With the 2010-2011 NHL campaign more than a quarter of the way through, here's a look at six highly-touted rookies and their progress after nearly two months in the pros.
Taylor Hall: 2010 stats (6 G, 12 P, -5)
While Hall has yet to put up the type of eye-popping numbers one might expect from the top overall pick, he still seems to do something every night to justify why he was the first player taken off the board on draft night. Hall's combination of speed, strength and hands is second to none among rookies and it has to be assumed that with his talent level, the production will come at some point. Especially since the Edmonton Oilers, who are clearly in rebuilding mode, are giving Hall more than enough ice-time to help with his development (17:11 minutes per game), including significant time on the power play. Like other first overall picks in recent years, (Steven Stamkos being the most recent example), once Hall fully understands the NHL game, his talent should lead to more production.
Jeff Skinner: 2010 stats: (7 G, 19 P, -4)
The main concern with Skinner heading into the 2010 NHL Entry Draft was his height. Listed at 5'10", several NHL scouts questioned how Skinner's lack of size would impact his play at the pro level. So far, the 10th overall pick has done everything to prove that skill, not size, should be considered a player's most valuable asset. Skinner leads all rookies in assists (12) and points (19), and also sits tied for second in points on the Carolina Hurricanes, behind only Eric Staal. He has shown impressive offensive flair, especially around the net where his soft hands and knack for finding loose pucks have resulted in his consistent production. To be sure, Skinner will experience the ups and downs of a typical rookie campaign, but his offensive talent should keep him near the top of the Calder Trophy race for the rest of the season.
Tyler Ennis: 2010 stats (5 G, 11 P, +2)
A great deal was expected of the 21-year-old heading into this season, especially after he put up nine points in 10 games with the Buffalo Sabres last year, including a team-leading four points in the playoffs. Ennis got off to a solid start this season, picking up four points in his first three games, but has since cooled off, going pointless over his last six. Ennis is a crafty setup man who has a tendency to play on the perimeter. For Ennis to reach his full potential, he will have to establish a stronger desire to go to the net. If that happens this year, Ennis could become the second Sabre in as many years to bring the Calder Trophy to Buffalo.
Logan Couture: 2010 stats (8 G, 13 P, 0)
Couture is the seasoned veteran of this rookie class. He was drafted ninth overall in 2007 by the San Jose Sharks and played in 25 games in 09-10. Had he played one more game, Couture would not have been considered a rookie for this season. But he is, and through a quarter of the season, it is Couture who leads all rookies with eight goals. Couture has found a home on the Sharks second line alongside Joe Pavelski and Ryane Clowe. While he has slowed over his last five games, picking up just one assist, Couture is surrounded with enough talent that he should be able to maintain his solid offensive production.
P.K. Subban: 2010 stats (1 G, 9 P, +5)
Subban quickly became a fan favorite in Montreal after his outstanding postseason performance last year in which he tallied eight points in 14 games. This season, the Rexdale, Ontario native continues to showcase the exciting style of play that endeared him to Canadiens fans, but he has also proven to be a reliable defenseman. He is third amongst rookies in ice-time (20:48 MPG) and sees action on both the power play and the penalty kill. Subban is blossoming into a solid all-around defender, and with Canadiens blueliner Andrei Markov out for the next six months, Subban's continued maturity will help ease the pain felt by Markov's void.
Tyler Seguin: 2010 stats (5 G, 9 P, 0)
The Bruins have opted to take it slow with Seguin, the second overall pick in the 2010 entry draft. He's averaging 12:40 of ice-time per game, putting him among the bottom six in minutes for the Bruins. With center Marc Savard on the mend, Seguin doesn't figure to see his ice-time increase anytime soon. Nonetheless, Seguin has made the most of his opportunities so far. His five goals puts him in a fourth-place tie among all rookies. If Seguin's ice-time increases, so will his production. Unfortunately, with the wealth of talent on the Bruins roster, fans might have to wait until the 2011-12 season to see what the youngster is really made of.
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