NHL Rookies to Watch in 2016-17 (Central Division)
NHL Rookies: Nashville Predators forward Kevin Fiala (56) celebrates with teammates after he scores during the first period against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Rookies to Watch in the Central Division (a Trio of Promising Winnipeg Jets Prospects Ready to Make an Impact, Pair of Blackhawks Vying for Andrew Ladd Vacancy, Potent Avs Forward That Dominated the AHL in 2015-16, a Pair of Defenders in St. Louis and Dallas, and the Year for Nashville’s Top Prospect to Finally Emerge)
NHL rookies tend to be the main focus around this time of year. We can generally get a decent idea of how a roster might look based on things such as the number of one-way contracts, but there’s always that uncertainty surrounding first-year players.
Preseason action has been underway for a while now. It was a unique opportunity for certain prospects to receive a longer look while the World Cup of Hockey was taking place. Teams are just now beginning to make significant cuts sending players down to the American Hockey League or back to their respective junior clubs.
In order to get fans ready for another long, exciting season of hockey, we’ve decided to put together a list of NHL rookies to watch in 2016-17. This will be a divisional preview as we flip over to the Western Conference. Let’s take a look at the Central Division next.
NHL Rookies to Watch – Central Division
October 18, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) moves the puck against the Los Angeles Kings during the first period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
F Mikko Rantanen, Colorado Avalanche
First of all, it’s worth noting that Rantanen suffered an ankle injury back in late September. He is expected to be out until approximately mid-October, so who knows how many games he will miss starting the new season.
Finnish-born Mikko Rantanen was selected 10th overall back in 2015. He cracked the Avs roster in his first training camp but was soon demoted to AHL San Antonio. Mikko only wound up appearing in nine games for Colorado by the time 2015-16 ended. Rantanen spent the majority of the year in the AHL and racked up 60 points in 52 games.
He’s an offensive threat who is dangerous when the puck in on his stick. He’s best described as a playmaker with soft hands but has no problem finding the back of the net with his great shot. Don’t be surprised if he immediately logs top-six minutes upon return from injury. Here’s a guy that could easily be among the top rookie scorers in 2016-17.
Sep 25, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues center Kenny Agostino (73) is congratulated by center Robby Fabbri (15) defender Brad Hunt (77) and defender Mike Weber (46) after scoring a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the third period of a preseason hockey game at Scottrade Center. The Blues won 7-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
D Jordan Schmaltz, St. Louis Blues
Schmaltz took unfair criticism from fans during his first year of pro with AHL Chicago in 2015-16. The offensively gifted blueliner put up an impressive 36 points in his rookie season, but the only thing his critics could talk about were his defensive deficiencies. Wake up folks! This is what you get with a young offensive defenseman. Of course, that first year of pro will be tough on the defensive side/in his own zone.
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In all fairness, his overall play on both sides of the puck improved as the season went on. There’s still a lot of room for growth and development in the defensive zone, but those are typical growing pains with this type of player.
There’s no guarantee that Schmaltz even makes the team out of training camp. Right now, there’s a log jam with Kevin Shattenkirk still in the mix. Once the Blues find a trade partner, it will allow Jordan Schmaltz to settle in at number three on the depth chart for right-handed d-men behind Alex Pietrangelo and Colton Parayko. Just don’t be surprised if he snags that seventh spot or a bottom pairing for opening night.
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Jan 16, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators left winger Kevin Fiala (56) warms up prior to the game against the Minnesota Wild at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
F Kevin Fiala, Nashville Predators
This shifty Swiss skater was selected 11th overall by Nashville back in 2014. He split his 2014-15 season between the Swedish Elite League, American Hockey League, and NHL (one game). He posted 11 goals (20 points) in 33 games with AHL Milwaukee, and also had success at the international level racking up five points in six games at the World Juniors for Switzerland.
Kevin spent the majority of 2015-16 with AHL Milwaukee improving upon his previous year total with 18 goals (50 points) in 66 games. Fiala received a late look from the Preds appearing in five NHL games (and scored his first NHL goal).
If you’re looking for keywords that best describe Kevin Fiala‘s game, words such as “creative”, “dynamic”, and “strong” all come to mind. He’s a slick playmaker with the ability to thread the needle on improbable passes, can create room for teammates, and has an outstanding release on his shot.
Sep 30, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward Patrik Laine (29) takes a onetime slapshot during the second period during a preseason hockey game against the Edmonton Oilers at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
F Patrik Laine/F Kyle Connor/D Josh Morrissey, Winnipeg Jets
Patrik Laine
Just four months ago, Finnish sniper Patrik Laine was chasing Teemu Selanne‘s records at the World Hockey Championship. Safe to assume the Winnipeg Jets snagged a gem when they moved up several spots in the NHL Draft Lottery. He dominated everywhere along the lines in 2015-16, leaving some experts and scouts to debate whether he was a first overall talent.
Chances are that Patrik Laine will start the year at left wing, presumably on the second line with Bryan Little and Drew Stafford. Nothing is set in stone yet, as Laine could easily surpass Nikolaj Ehlers to take the top spot alongside Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler. Then again, Finnish forward Joel Armia could always push Drew Stafford down to the third line. We’ll have to wait and see how the depth chart shakes up. Regardless of how it looks, it might be another safe assumption to throw Laine’s name in the mix for Calder Trophy consideration.
Kyle Connor
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Another Jets prospect is turning heads in training camp. Kyle Connor, 19, was selected 17th overall in 2015. He signed with Winnipeg after just one year of NCAA hockey with the University of Michigan. It was a monster year for the American as he racked up 71 points in 38 games as the star on a line with Tyler Motte (Chicago) and J.T. Compher (Colorado). He even challenged Jimmy Vesey for Hobey Baker Award honors.
Connor has the potential to be a very dangerous offensive threat for the Jets. This dynamic forward is already giving fans a taste of the future with highlight reel goals. It’s likely he would serve in a third line capacity in his rookie season, but there’s always a chance for him to climb the depth chart with productive play.
Josh Morrissey
Somewhat of a forgotten prospect, defenseman Josh Morrissey is another guy that is performing extremely well this preseason.
Forget needing a top four LH defenseman in return for Jacob Trouba – Morrissey was drafted with the intention of being a top four defender. Push Toby Enstrom up to the top pairing with Dustin Byfuglien, and allow for Josh Morrissey to grow/develop his game alongside Tyler Myers.
Apr 20, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Stephen Johns (28) checks Minnesota Wild forward Kurtis Gabriel (63) in the first period in game four of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
D Stephen Johns, Dallas Stars
Stephen Johns was acquired from Chicago as part of the Patrick Sharp deal last summer. He stepped into his second year of pro hockey in 2015-16 with AHL Texas and a had a solid season posting 24 points in 55 games. His impressive play (which has nothing to do with his point production by the way) forced the Dallas Stars to give him a late look. He didn’t disappoint posting three points in 14 games down the final stretch and played so well that he made 13 appearances in the postseason (zero points).
Some would proclaim Johns a stay-at-home defenseman. That would be incorrect as they generally produce far less offense. Stephen is better described as a defensive-minded two-way defender. At 6’4 225lbs, Johns greatest attribute is his physical style of play. He lays punishing hits, loves to throw the body, and makes life difficult for the opposition in front of the net. Here’s a guy that should continue to blossom into a real fan favorite down in Dallas.
Oct 1, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Nick Schmaltz (8) and St. Louis Blues left wing Kenny Agostino (73) follow the puck during the first period of a preseason hockey game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
F Tyler Motte/F Marc McNeill/F Nick Schmaltz, Chicago Blackhawks
Tyler Motte
As mentioned, Motte was part of the NCAA’s most potent line featuring Kyle Connor, Tyler Motte, and J.T. Compher at the University of Michigan. While Connor racked up 71 points, Tyler Motte had an impressive 32 goals (56 points).
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He even joined Kyle Connor with Team USA at the World Hockey Championships this past spring. Motte was one of the few standouts for the Americans tallying three points in 10 games. That standout play has apparently carried over to NHL training camp/preseason as he continues to impress fans in Chicago.
Tyler is noticeably small on the ice at just 5’9 187lbs. This can make it a little easier to knock him off-balance, but he does a fairly good job protecting the puck. As with every other small forward on the Blackhawks, Motte will need to rely on his speed and elusiveness to be an effective player. Don’t be surprised if Motte starts the year filling that void left by Andrew Ladd alongside Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa.
Mark McNeill
Mark McNeill, 23, was selected 18th overall back in 2011. Three years into his pro career, and it’s safe to say that some fans have likely given up hope on the Edmonton-born kid. Believe it or not, there’s been slow, but steady progression after three full years with AHL Rockford. He put up his best numbers yet in 2015-16 scoring 25 goals (48 points) in 64 games.
McNeill is strong on his skates and plays a complete 200-foot game. He has the versatility to play anywhere up front and can be a frustrating player for opponents. That versatility also ranges to both sides of special teams (PP and PK). His only criticism, and perhaps biggest knock is a lack of consistency. That might be the only thing that can hold him back from success at the NHL level.
Mark got his first taste of NHL action in 2015-16. Even if he starts the year in AHL Rockford, expect him to be on the short-list for call-ups. It wouldn’t be surprising if he spends the majority of the new season in Chicago once the dust finally settles.
Nick Schmaltz
Lastly, we come to Nick Schmaltz. He signed with the Blackhawks after finishing up his second year of NCAA hockey at the University of North Dakota. He also appeared with Team USA at the World Juniors posting an impressive eight points in seven games.
Schmaltz is best described as a two-way forward. He plays a complete 200-foot game with impressive defensive abilities. Naturally a playmaker, Nick has soft hands and great vision which make him a great passer. He relies on his speed and acceleration to beat opponents, and if that fails, can use his nifty stickhandling in tight areas to make room for himself.
Nick Schmaltz definitely has the potential to be a top-six forward in the NHL, but he may need a year of seasoning in the AHL. If he somehow cracks the opening night roster, though, this is a player worth keeping an eye on.
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