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5 NHL Rookies Who Are Already Looking Like Superstars

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5 NHL Rookies Who Are Already Looking Like Superstars

Filip Forsberg Nashville Predators 2014-15
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The 2014-15 NHL season has already seen plenty of sensational rookies make an impact for their respective clubs around the league. Coming into the season, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jonathan Drouin was supposed to be the front-runner for the Calder Trophy; now he sits 10th in rookie scoring. Here are the top five rookies who already look like NHL superstars.

5. Tanner Pearson

Tanner Pearson
Dennis Wierzbicki- USA Today Sports

5. Tanner Pearson

Tanner Pearson
Dennis Wierzbicki- USA Today Sports

The 22-year-old Pearson played 25 games for the Los Angeles Kings last season, so he is still an eligible NHL rookie. In 2014-15 he’s made 37 appearances, tallying an impressive 11 goals and three assists. He’s been a great contributor on the Kings‘ "That 70s Line” along with Tyler Toffoli and Jeff Carter. Listed at 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, Pearson has some decent size to him and is turning out to be a great draft pick at No. 30 overall in 2012.

4. Mike Hoffman

Mike Hoffman Ottawa Senators 2014-15
Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

4. Mike Hoffman

Mike Hoffman Ottawa Senators 2014-15
Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Picked in the fifth round in 2009 by the Ottawa Senators, Mike Hoffman has finally earned a full-time role with the Sens, and he’s taking advantage of it. With 11 goals and seven assists in 33 games, he’s been a helpful contributor offensively, and he’s got a great plus-minus rating of plus-15. He’s a player who developed well in the AHL, and now he’s made it to the big leagues and is making an impact.

3. Aaron Ekblad

Aaron Ekblad Florida Panthers 2014-15
Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

3. Aaron Ekblad

Aaron Ekblad Florida Panthers 2014-15
Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

The first overall pick from June’s draft, Ekblad has not disappointed the Florida Panthers. He’s already one of their top defenseman, playing upwards of 20 minutes a game and using his 6-foot-4 frame to his advantage. With 19 points in 33 games he’s been a producer, including a stretch of seven points in five games. He’s going to be a top defender in the NHL for years to come.

2. Johnny Gaudreau

Johnny Gaudreau Calgary Flames 2014-15
Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

2. Johnny Gaudreau

Johnny Gaudreau Calgary Flames 2014-15
Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Johnny Gaudreau is the little train that could; at 5-foot-9 and barely 150 pounds, he’s a small player in a league full of giants. This, however, has not affected him. He’s second in NHL rookie scoring with 30 points in 37 games, he’s getting some good ice-time and he’s helping his team find success. The former Boston College Eagle has dominated at every level he’s played, and it looks like the same will be true in the NHL.

1. Filip Forsberg

Filip Forsberg
Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

1. Filip Forsberg

Filip Forsberg
Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

The Nashville Predators must be laughing; in 2013 the Preds traded Martin Erat and Michael Latta to Washington in exchange for Forsberg. Now, Forsberg is tearing the league up in his rookie season and Erat is out of Washington. Forsberg has posted an impressive 35 points in 35 games, and he leads the entire league in plus-minus at plus-23. He’ll be a big offensive threat in Nashville for many years to come.

Shaun Lavery is a Calgary Flames writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, or add him to your network on Google.

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