NHL Predictions: Power Ranking the Top 12 Rookies in the NHL Next Season

The 2011-12 NHL Season will not begin for a few months, but it's never too early to start looking ahead.

This year's rookie class is a promising bunch. Many new players will find a way to assist their teams throughout the season. Several will be in the running for the Calder trophy next year.

This is a list of the top 12 rookies that will make an impact next season.

Jacob Markstrom, Florida Panthers

Jacob Markstrom is Florida’s goalie of the future.

He just underwent surgery but should be back in time for the season.

Ryan Strome, New York Islanders

Ryan Strome is a skilled skater who works equally hard offensively and defensively.

He led the OHL in scoring during the 2010-11 season.

Check out his penalty shot in this video.

Johnathan Huberdeau, Florida Panthers

Johnathan Huberdeau is great under pressure—something that is necessary to play at the NHL level.

Under his leadership, the Saint John Seadogs took home its first ever Canadian Hockey League title.

He won MVP honors at the Memorial Cup after his skillful and imaginative performance.

Jonathon Blum, Nashville Predators

Jonathon Blum has seven games of NHL experience, and has done well in that time.

He had two goals in his first five games and logged an average of 7:58 ice time during that time. He should just do even better next season.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NHL Draft. He has a definite chance to get on the lineup this season.

He needs to fill out but he tied for 3^rd in scoring and was the WHL rookie of the year. His hockey sense is phenomenal.

Ryan Murphy, Carolina Hurricanes

Ryan Murphy is a smaller defensemen with great vision on the ice. He has a good shot and excellent passing as well.

He’s a multitalented player who will have a huge impact on the Islanders next season.

Erik Gudbranson, Florida Panthers

Erik Gudbranson recently signed with the Panthers and if he makes the roster, he’ll be a difference-maker.

Before he goes to Florida’s training camp, he’ll be at the Canadian junior camp in Alberta. He was a member of the team when they won the silver.

He had an injury and suspension-riddled season in the Ontario Hockey League but set a career-high 12 goals and 22 assists in 44 games.

Brayden Schenn, Philadelphia Flyers

Brayden Schenn recently came to Philadelphia in the deal that sent Mike Richards to the Kings.

He dominated in the 2011 World Junior Championships.

Nino Niederreiter, New York Islanders

While Nino Niederreiter got a feeling of the NHL last season, he should be back up for good this season.

In 55 games with Portland, Niederreiter scored 41 goals with 29 assists.

David Rundblad, Ottowa Senators

David Rundblad is NHL-ready and has the skill to make a lasting impact on the Senators.

He moves the puck well and has a big body that won’t get pushed around on the ice.

Ryan Johansen, Colombus Blue Jackets

When Ryan Johansen fills out he’ll be even greater on the ice. Right now he can see everything on the ice extremely well and is a threat on both sides of the rink.

He’ll be useful in multiple situations.

Gabriel Landeskog, Colorado Avalanche

Gabriel Landeskog is one of the most NHL ready prospects selected in the 2011 NHL Draft.

He has high character and leadership ability, as shown by the honor of being the first European named captain to the Kitchener Rangers.

He can handle the puck and is great all-around.