The NHL has changed a lot under the salary cap, and one of the most profound differences is the importance of young players.
Teams need productive young players on entry-level contracts to not only compete for the Stanley Cup in a particular season, but also to ensure sustained success.
Let’s take a look at five prospects who are capable of making a positive impact on their teams in the 2015-16 season.
It should be noted Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid and Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel were omitted from this last because the odds of them failing to make meaningful impacts as rookies are so small. Also, players with more than 25Â games of NHL experience, such as Ryan Spooner and David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins, weren’t considered for this list.
Dylan Larkin, C, Detroit Red Wings
Larkin was one of the best players in college hockey last season with 47 points (15 goals, 32 assists) in 35 games. The only freshman who tallied more points was Boston University’s Eichel, who the Buffalo Sabres selected second overall in the 2015 draft.
Larkin was a first-round pick back in 2014, and could play an important role for Detroit this campaign. He impressed in camp and the preseason, so much so that he became the first teenager to make the Red Wings’ opening night roster in 15 years. He’s also skated alongside captain and first-line winger Henrik Zetterberg in practice, and the duo is expected to play together on opening night.
Expect a fantastic rookie season and maybe a Calder Trophy nomination from Larkin.
Jake Virtanen, RW, Vancouver Canucks
The playoffs appear to be an unrealistic target for the Canucks. That could open the door for Virtanen, the sixth overall selection in the 2014 draft, to earn some valuable NHL experience.
Virtanen is a highly skilled offensive player with a knack for goal scoring. He was a point-per-game player in each of the last two seasons for the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL, highlighted by a 45-goal campaign in 2013-14.
Virtanen played well enough in training camp and the preseason to earn a spot on the opening night roster, and his debut might not be too far away.
Colin Miller, Defenseman, Boston Bruins
Miller was acquired from the L.A. Kings in the Milan Lucic trade and provides much-needed scoring and mobility to the Boston blue line. The Bruins want to improve their breakouts and transition game this season, and Miller’s skill set is a good fit for that.
When in the attacking zone, Miller creates offense with his booming slap shot from the point and ability to find players in positions to score. He ranked second among all AHL defensemen in scoring last season, while playing a key role in the Manchester Monarchs winning the Calder Cup.
Miller made the Bruins opening night roster and could fill an important role on the third pairing to begin the season.
Nik Ehlers, Left Wing, Winnipeg Jets
The Jets have an abundance of prospects with star potential, and Ehlers is at or near the top of the list. The ninth overall pick in the 2014 drafted is loaded with offensive skill, including an excellent wrist shot, great playmaking skill and top-end speed. Ehlers tallied back-to-back 100-point seasons for the QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads in 2013-14 and 2014-15, and he should play an important part of the Jets offense in a top-nine role after making their opening night roster.
Sam Reinhart, Center, Buffalo Sabres
Reinhart was selected second overall in the 2014 draft, and even though he’ll probably be overshadowed by Eichel this season, he could have a similarly strong impact for the Sabres. Reinhart is a two-way center who displays impressive defensive skill and smarts in his own end for a player his age. He’s good on faceoffs and makes the smart, simple plays under pressure.
Reinhart also has elite potential as a playmaker, and he tallied 65 points (19 goals, 46 assists) in just 47 games for the WHL’s Kootenay Ice last season.
Thumbnail photo via Kevin Hoffman/USA TODAY Sports Images
