NHL TOP ROOKIE PREVIEW 2008-09

by Mike Jack, Mike Jack's Hockey Articles


Here’s a list of the Top 10 Rookies to watch during the 2008-2009 season.

This list is based purely on estimated point production (besides goaltenders of course), because that seems to be the bases behind the NHL’s selections for the Calder Trophy and the All-Rookie Team. How else would Tom Gilbert make last season’s All-Rookie Team over Erik Johnson, Marc Staal and other better all around defenseman? I’ve also made sure to include at least one goaltender and two defensemen on the list to make up an All-Rookie Team prediction.

Some players were left off the list not because of their lack of talent, but for reasons such as that there isn’t much roster space to include them on their NHL team, their club doesn’t want to rush them and think they should condition on the farm team or minor leagues, or the player wishes to remain on their college or European team for now. Circumstances could change though, and there’s always a chance that anyone could play. These players include:

Alexei Cherepanov, Alex Goligoski, Steve Mason, Tuukka Rask, Bobby Sanguinetti, James vanRiemsdyk and others.

Other honourable mentions that did not crack the top 10 include:

Karl Alzner, Patrick Berglund, Brian Boyle, Derek Brassard, Fabian Brunnstrom, Erik Ersberg, Nikita Filatov, Thomas Hickey, Patric Hornqvist, Shawn Matthias, Alexei Nikulin, T.J. Oshie, Ryan Parent, Ted Purcell, Alex Pietrangelo, Kevin Porter, and Jack Skille.

10. Zach Bogosian – Defenseman, Atlanta Thrashers (Drafted 3^rd 2008)

There’s room on Atlanta’s roster for a defenseman and that position may be taken by the 18 year-old Bogosian. He’s a large two-way defenseman with great passing and leadership skills. He averaged more than a point per game in the OHL last season.

9. Bobby Ryan – Right Wing, Anaheim Mighty Ducks (Drafted 2^nd 2005)

Though he was drafted 2^nd only the Sidney Crosby in 2005, Ryan’s had trouble making his mark in the NHL. One reason is because it’s difficult to crack a squad as talented as the Anaheim Ducks, and it’s challenging to get much ice time when you do. If he doesn’t prove himself soon though, he’ll be seen as a bust of a 2^nd overall pick (as Kevin Lowe has pointed out). He did play 23 games for the Ducks last season and managed to get 10 points. He also averaged just over a point per game in the AHL last year. Since he played less than 25 games last season, he’s still eligible for the Calder Trophy this season.

8. Drew Doughty – Defenseman, Los Angeles Kings (Drafted 2^nd 2008)

There are currently at least a couple spots available for defensemen on the Kings roster, but things may change since the Kings are under the minimum allowed salary right now by over $10 million. Doughty may be fighting for a roster spot with another great defensive prospect in Thomas Hickey. Doughty may be rushed to the NHL to fill the Kings shaken roster, but he could use more time in the minor leagues to improve his defensive play despite winning last year’s Max Kaminsky Trophy as the OHL’s Most Outstanding Defenseman. He was also named Top Defenseman at the 2008 World Juniors.

7. Kyle Okposo – Winger, New York Islanders (Drafted 7^th 2006)

Okposo came into the NHL late last season and got 5 points in his first 9 games. He also got 28 points in 35 games in the AHL last season and averaged a point per game in the NCAA in 2006-07. There’s speculation that he may see serious time on the Islanders top line this season.

6. Jonathan Bernier – Goaltender, Los Angeles Kings (Drafted 11^th 2006)

If any rookie goaltender has a chance at snatching a starter position next season it’s Bernier or perhaps his teammate Erik Ersberg. With the sub-par and injury filled season of Jason Labarbera and the buying out of Dan Cloutier, L.A.’s starting goaltender position is up for grabs. There are rumours circling that the Kings may make a deal for Nikolai Khabibulin though. Bernier had a chance at the Kings starting position last season as he started their first four games. He even won his first NHL game against the defending Stanley Cup Champion, the Anaheim Ducks.

5. Nikolai Kulemin – Winger, Toronto Maple Leafs (Drafted 44^th 2006)

Forget Nikita Filatov, Kulemin will be this season's most touted Russian Rookie. He plays a physical game, but is also a fast skater and good stickhandler. He was 19^th in scoring in the Russian Super League last season which is pretty good considering all the former NHLers competing against him like Alexei Yashin and Alexei Morozov. Apparently, the Leafs are saying he’ll play on one of their top two lines this season.

4. Jakub Voracek – Right Winger, Columbus Blue Jackets (Drafted 7^th 2007)

The Czech prospect moved to Canada for the 2006-07 season to better learn the North American style. Last season he scored 101 points in 53 games in the QMJHL. He also led the Czech Republic in scoring at the 2008 World Juniors. This season, he may play on a line with Rick Nash.

3. Steven Stamkos – Center, Tampa Bay Lightning (Drafted 1^st 2008)

Stamkos was the 2008 1^st overall draft pick, but can he win the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year? Though Patrick Kane achieved the feat last season, I don’t this Stamkos will be able to match Kane’s numbers. He scored 105 points in 61 games in the OHL last season. Kane had 145 points in the OHL the year before he entered the NHL. Stamkos is expected to be the Lightning’s second line center.

2. Claude Giroux – Right Wing, Philadelphia Flyers (Drafted 22^nd 2006)

Giroux played a couple games for the Flyers last season, but spent most of the year in the QMJHL where he scored 106 points in 55 games. He’s a fast skating play maker, but though he’s gritty, some worry about his size.

1. Kyle Turris – Center, Phoenix Coyotes (Drafted 3^rd 2007)

Turris was Team Canada’s leading scorer at the 2008 World Juniors. He played the final three games for the Coyotes last season and managed a single assist. He also averaged nearly a point per game last year in his first year in the WCHA.