I know we're all focused squarely on the glorious, multi-game evenings that the first round of NHL hockey provides. But I can't help but look ahead to next season and which juicy nuggets of fantasy gold will be unearthed from their previously encased vaults.

If you've been following along with the Fantasy Weekly columns, you've noticed that I've been sprinkling in some more upside potential types for next year. But in this edition of Fantasy Focus, we're going to focus on the Fourth Year Breakout crew.

Now, a little background and clarification before we begin. I'm not sure who came up with the original theory that players tend to find another level in their fourth season, but they were certainly onto something. Personally, I don't follow the total season accrued rule too strictly because, as we know, season lengths can vary. Injuries, call-ups, and even global pandemics can turn an 82-game season into virtually anything.