Top 5 Breakout Forwards for the 2007-2008 NHL Season

The 2006-2007 has brought an entertaining season of hockey so far. I believe that the next few seasons will bring even more great hockey action. Next season will bring new stars, and new excitement.

Marek Svatos- Colorado Avalanche's Marek Svatos has been in the league since 2003-2004 and has played well after he had shoulder surgery. In 2005-2006 Svatos recorded 32 goals and 18 assists in 61 games. Svatos has been in a slight slump as of late and only has 10 goals and 14 assists on the 2006-2007 season. Svatos has explosive speed and can definitely put the puck in the net. Svatos plays on a line with Joe Sakic and has great potential. Look for Svatos to finish the season strong and continue his career to stardom.

Ales Hemsky- Edmonton Oiler's right winger Ales Hemsky was a big help in the Oilers run in the 2005-2006 playoffs against the Carolina Hurricanes. Like Svatos, Hemsky is an extremely explosive skater, he can simply fly. This speed is just what a player needs in the new NHL needs. Hemsky also has a very accurate shot and can make the move to get around defensemen to the net. Hemsky only has 7 goals and 25 assists on the season, but look for him to play the way he did in the 2005-2006 playoffs in the future.

Dan Fritshe- Columbus Blue Jacket's center Dan Fritshe is a solid second line center. He has great hands and the size to push his way to the net. Fritsche is young, and has had his batch of bad luck, but I believe that he will continue to grow into a great player. Columbus is struggling right now and that isn't good for any young player. With Ken Hitchcock behind the bench now, the Blue Jackets are looking better and better each game. Fritsche currently has 9 goals and 11 assists on the season. Give Fritsche some more time to learn and I believe he can be a great center.

Jeff Carter- Philadelphia Flyers center Jeff Carter is just one of those guys. He's got good hands, great speed and at 6 foot 3 inches tall, he can force his way around the net. The Flyers have had a terrible season, most hockey fans know this. In his first year of play in 2005-2006, Carter recorded 23 goals and 19 assists. This season though he only has 4 goals and 11 assists, Carter simply isn't play to his potential. Who knows what will happen to Philadelphia and who they move around in the off season, but I believe Carter is one of the best young centers in the game today.

Zach Parise- New Jersey Devils center Zach Parise is among the NHL's best centers. He starred in the Young Stars game this year and earned himself the MVP. In his second year of play in the NHL, Parise has notched 17 goals and 19 helpers. Parise is strong on the puck and has the skills to dart around defenders. As we saw in the Young Stars game, look for Parise to continue in his success.