10 NHL rookies to keep an eye on the rest of the season

Nobody can deny that this season’s rookie class is one of the most intriguing in recent years. And, as the season has rolled on, we’ve seen the discussions over top rookies expand from mostly Jack Eichel-Connor McDavid comparisons to a healthy list of eligible suitors for Rookie of the Year honors. That's not to mention discussions over how many of these rookies can continue their success in future campaigns.

Said list becomes even more interesting at this time of year, with teams transforming at the trade deadline — some in rebuild mode and others setting up for a playoff push.

While McDavid and Eichel might still lead many rookie-centric discussions, here are 10 others to definitely watch following the trade deadline and heading into the homestretch of the regular season.

Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings

With the exception of being sidelined due to illness earlier this month, Larkin has maintained an impressive rookie campaign and continues to rack up praise from coach Jeff Blashill. But how much is the 19-year-old’s success impacting what moves Detroit decides to make on the trade front? FOX Sports has suggested that Larkin is one player who could lead Red Wings GM Ken Holland to not be as active:  

Over the last several seasons, the Red Wings have desperately needed a top-four defenseman. They got one this offseason in Mike Green. They would have liked to add a top-six forward, and maybe a forward who can provide someone who can provide an offensive punch on the third line. They got both of those in Dylan Larkin and Brad Richards.

Maybe we’ll get a better idea after seeing how Larkin performs on a line with Brad Richards and fellow rookie Andreas Athanasiou in the upcoming stadium series game against the Colorado Avalanche.

John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks

Gibson has been a pivotal piece in the Ducks turning around what has been one heck of a roller-coaster season. He even has an All-Star Game appearance to show for it.

Eric Stephens of the Orange Country Register reported earlier in February that Gibson’s continued success, plus a three-year contract extension from last offseason, could be a sign that goalie Frederik Andersen might be on the move at the trade deadline. However, Andersen, who is at the end of his current contract, has strung together consecutive wins as of late. Should he stay, it will be interesting to see if coach Bruce Boudreau continues to split time between Andersen and new young starter Gibson.

Mike Condon, Montreal Canadiens

In a campaign marred with losing streaks and public feuds, the young netminder has made for a couple high points, thanks to a couple shutouts and some ridiculous saves that can make a highlight reel cry.

In fact, he still leads rookie goalies with 15 wins on the season and ranks third in the class with 2.54 goals-against average. That last bit just doesn’t seem to account for much when the team in front of him has had trouble scoring.

Many critics are still not sold on Condon, however, thinking he hasn’t done enough to make up for Carey Price’s absence. Plus, there are now reports that the reigning MVP is practicing with equipment on. With the Habs so far removed from the playoff picture, will they bring Price back as soon as they can or continue giving Condon games to work with?

The Carolina Hurricanes’ Defensemen

The Canes are expected to make a ton of noise at the deadline, reportedly unloading a bevy of veterans from their roster, including captain Eric Staal and goaltender Cam Ward. That’ll put more weight on Carolina’s arsenal of rookie defensemen — Noah Hanifin, Brett Pesce and Jaccob Slavin — who the team is already heavily leaning on.

The News & Observer explained that the trio is already taking steps to avoid “hitting the wall”:

None of the three believes he has hit the so-called “wall” this season, that physical and mental barrier where fatigue sets in and concentration tends to fade.

“There have been a few games where I’ve gone on the ice and said, ‘Wow, this is a grind and I feel a little tired,’” Hanifin said. “For me, it’s recognizing that and getting my rest and coming back better the next game.”

Artemi Panarin, Chicago Blackhawks

Panarin has been an offensive juggernaut all season, leading all rookies handily in goals, assists and overall points. Plus, after the Blackhawks’ acquisition of Andrew Ladd, he is part of one of the most intimidating top-six combos in the league.

Really the only thing to keep in mind about Panarin’s candidacy for the Calder as the regular season continues is his age and past playing experience, as CBSSports.com explained:

...his age — he turned 24 during the season — and his KHL experience have raised questions about whether or not he's as deserving as any of the teenagers that have taken the league by storm, albeit with lighter production. When it comes time to vote on these awards, each voter is going to have their own preference. That said, Panarin is eligible for the Calder under the rules, which cuts rookie designation at age 26. Maybe they'll want to adjust the rules again, but that's not going to change this year.

Max Domi and Anthony Duclair, Arizona Coyotes

Despite tumbling from the top of the Pacific Division to now battling to earn a Wild Card bid, the Desert Dogs have to be impressed with the rookie duo. With Arizona expected to be an active seller at the upcoming trade deadline, it’s more a matter of seeing what offensive pieces the team ends up building around them.

Don’t forget, even though Domi slumped a bit at the same time that the whole team took a dip, he’s still one of the top-scoring rookies on the season.

Shayne Gostisbehere, Philadelphia Flyers

There might not be a more pleasant surprise in the 2015-2016 rookie class than this Flyers defenseman. Despite being a November call-up and playing in fewer games than other rookie candidates, Gostisbehere thrust himself into the Calder Trophy discussion. Part of that is his 15-game points streak — the most by a rookie defenseman in NHL history. Part of it is his clutch play, like is OT winner against the Maple Leafs on Feb. 20. But to put it simply, the kid they call “Ghost” is “exceeding expectations,” as GM Ron Hextall told Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia:

"He was probably put in a position where he would not have been put in if Mark was there. Quite honestly, he has played better here than he probably did in the minors.”

The masses will probably continue to insist that Connor McDavid is the “dark horse” in this year’s race for the Calder Cup. Gostisbehere, however, might be the real sleeper in this freshman class.