Monday, February 29, 2016

The Forman Faceoff NHL Trade Deadline 2016 Live Blog


We're back with the 2nd Annual Forman Faceoff NHL Trade Deadline Live Blog. The NHL Trade Deadline is my favourite day of the year and since 2009 I have been a huge fan of the TSN TradeCentre show. As I shifted into blogging in 2013, the Trade Deadline became my favourite writing day of the year. Very happy to be back for the NHL Trade Deadline 2016!

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM:
-I've had this Trade Deadline tradition since 2009 where I get up early and watch the TSN TradeCentre show from start to finish (8:00am-3:00pm and on). Now that I work and am used to getting up this early, definitely not as hard as my University Days. Either way, still just as excited for the Trade Deadline!
-Up at 7:10 AM, starting the day with an orange pekoe tea.
-Lots of trades in the NHL the past few days including two captains in Eric Staal and Andrew Ladd. Interesting to see what will happen as the day progresses.
-Loui Eriksson #1 on TSN's Trade Bait list for today.
-TSN with an awkward in-studio Kiss Cam including trying to get O-Dog and Ray Ferraro to kiss. O-Dog was not having it.
-Lots of focus on Canadian teams at the deadline today, all 7 teams are in a selling position (Ottawa/Montreal on the brink of seller/buyer).
-Brian Burke aka "The Silver Fox" makes an appearance on TSN. Duthie finishes the interview by saying he missed Burkie on the Trade Centre show, in which he responded, "Can I go now?"
-Hour #1 has come and gone and no trades have been made yet.

9:00 AM - 10:00AM:
-Of the last 20 trades in the NHL, the Leafs have been involved in 5 of the trades.
-Rumblings from the TSN crew that William Nylander will get the call-up from the Marlies very soon.
-1st trade of the day at 9:32AM, earlier than most of the last few years.
-TRADE #1: Arizona Coyotes Acquire F Sergei Plotnikov from the Pittsburgh Penguins for F Matthias Plachta and a 2017 7th Round Pick
Analysis: Minor league deal
-Pierre McGuire joins the panel on TSN. Duthie refers to it as the "Hartford Whalers Panel" with Ray Ferraro, Jeff O'Neil and Pierre McGuire.
-Dave Tallon on the phone talking about the Panthers latest trades and the need to be aggressive at the deadline.
-The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially recalled top prospects William Nylander and Kasperi Kapanen. The Nylander Era in Toronto has begun!
-Edmonton Oilers sign D Brandon Davidson to a 2-year, $2.85 million extension
-Hour #2 is over and we officially have 1 trade on the day!

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM:
-Brian Murray announces Kyle Turris is dealing with a high-ankle sprain and will be shut down for the foreseeable future.
-Edmonton Oilers sign G Laurent Brossoit to a 2-year, $1.5 million extension.
-Some weird Prime Minister Mascot Race happening now on TSN: https://t.co/DIOuRWazS3
-First shot of Eric Staal practicing in New York, he'll make his Rangers debut tonight. Looks really weird to be to see him in Rangers blue.
-Teams inquiring with Dave Tallon on Panthers forward Brandon Pirri.
-Blackhawks still aggressively trying to trade Bryan Bickell.
-Craig Button predicts Brad Marchand will make Team Canada this summer at the World Cup of Hockey.
-Hour #3 ends and we still only have 1 trade on the day.


11:00 AM - 12:00 PM:
-Looks like Kyle Turris shut down for the rest of the season with a High Ankle Sprain
-Mike Babcock confirms William Nylander, Kasperi Kapanen, (Toronto's own) Zach Hyman, Brooks Laich, Ben Smith. Connor Carrick and Nikita Soshnikov will all make their Leaf debuts tonight. Lots of new faces in Toronto.
-I played my first few years of hockey when I was younger with Zach Hyman, pretty cool to see him make his NHL debut. Now my Dad can finally say that a Forest Hill Hockey Alumni has made the NHL!
-Pierre McGuire says the Bruins are regretting trading Johnny Boychuk and Dougie Hamilton
-Pierre calls Auston Matthews "Ron Francis with speed"
-Hour #4 and not much has happened today, still just the 1 trade.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM:
-Edmonton Oilers claim D Adam Pardy and F Adam Cracknell off waivers.
-Montreal Canadiens claim F Mike Brown off waivers.
-New Jersey Devils claim D David Warsofsky.
-Alex Stalock (TOR), Reto Berra (COL), Rene Bourque (CBJ), Zac Rinaldo (BOS) all cleared waivers.
-TRADE #2: Carolina Hurricanes acquire D Dennis Robertson from the Chicago Blackhawks for G Drew MacIntyre.
Analysis: Minor League Deal
-Two hours to go until the deadline and still just 2 trades on the day.
-Carey Price back on the ice for practice in Montreal in his full goalie gear. This is great news for the Habs.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM:
-Rumblings from the Panel that Boston and Dallas are in on Dan Hamhuis
-TRADE #3: Colorado Avalanche acquire F Mikkel Boedker from the Arizona Coyotes for F Alex Tanguay, F Connor Bleackley, D Kyle Wood
Analysis: As an Avs fan I certainly like this trade for the immediate future, Boedker should give the Avs some solid scoring depth. However, he's a free agent in the summer and will likely test free agency. The Coyotes receive two good prospects in Connor Bleackley and Kyle Wood, will be interesting to see how these two players develop. Tanguay will likely retire at season's end.
-TRADE #4: Dallas Stars acquire D Kris Russell from the Calgary Flames for D Jyrki Jokipakka, F Brett Pollock and a Conditional 2016 2nd Round Pick (*If the Stars reach the Conference Finals and Russell plays 50% of the games in Rounds 1/2, pick turns to a 1st rounder*)
Analysis: Great trade for both teams. Stars get a solid two-way defenseman who can help them in the playoffs. Russell is an excellent shot blocker and will help the Stars get better defensively. The Flames get two solid prospects in Jokipakka and Pollock and a 2nd Round (potentially turned 1st Round) pick is a solid return for Russell.
-TRADE #5: Colorado Avalanche acquire D Eric Gelinas from the New Jersey Devils for a 2017 3rd Round Pick
Analysis: Another solid move from the Avs, acquiring some depth on defense. Gelinas was thought to be a big part of the Devils rebuild a few years ago but has fallen off since the Devils hired John Hynes as Head Coach. He'll get a fresh start in Colorado.
-Things heated up in the last hour, 1 hour to go until the deadline at 3:00pm!

2:00 PM - 3:00PM:
-Looks like Dan Hamhuis isn't willing to waive his NTC to go to the Eastern Conference.
-TRADE #6: Anaheim Ducks acquire F Brandon Pirri from the Florida Panthers for a 2016 6th Round Pick.
Analysis: Scratching my head at this trade from the Panthers, Dave Tallon has done a lot of good things the past few days but don't get this trade. Pirri scored 22 goals last season and yet the Ducks only had to pay a 6th round pick for him. If Pirri can get things going for the Ducks this is a steal of a trade.
-Panel thinks that Jonathan Drouin likely won't be traded today meaning he will be moved this summer.
-Teams still inquiring with the Bruins on F Loui Eriksson
-Looks like Dave Tallon is done dealing for the day. Busy few days for the Panthers in general, some big additions in Hudler and Purcell.
-The 3:00 PM Deadline has officially arrived!
-Here's a throwback to last year's TradeCentre show when TSN showed a questionable tweet live on TV...No wonder theirs no on-screen twitter feed this year.

3:00 PM Deadline and on:
-While the 3:00pm deadline has come and gone, trades still trickle through in the few hours after due to late trade calls.
-Jonathan Drouin will NOT be traded today, will likely be moved this summer.
-Looks like Loui Eriksson will stay put in Boston too.
-Dan Hamhuis was only willing to move his NTC to Dallas or Chicago, so he will remain with the Vancouver Canucks.
-TRADE #7: New York Islanders acquire F Shane Price and a 2016 7th Round Pick from the Ottawa Senators for a 2016 3rd Round Pick
Analysis: Prince seemed like the odd man out in a crowded group of Senators prospects fighting for a roster spot. Prince was born in New York so I can imagine a fresh start in his home state will do him well.
-TRADE #8: Minnesota Wild acquire D Conor Allen from the Ottawa Senators for F Michael Keranen
Analysis: Minor League Deal
-TRADE #9: Boston Bruins acquire D John-Michael Liles from the Carolina Hurricanes for F Anthony Camara, 3rd Round Pick and a 5th Round Pick
Analysis: Bruins add some much-needed depth to their defense, but it cost them a good amount. The Hurricanes get a nice return here with Camara and 2 picks.
-TRADE #10: Boston Bruins acquire F Lee Stempniak from the New Jersey Devils for a 2017 2nd Round Pick and a 2016 4th Round Pick
Analysis: Bruins get a good depth forward in Lee Stempniak, who has now been dealt 4 times at the deadline since 2010. The Devils get a good return for Stempniak with a 2nd and 4th round pick as well.
-TRADE #11: New Jersey Devils acquire F Devante Smith-Pelly from the Montreal Canadiens for F Stefan Matteau
Analysis: This is an interesting trade of 2 young forwards looking to establish themselves. Matteau was a first round pick back in 2012 but hasn't been able to consistently crack the Devils lineup this season. Smith-Pelly was traded from the Ducks to the Habs last season, but has never really found a place in Montreal. Both players could benefit from a fresh start here.
-TRADE #12: Anaheim Ducks acquire F Jamie McGinn from the Buffalo Sabres for a Conditional 3rd Round Pick
(*3rd Round Pick becomes a 2nd Round Pick if the Ducks win two playoff rounds*)
Analysis: I was a big fan of Jamie McGinn when he was with the Avs, when healthy he's a strong power forward who drives the net hard. Will be interesting to see how he fits in with the Ducks, but this is a smart move for Bob Murray.
-TRADE #13: Colorado Avalanche acquire F Taylor Beck from the New York Islanders for F Marc-Andre Cliche
Analysis: Minor League Deal
-Blue Jackets sign F Boone Jenner to a 2-year, $5.8 million extension.
-TRADE #14: Los Angeles Kings acquire F Brett Sutter from the Anaheim Ducks for F Scott Sabourin
Analysis: Minor League Trade
-TRADE #15: Edmonton Oilers acquire F Pat Maroon from the Anaheim Ducks for D Martin Gernat and a 2016 4th Round Pick
Analysis: Ducks look to have traded Pat Maroon when they acquired Jamie McGinn. McGinn is a faster, better version of Maroon so this deal makes sense for the Ducks.
-TRADE #16: Anaheim Ducks acquire F Corey Tropp from the Chicago Blackhawks for F Tim Jackman and a 2017 7th Round Pick
Analysis: Minor League Deal
-TRADE #17: Pittsburgh Penguins acquire F Dustin Jeffery, F Dan O'Donughue, D James Melindy for F Matia Marcantuoni
Analysis: Minor League Deal
-TRADE #18: Nashville Predators acquire D Corey Potter from the Arizona Coyotes for future considrations
Analysis: Minor League Deal
-TRADE #19: Minnesota Wild acquire F David Jones from the Calgary Flames for G Niklas Backstrom and a 2016 6th Round Pick
Analysis: Backstrom is a free agent at the end of the season and will likely retire, while Jones is also a free agent at the end of the season and likely won't last in Minnesota. Both are heavily overpaid (Backstrom $3.4 million, Jones $4 million a year) for how little they have done.

Joel Forman - The Forman Faceoff

Saturday, February 27, 2016

The Forman Faceoff - NHL Trade Tracker



A look at all the trades in the NHL from January 1st, 2016 through the NHL Trade Deadline on February 29th, 2016:

50. Calgary Flames Acquire: G Niklas Backstrom, 2016 6th Round Pick
      Minnesota Wild Acquire: F David Jones

49. Nashville Predators Acquire: D Corey Potter
      Arizona Coyotes Acquire: Future Considerations

48. Pittsburgh Penguins Acquire: F Dustin Jeffery, F Dan O'Donoghue, D James Melindy
      Arizona Coyotes Acquire: F Matia Marcantuoni

47. Anaheim Ducks Acquire: F Corey Tropp
      Chicago Blackhawks Acquire: F Tim Jackman, 2017 7th Round Pick

46. Edmonton Oilers Acquire: F Pat Maroon
      Anaheim Ducks Acquire: D Martin Gernat, 2016 4th Round Pick

45. Los Angeles Kings Acquire: F Brett Sutter
     Anaheim Ducks Acquire: F Scott Sabourin

44. Colorado Avalanche Acquire: F Taylor Beck
      New York Islanders Acquire: F Marc-Andre Cliche

43. Anaheim Ducks Acquire: F Jamie McGinn
      Buffalo Sabres Acquire: Conditional 3rd Round Pick
(*3rd Round Pick becomes a 2nd Round Pick if the Ducks win two playoff rounds*)

42. New Jersey Devils Acquire: F Devante Smith-Pelly
      Montreal Canadiens Acquire: F Stefan Matteau

41. Boston Bruins Acquire: F Lee Stempniak
      New Jersey Devils Acquire: 2017 2nd Round Pick, 2016 4th Round Pick

40. Boston Bruins Acquire: D John-Michael Liles
      Carolina Hurricanes Acquire: F Anthony Camara, 3rd Round Pick, 5th Round Pick

39. Minnesota Wild Acquire: D Conor Allen
      Ottawa Senators Acquire: F Michael Keranen

38. New York Islanders Acquire: F Shane Prince, 2016 7th Round Pick
      Ottawa Senators Acquire: 2016 3rd Round Pick

37. Anaheim Ducks Acquire: F Brandon Pirri
      Florida Panthers Acquire: 2016 6th Round Pick

36. Colorado Avalanche Acquire: D Eric Gelinas
      New Jersey Devils Acquire: 2017 3rd Round Pick

35. Dallas Stars Acquire: D Kris Russell
      Calgary Flames Acquire: D Jyrki Jokipakka, F Brett Pollock, *Conditional 2nd Round Pick
(*If the Stars reach the Conference Finals and Russell plays 50% of the games in Rounds 1/2, pick turns to a 1st rounder*)

34. Colorado Avalanche Acquire: F Mikkel Boedker
      Arizona Coyotes Acquire: F Alex Tanguay, F Connor Bleackley, D Kyle Wood

33. Carolina Hurricanes Acquire: D Dennis Robertson
      Chicago Blackhawks Acquire: G Drew MacIntyre

32. Arizona Coyotes Acquire: F Sergei Plotnikov
      Pittsburgh Penguins Acquire: F Matthias Plachta, 2017 7th Round Pick

31. Washington Capitals Acquire: F Daniel Winnik, 2016 5th Round Pick
      Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire: F Brooks Laich, D Connor Carrick, 2016 2nd Round Pick

30. New York Rangers Acquire: F Chris Brown
      Washington Capitals Acquire: F Ryan Bourque

29. Los Angeles Kings Acquire: F Kris Versteeg
      Carolina Hurricanes Acquire: F Valentin Zykov, Conditional 5th Round Pick

28. New York Rangers Acquire: F Eric Staal
      Carolina Hurricanes Acquire: F Aleksi Saarela, 2016 2nd Round Pick, 2017 2nd Round Pick

27. Ottawa Senators Acquire: F Jason Akeson, F Phil Varone, D Jerome Gauthier-Leduc, Conditional Draft Pick
      Buffalo Sabres Acquire: F Alex Guptill, F Cole Schneider, F Eric O'Dell, D Michael Sdao

26. Pittsburgh Penguins Acquire: D Justin Schultz
      Edmonton Oilers Acquire: 2016 3rd Round Pick

25. Florida Panthers Acquire: D Jakub Kindl
      Detroit Red Wings Acquire: 2017 6th Round Pick

24. Florida Panthers Acquire: F Teddy Purcell
      Edmonton Oilers Acquire: 2016 3rd Round Pick

23. Florida Panthers Acquire: F Jiri Hudler
      Calgary Flames Acquire: 2016 2nd Round Pick, 2018 4th Round Pick

22. San Jose Sharks Acquire: G James Reimer, F Jeremy Morin
      Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire: G Alex Stalock. F Ben Smith, 2018 4th Round Pick

21. St. Louis Blues Acquire: G Anders Nilsson
      Edmonton Oilers Acquire: G Niklas Lundstrom, 2016 5th Round Pick

20. Chicago Blackhawks Acquire: F Dale Weise, F Tomas Fleischmann
      Montreal Canadiens Acquire: F Phillip Danault, 2018 2nd Round Pick

19. Chicago Blackhawks Acquire: D Christian Ehrhoff
      Los Angeles Kings Acquire: D Rob Scuderi

18. Chicago Blackhawks Acquire: F Andrew Ladd, D Jay Harrison, F Matt Fraser
      Winnipeg Jets Acquire: F Marko Dano, 2016 1st Round Pick, 2018 Conditional 3rd Round Pick (*The 2018 third-round pick is conditional on the Blackhawks winning the Stanley Cup in 2016, otherwise there is no second pick transferred in the trade*)

17. Vancouver Canucks Acquire: D Philip Larsen
      Edmonton Oilers Acquire: 2017 5th Round Pick

16. Washington Capitals Acquire: D Mike Weber
      Buffalo Sabres Acquire: 2017 3rd Round Pick

15. Calgary Flames Acquire: F Hunter Shinkaruk
      Vancouver Canucks Acquire: F Markus Granlund

14. San Jose Sharks Acquire: D Roman Polak, F Nick Spaling
      Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire: F Raffi Torres, 2017 2nd Round Pick, 2018 2nd Round Pick

13. Colorado Avalanche Acquire: F Shawn Matthias
      Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire: F Colin Smith, 2016 4th Round Pick

12. Ottawa Senators Acquire: D Dion Phaneuf, F Matt Frattin, F Casey Bailey, F Ryan Rupert, D Cody Donaghey
      Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire: D Jared Cowen, F Milan Michalek, F Colin Greening, F Tobias Lindberg, 2017 2nd Round Pick

11. Chicago Blackhawks Acquire: F Jiri Sekac
      Anaheim Ducks Acquire: F Ryan Garbutt

10. Anaheim Ducks Acquire: F David Perron
      Pittsburgh Penguins Acquire: F Carl Hagelin

9. Montreal Canadiens Acquire: F John Scott. D Victor Bartley
    Arizona Coyotes Acquire: D Jarred Tinordi, F Stefan Fournier

8. Nashville Predators Acquire: D Stefan Elliott
    Arizona Coyotes Acquire: D Victor Bartley

7. St. Louis Blues Acquire: D Richard Nedomiel
    Detroit Red Wings Acquire: Future Considerations

6. Ottawa Senators Acquire: D Connor Allen
    Nashville Predators Acquire: D Patrick Mullen

5. Vancouver Canucks Acquire: F Emerson Etem
    New York Rangers Acquire: F Nicklas Jensen, 2017 6th Round Pick

4. Anaheim Ducks Acquire: G Dustin Tokarski
    Montreal Canadiens Acquire: F Max Friberg

3. Nashville Predators Acquire: F Ryan Johansen
    Columbus Blue Jackets Acquire: D Seth Jones

2. Los Angeles Kings Acquire: F Vincent Lecavalier, D Luke Schenn
    Philadelphia Flyers Acquire: F Jordan Weal, 2016 3rd Round Pick

1. Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire: F Jeremy Morin
    Chicago Blackhawks Acquire: F Richard Panik


Joel Forman - The Forman Faceoff

Saturday, February 20, 2016

The Forman Files: The Calder Trophy Race - Why This is One of the Deepest Rookie Classes of All time


I've been a dedicated hockey fan for most of my life and one thing I always have been fascinated with year after year is the crop of rookies in the NHL and what kind of impact they will have. Coming into this season I knew the group of players was good, but I can't remember a rookie group as deep and talented as the one this season. In this latest installment of the Forman Files I will look in-depth at the Calder Trophy race and the 10 rookies that have made an impact this season.

First let's start by establishing where I think the Calder Trophy race stands right now:

1. Artemi Panarin - Leads all rookies in goals (22), assists (35), points (57), game-winning goals (6). Panarin has found instant chemistry with NHL-point leader Patrick Kane and has been by far the most productive rookie over the entire season. Looks like Stan Bowman found a serious gem from the KHL, I foresee Kane and Panarin being good together for a long time, and any proof of that is I drafted Panarin in all 3 of my pools this year.

2. Shayne Gostisbehere - How does this guy start the season in the AHL? The "Ghost" as they call him in Philly has come in and become the workhorse guy for Dave Hakstol's group. What's even more impressive for the 22-year old defenseman is that he's almost at a point-per-game pace with 33 points in 39 games, including a 14-game point streak matching the longest streak by a defenseman in 19 years since Brian Leetch did it in 1996

3. Dylan Larkin - The 19-year old is near the top of all rookie categories this season and Larkin has been a force for the Red Wings since game 1. He has 19 goals and 39 points in 57 games, good for 2nd in goals and 3rd in points among all rookies. He's also a +21 to lead all rookies and has 5 game-winning goals, 2nd to Artemi Panarin (6). Larkin has a bright future ahead in Detroit and will continue to push the 2 guys ahead for the Calder.


When I look at the Rookies their is a lot more beyond the Calder Trophy race, especially considering Connor McDavid would be winning it had he not been hurt. The fact of the matter is that this rookie group is so deep there are a lot more than 3 players that potentially could get nominated. Because of this I'm going go in-depth to rank the top 10 rookies making an impact in the NHL this season:

1. Connor McDavid


There are so many different things to say about Connor McDavid's game and the buzz he is creating in the NHL. Not since the likes of Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin has a player come into the NHL and be this good at such a young age. You watch #97 play and he get's the crowd on his feet every time he touches the puck, something that only the special players can really generate. He's electrifying, there really is no other way to put it, if the Oilers are in town you best be getting a ticket to that game and going to see him because he's worth the price of admission and more. Need some proof? Check out these goals:

1st game back vs Columbus: 

Goal vs Detroit: 

1st NHL goal: 

5-point night vs. Toronto: 

Despite missing 37 games with a broken Collarbone, McDavid has scored 10 goals and 26 points in 22 games this season. What's even more impressive is since his return from breaking his collarbone he's scored 5 goals and 14 points in 9 games and has really kick-started the Oilers offense. Everyone who plays with #97 seems to have woken up from a slow start or previous bad hockey, guys like Nail Yakupov, Jordan Eberle, Benoit Pouliot to name a few. It's crazy to think that the Oilers have had 4 1st overall picks in the last 6 years, and yet McDavid is finally the one who might be the answer in Edmonton. Time will tell what happens in Edmonton, but it's pretty obvious how important McDavid is for the future Oilers organization going forward. Had he not been hurt he would be 1st in the Calder Trophy race no question about it.

2. Artemi Panarin


For people that don't realize how good Artemi Panarin is they have to remember that despite being a rookie he's also 24 and has been playing at the professional level since he was 17. In fact Panarin played with Ilya Kovalchuk with St. Petersburg SKA and was 5th in the KHL in scoring with 26 goals and 62 points in 54 games last year. A worse memory for Canadian fans and something I never realized until my brother Ryan mentioned it was Panarin was on that World Junior Russian team in 2011 that scored 5 goals in the 3rd to win the Gold Medal against Canada. Crazier part of this story? Panarin was on the top line with Evgeny Kuznetsov and Vladimir Tarasenko, could you imagine how good that line would be in the NHL right now? The answer would be scary good.

Looking at this season Panarin has been the best rookie in the NHL, with 22 goals and 35 assists for 57 points in 59 games. I knew he was going to be good, but his instant chemistry with Patrick Kane and Artem Anisimov has been a revelation for Coach Q and the Blackhawks organization. Kane leads the NHL with 83 points and 16 more than the next closest player, and his chemistry with Panarin has been a big part of this. GM Stan Bowman has gone as far as to say this about re-signing him this offseason, "Patrick Kane would be pretty upset if we didn't." Unless Connor McDavid goes on a massive scoring streak to end the season, Panarin should be walking away with the Calder Trophy this summer.

1st NHL goal: 

1st NHL hat trick: 

Goal vs St. Louis: 

3. Shayne Gostisbehere


A 14-game point streak is impressive for any player, but a 22-year old rookie defenseman doing this is almost unheard of in the NHL. In fact his streak is the longest for any defenseman since Brian Leetch had a 14-game point streak 19 years ago. Continuing with the 14 trend, that's how many games he spent in the AHL to start the season before Ron Hextall finally called him up. I wonder what good ole' Ronny Hextall thinks now watching #53, must be something along the lines of "we had this guy in the minors???"

The "Ghost" as they call him in Philadelphia has responded with 11 goals and 33 points in 39 games since being called up and is 5th in team scoring. He leads all rookie defenseman in goals, assists and points and is 6th in overall rookie scoring. Even more impressive is 3 of Gostisbehere's 11 goals this season have been OT winners, as well as leading all rookies with 18 powerplay points. For a team that has had so much uncertainty on their blueline the last few years the Flyers look like they finally have some stability with Shayne Gostisbehere and Ivan Provorov in the system.

1st NHL goal: 

OT goal vs. Carolina: 

OT goal vs. Nashville: 

4. Dylan Larkin

As I mentioned above, the Red Wings stole Dylan Larkin at 15th overall in the 2014 NHL Draft. I remember watching the draft that year and telling my brother Kyle that he's going to be someone to watch as soon as he get's his chance. It's crazy to think that as an Avalanche fan I still have so much respect for Ken Holland and the group in Detroit who year after year just draft the right players. Coming into this season I knew Larkin was going to be good, but he's been the Red Wings most consistent player and he's just 19. He's a guy that has future Captain written all over him, another absolute steal by Ken Holland

After a very successful season at Michigan last year it was pretty obvious Larkin was ready to push for a roster spot this season, but I don't think anyone thought he would be this good this quickly. The 19-year old Larkin leads the Red Wings with 19 goals and is 2nd in points with 39 in 57 games. He is currently tied for 3rd in rookie scoring and leads all rookies with a +21. It's not so much the production that makes Larkin so good, watch a Red Wings game and #71 always seems to stand out as one of the best players on the ice. A great two-way center that is responsible at both ends of the ice, Larkin has a bright future ahead in Detroit

1st NHL goal: 

Goal vs. Washington: 

2 goals vs Florida: 

5. Jack Eichel

Many people thought that the Calder Trophy race this season would end up being McDavid vs Eichel, as much of the last year was leading up to the 2015 NHL draft. While that hasn't been the case with McDavid's injury and Eichel's slow start, both the phenom rookies have come alive in the 2nd half of the season. Despite an up and down year in Buffalo, Eichel (along with Ryan O'Reilly) has been a lone bright spot for the young Sabres so far.

Eichel has 17 goals and 41 points in 59 games, 2nd among all rookies in points and assists (24). While I can't see him winning the Calder Trophy (or even being nominated in the top 3) I think that Eichel has a chance to become one of the best players in the NHL from this rookie group. He has a fantastic combination of size, speed and skill, something that will make him one the NHL's elite power forwards in the near future. Time will tell how Jack will mature in Buffalo, but the Sabres gotta like what the see from #15 going forward.

1st NHL goal: 

Goal vs Columbus: 

Goal vs Philadelphia: 

6. John Gibson

It's crazy to think that Gibson is still considered a rookie in the NHL despite previous success in the playoffs and in small stints with the Ducks in the last few years. He had never played enough regular season games to be considered a rookie, which is why he is in the mix for the Calder Trophy this season. One of the best goalie prospects in the NHL, Gibson started the season in the AHL but has fought his way up and past Frederik Andersen as the team's #1 goalie. In 25 games this season Gibson is 13-8-2 with a 2.10 Goals Against Average and a .917 Save Percentage. He leads all rookie goalies in wins (13), shutouts (4), and goals against average (2.10)

Even more impressive about Gibson has been his steady play in the net the last few months, a big reason the Ducks have rebounded from their painfully slow start. We all knew the 22-year old goalie was capable of handling a #1 job in the NHL, but now he is finally getting his shot and he isn't looking back. This lead him to being named as a Pacific Division Allstar, where his team Captained by John Scott would go on to win the tournament. Gibson is the Ducks goalie now and for the future and Bruce Boudreau knows it. I expect Gibson to one of the NHL's best goalies in the next few years.

All-Star Game Save: 

7. Max Domi


Domi exploded out of the gate this season with 8 goals and 15 points in his first 16 games and was the early season favourite for the Calder Trophy. He has since slowed down with just 7 goals and 23 points in his last 41 games, but that hasn't stopped the impact that Domi has had on the resurgent Arizona Coyotes. Arizona was a team that many people wrote-off this season, but with the boost from rookies Max Domi and Anthony Duclair they are fighting for a Wild Card spot in the West. Domi isn't the biggest guy on the ice at 5'10, but he's plays feisty and on the edge and isn't afraid to get to the dirty areas. He has fantastic offensive instincts with great speed and an even better release on his shot.

Son of former Leafs fan favourite Tie Domi, Max looks like a much more offensively-gifted player than his pops. In fact, Tie's career high goals was 15 goals in 79 games in 2002/03, a feat that Domi has tied in his 1st 57 NHL games. Another big reason I was so fascinated with Domi is how he copes with having type-1 Diabetes and how it has never slowed down his performance on the ice. Here's a fantastic read about Max Domi and his diabetic-alert service dog Orion for any dog lovers out there: http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nhl/coyotes/2015/10/30/comfort-confidence-and-companionship-coyotes-rookie-counts-his-best-buddy/74425246/

1st NHL goal: 

1st NHL hat trick: 

Goal vs. Toronto: 

8. Colton Parayko

Here's the unknown rookie of the group that has been extremely impressive and consistent for the St. Louis Blues this season. I'm usually well informed on the prospects around the league, but I'll admit I really didn't know much about Parayko before this season beyond his massive 6'5 226 frame. The Blues seemed to be locked in with their top 4 with Pietrangelo Bouwmeester Shattenkirk and Gunnarsson and beyond that had some questions with their D. However, Parayko impressed in Blues camp and did enough stick around with Ken Hitchcock's group.

The relatively unknown Parayko has been a pleasant surprise for the Blues with 7 goals and 24 points in 57 games this season, including 5 goals and 10 points in his first 14 NHL games. He is 2nd among all rookies at a +20 and plays the 3rd most time on ice per game (19:19) of all rookies. When Kevin Shattenkirk went down early in the season Parayko stepped in and provided some big offense for the Blues, and that has cemented his spot in the top 4 with him back in the lineup. His bring frame allows him to be a strong presence on defenseman, a guy that isn't afraid to throw his body around. He has great patience with the puck for a bigger defenseman and has a cannon of a slapshot from the point. While I didn't know much about Parayko before the season, he has quickly become one of my favourite defenseman to watch in the NHL and has a bright future ahead in St. Louis

1st NHL goal: 

Goal vs. Calgary:

9. Anthony Duclair

I've been a big fan of Duclair for a few years now, him and Max Domi were incredible in the World Juniors last year. I have to admit I was pretty surprised the Rangers were willing to move Duclair when they acquired Keith Yandle last season, but what I did know was how good the Domi/Duclair duo would be in the NHL.

Flash forward to this season and Duclair has 16 goals and 33 points in 56 games and leads the team at +8. Duclair is 5th among all rookies in goals and points and will only get better as the years progress in Arizona. Duclair has the potential to be a 30-40 goal scorer in the NHL, a guy with great speed and even better hands with a quick release. With Dylan Strome coming next year the Coyotes have some serious young talent to rely on for years to come.

1st NHL hat trick: 

Goal vs. Nashville: 

Goal vs. Anaheim: 

10. Nikolaj Ehlers

The Halifax Mooseheads have produced 3 top prospects since the 2013 NHL draft with Nathan MacKinnon, Jonathan Drouin and now Nikolaj Ehlers. In two seasons with the Mooseheads Ehlers scored 86 goals and 205 points in 114 games, another 21 goals and 59 points in 30 playoff games. Ehlers has a great combination of speed and skill and is adjusting well to the NHL level. He has 13 goals and 26 points in 57 games with the Jets this season. While he certainly hasn't been the best rookie this year, he has shown glimpses of being an impact player the Jets desperately need with a great combination of speed and skill. He has a bright future ahead in Winnipeg.
1st NHL goal:

1st NHL hat trick:

Goal vs. Los Angeles:

Joel Forman - The Forman Faceoff