Every year, experts make their prognostications about NHL teams and players, and every year the Hockey Gods spend the winter making those experts look foolish.
This season was especially noticeable, as some of the biggest surprises were not projected to play a major role—or any role—for their team. Some of these players—like Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere—may be up for major awards at the end of the season after receiving no acclaim leading into the year.
Here are the top 10 surprises for 2015-16, and an attempt to—successfully—project their future.