In this week's Top 10, I'm looking at 10 players who showed a stronger version of themselves this season compared to last. Some of these names were popular bounce-back picks and some were not. For the most part, they delivered in one way or another. One name you will not see here is Alex Ovechkin, only because I have touched on his resurgence a few times already, but make no mistake, he absolutely belongs in the conversation with the way he rebounded this season. Let's dive in.

Enjoy!

10.  Ilya Sorokin – New York Islanders

Ilya Sorokin's 2024-25 season was a bounce-back, just not the one many expected. He improved in wins (30), shutouts (4), dropped his GAA to 2.70, and posted a solid +8.08 GSAx. On the surface, that's progress. But context matters. Sorokin faced a heavier workload behind a weaker Islanders defense and still held his own. The bounce-back feels more like a testament to his resilience than a full return to elite form. He's added value and handled the pressure better, but the cracks remain. The Isles still lean on him heavily, and while he's responded admirably, this season felt more like survival than dominance. He's trending back in the right direction, just not as fast as we expected.

9.  Barrett Hayton – Utah Hockey Club

I will be the first one to admit that I was one of the people saying it was time to move on from Barrett Hayton heading into the season. He had not lived up to the hype of his draft pedigree, and after an injury-shortened 2023-24 where he managed just 10 points in 33 games, it felt like the writing was on the wall. Give credit where it's due, this year was a clear bounce-back with the newly minted Utah Hockey Club. Hayton matched his career-high with 45 points in 80 games, posted a solid 13.2 shooting percentage, added 14 PPP, and looked more well-rounded overall. The offensive ceiling might not be elite, but he did take a legit step forward.

8.  Tomas Hertl – Vegas Golden Knights

After a turbulent stretch between San Jose and Vegas, where Tomas Hertl posted 38 points in 54 games, he returned to form with 59 points (31G, 28A) in 71 games, his best since 2018-19. What's impressive is that his primary linemates were a mix of Pavel Dorofeyev, Brandon Saad, Victor Olofsson, Brett Howden, and Nicolas Roy — very little Jack Eichel at 5v5. On the power play (with Eichel), Hertl posted 14 goals and 23 points. Despite slightly reduced ice time, he remained efficient while also leading Vegas regulars in FOW% (56.2%) and playing a strong two-way game, enough said.

7.   Pierre-Luc Dubois – Washington Capitals

Not to say I told you so… but you can read about that here. Pierre-Luc Dubois thrived in Washington with a more defined and consistent role. His ice time increased by nearly two minutes, and his power-play share jumped to 47.2% (up from 42.6% in L.A.), tripling his power-play points (12). After a disappointing 40-point season with the Kings, where he never found a rhythm, Dubois bounced back with 20 goals and 44 assists in 79 games. While he did not match his goal totals from Winnipeg, this season was all about restoring his offensive identity. Mission accomplished. Dubois proved he's a capable top-six center with upside when used right.

6.  Jonathan Huberdeau – Calgary Flames

Jonathan Huberdeau's season with Calgary was a much-needed bounce-back. While not at the elite levels of his Florida days, it was a step forward after two underwhelming years. After just 12 goals and 52 points in 2023-24, Huberdeau rebounded with 28 goals and 59 points in 79 games. Most notably, his shooting percentage skyrocketed from 8.4% to a career-high 18.5%, despite only a slight increase in shot volume. His power-play production also improved, with 22 points on the man-advantage. The overall picture shows growth: more ice time (19:31), better finishing, and regained confidence. While not near his 115-point peak, it is definitely a step in the right direction.

5.   Mikhail Sergachev– Utah Hockey Club

It was easy to overlook Mikhail Sergachev's numbers last season, a step down from Tampa's elite roster to a developing Utah team that faced its own growing pains. After 34 games and 19 points (0.56 PPG), Sergachev returned to form with 52 points in 74 games, projecting to 57 points with Utah. He found his offensive rhythm, posting a career-high 15 goals. His power-play usage nearly doubled, and his TOI reached a career-high 25 minutes per game. Sergachev thrived in an expanded role, taking on tough minutes in all situations. It was a successful bounce-back that showed he remains a cornerstone-caliber defender when healthy and given the chance.

4.  Nikolaj Ehlers – Winnipeg Jets

Nikolaj Ehlers had a strong bounce-back season for Winnipeg, improving his production from the previous year. Despite playing 13 fewer games (69 vs. 82), Ehlers exceeded last season's point total of 61, with 63 so far, boosting his points-per-game from 0.74 to 0.91, his best since 2020-21. His assist total increased to 39, and he scored 24 goals, benefitting from a higher shooting percentage. The big standout was his power play production, posting 22 PPP, including six on the man-advantage, after just seven PPP total the season before. A more effective role on the power play (62.5% share) helped him bounce back with efficiency and solid production.

3.  Rickard Rakell – Pittsburgh Penguins

This was a definitive bounce-back season for Ricky Racks. After putting up just 15 goals and 37 points last year, Rakell erupted for 34 goals and 68 points across 79 games, his best mark since the 2017-18 season in Anaheim. His time on ice jumped by nearly three minutes per game while skating alongside Sidney Crosby, and he reasserted himself on the power play with 18 points, including 8 goals, and 2:39 in power play time per game. This was more than a rebound. Rakell reestablished himself as one of Pittsburgh's most consistent offensive threats, thriving alongside Crosby and Bryan Rust.

2.  Tage Thompson – Buffalo Sabres

Tage Thompson bounced back in a big way after a frustrating 2023-24 season. He dropped to 56 points last year but reminded everyone he's still a high-end scorer, putting up 44 goals and 71 points in 72 games — just under a point-per-game pace. Projected over a full season, that's an 81-point campaign. He saw a slight bump in power play usage and continued logging nearly 19 minutes a night. While it was not quite the 94-point form from two years ago, this season showed that last year's dip was more blip than trend. Thompson remains one of the league's more dangerous and consistent power forwards.

1. Darcy Kuemper – Los Angeles Kings

Darcy Kuemper's year in L.A. was not just a bounce-back, it is up there with one of the best seasons of his career. After a rough go in Washington (3.31 GAA, .890 SV% in 33 games), he reasserted himself as a legitimate difference-maker. In 49 games with the Kings, he posted a 2.03 GAA, .921 SV%, five shutouts, and 30 wins. The real eye-opener? A +26.97 GSAx, nearly 30 goals saved above expected. His quality start rate jumped to 67.3%, while Really Bad Starts dropped to 10.2%. The contrast from his last two years is night and day. Kuemper reminded everyone he can still be that guy when it matters, and did it behind a playoff-caliber team.

Thanks for reading! See you next week! For more fantasy hockey content and analysis, follow me on X @Punters_hockey. If you have any questions about your team or a trade? My DMs are always open — happy to help!