NHL Rookies Cementing a Roster Spot Early in 2015-16 Season

Every NHL season introduces a crop of rookies seeking opportunities to earn full-time roster spots with their respective teams. Some highly touted youngsters, like Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid and Buffalo Sabres pivot Jack Eichel, are roster locks no matter what they do. Most, however, have their work cut out for them to become roster regulars. This list will focus on those players.

Several youngsters have shown early promise as potential full-time roster players. Some of them are notable prospects earning top-line minutes, like Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings. Several lesser-known players, meanwhile, are garnering attention with their solid play, like Artemi Panarin of the Chicago Blackhawks.  

Here's a look at the NHL rookies cementing a roster spot early in this season. We'll examine their notable statistics, along with analysis of their performance and an outlook for the rest of the season. If you have any thoughts on this topic, feel free to post them in the comments section below. 

Max Domi, Arizona Coyotes

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Stats: In his first five NHL games, Arizona Coyotes forward Max Domi scored three goals and collected three assists for six points. Those numbers place him among the Coyotes' leading scorers.

Analysis: Domi, the most-anticipated Coyotes prospect in years, has dazzled thus far in his NHL debut. Though he's not physical like his father, former NHL enforcer Tie Domi, Max is a more talented player. While slightly undersized at 5'10” and 198 pounds, the 20-year-old is an aggressive, creative scorer who can play center or left wing. A gifted performer, Domi has a bright future as an NHL scoring star.

Outlook: Entering this season, Domi was overshadowed by the hype around prospects like Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid and Buffalo Sabres' Jack Eichel. Nevertheless, he's a promising star in his own right and is quickly establishing himself as a key player with the Coyotes. Domi could be a serious contender for the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year. 

Anthony Duclair, Arizona Coyotes

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Stats: In 18 games with the New York Rangers last season, Anthony Duclair scored once and set up six goals for seven points. In his first five games this season with the Arizona Coyotes, he netted four goals and six points, making him the club's top goal scorer.  

Analysis: The Rangers will rue the day they gave up Duclair as part of the return for defenseman Keith Yandle last season. Though not large in stature by NHL standards (5'11”, 185 pounds), the 20-year-old is a natural scorer who skates well and can play either wing. He's already providing the Coyotes, who were among last season's lowest-scoring clubs, with invaluable offensive depth. 

Outlook: Duclair's among a handful of promising young players on the Coyotes' roster this season. Thus far, he's also among their standouts. While he's likely to level off from his current torrid offensive pace, Duclair is already showing that he belongs in the NHL. He should remain a valuable part of the Coyotes' top-two forward lines.

Nikolaj Ehlers, Winnipeg Jets

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Stats: A scoring star last season with the QMJHL's Halifax Mooseheads, right wing Nikolaj Ehlers is off to a flying start with the Winnipeg Jets. In his first five games, he scored his first NHL goal and set up two others for three points.

Analysis: The 19-year-old Ehlers entered this season as the Jets' top prospect. Though slender at 172 pounds, the six-footer is a confident offensive forward. He's a skilled playmaker with good speed who also has a deft scoring touch. The Winnipeg Sun's Ken Wiebe reported Jets coach Paul Maurice was also pleased with Ehler's backchecking efforts. 

Outlook: Ehlers is wasting little time making the most of his big opportunity. Skating on the club's second line, he's among the Jets' leaders in points and shots. Should he maintain or exceed his current performance level over the course of the season, he could be in contention for the Calder Memorial Trophy. 

Noah Hanifin, Carolina Hurricanes

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Stats: Defenseman Noah Hanifin made the jump from the American college ranks directly into the Carolina Hurricanes roster. In his first five NHL games, he has collected an assist and ranks among their leaders in takeaways and blocked shots. 

Analysis: The fifth-overall pick in the 2015 NHL draft, Hanifin has all the tools to become a top-two defenseman. The 18-year-old has good size (6'3”, 206 pounds) and should continue to fill out his frame. He skates well, carries the puck with confidence and is responsible in his own zone. Hanifin has a bright future ahead of him.

Outlook: Blueliners usually take longer to develop, but Hanifin has already displayed a skill level beyond his years. If he maintains his solid defensive play, he'll become a key part of the rebuilding Hurricanes this season.

Ben Hutton, Vancouver Canucks

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Stats: Vancouver Canucks rookie defenseman Ben Hutton is turning heads with his solid start to this season. In his first five NHL games, the 22-year-old collected three assists and averaged over 18 minutes of ice time per game. 

Analysis: Hutton's been a good early addition to the Canucks' rebuilding defense corps thus far. Though he's slender at 183 pounds, at 6'2”, he has a big frame and a long reach. Hutton's also a strong skater with good puck-moving skills, and he's shown a willingness to join the offensive rush.

Outlook: So far, Hutton's gained the trust of the Canucks coaching staff. If he continues working hard and playing with confidence, he won't have to worry about a demotion to the minors. 

Oscar Lindberg, New York Rangers

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Stats: After only one game and no points with the New York Rangers in 2014-15, center Oscar Lindberg netted four goals for four points in his first five games of this season. He's among the Rangers' leading scorers and was one of the three stars of the NHL's opening week.

Analysis: After spending two seasons with the Rangers' AHL affiliate in Hartford, the 23-year-old Lindberg cracked the roster with a solid preseason. He's considered more of a playmaker than a goal scorer, and he can also play a responsible two-way game.

Outlook: Having two early two-goal performances is nice, but there's more to Lindberg's game than offense. Thus far, he's been an effective third-line center. By continuing to combine responsible defensive play with opportunistic offense, Lindberg should remain a roster regular for the Rangers.

Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings

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Stats: Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin is enjoying an impressive debut so far. In his first five games, the 19-year-old scored two goals and set up four others for six points. He's among the Wings' leading scorers. 

Analysis: The Wings usually break their promising youngsters into the lineup slowly, but an injury to veteran star Pavel Datsyuk opened the door for Larkin. He's a strong skater blessed with natural offensive talent. Usually a center, Larkin's been skating at left wing on the first line, fitting in well alongside veterans Henrik Zetterberg and Justin Abdelkader. 

Outlook: Even without injuries providing an opening for Larkin, he made a strong case for a roster spot during the preseason. It remains to be seen how long he'll stay on the top line once Datsyuk returns, but he already looks like a candidate to remain a Red Wing this season.

Mattias Janmark, Dallas Stars

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Stats: Forward Mattias Janmark made the jump from Sweden to the Dallas Stars this season. In his first five NHL games, the 22-year-old tallied twice and set up two others for four points. He's currently among the Stars' leading scorers. 

Analysis: Acquired from the Detroit Red Wings last season, Janmark has had an immediate impact on the Stars lineup. A very good playmaker, the young Swede earned a roster spot with a solid preseason performance. He usually plays center but is also effective at left wing. His experience playing in Sweden with older professionals has helped him adjust to the NHL game.

Outlook: Janmark's addition provides the Stars with invaluable secondary offense. He has the skills and maturity to stick with the lineup throughout the season. Given the recent injuries to Patrick Eaves and Curtis McKenzie, Janmark should remain on the Stars roster for the foreseeable future. 

Artemi Panarin, Chicago Blackhawks

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Stats: Since making the jump from Russia to the Chicago Blackhawks, winger Artemi Panarin has been enjoying a splashy NHL debut. In his first six games, the 23-year-old netted two goals and set up five others for seven points. He currently ranks among the Blackhawks' leading scorers. 

Analysis: So far, Panarin's arrival has taken the sting out of the Blackhawks trading away popular winger Brandon Saad in June. The 5'11", 170-pounder may lack Saad's size and physical style, but he's showing big-league offensive skills. He's a creative puck-handler who can line up on either side of center. His time playing alongside professionals in Russia has helped him adapt to the NHL.

Outlook: Panarin's looked right at home skating on a line with Blackhawks star Patrick Kane. Nicknamed The Bread Man, he's done a fine job of replacing the departed Saad so far. He could find it difficult to maintain his current offensive production over the course of a long NHL season. Still, Panarin has the ability to be a serious Calder candidate.

Colton Parayko, St. Louis Blues

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Stats: A third-round pick by the St. Louis Blues in the 2012 NHL draft, defenseman Colton Parayko is off to a good start this season. In his first five games with the Blues, he has two goals along with six blocked shots while averaging over 17 minutes of ice time per game.

Analysis: Parayko has considerable potential to become an NHL blueliner. The 22-year-old possesses impressive size (6'5”, 226 pounds) and good mobility. He plays a solid game at both ends of the rink. While still a raw talent, Parayko has plenty of upside.

Outlook: Parayko's been skating on the Blues' second defensive pairing and saw some power-play time. He's in a good position to earn a full-time spot on their roster. If he adds a little more physical edge to his game, he could become a very intimidating blueliner.