Stock Watch for the Top Sophomores in the NHL in 2014-15

NHL sophomore players entered this season hoping to build upon their rookie performances. Though it's early in the schedule, they are going through varying degrees of adjustment.

Several have picked up from where they left off last season. Some have made significant improvement. A few even rank among this season's best players. Others, however, are finding it difficult getting used to heightened expectations.

Here's a look at how the top NHL sophomores are faring this season. Performance and statistics compared to last season factored into this ranking. As always, feel free to offer up your opinions in the comments section.

10. Nick Bjugstad, Florida Panthers

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Nick Bjugstad's rookie performance was among the few bright spots in an otherwise miserable 2013-14 for the Florida Panthers. With 38 points, Bjugstad was the only member of last season's rookie class to lead his club in scoring. He also finished fifth among rookie scorers.

Bjugstad is currently struggling through the dreaded sophomore slump, with only two goals and one assist in 14 games. It took the 22-year-old center several weeks to tally his first goal.

Despite Bjugstad's struggles, Panthers coach Gerard Gallant hasn't lost faith in him. During an Oct. 30 interview with the South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Craig Davis, Gallant praised Bjugstad's effort. With two goals in his last three games, Bjugstad may be regaining his scoring touch.

9. Torey Krug, Boston Bruins

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In his debut season, Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug certainly made a positive impression. His 40 points ranked fourth overall among rookie scorers, and he led all rookie blueliners in that category. Krug also finished among the Bruins' top-10 scorers.

Krug's been struggling offensively in his sophomore campaign. While the 23-year-old has six points in 15 games, he's been held scoreless through 11 of them. After collecting 19 points via the power play in 2013-14, this season he's managed only one with the man advantage.

A broken finger which recently sidelined Krug for four games could account for his recent struggles. Given the rash of early-season injuries to the Bruins' defense and their recent decline in offensive production, they'll need Krug to regain his scoring touch soon.

8. Chris Kreider, New York Rangers

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New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider was enjoying a terrific rookie campaign (17 goals and 20 assists in 66 games) until sidelined by a late-season hand injury. Rejoining the Rangers midway through their Eastern Conference semifinal series against Pittsburgh, Kreider finished the postseason with 13 points in 15 games.

In 17 games this season, Kreider has four goals and 10 points. He's struggled somewhat in the early going, held scoreless in nine games. Kreider's also been undisciplined at times, leading the Rangers in penalty minutes with 40.

One reason for Kreider's early-season inconsistency was the absence of center Derek Stepan, who missed several weeks with a fractured leg. Stepan's recent return should provide a boost to Kreider's offensive numbers.

7. Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche

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Winner of the 2014 Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year, Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon led all rookies in scoring with 63 points. He dazzled in his first NHL playoffs, collecting 10 points in seven games.

Expectations were high for MacKinnon entering his sophomore season. Unfortunately, the 19-year-old got off to a sputtering start, with only four assists through his opening 10 games. Through 19 games, MacKinnon was held scoreless in 11 of them.

MacKinnon's numbers improved in November, and he's now reached 11 points for the season. Still, his early struggles are among the reasons the Avalanche are near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. If they're going to gain ground, they need more production from MacKinnon.

6. Alex Chiasson, Ottawa Senators

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Alex Chiasson posted decent numbers last season as a Dallas Stars rookie. With 13 goals, 22 assists and 35 points in 79 games, Chiasson was among the NHL's top-10 rookie scorers.

Dealt to the Ottawa Senators in July as part of the Jason Spezza trade, the 24-year-old has been a good fit with his new club. His nine points in 14 games ranks among their top scorers, plus he's among their leaders in power-play goals with three.

Despite missing three games to injury, Chiasson shows little sign of slowing down, picking up two points in his two games following his return from a recent lower-body injury. He seems to be settling in well as a top-six right wing.

5. Sean Monahan, Calgary Flames

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Center Sean Monahan made a positive first impression last season for the Calgary Flames. He finished second on the club in goals with 22 and fifth in points with 34. Monahan was also among the NHL's leading rookie scorers.

This season began slowly for Monahan, collecting only two assists in his opening eight games. Since Oct. 23, however, the 20-year-old has regained his scoring form. He leads the Flames with seven goals and also leads the team in shots—plus, he's among the leaders in points. 

Monahan's been overshadowed somewhat this season by the dazzling play of rookie teammate Johnny Gaudreau. Still, he remains one of the Flames' most promising youngsters. His recent offensive resurgence is among the reasons behind his club's surprisingly strong start.

4. Brock Nelson, New York Islanders

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New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson had a respectable NHL debut in 2013-14, with 14 goals and 12 assists for 26 points through 72 games. The 23-year-old is off to an impressive start to his sophomore campaign.

Nelson is currently near a point-per-game clip, with 16 points in 17 games. He's currently jockeying with star teammates John Tavares and Kyle Okposo for the team scoring lead, while his eight goals leads all Islanders. He's also among the team leaders in power-play points.

Thanks in part to Nelson's solid early-season performance, the Islanders are among the top teams in the Eastern Conference. He also ranks among this season's top sophomores.

3. Frederik Andersen, Anaheim Ducks

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Goaltender Frederik Andersen made an impressive debut for the Anaheim Ducks. In 28 games, he posted a record of 20-5-0, with a 2.29 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage. By season's end he had taken over the starting goalie job.

In his sophomore campaign, Andersen's posted very impressive numbers. He ranks among the league leaders in wins (7), goals-against average (1.86) and save percentage (.933). The 25-year-old netminder also achieved a personal milestone this season, collecting his first career NHL shutout.

Andersen was expected to contend with promising John Gibson for the starter's job this season. With Gibson sidelined up to six weeks with a groin injury, Andersen has a golden opportunity to solidify his hold as the top Duck between the Anaheim pipes.

2. Tyler Toffoli, Los Angeles Kings

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As an NHL rookie last season, Los Angeles Kings forward Tyler Toffoli tallied 12 goals and 29 points in 62 games. Placed on a line with center Jeff Carter and left wing Tanner Pearson late in the season, Toffoli finished the 2014 postseason with seven goals and 14 points.

Toffoli is picking up from where he left off last season. Through 18 games, the 22-year-older winger led the Kings in goals with eight, assists, 10, and points, 18. He's also the league leader in short-handed goals with four and ranked among the league's scoring leaders.

Toffoli wasn't among last season's top-10 rookie scorers, but he's among this season's leading sophomores. While veteran teammates Anze Kopitar, Marian Gaborik and Justin Williams are struggling this season, Toffoli is emerging as a star in his own right.

1. The Lightning's Triplets Line

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Among the reasons for the Tampa Bay Lighting's strong early-season performance is the play of sophomore forwards Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat and Nikita Kucherov. The Tampa Bay Times' Joe Smith dubbed them the Lightning's "Triplets line."

Johnson and Palat were runner-ups for the 2014 Calder Trophy. Johnson's 19 points in 18 games has him jockeying with teammate Steven Stamkos for the Lightning scoring lead, as well as ranking among the NHL's scoring leaders. Palat and Kucherov aren't far behind, with 12 and 15 points respectively.

What's impressive about this trio is how well they've meshed as a unit. Johnson, Palat and Kucherov are taking the offensive pressure off the Stamkos line, adding another level of depth to the Lightning's scoring punch.