Ranking the 10 Most Impressive Rookies so Far in the 2014-15 NHL Season

Barely a month into the NHL's 2014-15 season, several rookies have impressed with their performances thus far. While this season's rookie crop lacks the star power of 2014 Calder Trophy winner Nathan MacKinnon, there are those showing promise as possible Calder candidates.

Some on this list have garnered praise from teammates and coaches for their skill level and maturity. Several have already earned more playing time and responsibilities. A few are steadily improving after overcoming a slow start. A handful with limited NHL experience are using that know-how to their advantage.

A factor worth noting is the 10-game deadline for NHL teams to send an 18- or 19-year old rookie back to their junior team. They can play up to nine NHL games as a trial period and be returned to junior, thus delaying by one year when their entry-level contract goes into effect.

Here's a look at the 10 most impressive NHL rookies thus far this season. Feel free to voice your opinion in the comments section.

10. Jonathan Drouin, Tampa Bay Lightning

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In his October 2 ranking of this season's promising rookies, USA Today's Kevin Allen believed Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Jonathan Drouin had the skills to win the rookie scoring title.

A broken thumb during training camp delayed Drouin's NHL debut. Since his first NHL game on October 20, the 19-year-old has made up for lost time with a goal and two assists in five games.

Drouin also displayed early chemistry with Lightning superstar Steven Stamkos in a 4-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets, collecting a goal and an assist. It remains to be seen how long Drouin plays alongside Stamkos, but his offensive skills are undeniable. Don't be surprised if he moves up quickly in the scoring race.

9. Seth Griffith, Boston Bruins

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Seth Griffith began this season with the Boston Bruins but after three games was returned to their AHL affiliate in Providence. Recalled on October 20, the 21-year-old is making the most of his second chance. His five points in four games places him among the NHL rookie scoring leaders.

Griffith's best performance thus far was his two-goal, three-point effort in a 4-3 loss to the Minnesota Wild on October 28. One of those goals was so acrobatic it prompted The Boston Globe's Matt Pepin to compare it to the great Bobby Orr's famous overtime goal in the 1970 Stanley Cup Final.

Griffith is fitting in well on the Bruins' top line with center David Krejci and left wing Milan Lucic. If he keeps improving, he won't have to worry about returning to the AHL this season.

8. Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Flames

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Standing at 5'9" and weighing only 150 pounds, 21-year-old Johnny Gaudreau's dazzling preseason play earned him a roster spot with the Calgary Flames.

Through his first five games, however, Gaudreau failed to tally any points. After being a healthy scratch from an October 17 game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, the pint-sized winger responded by tallying four points in five games. He's moved up among this season's top-10 NHL rookie scorers.

Following a recent loss to the Montreal Canadiens, Flames head coach Bob Hartley told the Calgary Sun's Wes Gilbertson that, at times, he felt like a fan watching the youngster's performance. Earning such plaudits from Hartley should ensure “Johnny Hockey” continues to receive ample opportunity to shine this season.

7. Linden Vey, Vancouver Canucks

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Linden Vey played 18 games last season with the Los Angeles Kings. Given their depth at center, however, he wasn't going to get a chance to crack the Kings lineup full time. Acquired by the Vancouver Canucks in an offseason trade, the 23-year-old is making the most of his opportunity with his new club.

With three goals and five points through nine games, Vey ranks among this season's top NHL rookie scorers—particularly in power-play goals. Though Vey centers the Canucks' fourth line in equal-strength situations, he's moved up to right wing with the Sedin twins on their first power-play unit.

The Province's Tony Gallagher noted the chemistry between Vey and the Sedins, suggesting that unit be kept together at even strength. Should that should come to pass, Vey could move up rapidly in the rookie scoring race.

6. Anthony Duclair, New York Rangers

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A solid preseason performance earned New York Rangers left wing Anthony Duclair a roster spot when the regular season began. However, the 19-year-old was a healthy scratch for two mid-October games, casting his chances of sticking with the Rangers into doubt.

In Duclair's following two games he responded with a goal and an assist. His five points in seven games placed him among the top-ten rookie scorers. Yahoo Sports' Greg Wyshynski believes Duclair's speed and offensive touch could make it difficult for the Rangers to return him to his junior team.

Rangers coach Alain Vigneault likes what he's seen of Duclair so far, telling the New York Post's Howie Kussoy that he knows he can increase the youngster's playing time. Though Duclair still has much to learn at the NHL level, he could get plenty of on-the-job training this season.

5. Aaron Ekblad, Florida Panthers

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Selected first overall in the 2014 NHL draft by the Florida Panthers, 18-year-old defenseman Aaron Ekblad is playing up to the club's expectations so far. The 6'4", 216-pound blueliner has seen regular action among the Panthers' top-two defense pairings.

Ekblad's average ice time of 21:54 is fourth among Panthers defensemen and second among NHL rookies. During an October 15 interview with the Miami Herald's George Richards, Panthers head coach Gerard Gallant praised Ekblad's performance, citing the youngster's improvement with each game.

It will take several seasons for Ekblad to reach his full potential as a top-pairing NHL defenseman. His play thus far suggests he's on his way toward achieving that goal.

4. Filip Forsberg, Nashville Predators

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Left winger Filip Forsberg only played in 13 NHL games last season, spending most of his time with the Nashville Predators' AHL farm team in Milwaukee. This season, the 20-year-old Swede is playing like he belongs in the big league.

Skating on the the first line with veterans Mike Ribeiro and James Neal, Forsberg's seven points in nine games ranks among the Predators' leading scorers. He's also among the NHL's top rookies in assists and points. His performance is among the reasons the Predators are perched among the top teams in the Western Conference.

FOX Sports Tennessee's Greg Pogue believes Forsberg is living up to the “phenom” hype which followed him from Sweden. Ribeiro told Pogue he's impressed by his young linemate's creativity. If Forsberg maintains his current level of performance, he could become a Calder Trophy contender.

3. Damon Severson, New Jersey Devils

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The play of New Jersey Devils rookie defenseman Damon Severson is gaining notice around the NHL. His four goals and seven points in eight games place the 20-year-old blueliner among the Devils' leading scorers. Severson also ranks among this season's rookie scoring leaders and leads them in ice time per game.

NJ.com's Rich Chere recently mused over the possibility of Severson becoming a Calder Trophy candidate. Teammate Jaromir Jagr and Chicago Blackhawks senior adviser Scotty Bowman told Chere how much the young rearguard has impressed them. 

While there's still a long way to go this season, if Severson continues his solid play he could certainly merit consideration for rookie of the year honors.

2. Andre Burakovsky, Washington Capitals

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Entering this season, it was expected that highly-touted Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov would be among this season's top rookies. Fellow rookie teammate Andre Burakovsky, however, has overshadowed Kuznetsov thus far. 

The 19-year-old Swede earned the second-line center role in training camp. As October 2014 winds down, Burakovsky is among the Capitals' scoring leaders with eight points in nine games. He's also among the NHL's top rookie scorers.

Burakovsky's performance has earned praise from his teammates. The Washington Post's Alex Prewitt reports defenseman Mike Green called the youngster “outstanding,” while forward Marcus Johansson cited his offensive skills. Prewitt notes Burakovsky has been favorably compared to teammate and countryman Nicklas Backstrom.

1. Tanner Pearson, Los Angeles Kings

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Tanner Pearson saw action in 25 NHL games with the Los Angeles Kings last season, but it was when he was placed on a line with veteran center Jeff Carter and right wing Tyler Toffoli that he truly blossomed. Dubbed “That 70's Line," the trio was a strong second line for the Kings during their march to the 2014 Stanley Cup. In 24 postseason games, Pearson tallied four goals and 12 points.

Still considered an NHL rookie entering this season, the 22-year-old Pearson continues to mesh well with Carter and Toffoli. He leads the Kings and all rookie scorers in goals (seven), while his nine points in nine games lead all NHL rookies. 

Considering how Pearson developed in the crucible of playoff competition, his strong start this season shouldn't come as a surprise. At his current pace, Pearson should remain among the top rookie scorers and among the favorites to win the Calder Trophy.

Unless otherwise indicated all NHL player statistics and info via NHL.com.