NHL Players Most Likely to Have a Sophomore Slump in 2014-15

NHL fans love rookies who perform at a high level. Nothing excites a struggling fanbase like a hot shot freshman who delivers a strong year for their team.

What happens after the first season? Often a year of struggle and an education about just how difficult the NHL can be without sheltered minutes. Every season has a few players who suffer the sophomore slump, and this year will be no exception.

Here are the top 10 sophomore candidates who may struggle in the 2014-15 season.

What He Accomplished as a Rookie: Justin Fontaine enjoyed a productive rookie season with the Minnesota Wild. His 13 goals tied him for No. 12 among rookies in goals for 2013-14.

Was he Protected? Fontaine faced tough zone starts as a rookie and a mid-level quality of competition. His possession numbers were subpar, but more than acceptable considering his status as a freshman.

What Could Go Wrong? Minnesota got a fine performance from Fontaine, but he turns 27 in November. He'll need to perform at last year's level or better to keep his job. He wasn't drafted, and that may mean the Wild have no attachment beyond what he can provide them now.

What He Accomplished as a Rookie: Mattias Ekholm is a big defenseman who showed well for the Nashville Predators in his debut during the 2013-14 season.

Was he Protected? Nashville used Ekholm against softer opposition last season and gave him average zone starts. He was slightly protected by the Predators in his first year.

What Could Go Wrong? The Predators have Seth Jones emerging and rely heavily on Roman Josi and Shea Weber. Ekholm will see a new coach this fall and is not a feature player. A slow training camp or early-season struggles could send his career sideways.

What He Accomplished as a Rookie: After five years of struggling in the minors, Patrick Maroon finally landed an NHL job and played well. The Anaheim Ducks employed him in an ideal situation, allowing him to provide a physical edge while also chipping in some offense.

Was he Protected? Maroon played softer opponents and was given a zone-start push by the Ducks. This is the definition of a protected player.

What Could Go Wrong? Maroon's in danger on a couple of fronts. First, he's an older rookie, and Anaheim may find a younger option who can help for longer. Second, the role he played a year ago may be the only one he can fill in the NHL. If he can't move up the depth chart, he's going to be vulnerable.

What He Accomplished as a Rookie: Eric Gelinas posted an impressive season with the New Jersey Devils, scoring 29 points in 60 games. He was among the best rookie defensemen in 2013-14.

Was he Protected? New Jersey gave Gelinas an ideal situation in his first year. He received the best zone starts available and the softest competition. He responded with solid possession stats, but he was not the best on the Devils—even though he was placed in the best possible circumstances.

What Could Go Wrong? It's likely Gelinas will be asked to take on more of the heavy lifting in his second year, and he could struggle in the new role. New Jersey needs Gelinas to mature quickly, and there will be significant pressure.

What He Accomplished as a Rookie: Alex Chiasson had a strong season with the Dallas Stars. The big man scored well and was a load for opposition defensemen.

Was he Protected? Dallas used Chiasson with favorable zone starts and soft opposition. It worked out fine, as he performed well offensively. Chiasson also scored often on the power play.

What Could Go Wrong? Chiasson was traded during the summer, and that could mean a period of transition. There's also a chance he sees his power-play time cut back, and that's a big part of Chiasson's offense.

What He Accomplished as a Rookie: Frederik Andersen posted a terrific rookie season for the Anaheim Ducks. He played so well in the regular season the club trusted him in the playoffs, a rare item for an NHL contender.

Was he Protected? Andersen was exposed to all opposition, and during the regular year, he stoned opponents at a tremendous rate. He was less impressive in the playoffs, which is to be expected for a rookie thrown so quickly into the toughest games.

What Could Go Wrong? Andersen showed well in his debut, but goaltenders are notorious for inconsistent play and wild swings in performance year to year. His potential suggests Anaheim has a quality No. 1 goalie, but a sophomore slump is possible.

What He Accomplished as a Rookie: Tyler Johnson had a dream season as a rookie with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He was not drafted and made the NHL at 23, an age when most skill players are already established. 

Was he Protected? Johnson's zone starts were positive, but there were others playing in better conditions. He played against tough opposition, an extremely rare thing for a rookie of any age.

What Could Go Wrong? Johnson has no draft pedigree, and despite impressive numbers in junior and the AHL, he was never a famous prospect. The Lightning have multiple options for their skill lines, and Johnson's position on the club could suffer if he has a prolonged slump. His long-range future is outstanding.

What He Accomplished as a Rookie: Torey Krug enjoyed a strong season, leading the NHL in points scored by rookie defensemen. 

Was he Protected? Krug was used heavily on the Boston Bruins' power play, leading the league handily in power-play time on ice by rookie defensemen.

What Could Go Wrong? Krug's history dating back to Michigan State suggests he's a natural on the power play. The success enjoyed in 2012-13 is unusual for a rookie defenseman, and he could see a dip in man advantage production this season.

What He Accomplished as a Rookie: Jacob Trouba had an incredible season. He performed well in all areas, playing big minutes for the Winnipeg Jets and looking like a veteran from opening night.

Was he Protected? Trouba played mid-level competition and tougher zone starts. That's an unusual place for a rookie, especially a defender.

What Could Go Wrong? He could fall off from his rookie performance and still be an effective player. It's a decent bet Trouba will stagnate or see a slight downturn in performance, but it's based mostly on the high bar set in his rookie year.

What He Accomplished as a Rookie: Sean Monahan finished among the top 10 rookie scorer in 2013-14 and gave Calgary Flames fans a glimpse of a very promising future.

Was he Protected? Monahan's quality of competition was not strong, which is to be expected for a skill player—especially a teenage rookie. He also received a zone-start push, which helped him offensively. Monahan's possession stats were poor, but he still delivered offensively as a rookie.

What Could Go Wrong? The big item of concern for Monahan is his 15.7 shooting percentage in 2013-14. The odds of that number coming down are large, meaning a drop-off in goals is likely even if he maintains his shooting production. Calgary is a young team and likely to struggle again this season. This could be a trying year for Monahan.

Statistical evidence courtesy of Behind the Net.