Every NHL Team's Best Young Player in the 2015-16 Season
The NHL is a young man's league. Players like Brandon Saad, who have yet to see their 23rd birthday, are getting paid on projection. Rarely is a player over 30 getting the same kind of deal even in unrestricted free agency these days.
Heck, the National Hockey League has even established an Under-23 squad to compete in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey next fall. Team North America makes all players from this continent who haven't turned 23 by the time Oct. 1 rolls around next season unavailable to Team Canada and Team USA. They will have their own squad of young guns taking on the traditional international powerhouses.
Using that as a guideline, this slideshow takes a look at the best players in that age group, which includes the names of those who will no doubt be selected, plus many more who because they are from overseas will be able to suit up in their home country's colors.
Not every team has more than a couple of choices. Some haven't fared well at recent drafts or in wheeling and dealing for one of these coveted young stars in the making. But there are plenty of strong candidates here as we go team by team looking for them. They have to be under contract currently, under 23 as of Oct. 1, 2016, and, of course, a pretty darn good hockey player.
Some get the edge over their competition because they have more seasoning, others due to higher skill. Some have yet to play in the league but will have a great opportunity to do so this year.
Click ahead to get started and see the selection for your team. As always, feel free to offer your own in the comments section.
All stats via NHL.com unless otherwise noted.
Anaheim Ducks: Hampus Lindholm, Defense
1 of 30
Current age: 21
What he's done
In two seasons, Hampus Lindholm has established himself as one of the league's best young defensemen. His offensive instincts are stellar, and he has a pair of 30-plus point seasons already. He's a plus-54 in 156 regular-season games as well. All this while averaging just over 20 minutes per game—well below some of the league's top defenders with similar stats elsewhere.
Predicting his future
It won't take Lindholm long to become a 40-point defenseman, and his minutes will climb as he enters his prime in his mid-20s. If there was an Under-23 Team Europe in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, he'd be a lock. As it stands, he's going to be considered by Team Sweden. His overall importance to the team is unparalleled by any other player who fits the age requirement we've established.
Other candidates: G John Gibson, C Rickard Rakell
Arizona Coyotes: Max Domi, Center
2 of 30
Current age: 20
What he's done
So far, Max Domi has yet to play an NHL game, but he's dominated at the junior level, particularly last season with a 102-point campaign in 57 games for the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. He led Team Canada to gold at the 2015 world junior tournament and was named the tournament's top forward with five goals and 10 points in seven games.
Predicting his future
Although Domi told NHL.com he just wants to crack the Arizona Coyotes lineup this year, others, including Postmedia Network columnist Michael Traikos (via the Toronto Sun), are touting the small but skilled center as one of the top candidates for the Calder Trophy as the league's best rookie this season. He's closer to playing in the NHL than 2015 draft pick Dylan Strome and has more top-end skill than speedy winger Anthony Duclair.
Other candidates: LW Anthony Duclair, C Dylan Strome
Boston Bruins: David Pastrnak, Right Wing
3 of 30
Current age: 19
What he's done
As a part-time rookie last year, David Pastrnak established himself as a potentially dangerous winger with 10 goals and 27 points in 46 games. Three of those 10 goals were game-winners with six tallies and 21 of those points earned in 24 of his final 30 games of the season.
Predicting his future
That momentum he gained down the stretch after becoming a full-time player in the second half of the NHL season will carry forward. According to the Boston Herald's Steve Conroy, he's playing on a line with David Krejci and free-agent addition Matt Beleskey in training camp and will get plenty of opportunity to show he's a dynamic offensive weapon worthy of that first-round selection in the 2014 NHL draft.
Other candidates
No other roster locks fit the bill for the Boston Bruins, but goaltender Malcolm Subban has a shot at backing up Tuukka Rask this season. Brett Connolly and Ryan Spooner are a couple of very talented young forwards who at 23 this season just miss the cutoff. But neither of them have the upside of Pastrnak anyway.
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Buffalo Sabres: Jack Eichel, Center
4 of 30
Current age: 18
What he's done
Enough to be the second overall pick in the 2015 NHL draft and start training camp alongside veteran Buffalo Sabres Matt Moulson and Zemgus Girgensons. Jack Eichel had 26 goals and 71 points in 40 games for Boston University last year, winning the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey's top player.
Predicting his future
Eichel is talented enough to suit up as a true freshman with the Sabres this season, and it wouldn't be a surprise if he was battling Ryan O'Reilly for the team lead in points come the end of the campaign and challenging Connor McDavid for the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie.
As of now, he's also a likely pick for Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. Last year's second overall draft pick, Sam Reinhart, is also a big league roster hopeful, but his strength isn't as NHL-ready as Eichel's.
Other candidates: C Sam Reinhart, C Zemgus Girgensons
Calgary Flames: Johnny Gaudreau, Left Wing
5 of 30
Current age: 22
What he's done
In his rookie NHL season, Johnny Gaudreau tied Ottawa Senator Mark Stone to lead all freshmen with 64 points. Gaudreau, a diminutive player generously listed at 5'9", is electric on the ice and always a threat to score despite his stature. On top of the 24 goals and 40 assists in the regular season, Gaudreau had four goals and nine points in 11 playoff games for the Calgary Flames.
Predicting his future
Gaudreau is going to be a game-breaker for years to come as long as he stays healthy. He's blazing fast and nimble, has incredible vision of everything taking place on the ice surface and creates scoring opportunities in a heartbeat when he finds a crack of an opening in the defense. Although the Flames have plenty of young guys with great characteristics and potential, none have the dynamic skills Gaudreau boasts.
Other candidates: C Sean Monahan, D Dougie Hamilton
Carolina Hurricanes: Elias Lindholm, Center
6 of 30
Current age: 20
What he's done
Swedish center Elias Lindholm scored 17 goals for the Carolina Hurricanes last season in his first full NHL season. The fifth overall draft pick in 2013 improved on his rookie season with 39 points in 81 games for one of the worst offensive teams in the league.
Predicting his future
Progressively improving, Lindholm should take another step forward this year and should be a 20-plus goal scorer this season and bump his point total up over 50—especially if he rediscovers some of the chemistry he enjoyed with 22-year-old Victor Rask in late February and throughout March.
A key reason for the two-year extension he received this summer in spite of the fact he has another year on his rookie deal is the fact only three other players under 21 last season outproduced him offensively, according to Adam Gretz of CBSsports.com.
Other candidates: C Victor Rask
Chicago Blackhawks: Marko Dano, Left Wing
7 of 30
Current age: 20
What he's done
Making the most of his limited opportunity with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Marko Dano racked up eight goals and 21 points in just 35 NHL games. The Slovakian winger actually had fewer points in more games with the AHL affiliate but was impressive on the NHL ice. Pro-rated over a full season, he would have projected to nearly 50 points.
Predicting his future
Hitting that 50-point mark is a definite possibility for the sophomore, who, according to the Chicago Tribune's Chris Hine, could find himself on a line with veterans Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa—the same slot that boosted the guy he was traded for, Brandon Saad, who became a hot league commodity and ultimately signed a filthy-rich contract extension. If that trio sticks, he is more likely to hit 60 points in his second season.
Other candidates: C Teuvo Teravainen
Colorado Avalanche: Gabriel Landeskog, Left Wing
8 of 30
Current age: 22
What he's done
The captain of the Colorado Avalanche regressed a little in his fourth season, but the entire team struggled, and his totals were only down slightly after setting career highs with 26 goals and 39 assists the previous year. He finished with 23 goals and 59 points last season but finished with 13 goals and 28 points in his last 28 games.
Predicting his future
Landeskog has the potential to be a point-per-game player with a little more consistency in his game and will be a lock for Team Sweden in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. Sophomore Nathan MacKinnon had a steeper setback and dealt with injury last year. Landeskog's hockey smarts and all-around ability give him an edge over the younger and more dynamically skilled MacKinnon.
Other candidates: C Nathan MacKinnon, D Nikita Zadorov
Columbus Blue Jackets: Brandon Saad, Left Wing
9 of 30
Current age: 22
What he's done
Brandon Saad was a part of two Stanley Cup-winning teams in Chicago and established himself as an up-and-coming power forward with 23 goals and 53 points in his second non-lockout NHL season.
Predicting his future
With the Columbus Blue Jackets, Saad won't be lining up with the electrifying Patrick Kane, but he's got a pretty spectacular young center in Ryan Johansen to work with and will be given every opportunity to prove he can dominate the wing. With plenty of ice time and special teams work, Saad should bump his numbers up and flirt with 30 goals and 65 points. His strength and experience give him the edge over the others on this list.
Other candidates: C Alexander Wennberg, LW/C Boone Jenner
Dallas Stars: Valeri Nichushkin, Right Wing
10 of 30
Current age: 20
What he's done
Playing alongside Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin, Valeri Nichushkin had a promising rookie season two years ago with 14 goals and 34 points in 79 games. Injury essentially wiped out his sophomore season, but the Russian drafted 10th overall in 2013 has all the skill needed to succeed in a top-six role.
Predicting his future
The Dallas Morning News' Mike Heika reported Nichushkin opened camp beside Jason Spezza and Ales Hemsky, the same spot he finished last season in when able to get eight games in down the stretch. If he's healthy and in good shape, he will improve on his freshman numbers with Spezza setting him up.
He's capable of a 20-goal, 40-point year. More if he lands on the top line at some point. Even with one season under his belt, he's more established than the rest of the under-23 crowd.
Other candidates: RW Brett Ritchie
Detroit Red Wings: Tomas Jurco, Right Wing
11 of 30
Current age: 22
What he's done
Being groomed slowly by former Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock, the talented Tomas Jurco got most of his playing time on the fourth line and finished with three goals and 18 points in 63 NHL games last season. He was a point-per-game player in the American Hockey League in 2013-14 before being called up.
Predicting his future
Ansar Khan of MLive.com reported Jurco was in on every goal in a recent scrimmage while playing with Tomas Tatar and Brad Richards. If he is given that role in the regular season, Jurco could be the team's big breakout player this year. He's got a lot of speed and skill and is just waiting for an opportunity to shine in a bigger role.
Other candidates: D Xavier Ouellet, C Dylan Larkin
Edmonton Oilers: Connor McDavid, Center
12 of 30
Current age: 18
What he's done
Connor McDavid has captivated audiences at every level and been dubbed a generational talent in the mold of Sidney Crosby or Eric Lindros. In his last season with the Erie Otters in the OHL, he scored 44 goals and 120 points in 47 games. Not bad.
Predicting his future
With so much hype as the Edmonton Oilers' most recent first overall selection, it might be difficult for McDavid to live up to his billing as the franchise's savior. However, his speed, size, vision and stick-handling abilities suggest he can do it. Expect him to be the league's best rookie and perhaps one of its elite players immediately.
Other candidates: C Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, D Oscar Klefbom
Florida Panthers: Jonathan Huberdeau, Left Wing
13 of 30
Current age: 22
What he's done
Jonathan Huberdeau was a young man possessed in his rookie season—the lockout-shortened 2012-13 campaign. He had 14 goals and 31 points in 48 games. A bit of a sophomore slump followed with 28 points in 69 games, but he rebounded last season with 15 goals and 54 points in 79 contests with an especially strong second half once veteran Jaromir Jagr joined the Florida Panthers at the trade deadline.
Predicting his future
Huberdeau is going to have a big season and a very solid career. He has size, speed, intelligence and the confidence seems to be growing to proportions capable of pulling it all together. With Jagr and Aleksander Barkov on his line, Huberdeau should get 20-30 goals and could crack the 70-point mark.
Other candidates: D Aaron Ekblad, C Aleksander Barkov
Los Angeles Kings: Adrian Kempe, Left Wing
14 of 30
Current age: 19
What he's done
Adrian Kempe was dominant at the world junior tournament last year with four goals and eight points in six games. He also helped the Los Angeles Kings' AHL affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs, to a league championship with eight goals in 17 playoff games.
Predicting his future
Despite the first-round talent he's displayed in small spurts at other levels, he still has a long way to go to get into the Kings lineup at the NHL level with regularity. Part of that is due to the likes of Tanner Pearson and Tyler Toffoli, who narrowly missed the cut of eligibility for this list, already taking up top-six roles Kempe would need to succeed there. He'll have to wait his turn.
Other candidates: None
Minnesota Wild: Matt Dumba, Defense
15 of 30
Current age: 21
What he's done
Matt Dumba had eight goals and 16 points in 58 games, establishing himself as a full-time NHLer from about February on. He accumulated six of those goals and 11 points in the final 31 contests. He also earned two goals and four points in 10 playoff games.
Predicting his future
It's bright. He's got all the tools to become a top-pairing guy but for now will hone his skills alongside fellow under-23 blueliner Jonas Brodin as the second pair to jump over the boards on defense. Offensively, he's capable of 35-40 points in a breakout season and will prove better than Brodin in all areas of the ice.
Other candidates: D Jonas Brodin
Montreal Canadiens: Alex Galchenyuk, Center
16 of 30
Current age: 21
What he's done
Already entering his fourth year in the NHL, Alex Galchenyuk posted career numbers with 20 goals and 26 assists for 46 points in 80 games in 2014-15. He's consistently improved and will look to take another leap forward this year.
Predicting his future
With a move to his natural center position and newcomer Alex Semin on his wing, Galchenyuk should have a big breakout season. He's talented enough to put up 25 goals and 60 points even while maintaining his defensive responsibilities. Brendan Gallagher and Devante Smith-Pelly are currently 23, leaving the slot all to Galchenyuk.
Other candidates: D Nathan Beaulieu
Nashville Predators: Filip Forsberg, Center
17 of 30
Current age: 21
What he's done
There were a few contenders for runaway favorite for the Calder Trophy during the first half of the 2014-15 season, but Filip Forsberg announced his presence as one of the young players to watch in the league with a 26-goal, 63-point freshman campaign.
Predicting his future
He should lead the Nashville Predators in scoring once again and improve on his numbers. A 30-goal, 70-point season isn't out of the realm of possibility, especially if linemate James Neal can bounce back from one of his worst campaigns in recent history. The other candidate here is a young defenseman with a well-rounded game, but Forsberg excels up front, and the team would be lost without his emergence.
Other candidates: D Seth Jones
New Jersey Devils: Adam Larsson, Defense
18 of 30
Current age: 21
What he's done
Adam Larsson is a former fourth overall draft pick from 2011 who had a strong rookie season with 18 points in 65 games but hadn't been able to duplicate it until last season. He had career highs with three goals and 21 helpers, and the Devils rewarded him with a six-year, $25 million contract in the offseason, banking on him to turn into the player they imagined when they drafted him.
Predicting his future
The Devils are a terrible team with few young players with potential. Larsson is still very young and now has a great deal of experience to pull from moving forward. He has the potential to become a 35-40 point defesnseman over a full season and could become a bargain by the end of his new deal's term. He's hands-down the best young player on the team in the range we're working with.
Other candidates: D Damon Severson
New York Islanders: Ryan Strome, Center
19 of 30
Current age: 22
What he's done
Ryan Strome was the fifth overall draft pick in 2011 but was given a few years to grow in the American Hockey League before playing his first full NHL season last year. He finished third in team scoring with 17 goals and 50 points in a second-line role, helping the New York Islanders get back into the playoffs.
Predicting his future
The Islanders have plenty of depth at center, and Strome could see time on the top line with John Tavares, which would boost his numbers considerably. Regardless, he'll be a 20-goal scorer and hit that 50-point mark or higher this season. He has the talent to be considered for Team North America at the World Cup of Hockey as well.
Other candidates: LW Michael Dal Colle
New York Rangers: J.T. Miller, Center
20 of 30
Current age: 22
What he's done
J.T. Miller has yet to play a full NHL season, but he made his case for this coming year in last year's audition. Miller had 10 goals and 23 points in 53 games for the New York Rangers while centering the third line. He moved up into the top six in the playoffs when Mats Zuccarello was injured and added eight points in 19 postseason games with the increased role.
Predicting his future
That playoff audition could pay off with a top-six role to start the season. If he stays there, he could quickly become a 20-goal scorer and 40-point player with even higher long-term upside.
Other candidates: None.
Ottawa Senators: Mika Zibanejad, Center
21 of 30
Current age: 22
What he's done
It's hard to believe Mika Zibanejad played his first full season in the NHL last year after the Ottawa Senators drafted him sixth overall in the 2011 draft. He came through with 20 goals and 46 points in 80 games.
Predicting his future
Playing with Bobby Ryan and Mike Hoffman, Zibanejad should again be a 20-goal scorer and add at least 30 helpers for a 50-point benchmark or more.
Other candidates: C Jean-Gabriel Pageau, C Curtis Lazar, D Cody Ceci
Philadelphia Flyers: Sean Couturier, Center
22 of 30
Current age: 22
What he's done
Sean Couturier already has four years of NHL service under his belt and has steadily improved. He's not among the elite but is a very strong two-way center who can play an offensive role and be counted on in his own end. He had 15 goals and 37 points in 82 games last year.
Predicting his future
Only prospects can be included in the Philadelphia Flyers' candidates for this purpose, and Couturier is years ahead in development and will be a solid NHLer for years to come. He's interchangeable as a second- and third-line center, but his offense probably isn't ever going to climb above the 55-point range without a major change in his role over the next couple of years.
Other candidates: D Ivan Provorov, D Shayne Gostisbehere
Pittsburgh Penguins: Olli Maatta, Defense
23 of 30
Current age: 21
What he's done
A devastating shoulder injury shortened Olli Maatta's sophomore season after 20 games. He had a goal and nine points in that span after accumulating nine goals and 20 points in 78 contests as a rookie.
Predicting his future
Maatta is a top-pairing cornerstone defenseman who excels in all areas of the ice. He'll soon be in the 40-point range (or more) along with blue-line partner Kris Letang.
Other candidates: D Derrick Pouliot
San Jose Sharks: Tomas Hertl, Center
24 of 30
Current age: 21
What he's done
Tomas Hertl didn't live up to the excitement produced in a small sample size two seasons ago as a rookie when he netted 15 goals and 25 points in 37 games before tearing up his knee. But he was still productive as a sophomore in his first full season, finishing with 13 goals and 31 points.
Predicting his future
Hertl tells Curtis Pashelka of the San Jose Mercury News that he's leaner and hungry for redemption after the down season. He got most of his production on the top line with Joe Thornton two years ago but didn't stay with him consistently last season. He should land there again to start this season, and a little confidence will go a long way with the talented Czech player who has high-end talent.
Other candidates: LW Matt Nieto
St. Louis Blues: Dmitrij Jaskin, Left Wing
25 of 30
Current age: 22
What he's done
Dmitri Jaskin took a slight step forward in what was officially his rookie season. He played 54 games and finished with 13 goals and 18 points. Not the same sort of spectacular numbers St. Louis Blues teammate Vladimir Tarasenko exhibited when he was a freshman, but Jaskin is a project worth putting time into. He has some size and still boasts speed and soft hands.
Predicting his future
Jaskin will carve out a bigger role for himself competing with the likes of rookie Robby Fabbri for ice time and potentially playing on the same line. He should get into the 30-40 point range in a third-line role, which may not be mind-blowing compared to the kinds of young players listed so far, but for a veteran-laden team with few eligible for this list, it's decent.
Fabbri could prove a more exciting player long term, but Jaskin already has a taste of what's needed and a head start in regard to strength.
Other candidates: C/RW Robby Fabbri
Tampa Bay Lightning: Nikita Kucherov, Right Wing
26 of 30
Current age: 22
What he's done
If you haven't heard of the Tampa Bay Lightning's Triplets line by now, you're new to NHL hockey. Kucherov helped form the Bolts' best trio last season and had 29 goals and 65 points in 82 regular-season games. He added 10 more goals and 22 points in 26 playoff games. Oh, and it was only his first full NHL campaign.
Predicting his future
Kucherov will only increase his output as he and the other Triplets—Tyler Johnson and Ondrej Palat—grow together. He should have between 25 and 30 goals annually and bump his point total up around the 70 mark as well as he progresses. The sky is the limit for the trio, and despite the raw talent of some of the other youngsters on the Lightning roster, Kucherov has already found his niche and is thriving.
Other candidates: LW Jonathan Drouin
Toronto Maple Leafs: Morgan Rielly, Defense
27 of 30
Current age: 21
What he's done
In his first two NHL seasons, Morgan Rielly has flirted with 30 points in each and shown flashes of being a dangerous weapon offensively from the back end. Last year, he had eight goals and 29 points in 81 games.
Predicting his future
Rielly's talents will be brought out by opportunity and confidence, and new Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock can offer that to the youngster with the team rebuilding. He's a likely cornerstone of this defense going forward, and once he gets his defensive skills together at the NHL level, he'll be the best the Leafs have in the stable.
Other candidates: C William Nylander
Vancouver Canucks: Bo Horvat, Center
28 of 30
Current age: 20
What he's done
Bo Horvat had 13 goals and 25 points in 65 games during his rookie season in the NHL, and he added a goal and four points in six playoff games for the Vancouver Canucks. He excelled after the All-Star break, netting 10 goals and 17 points during the second half while making regular appearances in the lineup.
Predicting his future
Horvat will blossom over time. His numbers pro-rated over last season would have equaled a 30-point season, but if you only look at the post-break stats, that consistency would have led to 20-plus goals and closer to 40 points.
Anticipate even better numbers than that as he improves as a sophomore while gradually increasing his minutes and power-play opportunities. There are other prospects, including a so-far underwhelming former first-rounder in Sven Baertschi, who will get opportunities to earn roles in camp, but Horvat could be the second-line center behind the Sedins.
Other candidates: LW Sven Baertschi, RW Jake Virtanen
Washington Capitals: Andre Burakovsky, Center
29 of 30
Current age: 20
What he's done
Andre Burakovsky showed he's a versatile player last year when the Washington Capitals turned him into a center after he played on the wing for most of his life. He challenged Evgeny Kuznetsov for the second-line center role despite the switch in roles and was then changed back to wing during the season. He finished with nine goals and 22 points in 53 games in the regular season.
Predicting his future
With top center Nicklas Backstrom potentially missing time after offseason hip surgery, Burakovsky could get an early chance to shine with offensively creative linemates. No matter who he plays with, his numbers will climb offensively. The team is also focused on improvement defensively from the talented sophomore.
Other candidates: RW Tom Wilson, LW Jakub Vrana
Winnipeg Jets: Mark Scheifele, Center
30 of 30
Current age: 22
What he's done
As a sophomore last season, Mark Scheifele netted 15 goals and 49 points in 82 games with a cast of rotating wingers on his second line. He showed with more consistency the speed and creativity that made him the seventh overall pick in the 2011 NHL draft.
Predicting his future
Scheifele came into camp with added muscle and strength this fall, according to the Winnipeg Free Press' Paul Wiecek. That should lead to even more opportunities around the net for the pivot, who had Blake Wheeler and Drew Stafford on his wings early in camp. A bump to 20-plus goals and 60 points is attainable if he stays healthy.
Other candidates: C Adam Lowry, D Jacob Trouba
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