Five players who need to avoid slumps for their teams

The 2014-15 season saw the debut of a handful of promising young players that are more than capable of holding their own in the NHL. Because some of these players were so successful during their rookie campaigns -- they will have to be just as good and if not better in year two of their career to avoid the dreaded “sophomore slump”.

The expectations will be much higher for these young players now, especially since the sophomores have become “household names” to the fans, opponents and the media.

They will be under far more scrutiny to perform this season then they were as rookies.

With training camps set to begin next month let’s take a look at the top five players that will need to avoid the sometimes inevitable, “sophomore slump”. 

5.) Left Winger, Johnny Gaudreau: Calgary Flames

The surprise star of all the rookies last year had to be “Johnny Hockey”. He was deemed by scouts to be "to small to play" in the NHL. The New Jersey native is listed at 5'9” and 150 pounds, and yet that didn't stop him from putting on a show every time he hit the ice.

Gaudreau finished third in the Calder Trophy (Rookie of the year) voting and was tied for first place with Mark Stone (Ottawa Senators) for rookie scoring.

In 80 games last season Johnny Hockey scored 24 goals and added 40 assists for a total of 64 points. He cemented his future-star status by adding another 11 points in the playoffs in only nine games.

“Johnny Hockey is evoking memories of another undersized Calgary scoring star in Theoren Fleury” Carol Schram, featured Columnist from Bleacher Report stated. If the Calgary Flames are going to build off of their magical season from last year they are going to need Johnny Gaudreau to continue to perform the way he did. Or, Calgary may be on the outside looking in come playoff time in a tough Western Conference. 

4.) Center, Kevin Hayes: New York Rangers

After opting out of signing with the Chicago Blackhawks, the team that drafted him, the prized college free agent decided to take his talents to New York. The center felt the Rangers would give him the best opportunity to play right away and succeed. It seems as though he made the right choice. 

Hayes played in 79 games for the "Broadway Blue Shirts" last season compiling 17 goals and 28 assists for a total of 45 points.

The former Boston College star flourished in his first season with New York, but if he struggles early on in his sophomore year -- things could get ugly, fast. The New York media and fans can be very critical at times and create a lot of pressure for players to perform. If Hayes were to struggle, they may make it even harder for the forward to turn his season around. 

3.) Center, Teuvo Teravainen: Chicago Blackhawks

At the age of only of 20, Teuvo Teravainen is already a Stanley Cup champion. The former first-round draft pick from the 2012 Draft was a mid season call up, and got the opportunity to dress in 34 games during the regular season for the Chicago Blackhawks.

As a highly regarded prospect Teravainen was only able to put up four goals and five assists for nine points total, in 34 games. Nothing spectacular to say the least, but that is fine when you have the likes of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa.

But, in the playoffs Teravainen flipped the switch on and was able to live up to his hype scoring four goals (three of them being game winning goals) and six assists for 10 points in 18 games -- enroute to helping the Blackhawks capture their third Stanley Cup in the past six years.

Look for him to be an important part of next years team after Chicago, again, had to cut ties with some key pieces in order to stay under the salary cap. If Teravainen struggles, the Blackhawks may struggle to make another post season appearance. 

Nashville Predators' rookie forward Filip Forsberg was one of the most electrifying young stars to watch last season. He became the best rookie in Nashville Predators history --- breaking the rookie records for games played, goals, assists, powerplay points and shots.

The Swedish native played in all 82 games for Nashville this past season where he put up 26 goals and 37 assists for 63 points total.

At only 21 years of age Forsberg has become one of the most dynamic offensive forces on a team that is better known for its stellar goaltending and solid defense. 

At one point, before New Years, he had 35 points in 36 games and seemed like a virtual lock for the Calder Trophy. But, the center's point production dipped and he was eventually snubbed as a Calder Trophy finalist. Nashville needs this breakout player to avoid the curse of the sophomore slump, or the Preds could be taking a step back this year -- experiencing a sophomore slump of their own. 

The Florida Panthers had a pretty good idea that they were drafting an “NHL-ready” defenseman after selecting Barrie Colts defenseman Aaron Ekblad first overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

Ekblad certainly did not disappoint -- putting up 12 goals and 27 assists for a total of 39 points during his rookie campaign. The Ontario native's 39 points ranked fourth-highest on his team. The flashy defenseman grabbed the attention of fans and the rest of the league when he won the 2015 Calder Trophy, for being the NHL's best rookie, beating out forwards like Johnny Gaudreau, Mark Stone and even Filip Forsberg.

With such a strong rookie campaign, how do you put on an encore performance?