Stock Watch for Top NHL Rookies Early in 2014-15 Season

NHL teams have set their rosters and had a chance to see if some chemistry is forming on lines and pairings. In a few cities, rookies are emerging as top options, and it should be a fun race to the Calder Trophy in 2014-15.

The story has a long way to go—the preseason favorite didn't play until October 20—but early leaders are emerging. Fans should have a strong indication about the lead pack by the middle of November.

Here's a stock watch for the top Calder Trophy candidates in the NHL this season.

10. Jake Allen, G, St. Louis Blues

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Before This Season: Jake Allen was a 2008 draft pick by the St. Louis Blues. He's played at the AHL level since turning pro in 2010 and has built a quality resume.

Current Role: Allen won the backup job in the NHL this season with the Blues.

Stock: His stock is down. Allen's performance in his one start was splendid, but St. Louis hasn't used him in any other games. His numbers suggest he has earned a shot at more playing time, but he'll have to convince coach Ken Hitchcock of it.

9. Evgeny Kuznetsov, C, Washington Capitals

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Before This Season: Evgeny Kuznetsov was a 2010 first-round selection by the Washington Capitals. He was an impact player in the KHL, so his arrival in the NHL was much anticipated by the team and its fans. He impressed in 17 NHL games during 2013-14.

Current Role: Kuznetsov is a regular center with the Capitals this season and is playing 11 minutes a night for the team.

Stock: His stock is down slightly. Entering the summer, Kuznetsov was regarded as one of the favorites to win the Calder Trophy, as I noted in a May article for Bleacher Report. At this point, he's not earning enough ice time to earn consideration. He'll need to find a way to make himself more useful to coach Barry Trotz if he's to contend for the rookie of the year award.

8. Johnny Gaudreau, C, Calgary Flames

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Before This Season: Johnny Gaudreau enjoyed a dream season in 2013-14, winning the Hobey Baker Award as a member of the Boston College Eagles. He signed with the Flames and scored in his only NHL game last season.

Current Role: Gaudreau is a top-six forward with the offensively challenged Calgary Flames.

Stock: His stock remains the same. Gaudreau is highly regarded and will receive every opportunity to make an impact offensively in Calgary. His current point total shows he can have success at this level, but he'll need to score at a better rate to be a Calder contender.

7. Curtis Lazar, RW, Ottawa Senators

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Before This Season: Curtis Lazar was a first-round pick by the Ottawa Senators in 2013. He was an integral part of the Edmonton Oil Kings junior team, who won the Memorial Cup in 2014.

Current Role: He is a two-way winger at the NHL level with the Senators.

Stock: Lazar's stock is up slightly this year. He's playing well so far, but there isn't much offense. If he cannot help them in that area, it might be best to send him down. The Senators will likely give him a few more games and then decide.

6. Andre Burakovsky, LW, Washington Capitals

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Before This Season: Andre Burakovsky was a first-round selection in 2013 by the Washington Capitals. He played for the Erie Otters of the OHL and had a strong season in junior hockey.

Current Role: He has skipped his final year of junior—so far—and is playing in the NHL at age 19.

Stock: Burakovsky's stock is rising. He's among the top scoring rookies in the NHL and is an important early-season addition to the Capitals attack.

5. Stuart Percy, D, Toronto Maple Leafs

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Before This Season: Stuart Percy was an effective rookie-pro for the Toronto Marlies of the AHL last year. The 2011 first-round draft pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs was working his way up the depth chart and waiting for his NHL chance.

Current Role: He is currently playing over 19 minutes a night on the Leafs blue line.

Stock: Percy's stock is up this season. Far from a lock to make the NHL team heading into camp, he's now playing while some established NHL names are sitting. His performance merits the opportunity, and if he can continue at his current pace, Toronto will have a quality addition.

4. Damon Severson, D, New Jersey Devils

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Before This Season: Damon Severson was a second-round pick in 2012 by the New Jersey Devils. He delivered quality seasons in the WHL and was consistent offensively during his junior career.

Current Role: He is playing 20 minutes a night on an NHL blue line with the Devils, ahead of Adam Larsson, who was selected No. 4 overall in 2011.

Stock: Severson's stock is rising dramatically. A typical career path for a second-round selection is a year or two in the AHL and a gradual move into regular status in the NHL. He's already in the NHL, and if he can maintain his current level, he could be a strong contender for the Calder Trophy.

3. Filip Forsberg, LW, Nashville Predators

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Before This Season: Filip Forsberg was drafted by the Washington Capitals but didn't see the NHL until he was traded to the Nashville Predators. He played well enough in the AHL to get a 13-game NHL look in 2013-14.

Current Role: Forsberg is now in the NHL and playing as a regular forward with the Predators. 

Stock: His stock is rising in a big way. Forsberg is helping Nashville offensively and is among the leaders in NHL rookie scoring for 2014-15.

2. Aaron Ekblad, D, Florida Panthers

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Before This Season: Aaron Ekblad enjoyed a brilliant season in the OHL with the Barrie Colts, and he was the No. 1 overall selection in the 2014 entry draft.

Current Role: Ekblad is playing over 21 minutes a night for the Florida Panthers. That leads NHL rookies in time on ice per game.

Stock: His stock is up early in the season. Ekblad's possession stats, per Behind the Net, suggest he is flourishing in his role with Florida. It's early days, but if his shot differential stays at a high level, he'll receive serious consideration for the Calder Trophy.

1. Tanner Pearson, LW, Los Angeles Kings

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Before This Season: Tanner Pearson is a winger for the Los Angeles Kings. He has more NHL experience than anyone in the league while still maintaining Calder Trophy status. If he had played one more regular-season game a year ago, Pearson would be ineligible for the award.

Current Role: Pearson is playing a feature role on what has been dubbed "That 70's Line" with Jeff Carter and Tyler Toffoli. NHL.com correspondent Curtis Zupke wrote about the trio on October 13.

Stock: The stock of Pearson is up and looks to have staying power. He leads all rookies in goals and points, and he has a prominent role on the Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings.

Stats via NHL.com, unless otherwise noted.