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 Percell, Alex Pietrangelo, Kevin Porter, and Jack Skille. For the list visit: http://www.epiccarnival.com/2008/08/nhl-top-rookie-preview-2008-09.html