2016-2017 Breakout D

[loco man]

I'll get things started......

Mike Matheson - stud prospect who will be playing in the NHL full time next year. Likely to be paired with Ekblad, likely to get solid PP time and already showing he belongs.

The next Ghost might be a stretch but all signs pointing towards a very solid rookie year and solid fantasy production with lots of room to grow.

Who else?

[JagrBomb]

Anthony D'Angelo

I could see him as the closest to Ghost. Matheson is likely the better all around defender but i like D'Angelo's offensive upside much more. If he can bump Stralman off that top PP...damn!

[Big Baby]

Shea Theodore going to get a shot with the big club

[Axeman33]

I'd put up Ryan Pulock or Oscar Klefbom. I think both have a high upside and god knows someone on the point for the Oilers has to start putting up points. If Klefbom is still there next year, I think he could be that Dman.

[Eskimo Brother]

A couple that are on my list to take a big step forward:
Whoever actually gets a spot with Toronto past the veterans from this season… Zaitsev perhaps?
Nurse/Klefbom (Someone has to step up with EDM right?)
S. Jones
Severson (If NJ finally decides to go with one guy on the PP, he should be it)
Provorov (Someone has to take Streit's PP time)
Esa Lindell

As a wildcard, I don't have too much faith in Zadorov, but he has the skills to put it all together at some point.

[Eskimo Brother]

I'd put up Ryan Pulock or Oscar Klefbom. I think both have a high upside and god knows someone on the point for the Oilers has to start putting up points. If Klefbom is still there next year, I think he could be that Dman.

Pulock is another good one. PP1 is blocked right now, but he could still put up some good secondary numbers.

As mentioned above. Theodore and Deangelo are highly regarded D prospects that should perform with their full time shot next year.

[Big Baby]

Klefbom is another good one. I own him and am super excited for his potential. Only fear is that Edmonton gives away one of there top F's for a Dman, (Vatanen, Shattenkirk) and give one of them all the top mins

[Axeman33]

I dont see DeAngelo playing in the NHL full time next year unless the Bolts start shipping out other Dmen or major injuries occur. Right now, they already have Carle, Garrisson, Colborn, Hedman, Stralman and Sustr under contract next season. Nesterov is a RFA and will more than likely get a one-way deal as well.

I think DeAngelo is still another year away from full time duty at best. I dont think they are in any hurry for his services either.

[Eskimo Brother]

I could see DeAngelo coming up after an injury next season and making a case on the PP to stick, just like Ghost did. Carle is out if Tbay can trade him or if they decide to buy him out. He has fallen very far out of favour there.

[BogosianLandeskog]

Derrick Pouliot if hes full time

[Zorro]

I have to agree with Pulock and Theodore.. People involved with the Wheat Kings have raved about Provorov as being the best Dman they have ever seen in Brandon.. And that list includes guys like Redden and Pulock who I already mentioned..

[mojavedesert]

A couple that are on my list to take a big step forward:
Whoever actually gets a spot with Toronto past the veterans from this season… Zaitsev perhaps?
Nurse/Klefbom (Someone has to step up with EDM right?)
S. Jones
Severson (If NJ finally decides to go with one guy on the PP, he should be it)
Provorov (Someone has to take Streit's PP time)
Esa Lindell

As a wildcard, I don't have too much faith in Zadorov, but he has the skills to put it all together at some point.

Do you think Lindell will be better than Honka? Or do you think Honka plays another year in the AHL?

[hockeey]

Not sure I see it in Matheson but I could be wrong.

Some defense that I think could really breakout next year:

Jones
Provorov
DeAngelo
C. Miller
Theodore
Montour

Dark Horses: Severson, Zadorov, Honka

[havanablast21]

Klefbom and Theodore

[Eskimo Brother]

Do you think Lindell will be better than Honka? Or do you think Honka plays another year in the AHL?

I wouldn't say he will be better long term, but he seems to have a bit of a step up for next year anyways.
It is something to keep an eye on in training camp. Whoever wins a spot could be well in line to start producing right away.