10 Most Shocking Rookie Seasons in NHL History

1 of 12

TAMPA, FL - MAY 03: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals celebrates a goal by Mike Knuble #22 (not shown) at 59 seconds of the second period against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2011 NHL Sta

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The NHL has seen its fair share of extraordinary rookies in its 94 seasons of existence.

In fact, there have been so many memorable rookie seasons that selecting the 10 best was harder than I thought.

I even had to leave some of my favorite players out. Luc Robitaille, for example, the L.A. Kings’ left-winger scored 45 goals and 38 assists during his rookie campaign in 1986-87, but did not make the cut.

To be on this list, players had to be eligible for the Calder Memorial Trophy, the award the NHL hands out to its rookie of the year.

Enjoy the slideshow and if you think I have forgot somebody leave a comment at the end.

Tony Esposito, G, 1969-70, Chicago Blackhawks

CHICAGO - MARCH 19: Former goaltender Tony Esposito of the Chicago Blackhawks speaks to the crowd during a ceremony before a game between the Blackhawks and the Washington Capitals on March 19, 2008 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The Chicago Blackhawks claimed Tony Esposito from the Montreal Canadians for $25,000 in the intra-league draft before the 1969-70 season.

Esposito did not disappoint, posting a 2.17 goals-against average and setting the modern NHL record of 15 shutouts.

At the end of the season he took home the Calder Memorial and the Vezina Trophy as both the league's best rookie and goaltender.

He also led the league with 38 wins.

Mike Bossy, RW, 1977-78, New York Islanders

UNIONDALE, NY - MARCH 02: Former New York Islanders legend Mike Bossy waves to the crowd before the game against the Florida Panthers at the Nassau Coliseum March 2, 2008 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders are celebrating the 17 men that were part of

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Mike Bossy became the first rookie in league history to reach the 50-goal mark when he scored 53 in 1977-78.

He added 38 assists for a total of 91 points to finish sixth in scoring.

The right-winger also scored 15 power-play goals and was a plus-31, which both helped the Islanders winning their first-ever division title.

Ray Bourque, D, 1979-80, Ray Bruins

Defenseman Ray Bourque of the Boston Bruins works against the Buffalo Sabres during a game at Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo, New York.

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

The following season saw the promising beginning of what became a successful 22-year NHL career.

Ray Bourque posted an impressive 65 points, which set a new standard for rookie defensemen at that time.

He was the first non-goalie in NHL history to win the Calder Memorial Trophy and be named First-Team All-Star.

Terry Sawchuk, G, 1950-51, Detroit Red Wings

DETROIT - JANUARY 2: Steve Yzerman's number 19 hangs from the rafters along with the other retired numbers from the Detroit Red Wings organization during their NHL game at Joe Louis Arena January 2, 2007 in Detroit, Michigan. The Red Wings beat the Ducks

Dave Sandford/Getty Images

The arguably greatest goaltender of all time, Terry Sawchuk played all 70 games during his rookie season, leading the league with 44 wins and 11 shutouts.

He had a stunning 1.99 goals-against average while receiving First-Team All-Star honors.

Sawchuk was a big reason why the Detroit Red Wings were able to post the first 100-point season (101) in league history.

Dale Hawerchuk, C, 1981-82, Winnipeg Jets

INGLEWOOD, CA - 1988: Dale Hawerchuk #10 of the Winnipeg Jets skates against the Los Angeles Kings during their game at the Great Western Forum circa 1988 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Mike Powell/Getty Images)

Mike Powell/Getty Images

Dale Hawerchuk not only put up the numbers—45 goals and 103 points place, respectively, fifth and fourth all time among rookies—he more impressively turned the NHL's worst franchise around at age 18.

The No.1 overall pick in 1981 helped the Winnipeg Jets to an astonishing 48-point improvement in his rookie season. The biggest one-season turnaround in NHL history at that time.

Joe Nieuwendyk, C, 1987-88, Calgary Flames

26 Feb 1995: Rightwinger Joe Sacco of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks and Joe Nieuwendyk of the Calgary Flames move down the ice during a game at Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, California. The Flames won the game, 5-3.

Glenn Cratty/Getty Images

Calgary Flames rookie Joe Nieuwendyk was burning up an offensive firework during the 1987-88 season.

He scored 31 power-play goals, which ties him for third on the all-time list, and netted a total of 51 goals, the fourth most among rookies.

He finished his rookie year with 92 total points.

Alexander Ovechkin, LW, 2005-06, Washington Capitals

TAMPA, FL - MAY 03: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals scores a power play goal at 17:27 of the second period against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at St Pete

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby are the two new faces of the NHL. Both are young, talented and driven.

Ovechkin might be the better scorer, but Crosby has the Cup.

Ovechkin's scoring abilities was put on display during his rookie season. He scored 106 points including 52 goals, the third most among rookies in both categories.

In the battle of the two superstars Ovechkin was the winner, scoring four more points than Crosby and winning the NHL's Rookie of the Year award.

Peter Stastny, C, 1980-81, Quebec Nordiques

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 10: Members of the 'Nordiques Nation' converge on Prudential Center prior to the game between the New Jersey Devils and the Boston Bruins on April 10, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Peter Stastny accumulated 109 points for the Quebec Nordiques in his rookie season, which became the all-time rookie mark for more than a decade.

His 70 assists are still tied for first.

More important than being the first rookie in NHL history to collect 100 points was Stastny's decision to defect to Canada to play professional hockey during the Cold War.

He was a pioneer for many hockey players behind the Iron Curtain who followed his footsteps.