NHL Rookie Scoring Race
By now, the majority of NHL rookies have had the chance to impress their teams and fans to set up their rookie season. Some have been returned but the majority that are left will stick in the NHL for the rest of the year as they look to lead all NHL rookies in scoring and capture the Calder Cup.
With roughly 11 games played this season, here is how the rookie scoring race looks on November 1st
[table id=11 /]
Tanner Pearson, who might not count as a rookie to most, is leading the way in NHL rookie scoring with 9 points in 11 games. The most consistent rookie, scoring at a point-per-game rate, Andre Burakovsky who has 8 points in 9 games. In fact, Burakovsky is tied for the Capitals scoring lead with Mike Green and has out produced Alex Ovechkin in his 9 games this season. Not a bad start to the year for Burakovsky.
A name you do not see on the list is Jonathan Drouin. Due to an injury, his start to the year was delayed and the best prospect outside of the NHL sits just outside the top 10 in rookie scoring. He has 4 points in 6 games since re-joining the Lightning and something tells me he’ll be just fine in this race.
Burakovsky might be the biggest surprise in the scoring race and with his stellar play, he’s earned a promotion to the Capitals top line. Maybe he’ll be able to get Ovechkin going!
Another name you don’t see on the list is first overall pick Aaron Ekblad. The defenceman hasn’t had the best start on the scoreboard, but he’s still making a good impression with the Florida Panthers. Ekblad is 2nd in average ice-time for all rookies with 21:56, behind only Damon Severson. Ekblad has 2 points in 8 games on the Panthers blue line, but is looking better each night.
Live Feed
Union and Blue
The only other 2014 first rounder sticking around is Leon Draisaitl who is looking to become yet another young rookie the Edmonton Oilers keep in his first year. Draisaitl has had his ups and downs early on with the Oilers but he’s still around which is a good sign. He has one goal and 3 points through his first 10 games, while maintaining an impressive 46% in the face-off dot.
Seth Griffith his the big time last week with his first NHL goal in Bobby Orr fashion flying through the crease. His celebration was pretty impressive as well. The Bruins are hampered with injuries early on and have needed some big showings from young guys like Griffith. Linden Vey is also turning heads paired with the Sedin twins on the Canucks top line, not bad for a rookie.
It’s been a good start to the season for many of the NHL’s top young rookies. The race right now is pretty tight and when you mix in the goaltending of John Gibson, Jake Allen and Niklas Svedberg, it’s going to be an interesting rookie race.