8 Breakout candidates who could make or break the Blue Jackets season

Adam Fantilli

This team's entire hopes and dreams probably hinges on Adam Fantilli's success. I'm pretty confident that he's a star in the making - the kind of star that is very capable of putting his team on his back and leading them to the top.

The only question here: how soon will that happen? Adam went through some growing pains last year while on the ice, before a season-ending laceration to his leg in January. Even with the struggles and missed time; he scored 12 goals and 27 points in 49 games, finishing 11th on the team in scoring.

Better yet, the underlying numbers here were really good, pointing to bigger and better things. As he learns to utilize his teammates and pick his spots better, Fantilli is well on his way to becoming the best center this franchise has ever had. When (not if) he pops, he'll be a dominant two-way center, capable of putting up 100 points in this league. If he can do that this year, we're in for a real treat. Early preseason indications: he just might.

Kirill Marchenko

One could argue that Kirill Marchenko is already a star on this team. I wouldn't debate that point. In two seasons with the Jackets, he's scored 44 goals and 67 points in 123 games. Last year, he led the team with 23 goals.

He has the size, shot, and work ethic of a top line forward. In fact, I think he's the only young winger in the organization who has consistently shown top line potential on a nightly basis.

His off-ice personality screams "star" as well. Marchenko has a contagious smile and doesn't take himself too seriously; even when critiquing his own game during a slump. I don't see 100+ point potential here like Fantilli, but I do think Kirill can be a 40-goal, 70-80 point player in this league. And, I think he's the closest to breaking out. I would mash the "over" on 30 goals for him this season.

These two aren't the only ones on the verge of breaking out offensively. Let's move on to the next names on my list.