5 players who broke out in 2014-15

Some specimens just can't be caged.

Sooner or later, they're going to break out and run wild, taking a massive bite out of the competition.

That's exactly what these five NHL players did over the course of this past season, and, in one case, well into the playoffs.

Vladimir Tarasenko

Vladimir Tarasenko displayed glimpses of what he was capable of in 2013-14, scoring 21 goals in 64 games prior to his season being cut short due to injury.

This past season, however, he proved to the St. Louis Blues, and the league, that's he's a bona fide superstar in the making.

It wasn't the fact that he scored 37 goals and added 36 assists, but rather the style in which he put up his points. Tarasenko routinely embarrassed defensemen and goalies, becoming a "must-watch" player every time he stepped onto the ice.

To demonstrate how valuable Tarasenko is to the Blues, general manager Doug Armstrong made re-signing the restricted free agent his number one priority this summer, and for good reason.

Nick Foligno

This past season was a memorable one for Columbus Blue Jackets forward Nick Foligno.

To wit, he eclipsed the 30-goal and 70-point marks for the first time in his career, was named captain of an All-Star squad, signed a long-term, big-money contract extension, and was chosen to wear the captain's "C" on his jersey - the first Blue Jacket to be given the honor in three years.

Sure, there are questions as to whether his breakout season is sustainable, with his inflated shooting percentage a major red flag.

But his numbers and accomplishments are in the books, and it truly was a season to remember for Foligno.

Tyler Johnson

Fun fact: Tyler Johnson wasn't drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning, or any other team, for that matter. And at 5-foot-9, he's not exactly built to succeed in today's NHL.

But here he is, challenging for the Conn Smythe trophy after recording 13 goals and 10 assists through 24 playoff games, helping his team come within two wins of a Stanley Cup championship.

This after tying Steven Stamkos for the team lead in points (72) during the regular season.

Add it all up, and it's safe to say several general managers are kicking themselves for not taking a chance on him.

Roman Josi

Hockey fans have become used to dominant performances from Nashville Predators defensemen, namely Shea Weber.

While one may have expected a breakout year from second-year blue-liner Seth Jones, it was Roman Josi who stepped up, asserting himself as a big-time player in 2014-15.

A quick scan of the points leader board reveals that Josi finished with the fourth-highest total among players at his position, recording 15 goals and 40 assists - a full 10 points higher than Weber.

Signed through 2020 at a cap hit of $4 million, Josi could prove to be one of the highest-valued players for the foreseeable future.

Devan Dubnyk

The Devan Dubnyk story was one of the best from 2014-15.

Jettisoned by the Edmonton Oilers and cast aside by the Montreal Canadiens a year ago, Dubnyk found his game in the desert of all places, demonstrating enough to warrant being acquired by the goalie-challenged Minnesota Wild by way of the Arizona Coyotes.

From that point, he posted a record of 27-9-2 with five shutouts and a .936 save percentage, helping the Wild climb into the playoffs, and earning a nod as a Vezina Trophy finalist - with some justified MVP consideration to boot.

It didn't hurt that this was all accomplished in a contract year, meaning Dubnyk is set to cash in big time this summer.