NHL Top 50 Forwards Under 25
By Ryan Ritchie
Oct 8, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing David Pastrnak (88) gets ready for a face-off during the third period against the Winnipeg Jets at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Top 50 Forwards Under 25 Years of Age
50. David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins (19 years old)
Making the team as an 18 year old last season after having a spectacular training camp, Pastrnak saw some time between the AHL and with Boston last season. Heading into 2015-16, he should be eased into a more expanded role with the departures of Reilly Smith and Milan Lucic this past offseason. The likely departure of Loui Eriksson at season’s end or at the trade deadline could also play a factor.
49. Cody Eakin, Dallas Stars (24 years old)
Scored 19 goals, adding 21 helpers largely in a third-line center role during 2014-15. Playing alongside Ales Hemsky and rookie Mattias Janmark on the third line to open the season, Eakin has three goals and one assist in six games. Eakin is an underrated player hidden beneath some bigger names in a smaller hockey market.
48. Sam Bennett, Calgary Flames (19 years old)
Bennett had a nice stint with Calgary during their playoff run last year tallying four points in 11 games. He’s playing on the second line with Jiri Hudler and Mikael Backlund, but has struggled with just one point in five games so far in 2015-16.
Sep 25, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs player Nazem Kadri (43) with the puck against Buffalo Sabres in the first period against Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports
47. Nazem Kadri, Toronto Maple Leafs (24 years old)
Kadri was in the organization’s doghouse this past offseason, earning a one year, show us you can do it type contract. Early into 2015-16, Kadri has been given extra responsibility and ice-time as he works towards gaining the trust of new bench boss Mike Babcock.
46. Teuvo Teravainen, Chicago Blackhawks (21 years old)
After spending the last half of 2014-15 with Chicago, Teravainen went on to produce 10 points in 18 playoff games. With a full season to show off his talents, expect Teravainen to climb up the depth chart from his current third line role.
45. Nail Yakupov, Edmonton Oilers (22 years old)
Yakupov had a productive rookie season in 2012-13 during the lockout shortened season, as he put up 31 points in 48 games. He followed that up with 24 points in 2013-14, and 33 points in 2014-15. Luckily, Yakupov is the latest benefactor of line shuffling that sees him aside Connor McDavid for the time being.
44. Tomas Tatar, Detroit Red Wings (24 years old)
Tatar has burst onto the scene over the past couple seasons, scoring 56 points in 2014-15 for the Red Wings. He continued to build off his career-best season with one of the top preseason performances. Tatar has a goal and two assists in six games to open the 2015-16 NHL season.
Oct 10, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers center Oscar Lindberg (24) high fives the bench after his goal during the first period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
43. Oscar Lindberg, New York Rangers (23 years old)
After producing 56 points in 73 games with Hartford in the AHL last season, there was speculation he could steal a roster spot heading into 2015-16. He did that, and then some already being among the rookie leaders in points.
42. Sean Couturier, Philadelphia Flyers (22 years old)
Critics have knocked him for being a defensive player, without the offensive flare. He tries to build off a 37 point season in 2014-15. Couturier has had a strong start to his 2015-16 campaign with three points in six games.
41. Elias Lindholm, Carolina Hurricanes (20 years old)
In a bit of a make or break season, similar to that of Nazem Kadri but without the one-year contract. He broke in with 21 points in his rookie season as an 18 year old, followed up by 39 points last season. Lindholm has a chance to break the 50 point barrier in 2015-16, but so far has been shutdown for one goal in six contests.
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