NHL Rookie Power Rankings: Top 10
By Ryan Ritchie
NHL Rookie Power Rankings: Top 10 Calder Trophy Candidates
Having just passed a third of the way into the 2015-16 season, comes our holiday edition for NHL rookie power rankings. Experts and fans alike had Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel fighting a two-man race heading into the new season, but an injury and slowed production gives the rookie landscape a different look.
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Any statistics obtained from NHL.com
Honorable Mentions:
Mattias Janmark (Dallas), Joonas Donskoi (San Jose), Colin Miller (Boston), Jared McCann (Vancouver), Ben Hutton (Vancouver), Sergey Kalinin (New Jersey)
Top 10 Potential:
Sam Reinhart (Buffalo), Sam Bennett (Calgary), Nikolaj Ehlers (Winnipeg), Robby Fabbri (St.Louis), Darnell Nurse (Edmonton)
NHL Rookie Power Rankings: Holiday Edition Top 10
1. F Artemi Panarin, Chicago Blackhawks
Artem Anisimov, Artemi Panarin, and Patrick Kane have combined as one of the most productive lines in the NHL this season. Panarin leads the rookie race with 30 points in 33 games, five more than the next highest, Max Domi (25).
Nov 27, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings center
(71) tries to score on Edmonton Oilers goalie
(33) in the first period at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
2. F Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings
Larkin sits third in rookie scoring with 22 points in 31 games. He’s one of only two rookies with a plus minus rating in positive double digits (+19), and actually leads the entire NHL 10 games shy off the halfway mark in 2015-16.
3. F Max Domi, Arizona Coyotes
Arizona is surprising the hockey world this season with the emergence of young players such as Martin Hanzal, Tobias Rieder, Max Domi, and Anthony Duclair. Domi sits second in rookie scoring with 25 points in 31 games. Add Brendan Perlini, Dylan Strome, and Christian Dvorak into the mix, Arizona possesses a recipe that promises to be an offensive force.
4. D Colton Parayko, St.Louis Blues
The former Alaska college hockey player made for an unlikely candidate to secure a roster spot heading into 2015-16. At 6’5 226lbs, the big offensively gifted defenseman is a bright spot on the Blues back-end this season. He’s produced 14 points in 31 games. He also boasts a plus 13 rating, joining Larkin as the lone rookies in positive double digits.
5. F Jack Eichel, Buffalo Sabres
The talent is there for Eichel to walk away with the Calder Trophy, but it’s a matter of more production. Leading all rookies in shots, Jack Eichel is arguably the Sabres best player part way through the new season. He’s tallied 15 points in 33 games, while adding a minus six rating.
Nov 21, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Arizona Coyotes left wing
(10) chases a loose puck during the third period against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Winnipeg wins 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
6. F Anthony Duclair, Arizona Coyotes
Duclair is known as a player who can battle consistency issues at times. He’s been especially hot of late after a decent start to 2015-16. He’s scored 10 goals, adding eight helpers for 18 points in 30 games (ranked fourth in rookie scoring).
7. F Oscar Lindberg, New York Rangers
Still very much in the Calder conversation, Lindberg continues to add to his rookie totals. His 10 goals, seven assists for 17 points in 33 games ranks fifth in rookie scoring. His totals are impressive considering he averages much less ice-time than others in the top 10.
8. F Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
Latest news suggested McDavid is ahead of schedule in rehab for his injured shoulder. He isn’t likely to have enough games played for consideration to win, but upon return, should continue to produce at a near point-per-game pace.
Dec 1, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman
(53) skates with the puck in front of Ottawa Senators left wing
(9) in the first period at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
9. D Shayne Gostisbehere, Philadelphia Flyers
He’s a recent climber on various NHL rookie power rankings, racking up 11 points in 16 games since being called up. He’s scored six goals, adding five assists, with four of six goals coming on the powerplay. Six of his 11 points this season have been generated on special teams.
10. D Noah Hanifin, Carolina Hurricanes
It’s been an up-and-down season for Noah Hanifin, racking up seven points in 29 games, while logging an average of 17:15 ice-time per game. He’s shown typical signs of rookie mistakes, while at other times making decisions that give the impression he’s a seasoned vet. His minus two rating is surprisingly good in comparison to other Carolina Hurricanes players.
Next: Arizona Coyotes Trade Rumors: Exploring Goalie Options
What do you think hockey fans, which rookie takes home the hardware at season’s end? Will it continue to be a three-headed race with Domi, Larkin, and Panarin? Or, does Jack Eichel have a productive second half to add controversy to the race? Let us know which is your favorite to win the Calder Trophy in 2015-16.