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USAToday Sports Images

Having your fantasy hockey team with rookies on it is always a huge risk. This season may be a season in which not just one or two rookies excel, but four or five just might find themselves as regular fantasy league producers. Just two weeks into the season here is the top rookies thus far.

Anthony Duclair – Left Wing – Arizona Coyotes

The 20-year-old winger has surprised many by his early season scoring. Duclair has points in five of the six games he has played in this season, and has a very impressive 5 goals. His early goal success was highlighted by a hat trick on October 14th in Anaheim. He is also getting a good amount of playing time, around 15 minutes a game. Duclair seems to be a safe fantasy pick-up, he gets ice time and has shown consistent play.

Max Domi – Center – Arizona Coyotes

The 2013 first round selection of the Coyotes has made his way into the lineup this season, and has had great early season success. Domi has 7 points in 6 games. His 3 goals and 4 assists have him amongst the rookie leaders. Just like rookie teammate Duclair, Domi too is getting quality ice time. In the last two Coyotes games he has received over 20 minutes. That is huge time especially for a rookie. Domi looks to be a quality rookie find. It is just a little harder to crack fantasy rosters because he is classified as a center.

Artemi Panarin – Left Wing – Chicago Blackhawks

The rookie that produces, that no one is talking about. At the age of 23, Panarin is an older than average rookie. The Russian winger is off to a very impressive start. Playing on the second line with Artem Anisimov, and Patrick Kane has given him many opportunities to put up good numbers. In six games Panarin has 2 goals and 5 assists for a total of 7 points. As long as he stays on a line with Kane I look for Panarin to continue to be a solid point getter.

Dylan Larkin – Center – Detroit Red Wings

Last year at this time Larkin was playing college hockey for the University of Michigan. Now, twelve months later he is playing for Michigan’s big team, the Detroit Red Wings. Larkin’s flashy play has earned him 2 goals and 4 assists for a total of 6 points in 6 games. Playing on the first line, and first power play unit will only bolster his confidence and success. He will be a good one for a long time. Solid pick in his first season. Will make many fantasy owners happy for years to some.

Connor McDavid – Center – Edmonton Oilers

McDavid was the one rookie that probably earned a high fantasy draft position. His early numbers were not good, and many unfortunate owners dropped him just before he took off. McDavid got off to a slow start earning just one point in his first four games. Since then he has exploded for 3 goals and 2 assists, a total of 5 points in three games. He is explosive, and has enormous potential. With the Oilers on the upswing, McDavid’s numbers will also be soaring upward. Solid pick now, and a top three pick for years to come.

It may just be the year of the rookies. The NHL continues to get younger and younger, and rookies play a key roll. This year five rookies will be worth the consideration when filling your fantasy team roster.  The scary thing is there are numerous other rookies not listed such as Sam Bennett, and Jack Eichel that are looking to have great rookie seasons also. Looking to fill a roster spot check out one of these up and coming rookies.