Teenage D men

Teenage NHL defensemen are rare, and they’re usually top-10 draft picks. The Avalanche’s Samuel Girard, 19, is a rare second-round draft pick beginning his NHL career as a teenager. Girard is just one of two defensemen outside the first round of the 2016 draft to play in the NHL. Here are other recent teenage defensemen who have flourished at such a young age: Brandon Carlo, 20, Boston — Drafted 37th overall in 2015 and began his career with the Bruins in 2015-16 at age 19. Aaron Ekblad, 21, Florida — Drafted first overall in 2014 and immediately joined the Panthers, winning the 2015 Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year.

Seth Jones, 23, Columbus — Drafted fourth overall (by Nashville) and immediately made his NHL debut at age 18.

Olli Maatta, 23, Pittsburgh — Drafted 22nd overall in 2012 and returned to juniors for one season before beginning his NHL career at age 19.

Jacob Trouba, 23, Winnipeg — Drafted ninth overall in 2012 and played one season at Michigan before beginning his NHL career.

Ryan Murray, 24, Columbus — Drafted No. 2 overall in 2012, returned to juniors for 2012-13 and has been with Blue Jackets since 2013-14.

Morgan Rielly, 23, Toronto — Drafted fifth overall in 2012, returned to juniors for one season and began his first full NHL season as a 19-year-old in 2013-14.