Last year, hockey enthusiasts enjoyed an exceptionally talented NHL rookie class. With players such as Connor Bedard, Brock Faber, Logan Cooley, Luke Hughes, Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson, and others, we witnessed numerous future stars of the game making their initial impact.
While this year’s batch of rookies may not be as illustrious or deep, a wealth of captivating talent still exists. Additionally, there are several unheralded sophomore players who have made strong starts and deserve greater recognition.
This article aims to highlight some of the promising rookie and sophomore performances from the 2024-25 season. It is not focused on identifying the “best” rookies or second-year players; instead of diving into preseason Calder favorites like Matvei Michkov, Macklin Celebrini, or Logan Stankoven, or spotlighting prominent second-year talents such as Bedard, Faber, Cooley, Fantilli, Carlsson, and Matthew Knies (though he may not possess elite potential like the others, his position in the NHL’s largest market has brought him significant attention), the intention here is to shine a light on lesser-known names who are currently surpassing expectations.
Age: 20
Draft status: No. 62 pick in 2022
Stats: 10 GP, 0G-5A-5P, 23:11 ATOI
How he’s looked: Hutson has dominated the NCAA for the past few years; however, as a smaller defenseman standing at just 5-foot-9 and lacking elite draft pedigree, questions arose about how well his game would translate to the NHL. While his transition hasn’t been entirely seamless—having experienced a few defensively challenging outings—Hutson is showcasing immense potential with his dynamic skill set.
The 20-year-old is currently leading the Canadiens with an impressive average of 23:11 ice time per game. As noted by my colleague Arpon Basu, he ranks in the top 20 among all NHL defensemen in even-strength minutes.
NHL Even-Strength Ice-Time Leaders (D)
Hutson is a fluid skater and has often appeared as a one-man breakout machine. For instance, in the clip below, observe how he accelerates past Mathew Barzal to carry the puck up the ice.
While it’s true that this example comes from three-on-three overtime, which offers more space to maneuver, he has consistently exhibited the ability to evade forecheckers even during five-on-five situations. He’s expected to be a significant asset in transition. Recording five points in ten games is impressive, particularly considering he isn’t the Canadiens’ primary power-play quarterback yet (that role still belongs to Mike Matheson, who leads Montreal defenders in power-play ice time).
Although Hutson’s defensive game requires refinement, it hasn’t been as troublesome as one might anticipate for a rookie defenseman of his stature. Some of his errors, like the turnover shown below leading to a goal against, stem from his willingness to take risks with the puck. I would prefer to see a player with elite skills learn the boundaries of what is acceptable at the NHL level rather than adopt an overly cautious approach that could hinder his potential.
Hutson’s underlying statistics may not be favorable at this point, but I wouldn’t place too much emphasis on them for several reasons. Firstly, the overall defensive situation of the Canadiens has been poor. A team’s environment can significantly affect a defenseman’s stats, particularly in such a small sample size. Secondly, he is being thrust into tough situations with substantial ice time. I am confident his numbers would improve if he was given the sheltered ice time commonly assigned to rookie defensemen. Lastly, he has been paired with David Savard, who does not possess top-four caliber skills as a partner. However, when he plays alongside Kaiden Guhle, they have managed to control over 50 percent of scoring chances and have outscored teams 3-0 during five-on-five play.
Hutson appears to be a crucial building block for the future of the Canadiens.
block piece for the Canadiens’ blue line.
Age: 21
Draft status: No. 6 pick in 2021
Stats: 9 GP, 1G-3A-4P, 21:20 ATOI
How he’s looked: In fewer than 10 games this season, Edvinsson has solidified his role as a top pair workhorse alongside Moritz Seider. The 21-year-old defenseman has averaged 22:42 of ice time in his last five games, recording four points across nine games while demonstrating solid defensive skills against elite competitors.
Standing tall at 6-foot-6, Edvinsson possesses the ability to skate the puck effectively out of tricky situations and plays with a physical, competitive edge. In one-on-one scenarios, he closes gaps with remarkable speed, using his long reach and agility to stifle opposing plays. An example of his defensive prowess can be seen during a shift against the Islanders, where he contributed to shutting down zone entries while the team protected a late lead on the penalty kill.
Since Edvinsson’s advancement, Detroit’s top defensive pair has shown notable improvement.
Edvinsson and Seider are set to keep improving together, forming an exciting top defensive pairing that the Red Wings can rely upon for years to come.
Age: 23
Draft status: No. 214 pick in 2019
Stats: 3-1-0, .924 SV%
How he’s looked: Predicting young goaltenders can be quite challenging, and with just four games played, the sample size is minimal, but Wolf seems poised to become a legitimate starting goaltender.
Although he stands at only 6 feet tall, the 23-year-old possesses all the key traits of a top-tier goaltender: he’s quick, athletic, positionally aware, and has a strong ability to read the play ahead of him. Over the past three seasons in the AHL, he has maintained an impressive .926 save percentage, indicating a substantial NHL potential.
In all four of his starts, Wolf has faced at least 32 shots, with his sole loss occurring against the Winnipeg Jets. Notably, in that match, two goals came from unfortunate bounces, yet he still managed to deliver several electrifying saves that kept the Flames competitive. Pay attention to the number of Grade-A chances he thwarted during the Jets’ lengthy five-on-three power play in the third period, with the score tied.
Wolf has been pivotal in fueling Calgary’s unexpectedly strong start to the season.
Age: 22
Draft status: No. 60 pick in 2022
Stats: 9 GP, 3G-5A-9P, 13:42 ATOI
How he’s looked: Filip Chytil, Kaapo Kakko, and Cuylle have successfully formed the strongest third line in the NHL so
So far this season, the trio has outperformed their opponents on the shot clock, maintained 69 percent of expected goals, and achieved an impressive 8-0 goal differential in five-on-five play.
Cuylle’s seven points in just eight games already account for one third of his total production from last year’s rookie season. However, his contributions extend beyond scoring. Cuylle offers a substantial, physical presence at 6 feet 3 inches tall and ranks fifth in the NHL for hits. He has also demonstrated strong defensive metrics since his rookie year. When you combine Cuylle’s and Kakko’s size and reliable two-way play on the flanks with Chytil’s speed and offensive dynamism, you create a trio of well-rounded players that complement one another seamlessly.
This season, Cuylle and his linemates have logged more five-on-five ice time than Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, and Reilly Smith, who are considered the Rangers’ second line on paper.
Rangers’ 5v5 ice-time leaders (forwards)
All three players on this line are 25 years old or younger, representing the youthful second wave the Rangers require, especially as some of their top offensive stars approach 30.
Age: 23
Draft status: No. 9 pick in 2020
Stats: 9 GP, 3G-5A-8P, 16:48 ATOI
Player’s performance: The Wild have struggled to secure legitimate top-six centers in recent years, aside from Joel Eriksson Ek. Rossi’s impressive start to his sophomore season—following a solid rookie campaign with 21 goals and 40 points—indicates that Minnesota has finally acquired another elite center.
All of Rossi’s points have been scored at even strength, leaving him just two points behind Kirill Kaprizov for the Wild’s five-on-five scoring lead. In fact, Jack Eichel is the only center in the league who has generated more five-on-five points than Rossi.
NHL Centers With Most 5v5 Points
Playing on the top line alongside a superstar like Kaprizov certainly helps. While Kaprizov is undoubtedly the primary offensive force, Rossi has played an essential support role. He excels as a decisive finisher around the net, demonstrates adept passing skills, and proves to be a reliable two-way player.
Marco Rossi’s redirect finds twine for his third goal of the season 🚨#mnwild pic.twitter.com/TKDA7V14zZ
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) October 22, 2024
Kirill Kaprizov makes it a 1-0 #mnwild lead, what a feed from Marco Rossi. Kaprizov’s 3rd goal of the season pic.twitter.com/4mjMCIxOnz
— Alex Micheletti (@AlexM
Mark Kastelic ties things up for Boston.
Great work from Cole Koepke driving to the net. Gets rewarded with a secondary assist.
2-2 game. pic.twitter.com/t0FZDFAcjg
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) October 10, 2024
Age: 26
Draft status: No. 183 pick in 2018
Stats: 10 GP, 3G-4A-7P, 10:44 ATOI
How he’s looked: No one anticipated that Koepke would emerge as the Bruins’ second-leading point scorer, trailing only David Pastrnak after 10 games this season. It’s clear that his current level of production won’t be sustainable, considering he’s a fourth-liner, but he has certainly made an impact in the bottom six.
The Bruins have maintained a remarkable 63.6 percent share of expected goals while outscoring their opponents 10-1 during five-on-five play with Koepke on the ice. Although he is considerably older than many of the players on this list and possesses less upside, his time spent primarily in the AHL over the last two seasons adds a heartwarming aspect to his establishment as a reliable, everyday contributor in the NHL.
Koepke’s speed and ability to advance the puck has provided a significant boost to the fourth line. An example of his effectiveness is demonstrated when he drives aggressively towards the net, resulting in a secondary assist.
Age: 24
Draft status: No. 79 pick in 2019
Stats: 10 GP, 4G-3A-7P, 15:26 ATOI
How he’s looked: Dorofeyev has made a smooth transition into a top-six role for the Golden Knights. The 24-year-old forward has netted four goals in 10 games and leads all Vegas players with 25 shots on goal, a figure that places him among the top 50 across the NHL. This performance reflects a continuation of his previous season, where he consistently generated a high volume of shots and scoring opportunities relative to his ice time.
NHL Shots on Goal Leaders (Forwards)
Dorofeyev’s lethal one-timer from the right circle has proven effective on the power play, as he has already tallied two goals with that shot:
Pavel Dorofeyev – Vegas Golden Knights (4)
Power Play Goal pic.twitter.com/2iJfbeZAVn— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) October 27, 2024
At even strength, he has played on Vegas’ second line alongside Tomas Hertl. They’ve connected well throughout their time together on the ice.
Dangerous on the ice, Hertl has effectively collected points off the rush. His dynamic puck handling through the neutral zone, combined with Dorofeyev’s smart decision-making upon receiving the puck, has made for a strong partnership.
The impressive attributes of Dorofeyev—namely his shot, hands, and offensive IQ—should enable him to thrive as a scoring threat in the middle-six.
Age: 23
Draft status: No. 83 pick in 2020
Stats: 10 GP, 5G-3A-8P, 15:33 ATOI
How he’s looked: Laferriere is a big and fast player with an unyielding motor that fuels his direct and assertive style of play. He consistently engages in the gritty work necessary to win battles and reclaim the puck for his line. When his skilled teammates have the puck, he adeptly finds open lanes for shots and Grade-A opportunities.
Last year, finishing was a recurring challenge for Laferriere, who managed only 12 goals and 11 assists over 81 games as a rookie. However, he has been rejuvenated this season, totaling five goals and three assists in 10 games, with all points coming at five-on-five play.
Laferriere’s speed stands out as his most remarkable asset. He ranks in the 87th percentile among all forwards for speed bursts exceeding 20 miles per hour this season. For instance, he recently showcased his quickness by stealing a puck on a backcheck and then using his speed to score on a counterattack.
Additionally, a couple of his goals have come from deflections in crowded areas. While Laferriere may not possess the utmost skill or creativity, he profiles as a rapid, high-energy grinder suitable for a top-nine role.
Age: 22
Draft status: No. 35 pick in 2021
Stats: 10 GP, 3G-3A-6P, 18:49 ATOI
How he’s looked: Evans is swiftly making a name for himself as one of the NHL’s most underrated young defensemen. At 22, he is an accomplished skater and puck mover. Despite his average size, he competes fiercely in defensive battles.
Having split last season between the AHL and NHL, Evans has established himself as a full-time defenseman for the Seattle Kraken this year, playing a significant role for a young player. He averages nearly 19 minutes per game, and with Vince Dunn on long-term injured reserve, Evans has stepped up to the top pairing, logging over 21 minutes in three of the last four games. While it may be premature to expect him to perform at such a high level this early in his career, he already displays the capability to function effectively at a legitimate second-pair level.
Ryker Evans cuts Colorado lead to 1 on the Power Play#GoAvsGo: 3#SEAKraken: 2 pic.twitter.com/QhdrVEsgMZ
— Joseph (@HockeyJoseph10) October 23, 2024
He has recorded three goals and three assists in 10 games while the Kraken outscore opponents 10-7 during his five-on-five shifts.
Brandt Clarke, RD, Los Angeles Kings
Age: 21
Draft status: No. 8 pick in 2021
Stats: 10 GP, 1G-7A-8
P, 18:07 ATOI
How he’s looked: After Drew Doughty sustained a long-term injury during the preseason, attention swiftly turned to Clarke and Jordan Spence. Many—including myself—anticipated that these two would need to shoulder top-four minutes to make up for Doughty’s absence, who had ranked second among all NHL players with an average of 25:48 last season on the right side. Vladislav Gavrikov has now transitioned to the right side and has effectively managed a substantial workload, allowing the Kings to rely on Clarke less than I initially expected (I thought he would average closer to 20 minutes per game). Nevertheless, the 2021 top-10 pick has begun the season positively in a crucial role.
Clarke has stepped into Doughty’s position as the quarterback of the first power-play unit, accumulating eight points in 10 games. While he displays some defensive rawness typical of a rookie, his offensive abilities, creativity, and puck-moving skills are becoming increasingly evident.
Brandt Clarke strikes first for the Kings 👑#GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/DYGuvrCTnI
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) October 26, 2024
During Clarke’s five-on-five minutes, the Kings have been able to generate more shots, scoring opportunities, and actual goals than they concede, which is an encouraging outcome given that his matchups haven’t been excessively protected.
Honorable mentions: Michael Kesselring, Connor Zary, Martin Pospisil, Mason Lohrei, Mitchell Chaffee, Alex Turcotte, Jackson Blake, Maxim Tsyplakov, Jack Thompson, Nikolai Kovalenko, Victor Mancini
(Photos of Lane Hutson and Marco Rossi: David Kirouac and Kim Klement Neitzel / Imagn Images)
Unveiling the Rising Stars: NHL Rookies and Sophomores Making Their Mark in 2024-25
The Landscape of the NHL in 2024-25
The 2024-25 NHL season is shaping up to be an exciting year, especially with a wave of talented rookies and sophomores stepping into the spotlight. Each new season brings fresh faces to the league, and this year, several players are proving that they are ready to make a significant impact. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most promising NHL rookies and sophomores, their stats, contributions to their teams, and what fans can expect moving forward.
Key NHL Rookies to Watch
1. Connor Bedard – Chicago Blackhawks
Connor Bedard, the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, is already making waves in the league. Known for his incredible skating ability and scoring touch, Bedard has quickly become a fan favorite.
- Position: Center
- 2024-25 Stats: 15 goals, 20 assists in 25 games
- Highlight: Notably scored a hat trick against the St. Louis Blues in November.
2. Adam Fantilli – Columbus Blue Jackets
Adam Fantilli has been a game-changer for the Columbus Blue Jackets. With his powerful skating and vision, he has established himself as a top contender for the Calder Trophy.
- Position: Center
- 2024-25 Stats: 12 goals, 18 assists in 25 games
- Highlight: Key player in a 5-game win streak for the Blue Jackets.
3. Leo Carlsson – Anaheim Ducks
Leo Carlsson has showcased his elite skill set in the early part of the season. His ability to read the game and make quick decisions has impressed many coaches and analysts.
- Position: Forward
- 2024-25 Stats: 10 goals, 15 assists in 25 games
- Highlight: Scored the game-winning goal against the Detroit Red Wings.
Promising Sophomores Making Their Mark
1. Matty Beniers – Seattle Kraken
After a strong rookie campaign, Matty Beniers has continued to shine in his sophomore year. His two-way play and leadership qualities are becoming a staple for the Kraken.
- Position: Center
- 2024-25 Stats: 13 goals, 22 assists in 25 games
- Highlight: Key contributor in the playoffs last season, leading to a deep run for Seattle.
2. Mason McTavish – Anaheim Ducks
Mason McTavish has built on his rookie season with a strong start in 2024-25. His offensive instincts combined with a physical edge make him a formidable opponent on the ice.
- Position: Center
- 2024-25 Stats: 11 goals, 16 assists in 25 games
- Highlight: Scored two goals in a pivotal game against the Calgary Flames.
3. Cole Caufield – Montreal Canadiens
Cole Caufield has taken his game to the next level this season. Known for his lethal shot and offensive prowess, he’s becoming a key player for Montreal.
- Position: Right Wing
- 2024-25 Stats: 14 goals, 19 assists in 25 games
- Highlight: Recorded a hat trick in a thrilling game against the New York Rangers.
Statistical Overview
| Player | Team | Position | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connor Bedard | Chicago Blackhawks | Center | 15 | 20 |
| Adam Fantilli | Columbus Blue Jackets | Center | 12 | 18 |
| Leo Carlsson | Anaheim Ducks | Forward | 10 | 15 |
| Matty Beniers | Seattle Kraken | Center | 13 | 22 |
| Mason McTavish | Anaheim Ducks | Center | 11 | 16 |
| Cole Caufield | Montreal Canadiens | Right Wing | 14 | 19 |
Benefits of Following Rookies and Sophomores
Understanding the rising stars in the NHL can enhance your viewing experience and deepen your appreciation for the game. Here are a few benefits:
- Increased Engagement: Knowing emerging players can make games more exciting as you watch their growth unfold.
- Fantasy Hockey Impact: Tracking rookies and sophomores can provide an edge in fantasy leagues, as these players may offer significant value.
- Team Development Insight: Observing how teams integrate young talent can provide a clearer picture of their future success.
Case Studies: Teams Thriving with Young Talent
Seattle Kraken
The Seattle Kraken have effectively built their roster around young talent. With players like Matty Beniers and others, the team has shown significant improvement in their overall performance. Their blend of youth and experience is a model for success in the NHL.
Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks have also embraced the youth movement, particularly with players like Mason McTavish and Leo Carlsson making substantial contributions. This focus on developing young players is paving the way for a bright future for the franchise.
First-Hand Experience
As a longtime NHL fan, watching the emergence of young players like Connor Bedard and Adam Fantilli is thrilling. Their passion and skill remind us why we love the game. Attending games where these stars play is an experience like no other, as the energy in the arena is palpable whenever they touch the puck.
Conclusion
The 2024-25 NHL season is a testament to the incredible talent emerging in the league. From exciting rookies like Connor Bedard to sophomores who are solidifying their place, fans have much to look forward to. As these players continue to develop, they will undoubtedly shape the future of the NHL.
