Ranking the Most Disappointing Rookies in the 2014-15 NHL Season

NHL teams start each season with one or two key rookies in their lineup. They've earned the opportunity to play a prominent role, and their teams badly need them to succeed.

In spite of every effort and best intentions, sometimes the player cannot fill that role and alternate plans are required for the season. In every case, management is left to explain its decision, and the prospect is either demoted to the minors or sent back to junior.

Here are the five most disappointing rookies in the NHL this season.

5. Nikita Zadorov, D, Buffalo Sabres

Gary Wiepert/Associated Press

What Was His Job? Nikita Zadorov is one of the Buffalo Sabres' talented young players trying to establish themselves in the NHL. He is being used as a regular defenseman this season.

What Happened? A young team trying to build good habits for a better tomorrow doesn't need distractions. Zadorov showed a lack of discipline by reporting to the team late after the All-Star break and was suspended, as reported by the Associated Press (via CBC Sports).

What About His Future? Zadorov played 18 shifts in the Sabres' Tuesday game and seems to be establishing himself as part of the team again. Buffalo badly needs him—and many other youngsters—to mature quickly. The on-ice performance is coming along nicely but maturation in all areas is required.

4. Griffin Reinhart, D, New York Islanders

Gerry Broome/Associated Press

What Was His Job? Griffin Reinhart was the New York Islanders' first-round selection in 2012 and No. 4 overall. Players chosen that high are expected to push for an NHL job as a regular on defense.  If they don't make the team, they are expected to perform well in the AHL.

What Happened? The Islanders acquired Nick Leddy and Johnny Boychuk just before the season, pushing back the kids and sending Reinhart to the AHL. His NHL performance has been good in limited exposure, but his AHL performance is a concern. His minus-13 plus-minus is worst on the Bridgeport Sound Tigers this season.

What About His Future? Lottery picks normally adjust quickly, and Reinhart has plenty of time. It's also true defense is a very difficult position to learn. Still, it's reasonable to suggest his performance has been less than expected by the Islanders.

3. Tanner Pearson, LW, Los Angeles Kings

Jae C. Hong/Associated Press

What Was His Job? The Los Angeles Kings called Tanner Pearson up for good in the spring of 2014. He flourished in a scoring role in the playoffs for the Stanley Cup winners.

What Happened? This season Pearson has struggled to help offensively. His 16 points in 42 games is a disappointment, despite 12 goals. His work with Jeff Carter and Tyler Toffoli was less than expected, and the problems became more pronounced with his broken leg—as reported by the Canadian Press (via NHL.com).

What About His Future? Pearson is a well-regarded young player, and the Kings will be patient with him. His long-term future looks very good, but the Kings are looking to win a Stanley Cup, so they will spend the next few weeks attempting to upgrade the position.

2. Jake Allen, G, St. Louis Blues

Gerry Broome/Associated Press

What Was His Job? The St. Louis Blues decided to go with a tandem of veteran Brian Elliott and rookie Jake Allen this season in goal. Allen's backup role meant significant playing time.

What Happened? Allen has been below average this season. His .902 save-percentage ranks him No. 35 out of 41 NHL goalies who qualify.

What About His Future? If Allen has any plans to move into a No. 1 role with St. Louis he'll have to get that save percentage moving in a good direction. The Blues brought Martin Brodeur in for a time this season as injuries impacted Elliott, but it's also likely management is worried about the position as it stands. It will be interesting to see what St. Louis does at the deadline, as goalies may be its issue for the postseason.

1. Leon Draisaitl, C, Edmonton Oilers

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What Was His Job? The Edmonton Oilers kept Leon Draisaitl at the opening of the 2014-15 season as their second-line center. He was gifted feature wingers like Nail Yakupov, Teddy Purcell and David Perron as linemates.

What Happened? Draisaitl performed well in some areas—his team won the possession game when he was on the ice—but a lack of offense through half a season spelled the end of the experiment. He was ushered back to junior where he is playing now. It should also be mentioned Oilers' management can be questioned for attempting this move from the beginning.

What About His Future? There's a lot to like about Draisatil. He's a big man with tremendous hands, and the added maturity gained with an additional six months outside the NHL should help him in the fall. The Oilers record for fast tracking their prospects suggests he'll get another chance next year. He is an outstanding NHL prospect and should eventually succeed.