NHL Rookies to Watch in 2016-17 (Pacific Division)
NHL Rookies: Edmonton Oilers forward Jesse Puljujarvi (39) reacts with Winnipeg Jets forward Patrik Laine (29) during the third period during a preseason hockey game at MTS Centre. Winnipeg won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Rookies to Watch (The Pacific Division Boasts Numerous Calder Trophy Candidates – A Pair of Promising Young Coyotes Down in the Desert, Another Couple of Prospects in the Bay Area, Three Forwards From Los Angeles, Calgary, and Edmonton, and Defenders in Vancouver and Anaheim)
NHL rookies tend to be the main focus around this time of year. We can generally get a decent idea of how a roster might look based on things such as the number of one-way contracts, but there’s always that uncertainty surrounding first-year players.
Preseason action has been underway for a while now. It was a unique opportunity for certain prospects to receive a longer look while the World Cup of Hockey was taking place. Teams are just now beginning to make significant cuts sending players down to the American Hockey League or back to their respective junior clubs.
In order to get fans ready for another long, exciting season of hockey, we’ve decided to put together a list of NHL rookies to watch in 2016-17. This will be a divisional preview as we finish up with the Western Conference’s Pacific Division.
NHL Rookies to Watch – Pacific Division
Oct 2, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes center Dylan Strome (20) watches the puck during the second period against the San Jose Sharks at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
F Dylan Strome/F Christian Dvorak, Arizona Coyotes
Arizona has a pair of very promising prospects in Dylan Strome and Christian Dvorak. Both of these guys absolutely dominated the Ontario Hockey League in 2015-16.
Dvorak, 20, continually played in the shadows of Mitch Marner and Matthew Tkachuk, but Christian deserves just as much credit for the London Knights success.
He was coming off an OHL rookie season of 14 points in 33 games at the time of his second round selection in 2014. A year later, he exploded for 41 goals (109 points) in 66 games. While Marner was capturing CHL top honors in 2015-16, Dvorak racked up 52 goals (121 points).
Don’t be surprised if Christian Dvorak and Dylan Strome can replicate the performance of Max Domi and Anthony Duclair from this past season.
Strome, 19, was taken 3rd overall in 2015 behind Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel. Many thought that Strome was simply a benefactor of playing with the Oilers phenom after posting 45 goals (129 points) in 68 games in 2014-15 with Erie. He proved those doubters wrong in 2015-16 once re-joining the Otters (missed games at the start of the year while he was still in Coyotes training camp). He tallied 37 goals (111 points) in 56 games scoring at a nearly identical rate playing with the likes of Alex DeBrincat.
There’s a decent chance that both of these guys could wind up among top rookie scorers in 2016-17.
September 29, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks right wing Nikolay Goldobin (82) controls the puck against Vancouver Canucks defenseman Alex Biega (55) during the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. The Sharks defeated the Canucks 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
F Nikolay Goldobin/F Timo Meier, San Jose Sharks
*Meier was recently diagnosed with mono and will miss at least four weeks, which may or may not affect what happens in 2016-17. Missing training camp, preseason, and the start of the year can sometimes make it nearly impossible to gain traction once returning.
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Timo Meier, 19, was selected 9th overall in 2015 from QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads. He returned to the Q in 2015-16 and was eventually traded to Rouyn-Noranda. Meier racked up 87 points in 52 games during the regular season, adding 23 points in 18 games during the postseason.
This kid’s mix of skill, talent, and size may be too difficult to ignore. It’s also worth noting this Swiss skater is known a game breaker showing up at the big moments in games. Once he finds his way into the Sharks lineup, it’ll be difficult to remove him.
Nikolay Goldobin, 20, is a Russian-born skater that was selected 27th overall back in 2014. He stepped up for his first full year of pro hockey in 2015-16 after a successful late stint in 2014-15. Goldobin had 21 goals (44 points) in 60 games for AHL San Jose, adding two goals in four playoff contests.
Best described as a sniper, Nikolay is a dangerous threat when the puck is on his stick. He’s best regarded for his shooting abilities, drawing comparisons to Ilya Kovalchuk – but he’s also a sneaky stick handler. One of those guys that can completely take over a shift in the offensive zone seemingly unable to knock him off the puck.
Kings head coach Darryl Sutter gestures to his bench during the game against the San Jose Sharks in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. The Sharks won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
F Adrian Kempe, Los Angeles Kings
By no means is Kempe expected to crack the Kings roster on opening night (although he could). It wouldn’t be surprising, however, to see him as a full-time NHLer before the new season ends. This 6’1 187lbs Swedish winger finished his first year of North American pro hockey in 2015-16 after coming over from the SHL. 28 points in 55 games for AHL Ontario is nothing to brag about, but it’s still quite impressive given Kempe’s style of play.
This isn’t a guy that will ever be known for his scoring prowess, but instead for his impeccable two-way play. It’s his drive, determination, and compete level to contribute in all areas that make him such a talented prospect. Even if he fails to crack the NHL roster out of training camp, expect a heavy dose of Adrian Kempe in call-ups.
Sep 30, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor (41) chases Edmonton Oilers forward Jesse Puljujarvi (39) during the third period during a preseason hockey game at MTS Centre. Winnipeg won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
F Jesse Puljujarvi, Edmonton Oilers
Even when the Oilers aren’t winning draft lotteries, they’re still winning lotteries. This time thanks to Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen, who opted to select Pierre-Luc Dubois opposed to fellow Finnish prospect Jesse Puljujarvi. Oh well, Columbus’ loss is Edmonton’s gain.
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Puljujarvi is coming off a monster 2015-16 season. He was named World Juniors best forward after leading the tournament in scoring with 17 points en route to a Gold Medal victory with Finland.
He joined his country in Grand Forks, North Dakota for the U18’s and had a hat trick in the gold-medal game to help secure another top finish for the Finns. Jesse also played alongside a familiar face, Sebastian Aho, in Karpat (SM-Liiga) during the regular season. He totaled 28 points in 50 games, adding nine points in 10 playoff contests.
Opinions will vary on this, but perhaps the best comparison I’ve ever heard for Jesse Puljujarvi is Anaheim Ducks F Corey Perry. Both are big bodies that aren’t afraid to get physical, play a two-way game, and have an ability to find the back of the net on regularity. It’s been a slow start thus far in preseason for the Finnish teenager, but it could be a transition to the NHL level at first. Expect this young man to compete for Calder Trophy consideration, if not among the top rookie scorers.
Sep 26, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) skates during the warmup period against the Edmonton Oilers during a preseason hockey game at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
F Matthew Tkachuk, Calgary Flames
It’s still unclear whether Matthew Tkachuk can make the NHL in his first training camp, but early signs are looking good. He’s developed some early chemistry with Sam Bennett, which could be a tempting duo to keep together once the season begins.
Selected 5th overall at June’s draft, Matthew is the son of former NHLer Keith Tkachuk. He plays a similar style to his father, but possesses a higher offensive skill-set and perhaps sacrifices a bit of extra grit that Keith had. Make no mistake, though, Matthew can still be quite the agitator. This multi-dimensional winger should have no problem stepping up and contributing as an 18-year-old. If he sticks with the club, there’s no doubt in my mind that his name will be among Calder Trophy nominees.
Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Olli Juolevi poses for a photo after being selected as the number five overall draft pick by the Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
D Olli Juolevi, Vancouver Canucks
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Fans in Vancouver seemed to be somewhat torn over their 4th overall selection in June. Many believed that London Knights F Matthew Tkachuk was the next top player on the board when GM Jim Benning opted to select his teammate, Finnish defenseman Olli Juolevi.
We’re not doubting this one for a second. After the way Juolevi performed at the World Juniors for Team Finland, followed by his performance with OHL London all the way through to the Memorial Cup, there was no doubting that Olli Juolevi was the top defender on the draft board. This kid has the makings of a true number one defenseman in the NHL, a top pairing guy at worst.
Oddly enough, he’s not a flashy player by any means. If anything, he’s at his very best when he goes virtually unnoticed. This is a guy who quietly goes about his business in an extremely effective manner. He’s a solid all-around defenseman that can create offense and join the rush, or sit back and play a shutdown role. Olli plays with maturity and poise and rarely makes mistakes or bad decisions with the puck.
This young man will soon develop into the centerpiece on the Canucks blue line.
April 17, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Shea Theodore (53) controls the puck as defenseman Cam Fowler (4) blocks Nashville Predators center Paul Gaustad (28)during the first period in game two of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
D Shea Theodore, Anaheim Ducks
Theodore, 21, managed to preserve his NHL rookie status after only appearing in 19 games (eight points) for the Ducks in 2015-16. A small but promising sample size has created a lot of trade speculation surrounding Anaheim’s blue line. As it stands, the team is in line to lose a top defenseman in expansion unless they can find a trade partner for someone. Rumors suggest Cam Fowler‘s $4 million dollar cap hit makes the most sense to move given he shoots left-handed and is seemingly the player standing in the way of top four minutes for Shea Theodore.
Shea was originally selected 26th overall back in 2013. He was a potent point producer on the back end for WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds for numerous years. After enjoying a short 11-game stint (nine points) with AHL Norfolk in 2014-15, Theodore made the jump to pro hockey full-time in 2015-16 joining new affiliate San Diego. He managed to accumulate 37 points in 50 games in his AHL rookie season, including another five points in seven games during the Gulls postseason run.
Expect GM Bob Murray to somehow make room for the 21-year-old in 2016-17. It’s clear that he’s ready to contribute at the NHL level. Yes, there will be some growing pains in terms of defensive deficiencies that need to be further developed, but quality players on entry-level deals are a rare luxury in today’s NHL.
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