NHL Rookies Most Likely to Make an Impact in 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs

NHL teams with rookies in prominent places may decide to place those players in lesser roles during the playoffs. Other teams may increase playing time due to injuries or a spike in performance.

Some rookies have become so valuable that giving them less time isn't even in the conversation. Those rookies are the ones who are likely to make a major impact on the NHL this spring in the postseason.

For the purposes of this ranking, I'm following the eligibility rules for the Calder Trophy as described by NHL.com. Those rules make Andrew Hammond of the Ottawa Senators ineligible for this list. Here are 10 NHL rookies who are poised to make a name for themselves in the 2015 playoffs.

10. Derrick Pouliot, D, Pittsburgh Penguins

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Impact as a Rookie: Derrick Pouliot of the Pittsburgh Penguins has performed well in 34 games this season. He has been forced into action at the NHL level due to a large number of injuries. 

Long-Term Potential: Pouliot's skill set is perfect for the NHL, and he should have a long, productive career. His puck-handling skills and speed make him an ideal modern defender. Pouliot performed well in the AHL this season.

What Role Will He Play This Spring? His playing time during the playoffs will depend on injuries to more experienced defensemen. TSN lists Christian Ehrhoff and Kris Letang as day-to-day, so lingering issues could put Pouliot front and center this spring.

9. Mike Hoffman, LW, Ottawa Senators

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Impact as a Rookie: Mike Hoffman of the Ottawa Senators has been a significant offensive addition to the team. He ranks No. 4 among rookies in points this season.

Long-Term Potential: Hoffman is 25, and his development time is over, which means the current production probably represents the extent of his ability. If he can sustain these levels, Hoffman should have a good NHL career.

What Role Will He Play This Spring? If the Senators make the playoffs, Hoffman will likely play multiple roles for the team. His offensive ability will have him in a feature role as long as he can maintain consistency in this area.

8. Evgeny Kuznetsov, C, Washington Capitals

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Impact as a Rookie: Evgeny Kuznetsov of the Washington Capitals helped the team offensively in a support role this season.

Long-Term Potential: The young center has tremendous offensive potential and the kinds of moves that can electrify fans. He could be a top offensive player down the line.

What Role Will He Play This Spring? The Capitals are top-heavy offensively with Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom leading the way. There will come a time this spring when Washington needs some secondary scoring. Kuznetsov is a strong candidate to be the guy who comes through.

7. David Pastrnak, RW, Boston Bruins

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Impact as a Rookie: David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins is an impressive scoring winger. The fact he is 18 and a first-round pick from the 2014 draft makes his accomplishments even more remarkable.

Long-Term Potential: It's early, but Pastrnak is showing signs of becoming a future impact scorer. The Bruins appear to have fleeced many NHL teams, as Pastrnak is the No. 2 scorer from last year's draft despite being selected No. 25 overall.

What Role Will He Play This Spring? The Bruins don't rely on Pastrnak heavily, but he is establishing himself as a significant scoring option. His role is likely to be secondary, but don't be surprised if he surges into a prominent role should injuries decimate Boston's top offensive forwards.

6. Anders Lee, C, New York Islanders

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Impact as a Rookie: Anders Lee of the New York Islanders has established himself as a solid scorer this year. He ranks No. 2 overall in goals among rookies in 2014-15. 

Long-Term Potential: Lee is 24, so he is past his development time and is unlikely to spike offensively in coming seasons. His rookie totals are good enough to keep him in an offensive role with the Islanders over the next several years.

What Role Will He Play This Spring? Lee ranks No. 8 among Islanders forwards this season in ice time, and that's probably a reasonable expectation for the playoffs. Lee should be able to step up those minutes if injuries or slumps occur on the depth chart.

5. Kevin Hayes, RW, New York Rangers

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Impact as a Rookie: Kevin Hayes is a solid scoring winger for the New York Rangers. He currently ranks No. 5 among all rookie scorers this year. 

Long-Term Potential: Hayes was a first-round pick in the 2010 draft, so he has a high pedigree. In his rookie season, he has shown significant ability, and he should be able to build on it. He could be a quality winger for years to come and help the Rangers' second-line scoring.

What Role Will He Play This Spring? The Rangers have him playing 19 shifts and just less than 13 minutes per night on average. He may play a little less during the postseason.

4. Mark Stone, RW, Ottawa Senators

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Impact as a Rookie: Mark Stone of the Ottawa Senators has been an amazing story this season. The 2010 sixth-round selection blossomed into a quality scoring winger in 2014-15.

Long-Term Potential: Stone is 22, and his track record from junior hockey and the AHL suggests this might be his offensive peak. If he can deliver at this level consistently—Stone leads all rookies in even-strength points—he should have a long career.

What Role Will He Play This Spring? The big issue for Stone is making the playoffs. Ottawa is on the cusp to make the postseason, but if it does, Stone will no doubt play a significant offensive role. 

3. Jake Allen, G, St. Louis Blues

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Impact as a Rookie: Jake Allen of the St. Louis Blues leads NHL rookie goalies in wins and has been a solid backup for the team.

Long-Term Potential: Goalies are inconsistent year over year unless they are elite. Allen has a strong resume and could become a quality starter, but the jury is out despite a record of solid performances.

What Role Will He Play This Spring? Allen is in an interesting position this spring. Brian Elliott will enter the playoffs as the No. 1 goalie, but the veteran has had some tough moments this year. Allen may get an opportunity during the playoffs and is good enough to help a strong team like St. Louis go deep into the postseason.

2. Filip Forsberg, RW, Nashville Predators

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Impact as a Rookie: Filip Forsberg of the Nashville Predators is in a tie for No. 2 among NHL's rookies in points and has been a splendid offensive player all year long.

Long-Term Potential: Based on his performance and pedigree—the Capitals selected him No. 11 overall in 2012—Forsberg appears to have a fine future. That should mean impact numbers when he reaches his prime scoring seasons.

What Role Will He Play This Spring? Forsberg should be a major part of Nashville's offense this spring, and there's no reason to expect him to fail in his role. He wasn't rushed to the NHL, he's been consistent player all year, and the Predators are a sound team.

1. Johnny Gaudreau, LW, Calgary Flames

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Impact as a Rookie: Johnny Gaudreau of the Calgary Flames is No. 1 overall in scoring among NHL rookies this season.

Long-Term Potential: His impact with Calgary has been nothing short of spectacular, and he may have another gear as he gains more NHL experience. Gaudreau is only 21 and could develop into one of the best offensive players in the game.

What Role Will He Play This Spring? Gaudreau will be a feature player in the Flames offense. The team will need a strong week in order to reach the postseason, but he should be a major contributor to Calgary's playoff success.