I just did a blog on top rookies to watch so i'll take my top 10 i guess
Nino Niederrieter- My pick for Rookie of the Year. El Nino could find him self skating at regular strength with John Tavares aswell as PP time. It seems like the perfect storm for a great rookie season.
Ryan Johansen- Johansen became maybe the best prospect in the NHL last season. The budding power-forward has everything. Filthy mits, great speed, strong, big, good defensively. Columbus finally did the right thing with this kid and didn't rush him. The steps he took last season and his dominence of his rookie tourny looks like he's ready for the game.
Erik Gudbranson- He would have made the team last season if they got a contract finalized. Gudbranson will be on the team this season no doubt. A big hard hitting defenceman isn't going to 'wooo' you with his puck skills but will have his fair share of highlight reel hits and big fights
Devante Smith-Pelley- I think DSP could surprise a lot of people in ducks camp and win a spot on the 3rd line. If he makes it expect him to have the same kind of impact Cal Clutterbuck did when he got to the NHL.
Ryan Ellis- The Preds are very deep on D so don't be shocked if he starts the season in the AHL. But the Preds are a team that stuggles to score goals some times and Ellis' skill will be too much to ignore for long, even if he's just mainly a PP QB to start.
Brayden Schenn- Played well in his short stint with the Kings, played well in the AHL then dominated the WHL. He is probably the most NHL ready prospect but with the Flyers depth, how much TOI does he get?
Adam Larsson- The Devils won the lottery twice in the draft when Larsson fell to them. They've said he's going to have every opportunity to make the team and Larsson's the kind of player thats going to take the ball and run. May end up on the 1st pairing before the seasons over. Legit calder candidate.
Joe Colborne- Colborne is one of my favourite prospects. Blessed with Thornton-esc size and play making ability, he's the kind of player that can be as good as he wants to be. But drive and desire have always been an issue. Does he want it enough to be an impact player?
David Rundblad- Rundblad took the SEL by storm last season as a 20 year old scoring 50 points in 55 games as a defenceman. Rundblad's offensive game is ready for sure, but like current Senator Erik Karlsson, it will be his defensive game that gets looked at. He will be competing against Jared Cowen for the last spot on D so he could start off in the AHL.
Gabriel Landeskog- Dubbed the most NHL ready prospect of this draft class I would be shocked to see Lando go back to the OHL. He plays the game like a vet and will probably work his way onto the Avs top 6.