NHL fans are buzzing with excitement as The Hockey News releases its annual list of the top 100 players in the league. But what about the talented players who narrowly missed the cut? A closer look reveals five NHLers who could potentially break into the elite group next season, catapulting them to superstardom. Players like 22-year-old Canadiens winger Cole Caufield, who exploded onto the scene with a 30-goal rookie season, and 23-year-old Devils defenseman Brendan Smith, who has been consistently impressive despite limited playing time, could be poised for a major leap forward. With their impressive skills and rising star power, these five players are primed to make a strong case for inclusion on next year's top 100 list.
The Hockey News recently published its list of this year's top 100 NHL players. Which five NHLers who weren't ranked could get into that select group next season?
![[Dreger] The Blues front office is changing with Kevin Maxwell and Peter Chiarelli leaving the club to pursue other opportunities. Chiarelli is a candidate in NSH interview process and Maxwell is expected to return to NYR in a management role.](https://preview.redd.it/8hs9m3tumlrg1.jpeg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=ce4550e1caea7b79f0c63dd506935cd41dc4d243)
