Sean Allen, ESPN's fantasy hockey writer, identifies breakout defensemen using historical data. The median fantasy points per game (FPPG) for top-60 defensemen since 2009-10 is 1.89, the breakout threshold. Of 98 defenders with complete game logs, 73 sustained a 41-game rolling average above 1.89. Their average breakout age was 24 years, 248 days, with 254 games played. Darren Raddysh is an exception, breaking out at 30. Allen targets younger, experienced defensemen who haven't yet had a top-60 season.

Philip Broberg (25.2, 1.14 FPPG in 230 games) could breakout if he wins the Blues' power-play quarterback job. Jamie Drysdale (24.4, 1.23 FPPG in 295 games) quarterbacks Philadelphia's top power play and has a 50-point ceiling if healthy. Owen Power (23.8, 1.39 FPPG in 323 games) has pedigree but needs to shoot more.