NHL

10 NHL Newcomers Who Could Have a Big Impact in 2014-15

10 NHL Newcomers Who Could Have a Big Impact in 2014-15

John Gibson
Kirby Lee - USA Today Sports

Every year a new crop of young talent reaches the NHL and fans are given the opportunity to watch these amazing young players develop into solid professionals. This year is no different as there is an amazing rookie class entering the league from the last few draft classes. Some of these players will be making their NHL debuts, while others got a taste of what life in the NHL is like last season.

10. Griffin Reinhart: New York Islanders

Griffin Reinhart
Charles LeClaire - USA Today Sports

10. Griffin Reinhart: New York Islanders

Griffin Reinhart
Charles LeClaire - USA Today Sports

With apologies to rising star Travis Hamonic, the Islanders have been devoid of great defensemen in recent years (decades) and Reinhart could break that drought. The tenacious blue liner from the Edmonton Oil Kings will play in all situations as a 20-year-old rookie and could develop into a rock solid force on the back end. He also won’t be the only family member in the show next season.

9. Leon Draisaitl: Edmonton Oilers

LeonD
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9. Leon Draisaitl: Edmonton Oilers

LeonD
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“The German Gretzky” was taken with the third overall pick by the Oilers and will likely open the season with the rebuilding squad. His crafty playmaking ability will surely bring out the best in snipers such as Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle.

8. Johnny Gaudreau: Calgary Flames

Johnny Gaudreau
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8. Johnny Gaudreau: Calgary Flames

Johnny Gaudreau
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“Johnny Hockey” was the best player in college hockey last season with the Boston College Eagles and scored in his NHL debut with the Flames last season. Gaudreau should make the Flames out of camp and showcase how elite his skill set is despite his tiny stature.

7. Filip Forsberg: Nashville Predators

Filip Forsberg - Robert Mayer
Robert Mayer- USA Today Sports

7. Filip Forsberg: Nashville Predators

Filip Forsberg - Robert Mayer
Robert Mayer- USA Today Sports

Forsberg split time between the Predators and the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL last season as a teenager, but he will likely break camp in Nashville’s top six forwards. The Predators have had a hard time developing capable top-six forwards in recent years, but the 20-year-old Swede could be the one that changes that.

6. Evgeny Kuznetsov: Washington Capitals

evgeny kuznetsov washington capitals
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6. Evgeny Kuznetsov: Washington Capitals

evgeny kuznetsov washington capitals
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The uber-skilled center lit up Russia’s KHL for the last four seasons before making his NHL debut with the Capitals last season. The 2010 first-rounder will showcase his immense playmaking ability and could even see time with fellow Russian star Alexander Ovechkin, which will only benefit his numbers.

5. Teuvo Teravainen: Chicago Blackhawks

Dallas Stars v Chicago Blackhawks
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5. Teuvo Teravainen: Chicago Blackhawks

Dallas Stars v Chicago Blackhawks
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The skilled Finn got a cup of coffee with the Chicago Blackhawks, but he will look to be a full-time player in the Windy City next season. His craftiness and playmaking ability will make him a valuable commodity for the Hawks, and he’ll only get better learning from one of the game’s craftiest players in Patrick Kane.

4. Sam Reinhart: Buffalo Sabres

2014 NHL Draft - Portraits - Rounds 2-7
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4. Sam Reinhart: Buffalo Sabres

2014 NHL Draft - Portraits - Rounds 2-7
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The younger Reinhart was the second overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft and will join the young, up and coming Sabres. The former Kootenay Ice center will play in all situations for Buffalo and could really invigorate a long-suffering fanbase.

3. Aaron Ekblad: Florida Panthers

Aaron Ekblad
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3. Aaron Ekblad: Florida Panthers

Aaron Ekblad
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The first overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft will not post eye-popping numbers, but he will be a key part of the pending turnaround in South Florida as the Panthers are picked by many pundits to surprise next season. The former Barrie Colt will take time to adjust to the rigors of professional hockey, but he will almost assuredly show flashes of absolute brilliance.

2. Jonathan Drouin: Tampa Bay Lightning

Jonathan Drouin
Don McPeak-USA Today Sports

2. Jonathan Drouin: Tampa Bay Lightning

drouin calder (Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports)
Don McPeak-USA Today Sports

The skilled left winger has been banged up in training camp, but he is almost a lock to make the Tampa Bay Lightning out of camp. His playmaking ability is second to none among players outside of the NHL and will look great next to Lightning superstar Steven Stamkos. 70-80 points isn’t out of the question for the teenage phenom given Tampa’s electric offensive attack.

1. John Gibson: Anaheim Ducks

John Gibson
Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA Today Sports

1. John Gibson: Anaheim Ducks

John Gibson
Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA Today Sports

Gibson came on strong in spot duty for the Ducks last season before helping the team take the eventual Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings to seven games. With an even better team around him look for the young goalie to contend for the Calder and become the next great American goalie as the Ducks contend for the Stanley Cup.

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