The NHL’s young rookie core is extremely impressive in 2016-17. Many super-prospects, including Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, Dylan Strome, William Nylander, Jesse Puljujärvi and Patrick Laine have already, unsurprisingly, made a mark in the league. But a handful of rookies have unexpectedly started the season on fire. Here are four rookies who are defying expectations early this season.
Jimmy Vesey, New York Rangers
The Jimmy Vesey sweepstakes this summer was nauseating, with teams openly coveting the 23-year-old Harvard star like he was the next Connor McDavid. There was so much hype, in fact, that it seemed practically impossible for Vesey to ever live up to it. College converts have had spotty records transitioning to the league, like the much-pursued Matt O’Connor (remember him?), so wherever Vesey ended up, instant expectations awaited.
https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/792885424784044033
Despite receiving a top-line promise from the Buffalo Sabres, Vesey surprised everyone by signing with the New York Rangers. The fit was odd. The Rangers weren’t exactly an overly exciting team outside of goaltender Henrik Lundqvist.
But through 13 games, Vesey has proven he made the right choice. He’s tied for second in rookie scoring behind Laine with six goals and has added four assists. Playing prominently with Rick Nash and Derek Stepan, Vesey has instantly fit in with New York, even though he’s only averaged 14:43 time on ice per game. His 28.6 shooting percentage won’t last forever, but Vesey’s lived up to gaudy expectations early in his career.
Brandon Carlo, Boston Bruins
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 15: Brandon Carlo #25 of the Boston Bruins skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game on October 15, 2016 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Leafs defeated the Bruins 4-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
A second-round pick in 2015, the 18-year-old defenseman has been a steady presence on the Bruins backend.
Carlo has done it all for the Bruins, blocking tough shots, getting pucks to the net and chipped in offensively to the tune with four points in 11 games. Plus-minus has flaws, but Carlo leads all rookies with a +8 marker. The 6-foot-5 defender is gaining more and more trust as the season goes on, as he’s regularly hitting 22+ minutes per night (he leads all rookies at 22:31 TOI/PG) with the Bruins. It’s remarkable Carlo has been so good, considering his age. Bruins fans should be ecstatic about his early-season progress and what’s to come. Carlo’s a dark-horse Calder candidate.
Brady Skjei, New York Rangers
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 30: Brady Skjei #76 of the New York Rangers fights for control of the puck with Ryan Callahan #24 of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Madison Square Garden on October 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Skjei has provided the Rangers with top-pairing stats, despite receiving bottom-pair minutes in New York.
The 2012 first-round pick debuted in 2015-16 in a seven-game run with the Rangers. In 2016-17, Skjei has looked every part of a polished, future top-pair defender. The 22-year-old has great size at 6-foot-3 and possesses a strong two-way game. It’s early, but Skjei’s ability to pass and control the puck are dynamite. Through 13 games with the Rangers, Skjei has registered eight assists. With a better defense partner, Skjei might be putting up even better stats.
Alain Vigneault must realize what he has in Skjei. It would be shocking if he ended the season still behind Nick Holden and Dan Girardi on the Rangers’ depth chart.
Tyler Motte, Chicago Blackhawks
skates against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on October 28, 2016 in Newark, New Jersey.
Sunday night’s injury aside, Motte takes the cake as the prospect with the least hype who’s made a positive impact — which pretty much summarizes his young career.
The 21-year-old was a below-average prospect in the Blackhawks organization before breaking out at the University of Michigan in 2014-15. In 2015-16, Motte was a Hobey Baker finalist, earning an entry-level deal with the Blackhawks.
It’s early, but Motte has shown to be an ideal bottom-six center for Chicago. He’s small at 5-foot-9, but for what he lacks in height, Motte makes up for with instincts and skill. He possesses great speed and has intriguing, long-term potential for Chicago. In 13 games, Motte’s scored three times and added three assists for six points — generating 22 shots. Coach Joel Quenneville has also trusted him on the penalty kill.
Look at this body control.
Footwork makes the dream work pic.twitter.com/pP7n6rQAt7
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) November 2, 2016
Motte is unlikely to make a star turn during his career, but he’s a capable bottom-six offensive threat. He’ll give you 10-15 goals while providing a nice balance to a usual tough fourth-liner.
