CROWDED CALDER FIELD
Here are five rookies without a previous Ann Arbor mailing address poised to battle for rookie honors.
Mason McTavish, C, Anaheim Ducks
To be fair, the hobby already has a very close eye on the third pick of the 2021 dra . His 2021-22 Upper Deck Young Guns RC has been embedded in the Hot List for a few months now, and a er his dominant performance at the Summer 2022 World Juniors, that’s not likely to change soon.
ough his first NHL stint spanned just nine games last fall, his transition should be smoother this time around thanks to a pro-ready frame and a shot that’s going to light a lot of lamps. e only question is, where will he play? Trevor Zegras and newcomer Ryan Strome look to have the top two center jobs locked down. McTavish could slide down to the third line, but he’s more likely to make a Calder run from a top-six spot on the wing. Keep an eye on his usage early on, especially on the power play. If he gets a chance to skate with a premium playmaker like Zegras, he’ll be lights out.
One To Watch: 2021-22 Black Diamond #BDRMM
Jack Quinn, RW, Buffalo Sabres
While all eyes will be on Owen Power, don’t overlook a Sabres prospect whose skill set might be even more hobby friendly. Quinn, the team’s first-round pick (eighth overall) in 2020 is a speedster with a penchant for scoring goals, including 52 in 62 games in his dra year. e 21-year-old spent most of last season with AHL Rochester, winning the league’s Rookie of the Year honors a er scoring 26 goals and 61 points in just 45 games, and looks primed to assume an important role with the big club this year. ere’s a chance that coach Don Granato could go with a Kid Line of Quinn alongside fellow first-rounders Dylan Cozens and Peyton Krebs. at trio is envisioned to form the team’s top line eventually, but the future could be now for this talented bunch.
One To Watch: 2022-23 Upper Deck MVP #228
Marco Rossi, C, Minnesota Wild
e former OHL MVP bounced back from a near-death experience with myocarditis to register 53 points in 63 games last season with AHL Iowa, setting a franchise rookie record. e playmaking wizard seems like a natural replacement for departed forward Kevin Fiala and would be a tantalizing fit alongside young snipers Kirill Kaprizov or Matt Boldy. One To Watch: 2022-23 Upper Deck MVP #221
Cole Perfetti, C, Winnipeg Jets
ere are no guarantees that Perfetti, the 10th pick in the 2020 dra, sticks with the Jets this season. Still, a franchise that disappointed wildly last season and made no major moves over the summer clearly needs an injection of youth and speed. While he’s unlikely to play center this season, Perfetti’s high-end skill set would be a nice fit as part of a dangerous top-six that already includes Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, Blake Wheeler, Nik Ehlers, and Pierre-Luc Dubois. It’s easy to see him running a power play that racks up points and puts him in Calder contention. One To Watch: 2021-22 Upper Deck #466
William Eklund, C, San Jose Sharks
e hobby loves flash, and few prospects can deliver wattage the way Eklund can. e 2021 winner of the E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence from the NHL – an honor given to the prospect who best exemplifies commitment to excellence through strength of character, competitiveness, and athleticism – ended up going seventh overall to a franchise desperate for an infusion of slick, creative skill. Eklund offers that in spades, and while he’s still developing physically he can turn the slightest opening into a viral video moment. It’s easy to imagine him earning a chance on the top line alongside Tomas Hertl. One To Watch: 2021-22 Upper Deck #475