Impact Rookies: Final List

As the beginning of training camp looms closer, one can’t help but wonder what this year’s batch of rookies will bring to the NHL.  Who among this batch of teenagers is going to rise above the rest and make the league take notice?  I’d like to try and answer just that question.

What I’m about to present to you is my list of top 10 rookies for the 2008-09 season.  This is NOT a rating based on potential, but on immediate impact to either the team or the league, so bear that in mind as you read: IMPACT ROOKIES!

10.  Blake Wheeler, W

NHL Club: Boston

Former Club: University of Minnesota

Outlook:  Wheeler is said to be deceptively fast and can move the puck at high speeds. He could be riding shotgun next to Kessel and if he does then he could be a very dangerous player; the two played together in Minnesota during the 2005-06 season.

2008-09 Stats: 50 games, 25 points

 

9. T.J. Oshie, C/W

NHL Club: St. Louis

Former Club: North Dakota Fighting Sioux

Outlook:  Oshie’s scouting report touts him as a player who plays with a lot of energy who competes every night.  Sounds like something you’d see for a grinder but the guy can put the puck in the net as well.  In addition, Oshie will be 21 when the season starts, giving him a leg-up in the maturity race among other rookies.

2008-09 Stats:  60 games, 20 points

 

8. Ville Leino, LW

NHL Club: Detroit

Former Club: Jokerit Helsinki (FIN)

Outlook: Leino, signed as a UFA this off-season, was the SM-liiga’s player of the year last year – he scored 77 points in 55 games.  If Leino can quickly adapt to the pace of the NHL, then Detroit has acquired a seriously significant scorer. 

2008-09 Stats: 75 games, 35 points

 

7. Thomas Hickey, D / Drew Doughty, D

NHL Club: Los Angeles

Former Clubs: Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) / Guelph Storm (OHL)

Outlook: I lumped these two together because they are both highly touted shut-down defenseman that will seriously impact the LA Kings.  Last season the Kings allowed 266 goals against (3^rd worst) – with the loss of Rob Blake the Kings will greatly benefit from the defensive abilities of their young defensemen.

2008-09 Stats (Combined): 140 games, 20 points, + 2

 

6. Derick Brassard, C

NHL Club: Columbus

Former Club: Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

Outlook: While not technically a rookie (17 GP), Brassard is going to have a significant impact on the Jackets roster next season.  Hampered by a jaw injury last year, management decided to keep him in the AHL after 17 games with the NHL.  Once he recovered he put up fantastic numbers.  He’ll be the club’s number 2 center.

2008-09 Stats:  80 games, 45 points

 

5. Fabian Brunnstrom, LW

NHL Club: Dallas

Former Club: Fajestads BK (SEL)

Outlook: The most sought after (unsigned) Free Agent on the market was Fabian Brunnstrom and Dallas one the bidding for his services.  Compared to countrymen Peter Forsberg and Mats Sundin, if Brunnstrom lives up to his lore, then he can really add some offensive depth to the Stars.

2008-09 Stats:  80 games, 50 points

 

4. Kyle Okposo, C/W

NHL Club: New York Islanders

Former Club: University of Minnesota / Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL)

Outlook: Okposo debuted in 9 games for the Island, notching 5 points.  Certainly not a bad start.  The fact that he is compared to Jarome Iginla and also that his name in Nigerian means “Thunderstorm” does not bode well for opponents.  He will be the face of the Isles for years to come.

2008-09 Stats:  80 games, 45 points

 

3. Jakub Voracek, RW

NHL Club: Columbus

Former Club: Halifax (QMJHL)

Outlook: The Jackets’ luck may finally change.  After years of underwhelming 1^st round draft choices (A Picard, G Brule) Voracek may finally be a prospect worthy of a first round selection.  Jake came out of a fantastic season with Halifax with one goal in mind – make the Jackets.  This off-season Jake can be seen in the Jackets’ facilities working out with other prospects such as Derick Brassard.  To date, Jake has added 20 lbs to his frame and has trimmed down his body fat.  He now stands at 6-1, 200 lbs. 

2008-09 Stats:  80 games, 55 points

 

2. Kyle Turris, C

NHL Club: Phoenix

Former Club: University of Wisconsin

Outlook: Turris was the number 1-rated skater going into the 2007 draft and there is good reason for it – the kid can flat out play.  Scouts compare him to Joe Sakic and after seeing him play I’m not surprised why.  Look for he and Mueller to ignite next season.

2008-09 Stats:  80 games, 65 points

 

1. Steven Stamkos, C

NHL Club: Tampa Bay

Former Club: Sarnia Sting (OHL)

Outlook: Not much needs to be said about his talent potential – what I will mention though is that unlike many 1^st overall picks, Stamkos is not going to be the only one with talent on the team.  The revamped Lightning are chock full of helpers for Steven – there is a very good chance his line mates will be Vinny Prospal and Ryan Malone…not bad.

2008-09 Stats:  80 games, 75 points

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Tags: Blake Wheeler, Fabian Brunnstrom, Impact Rookies, Jakub Voracek, Kyle Okposo, Kyle Turris, Steven Stamkos

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