These young NHL stars will play key rolls in their teams 2015-2016 success as well as their teams future success.
Honorable Mention: Dylan Larkin- 19 year old Michigan born and breed Center may or may not find himself apart of a legacy in Detroit as early as this season.
10) Jack Eichel- There is no guarantee the Boston College alum will start or stay in the Buffalo line-up all season but he is the center piece in a rebuild that includes Evander Kane and Ryan O’Reilly.
9) Jeff Skinner-It maybe a make or break season for the 23 year old who has struggled to find his legs in the NHL. After suffering through concussions and line-mate changes a plenty, Skinner hopes to catapult back to top status.
8) Aaron Ekblad- Already the man of the town in Florida the 19 year old stud defenseman will play a big part if the team hopes to make a playoff run.
7) Oliver Ekman-Larsson- Offensive minded defenseman who will have a plethora of young forwards to distribute to while adding to impressive career stat line while playing for a losing team (41 G, 99A, 140p, 210 GP)
6) Ryan Johansen & Brandon Saad- A pair of 22 year olds holds the ability to take a franchise in Columbus to new heights. Possible line mates both may see huge improvements as go to forward their first season together.
5) Chris Kreider-With the trade of Hagelin and retirement of St. Louis, 24 year old Kreider will find a permanent home in the top 6 for NYR. His playoff performance this past season shows he may be ready to become the next star on Broadway.
4) Vladimir Tarasenko-Forward is now the center of the Blues’ future after signing an 8 year deal this off season. Coming off a 73P/77GP season, the Blues’ will rely heavily on the talented star for offense production
3) Johnny Gaudreau- 21 year old emerging superstar dubbed “Johnny Hockey” took the surprising Flames to the second round and with roster additions like Michael Frolik and Doug Hamilton he may find himself improving on his 65 point campaign in ’14-’15.
2) Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins & Connor McDavid- Edmonton fans are desperate for a winner and these three former #1 picks give the franchise the best chance for that in nearly a decade. To do so, though, they will need production right away from Mcdavid with little to no time for a learning curve. There is strength in number…ones.
1) Filip Forsberg- An aging roster in Nashville will need this Swedish born youngster to continue to burn through defenses if they hope to return to the playoffs. At 20 years old his 69 points in 100 career games is impressive and leaves Capitals’ fans wondering what might had been had he not been traded for Martin Erat.
Born and raised in Mesa, Arizona and introduced to hockey at an early age by his brother-in-law Will was benefitted by the Winnipeg Jets move to the valley. As a teen he joined the AZ Desert Youth Hockey Association (DYHA) competing in the Minor Division before promoting to the Premiere League Tier II Division. He also played at the famous ‘Spectrum Arena’ facilities for Inline Hockey Association Arizona (IHAAZ) in Chandler as a part of team ‘GEAR DRIVE’ a top travel program. He continues to participate in Coyote Adult Hockey Leagues in both Chandler and Scottsdale. He attended Mesa Community College and studied Business and Creative Writing while on a Journalism Scholarship. The father of 3 is currently an Operations Manager for ELITE PERSONAL TRAINING AND GYM in Mesa, AZ.