Numbers Game: The Rookies

[Habsfan84]

Every fantasy hockey player loves to snare that sensational rookie. While this year's rookie class doesn't boast that transcending star like Alexander Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin there are plenty of first-year players who could have an impact this season.
If you're in a keeper league, all these players are so much more valuable because they have long-term value.or at least long-term potential.
Here are the top 20 NHL rookies entering this season:

Jonathan Toews, C, Chicago - Drafted third overall in 2006, Toews scored 85 points in 76 games in two seasons at the University of North Dakota and was a star in international play for Canada at the World Juniors and World Hockey Championships. Despite suffering a broken finger in training camp, he's the most NHL-ready prospect, but it may take a year or two before he matures into a premier scorer.

Nicklas Backstrom, C, Washington - Fourth overall pick in 2006 showed his stuff by scoring 40 points in 45 games in the Swedish Elite League as an 18 year-old last year. He may get shifted to the wing in Washington, but will have quality scorers surrounding him right off the bat.

Erik Johnson, D, St. Louis - The first pick in the 2006 draft, Johnson played one season at the University of Minnesota, tallying 24 points in 41 games. While the Blues don't need to force too much on him right away, Johnson is a premier prospect who should be able to handle a prominent role in his first season.

Brett Sterling, LW, Atlanta - Though he's just 5-foot-7, Sterling is a big-time playmaker who scored 55 goals as a rookie in the AHL last season. Given the opportunity to play with either Ilya Kovalchuk or Marian Hossa, Sterling should be able to score in the NHL too.

Cory Murphy, D, Florida - Not eligible for the Calder Trophy because he's 29 years old, Murphy followed the path of Brian Rafalski, by playing in Europe following his college career. Listed at 5-foot-10, 185 pounds, Murphy is small for a defenceman, but his ability to move the puck will ensure a role for him as the quarterback the Panthers' power play.

Jack Johnson, D, Los Angeles - An elite defence prospect, Johnson was the third overall pick in 2005 and was acquired in a trade with Carolina last season. He'll be eased into action with the Kings because the team already has five veteran defencemen with power play experience, but don't be surprised as Johnson works his way up the depth chart this season.

T.J. Hensick, RW, Colorado - A teammate of Jack Johnson's at the University of Michigan, Hensick was a third-round pick in 2005. While it's not easy to land a spot on the Avalanche's scoring lines, Hensick is giving it his best shot in camp, showing off his slick puck skills and picking up seven points in five preseason contests.
Patrick Kane, RW, Chicago - The number one pick in this summer's draft, Kane put up 145 points in his only OHL season and is very likely going to make the jump to the NHL as an 18 year-old. He may not be a huge scorer right off the bat, but as he gets stronger and forms a chemistry with Jonathan Toews, Kane will be able to produce points.
Jaroslav Hlinka, C, Colorado - A 30 year-old, who led the Czech League in scoring last year with 57 points in 46 games, Hlinka has impressed in Avalanche camp and his playmaking skills should keep him in a regular role with the Avlanche.

Bobby Ryan, RW, Anaheim - Power forward taken with the second pick in 2005 has earned a spot with the defending champs and is currently working with Ryan Getzlaf and Todd Bertuzzi on a potent power line. There's no telling how long Ryan will last in a prominent scoring role with the Ducks (particularly if Teemu Selanne was to return), but he had 102
points in the OHL last year, so he knows what to do around the net.

Kris Russell, D, Columbus - Undersized (5-foot-10, 167 pounds) blueliner who has superior smarts along with terrific puck skills and was named the WHL's top defenceman in each of the last two seasons. A third-round pick in 2005, Russell scored 32 goals last season and has could land a spot on the Blue Jackets' power play.

Andrew Cogliano, C, Edmonton - A first-round pick in 2005, Cogliano put up 78 points in 77 games in two years with the University of Michigan and the speedster is now pushing hard for a spot on the Oilers roster, leading the team in preseason scoring.

Marc Staal, D, New York Rangers - Following two of his brothers into the league, the 12th overall pick in 2005 is likely to stick with the Blueshirts, though he may not have a significant role right away. Considering the quick learning curve of brothers Eric and Jordan, though, Marc could develop into a top-four defenceman rather quickly.

Kristopher Letang, D, Pittsburgh - A third-round pick in 2005, Letang scored two goals in seven games with the Penguins last year, before returning to junior and putting up 52 points in 40 games. He's a tremendous puck-moving defenceman, but his immediate role in Pittsburgh could be limited by the presence of Sergei Gonchar and Ryan Whitney, who both figure to log most of the power play minutes.

Peter Mueller, C, Phoenix - Taken eighth overall in the 2006 draft, Mueller is facing high expectations in Phoenix as the team needs him to be a viable scoring centre. Without a lot of support, that's a lot of pressure to put on a 19 year-old, so Mueller may endure some bumps along the road before he realizes his ultimate playmaking potential.

Devin Setoguchi, RW, San Jose - It's a tall order for a rookie to crack the Sharks' talented group of forwards, but the eighth overall pick in 2005 is forcing the team to take notice, scoring five goals in six preseason games. While he may spend some time in the AHL, Setoguchi should get some time with the big club this season.

Derick Brassard, C, Columbus - The sixth overall pick in 2006, Brassard missed most of last season with a shoulder injury, but he's impressing in camp with the Jackets this year. He might need some seasoning in the AHL, but Brassard has the kind of playmaking ability that could be a real boost for the Blue Jackets.

Martin Hanzal, C, Phoenix - Along with Mueller, Hanzal is facing the burden of high expectations in Phoenix. For his part, the 17th overall pick in the 2005 draft, who scored 85 points in 60 games with Red Deer of the WHL last season, has been performing well in the preseason. His 6-foot-5 frame may also work to his advantage as he adjusts to playing with the big boys.

Carey Price, G, Montreal - Taken fifth in the 2005 draft, Price went straight from the WHL to the AHL last year and, after winning the Calder Cup MVP, he was suddenly thrust into the role of saviour for the Habs franchise. While it might be too soon to have a 20 year-old step in as the starting goaltender, there is little doubt that Price will find his way to Montreal at some point this season.

Sam Gagner, C, Edmonton - It could be too soon for the sixth overall pick in the 2007 draft, though he fared well skating alongside Ales Hemsky early on. If Gagner does stick as an 18 year-old, it would figure to be in a prominent role, so he could put up some decent point totals.
Others: Jonathan Bernier, G, Los Angeles; Nicklas Bergfors, RW, New Jersey; Nick Foligno, LW, Ottawa; Bryan Little, C, Atlanta; Clarke MacArthur, LW, Buffalo; Petr Kalus, C, Minnesota

Scott Cullen can be reached at scullen@tsn.ca