NHL Rookies to Watch in 2016-17 (Atlantic Division)

NHL Rookies to Watch in the Atlantic Division (Ottawa Senators, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers)

NHL rookies tend to be the main focus around this time of year. We can generally get a decent idea of how a roster might look based on things such as the number of one-way contracts, but there’s always that uncertainty surrounding first-year players.

Preseason action has been underway for a while now. It was a unique opportunity for certain prospects to receive a longer look while the World Cup of Hockey was taking place. Teams are just now beginning to make significant cuts sending players down to the American Hockey League or back to their respective junior clubs.

In order to get fans ready for another long, exciting season of hockey, we’ve decided to put together a list of NHL rookies to watch in 2016-17. This will be a divisional preview, starting in the Eastern Conference with the Atlantic Division.

NHL Rookies to Watch – Atlantic Division

F Michael McCarron, Montreal Canadiens

Mar 31, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing Michael McCarron (34) skates with the puck as Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Ondrej Palat (18) defends during the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

McCarron got his feet wet in his first year of pro hockey in 2015-16. He spent the majority of the season with AHL St.John’s, but also appeared in 20 games for Montreal.

This 6’6 230lbs hulking winger won’t light up the score sheet (although he can definitely contribute). He could, however, be a punishing force in a third line role with his gritty style and willingness to drive the net and get into dirty areas.

F Danton Heinen, Boston Bruins

Heinen is arguably the most pleasant surprise early on in training camp.

The former University of Denver product signed with Boston after closing out his college career in 2015-16.

He gave fans reason for optimism during his short four-game AHL stint with Providence, but it’s his overall play thus far that is attracting the attention of fans and experts. Danton has looked like he belongs after posting two goals in his first two preseason games.

F Anthony Mantha, Detroit Red Wings

Mar 22, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) defends Detroit Red Wings right wing Anthony Mantha (39) during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

This could be a big year for Anthony Mantha. He’s developed only slightly in first two years of pro hockey, and some are starting to wonder if Detroit stunted his growth/development by forcing him down to AHL Grand Rapids like he’s any other prospect.

These top-notch prospects can learn and blossom at the NHL level without the need to match-up against lower quality talent and be dragged down every night.

If he can stick around with the Red Wings for the majority of the year, it could be an extremely productive season for the former CHL standout.

D Michael Matheson, Florida Panthers

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Matheson represented Team Canada at the World Hockey Championship earlier this year. He had just finished his first year of pro hockey in 2015-16 splitting time between AHL Portland (57 games played) and Florida (three regular season games, five postseason).

Michael has always been described as a purely offensive defender but deserves credit for the way his defensive game has developed over the past couple of years.

The Panthers wouldn’t have shaken up their defense core so much this summer unless they believed guys like Michael Matheson and Ian McCoshen were ready to contribute.

F Auston Matthews/F William Nylander/F Mitch Marner, Toronto Maple Leafs

Sep 30, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center William Nylander (29) celebrates his goal against Buffalo Sabres during the first period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

Lastly, we come to a trio of Maple Leafs that will be under the microscope in Toronto. All three have a shot at the Calder Trophy and could be productive NHL rookies.

Matthews will likely start the year in a lesser role. Given what we’ve seen through the World Juniors, WHC, and World Cup, it might be safe to assume that Auston will quickly become a go-to player for coach Mike Babcock. He might not be in the top five for rookie scoring (although he could), but it’s his responsible two-way play that will earn him extra ice-time as the year goes on.

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The addition of Matthews should allow William Nylander to slide to the wing permanently. Fans were hoping he could serve up the middle, but playing the wing is a perfect scenario to allow for his creativity to shine. If he’s worrying too much about getting back to play defense, it takes something away from his production.

We still don’t know if Mitch Marner will stick with Toronto the entire season. At the bare minimum, it’s very likely he starts the year with the big club. Whether he gets sent back to junior after nine games or closer to Christmas for the World Juniors, who knows? That will depend on how the elusive winger adapts to the NHL.

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