Perhaps no sport has as many variables as hockey when it comes to statistical outcomes. Hockey players routinely play hurt and coaching systems can have enormous impact year to year. Excluding the elite of the elite, it’s fairly common to see significant statistical variability in player performance from year to year. With that in mind, here are five potential bounce-back candidates for the 2025-26 season. St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington 2024-25 season: 56 games, 28-22-5, three shutouts, 2.69 GAA, .900 save percentage The Blues made several major additions that should help them suppress offenses at five-on-five and on special teams (centers Nick Bjugstad and Pius Suter). Binnington’s save percentage improved from .891 to .905 after Jim Montgomery took over behind the bench in late November, per Natural Stat Trick. Los Angeles Kings winger Andrei Kuzmenko 2024-25 season: 66 games, 11 goals, 26 assists, 15:38 time on ice per game, minus-one at five-on-five (according to Natural Stat Trick) KuRead More
Five likely NHL bounce-back candidates for 2025-26
