NHL Rookies Most Likely to Make an Impact in the 2016 Playoffs

Several NHL rookies, such as Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson (pictured above), have made a positive impact on their teams during the regular season. A lucky handful face a bigger test in the upcoming 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Some on this list are on teams that have already clinched playoff berths, while a couple are on clubs still battling for postseason spots. All of them are important contributors to their respective franchises.

Here's a look at the NHL rookies most likely to make an impact in the 2016 playoffs. Performance, roster role and even prior experience factored into this compilation. As always, you can voice your opinion on this topic in the comments section below.

Mattias Janmark, Dallas Stars

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Rookie forward Mattias Janmark has become a valuable two-way player for the Dallas Stars this season. In 71 games, he has 15 goals and 14 assists for 29 points. He is one of the Stars' top 10 scorers and ranks among the rookie scoring leaders. 

Janmark's ability to adapt to a change in position contributed to his respectable numbers. On March 27, Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News reported the 23-year-old center earned a spot as a left wing on Jason Spezza's line. The duo have developed a solid on-ice chemistry. 

With Janmark and Spezza meshing well, the Stars head into the playoffs with two reliable scoring lines. That could prove crucial if they're to have a realistic shot of winning the Stanley Cup.

Colton Parayko, St. Louis Blues

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St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko has proved to be among the best of this season's rookie crop. The 22-year-old ranks second among rookie rearguards in points (31) and among the leaders in blocked shots with 115.

The 6'6", 226-pounder was a pleasant surprise for the Blues, ranking among their top 10 scorers. He's seeing regular duty as a reliable second-pairing blueliner.

The addition of Parayko's size and all-around skills provided a significant boost to the Blues defense during the regular season. He should remain a vital part of their quest for the Stanley Cup this spring.

Joonas Donskoi, San Jose Sharks

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Right wing Joonas Donskoi has quietly become a notable member of the San Jose Sharks this season. The 23-year-old has put up decent numbers in his NHL debut, with 11 goals and 23 assists for 34 points in 71 games. He's also among this season's leading rookie scorers.  

On March 25, the San Jose Mercury News' Curtis Pashelka reported Donskoi, hampered by a lower-body injury, would soon return to action. He also noted the young Finn was part of the Sharks' second power play, among their best forecheckers and developing some chemistry with veteran center Logan Couture.

Donskoi's return on March 28 provides the Sharks with a boost to their forward lines for the remainder of the regular season. Given his value to their lineup, he could be a crucial playoff contributor.

Robby Fabbri, St. Louis Blues

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Over the course of this season, forward Robby Fabbri has become an important part of the St. Louis Blues offense. Skating on the second line, the 20-year-old has 18 goals and 19 assists for 37 points in 71 games. He's among the league's leading rookie scorers. 

On pace for a respectable 20 goals and 40 points, Fabbri sits third among the Blues' goal scorers and is one of their top six point leaders. With the Blues jockeying with the Dallas Stars for top spot in the Western Conference, Fabbri has tallied 11 points in his last 13 games. 

With the playoffs fast approaching, Fabbri's offensive production is heating up at the right time for the Blues. He could be an invaluable part of their push for a Stanley Cup championship. 

Shayne Gostisbehere, Philadelphia Flyers

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Called up to the Philadelphia Flyers in mid-November, defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere quickly proved himself as a skilled puck-mover. In 57 games, the 22-year-old has netted 16 goals and 26 assists for 42 points. He's this season's highest-scoring rookie defenseman and sits among the top 10 for rookie scorers. 

Gostisbehere's also had a significant effect upon the Flyers offense. He's their highest-scoring rearguard and is perched among their top five scorers. He also leads the Flyers in overtime goals, is tied for the most game-winners and sits second in power-play points. 

The Flyers are in a close fight for one of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berths. As he's done all season, Gostisbehere will be playing an important role in that quest. Should they succeed, expect the Ghost Bear to be a vital part of their postseason plans. 

Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings

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The Detroit Red Wings find themselves locked in a tight battle for a wild-card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Should they clinch a berth, the play of rookie forward Dylan Larkin could have a lot to do with it. With 22 goals and 22 assists for 44 points in 75 games, the 19-year-old is among this season's leading rookie scorers. 

In one year, Larkin made an impressive jump from the American college ranks to the NHL. Despite his youth and inexperience, he swiftly became a key member of the Red Wings. He leads the club in goals, game-winners (five) and shots (210), plus he ranks among Detroit's leaders in points and takeaways (40).

While a playoff spot isn't assured for the Wings, Larkin's impressive performance gives them a good shot. Considering how well he's risen to the occasion for them this season, he shouldn't have much difficulty adjusting to postseason pressure.

John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks

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In his first full NHL season, Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson acquitted himself well. In 32 games, the 22-year-old sports a record of 18 wins, 11 losses and three overtime losses, with a 2.09 goals-against average, a .918 save percentage and four shutouts. 

Though Gibson could be in a backup role behind Frederik Andersen when the playoffs begin, that could change depending upon Andersen's performance. The duo played a key role in the Ducks' climb from the bottom of the Western Conference standings into a playoff berth. They've largely split the goalie duties for the Ducks this season. 

Gibson's also no stranger to the heat of Stanley Cup playoff competition. He saw action in four games during the 2014 postseason. That experience could work to his advantage if called upon to take over the starter's role.

Artemi Panarin, Chicago Blackhawks

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Chicago Blackhawks left wing Artemi Panarin wasted little time making a big impression in his NHL debut season. Skating on a line with center Artem Anisimov and NHL scoring leader Patrick Kane, the 24-year-old has tallied 25 goals and 39 assists for 64 points in 75 games. He's also this season's leading rookie scorer. 

Panarin's skills, age and previous pro experience in Russia's KHL enabled him to quickly adapt to the NHL game. Those attributes also helped him establish an offensive rapport with Anisimov and Kane, and he's become a key part of the Blackhawks' offensive attack. 

Adjusting to the intensity of his first Stanley Cup playoffs will be another challenge for Panarin. Playing for the defending Cup champions, however, could make that an easy adjustment for the young Russian. His KHL playoff experience (38 games) could also prove helpful. 

Player and team stats via NHL.com.