This year's NHL rookie class is turning out to be a good one, despite the absence of Connor McDavid, the first overall draft pick in 2015. McDavid has been out since suffering a broken collarbone on November 3.
There have been some unexpected players leading the way like Chicago's Artemi Panarin, Arizona's Max Domi and Anthony Duclair, and Detroit's Dylan Larkin just to name a few. Most of the rookies made the rosters because of strong play during training camp and preseason, but some were called up due to injury. Philadelphia's Shayne Gostisbehere was one of those rookies, and he's made the most of his time registering 14 points in only 18 games played. Buffalo's Linus Ullmark was called up due to an injury to goaltender Robin Lehner, and has been playing decent since his call up.
The rookie forwards have some help since most of them are playing with veteran players, who know how to create offense. Panarin plays with Patick Kane and Artem Anisimov at even strength. Sam Reinhart, one of the Buffalo Sabres' rookies, is playing with Jamie McGinn and Ryan O'Reilly. The other Sabres' rookie, Jack Eichel, has been playing with Evander Kane and Tyler Ennis at even strength. Joonas Donskoi is taking even strength shifts with Patrick Marleau and Matt Nieto.
The rookies are also seeing some significant time on the man advantage. They are spending time on either his team's first or second unit depending on how each unit was before the rookie's arrival. Panarin leads the way with eight power play points, but Gostisbehere is right behind him with seven points on the man advantage. Gostisbehere has four power play goals which leads all rookies. Max Domi has six power play points for the Coyotes.
The rookies have been producing in clutch moments as well because their coaches aren't afraid to use them in a critical situation. Larkin leads not only all rookies, but the whole NHL at a plus 21. Gostisbehere has three game-winning goals, all of which have come in the overtime session. Larkin, Sam Reinhart, and Colton Parayko also have three game-winning goals this season.
There are not many rookies that have the chance to be on the ice for the penalty kill, but there are a few. Edmonton's rookie defenseman, Darnell Nurse sees about 1:27 of shorthanded ice time per game, while Chicago's Trevor van Riemsdyk sees about 1:42 of ice time on the penalty kill. Brett Pesce sees 1:03 of shorthanded ice time per game, and Jordan Martinook spends over 2:30 of his ice time per game on the penalty kill.
The rookie goaltenders weren't projected to be in the NHL at the start of preseason, but beat out another goalie, or got called up because of injury. Mike Condon, the Montreal Canadien's goalie, got his chance in goal due to an injury to Carey Price. Linus Ullmark got called up when Robin Lehner got hurt early in the season and has been spending his time backing up Chad Johnson for the Sabres. Anders Nilsson beat out Ben Scrivens for a roster spot, and has been splitting time with Cam Talbot for the Oilers this season.
The rookie class this year is contributing in every aspect of play from even strength to the penalty kill to the power play, but it could even better when Connor McDavid returns.
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