After just one week of NHL hockey, rookies have already begun to impress throughout the league. This year, the Calder Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s best rookie, is fought for by a class of outstanding rookies. Some of the top rookies are as follows:
Kirill Kaprizov
In just his first NHL game, Kirill Kaprizov netted three points for the Minnesota Wild, including an overtime winner. Kaprizov, a first-line forward for the Wild, led the KHL in goals for two years before joining the NHL. Kaprizov is a skillful and smart player, so he will continue to make an impact on the NHL for years to come.
Alexis Lafreniere
The first pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, Alexis Lafreniere, has yet to score a point in the 2020-2021 NHL season. Lafreniere looks comfortable on the ice, and Rangers fans should not be concerned about Lafreniere’s lack of points. Lafreniere has four shots on goal in his first two games and coach David Quinn upgraded him from the third line to the second line.
Tim Stützle
After winning “Best Forward” at the 2021 IIHF World Juniors, Stützle joined the Ottawa Senators immediately after the tournament. Stützle was in the lineup for the team’s first two games, both against Toronto. In the first game, he wasn’t a factor, but in the second, he scored a beautiful one-timer to begin what will surely be a lucrative NHL career.
Nils Hoglander
Drafted 20th overall by the Canucks in 2019, Hoglander stayed in the SHL for two years, playing for Rogle Angelholm. This year, he made the Canucks roster and scored a goal in his first game. Hoglander will continue to be a source of offense for the young Canucks roster.
Igor Shesterkin
While Shersterkin did play 12 games last year, he is still considered a rookie and is a favorite to win the Calder Trophy. After an amazing campaign in 2019, Shesterkin gave up 4 goals in the Rangers’ first game against the islanders. Igor will look to bounce back and continue to shine as the New York Rangers’ sole starting goalie.