With the new NHL season poised to begin this weekend let's take a look at some of the up and coming young players who will be making a name for themselves before long, and a few who already have.
Nail Yakupov - 'Fail for Nail' was a success as the Oilers again had the first overall selection and picked the
talented Russian from the Sarnia Sting. He joins an impressive group of young forwards
poised to make sure it's a long time before the Oilers are picking first overall.
Alex Galchenyuk - Another talented young star from the Sting, he was drafter third overall by Montreal
despite missing most of last year with an injury. He has impressed Habs brass at training
camp with his skill set and brings them some much needed size up the middle.
Jonathan Huberdeau - The Panthers product is looking to crack the lineup and help the Panthers make
another playoff run. He size, speed and play making ability will be welcomed to a young
team stockpiling talent.
Shawn Coutrier - Coming off a solid rookie campaign, he is looking to help lead the Flyers on a serious
playoff run. His size is something that will be difficult for opposing defenders to handle
once he matures.
Adam Henrique - He helped the Devils make a run to the Stanley Cup finals last year and with Zack Parise
leaving for Minnesota he will counted on to contribute more this year.
Ryan Nugent Hopkins - His season cut short by injury he likely would have won the calder trophy as rookie
of the year had he been healthy. He has already had playing time this year in the AHL with
other young Oilers so should be poised to play well from the get go.
Gabriel Landskog - The Calder trophy winner was named captain of the Avalanche, the youngest captain in
league history, but there is no doubt he is one of the core members for the future of this
franchise and his two way game is already well developed.
Jake Gardiner - The Leafs believe they have a blue chip prospect in this young blue liner, and thought he is
still recovering from a concussion he will be relied on heavily to help stabilize a back end
that is in need of help.
Justin Schultz - The Oilers were able to sign the highly coveted college player and if his stint in the AHL is
any indication he will be an impact player. There is little question about his offensive upside
but the Oilers are hoping his defensive game will develop as well.
Mikka Zibinijad - The Sens may have him split time between the big club and Binghampton again this season
but the talented Swede is poised to make a difference in the capital.
Ryan Strome - The Islanders young center played for Canada in the world juniors and is looking to make the
jump to the big club from Niagara. He is young but so are many on the Islanders roster.
Morgan Reiley - Being at Leafs training camp will no doubt give his a boost, but how long he is around the
big club remains to be seen. With injuries he may get a chance to play but the Leafs are likely
to take their time with the highly regarded blue liner and not burn a year of his entry level deal.
Michael Grigorenko - The Sabers big center would certainly give them help up the middle. He is a creative
player who would add size and speed to the line up.
Mark Scheiffle - Having already played seven games with the Jets last season he got a taste for what the
NHL is all about and now looks to make the jump full time.
Boone Jenner - The Blue Jackets are rebuilding and Jenner is one of their up and coming young stars. He
has a well rounded game and brings a physical edge as demonstrated by several big hits he
dished out for Canada at the World Juniors.
Dougie Hamilton - The Bruins defenceman could stick around with the big club depending on how things go.
He will certainly have a great teacher in Zedeno Chara when he arrives.
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