Ranking the Top Rookies Early in the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs

NHL teams ride their veterans during the long playoff season, secure in the knowledge those men have been there before and are familiar with the tough road ahead.

In some cases, brilliant rookies have performed so well during the regular season they have come to be regarded as part of the veteran group. In others, injuries have forced unproven newcomers into more prominent roles.

Rookies who maintain their minutes during the postseason earn it, as coaches often cut back playing time at the first sign of inexperience. Early in the playoffs, several rookies have impressed enough to take a regular turn during the most important games of the entire campaign.

Here are the top freshman so far in the 2016 NHL postseason.

Note: Players are ranked by total points, and the ranking is not a reflection of their long-term potential or their chances of winning the Calder Trophy.

6. Tom Kuhnhackl, LW, Pittsburgh Penguins

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The playoff numbers: Tom Kuhnhackl of the Pittsburgh Penguins has a goal and two points in four games so far this postseason. 

Is this an increase from the regular season? Kuhnhackl played just over half of the regular-season games (42) and about 12 minutes a night. During the playoffs, he is playing every night—but the same time-on-ice per game. 

Can he sustain this level into next season? There is a real chance he has found a home in the NHL. The Penguins—like any team spending close to the cap, General Fanager reporting they have no cap space—badly need value contracts. Although he does not project as a prolific scorer, Kuhnhackl can skate, has a good shot and plays responsible hockey. It took some time to get to the NHL—he was drafted in 2010—but he could be around for a few years.

5. Colton Parayko, D, St. Louis Blues

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The playoff numbers: Colton Parayko of the St. Louis Blues has a goal and an assist in five games so far this postseason. 

Is this an increase from the regular season? Parayko played over 19 minutes on average during the regular season, and his playoff number is up to almost 21 minutes—although overtime has skewed all time-on-ice totals. 

Can he sustain this level into next season? St. Louis found gold in Parayko, who has a complete range of skills and is massive—6'6", 226 pounds—and played a substantial role as a rookie. The Blues have exceptional depth on defense, so his minutes may not increase a lot next season, but his ability to play in any situation should mean he emerges as a major part of the St. Louis defense for the next decade.

4. Shayne Gostisbehere, D, Philadelphia Flyers

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The playoff numbers: Shayne Gostisbehere of the Philadelphia Flyers has a goal and an assist in four games this postseason.

Is this an increase from the regular season? Gostisbehere's handling by the Flyers' coach Dave Hakstol is identical to the regular season: 20 minutes a night and high expectations for good results.

Can he sustain this level into next season? Philadelphia badly needed Gostisbehere, but he was not a strong option leading into training camp. He spent some time in the AHL this year—and not just a few games—but he looks bona fide.

Those 14 minor league games could be his last for many years based on his outstanding performance. The Flyers entered the season without a young and emerging talent to help lead the defensemen, but Gostisbehere—not an early pick or a heralded prospect—delivered on an extremely high level to give Flyers fans some hope.

3. Ryan Pulock, D, New York Islanders

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The playoff numbers: Defenseman Ryan Pulock has a goal and two assists through four games for the New York Islanders. 

Is this an increase from the regular season? Pulock's presence in the early portion of the playoffs was definitely a step up, as he played only 15 games during the regular season. His showing during the postseason has been important for New York, and his shot from the point must have management and fans excited for the future.

Can he sustain this level into next season? Defensemen take time to develop and sometimes take a step back before making the grade. Injuries also affect the progress of blueliners, and Pulock has suffered an injury during this year's playoffs. Arthur Staple of New York Newsday reported on Thursday he is likely out for the rest of the Islanders' series against the Florida Panthers.

2. Robby Fabbri, C, St. Louis Blues

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The playoff numbers: Robby Fabbri has one goal and three assists in five games for the St. Louis Blues in the playoffs this spring. 

Is this an increase from the regular season? Fabbri is playing every game in the playoffs, and his playing time is up to 15 minutes during the postseason—he was averaging just over 13 minutes during the regular campaign. Fabbri's scoring rates are also higher, but these are the early days of the playoffs.

Can he sustain this level into next season? Fabbri is probably headed for more minutes and a higher slot on the depth chart, and this year's playoffs may be an indication. The Blues are a veteran team that could afford to break in their talented rookie in a limited role. Those time-on-ice totals are likely to spike next year.

1. Artemi Panarin, LW, Chicago Blackhawks

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The playoff numbers: Winger Artemi Panarin of the Chicago Blackhawks has scored two goals and three assists during the first five playoff games this spring. He is averaging just over 21 minutes a night in playing time.

Is this an increase from the regular season? Panarin's performance during the playoffs is about equal with his regular season, although he has played more so far in the postseason because of overtime. His regular-season time-on-ice total was over 18 minutes a game, and that has been stretched to more than 21 minutes against the St. Louis Blues. 

Can he sustain this level into next season? Chicago has been blessed by Panarin's presence this year; he has added another brilliant offensive element to their team. Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman hit a home run when landing free agent Panarin, and he should maintain this level for years to come. Although the Blackhawks have struggled during their series against the Blues, Panarin was a big part of their Game 5 win with a goal and an assist.

Stats per Hockey-Reference.com unless otherwise noted.