Rising Stars

The National Hockey League is a recycling system for players that sees a new wave of players with each new season, while at the same time creating a range of seasoned veterans. The problem with veterans is that after a period of time they become predictable, whether they be successful or not soon becomes evident. A rookie brings a whole new anticipation to the game that draws the fan in, predictions are made and a new generation is born. Rookies are the only players that remain unpredictable throughout the season as it is often the most unexpected player that rises to the top.

The best rookies in the NHL today are hard to distinguish at this point, with all of the tough competition   that has been emerging. There are five that have managed to separate from the rest of the pack at this point in the season.

The first being Tyler Ennis of the Buffalo Sabres, he has really lived up to the expectations that Sabres fans have had for him. The Alberta native has managed to put up four goals and six assists in seventeen games this season. The Sabres have been struggling this season as they sit fourth from last in the Eastern Conference with only five wins. Ennis is a small forward whose speed and size allows him to maneuver his way to the right areas to score. Standing at only 5'9" and weighing in at 157 lbs, Ennis has made the list by becoming a force to be reckoned with in the NHL.

With a beat up blue line in last years Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Montreal Canadiens called up P.K. Subban from the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League. Subban became a crucial part of Montreal's defense to the point that he was able to crack the lineup for the 2010/11 season. Subban has one goal and 6 assists so far this season. What makes him a top rookie does not show up on the game sheet but has the potential to make the difference in the end. Subban has an excellent defensive awareness of what to look for and who to pickup in front of the net. Subban is not afraid to block shots and will lay it on the line for the team. He has established himself as a two-way defenseman with the ability to generate offense without sacrificing his defensive game.

On a youthful team, Jordan Eberle has managed to pull through and continue to be the next face of Canadian hockey. Playing for the struggling Edmonton Oilers, Eberle has managed to contribute nine points in fourteen games despite the lack of a seasoned veteran. Canadians remember him as a clutch player for his late game heroics at the World Junior tournaments in 2008 and 2009. Eberle has managed to exceed expectations so far this season and has earned his spot amongst the top rookies.

With Stanley Cup finalist Michael Leighton on the shelf due to back surgery, the Philadelphia Flyers needed a goalie to begin the new season. Their answer came out of Novokuznetsk, Russia with twenty-two year old Sergei Bobrovsky. With ten wins in just thirteen starts this season there are no questions as to why Bobrovsky is included in the top rookies. Bobrovsky is also backing up his wins with solid numbers that suggests he is pulling his weight on the Flyers. His .932 save percentage speaks for itself as well as a 2.08 GAA. He could very well be on his way down a path to a great career that may see several Stanley Cups and Vezina Trophies.

Finally, the top rookie in the NHL today would have to be Jeff Skinner of the Carolina Hurricanes. Skinner who was very successful in two season with the OHL's Kitchener Rangers has exploded into the NHL with fifteen points in seventeen games. With a great combination of hands and speed, Skinner really is the ultimate package coming out of the draft.  Surprisingly enough, Skinner went seventh overall  to the struggling Hurricanes who missed last years playoffs. Although early in his career, Skinner is showing signs of becoming a top ten scoring leader at some point in his career.

Professional hockey is a constantly evolving game that brings a lot of surprises as well as a lot of disappointments. These players have proven that they deserve to be in the NHL and hopefully they continue to excel in their positions.