers have improved their blue line immensely this off-season. That should make things much easier for Bjugstad. If he can stay healthy, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t set career highs in 2016-17.

Next: 3. Tyler Johnson

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