Toronto Maple Leafs and Atlantic Division Potential 2024-25 Breakout Players

Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning are a predominately veteran team. According to puckpedia.com, their active roster only has three players under 25 years of age. In a way, it makes it easier to select players who are looking for a breakout season.

Jesse Ylonen

After playing parts of four seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, Jesse Ylonen is looking for a fresh start with the Lightning. He signed a one-year deal for the league minimum of $775,000. This will be a show us what you got season for Ylonen. That is why I think we could see him have a breakout season. He wants to prove himself and make a statement that he can reach that next level. Two seasons ago, he registered 16 points in 37 games. If he can play at that pace over an 82-game season, he'd have 35 points.

Emil Lilleberg

Emil Lilleberg is a 23-year-old defenseman coming off his first taste of the NHL last season. He registered five assists in 37 games. As a more defensive-style defenseman, Lilleberg will not have many offensive points. He is looking to be a reliable stay-at-home defenseman for the Lightning. His physical style of play will help the Lightning in the Atlantic Division.

Janis Jerome Moser

Some would say that J.J. Moser has already had his breakout season with seven goals and 24 assists for 31 points in 82 games during the 2022-23 season, but I think he has yet to tap into his full potential. I don't think it is out of the realm of possibility for Moser to be a 45 to 50-point guy. He's leaving the Coyotes (Utah HC) behind for a much more talented Lightning team. We'll see if the change in teams helps him surpass expectations.