Five Metro Division breakout picks for the 2022-23 season

Dawson Mercer is one of the youngsters poised to take another step this year.

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One of my favorite things to do each year is share breakout picks.

With the 2022-23 campaign just around the corner – and many fantasy leagues drafting very soon – I figured now was a good time to write about some guys I’m high on this year.

Let’s take a look at five Metro youngsters poised to take a step forward.

Seth Jarvis - Carolina Hurricanes

This kid is going to be a true weapon for the Hurricanes sooner than later. Similar to Dawson Mercer, he plays with a dog-on-a-bone mentality. He is all over the puck and absolutely hounds anybody within his vicinity to try and win it back as soon as possible.

He can flat-out fly, he’s dangerous off the rush, he has a nice set of hands, and is a threat as a shooter or a passer.

His on-ice impacts are already ridiculously good. Believe it or not, Carolina generated more expected goals, and high-danger chances, per 60 with him on the ice than any other player on the roster.

Considering all the high-end talent they have up front – Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and, to a lesser extent, Teuvo Teravainen come to mind – that is no small feat.

Jarvis was destined to play a bigger role this season to begin with. Now that Max Pacioretty is out for the long haul, even more opportunity should fall on Jarvis’ lap.

He can handle it.

Adam Boqvist - Columbus Blue Jackets