2016 NHL Playoffs: Players Having the Biggest Impact in Their Postseason Debuts

The Stanley Cup playoffs is the biggest test of a player's ability. That's especially true for rookies—such as Dallas Stars center Radek Faksa and St. Louis Blues forward Robby Fabbri (pictured above)—hoping to make substantial contributions in their first-ever NHL postseason.

Some are promising youngsters using the playoffs as a showcase for their potential as future stars. Others, meanwhile, are lesser-known players stepping up to play significant roles.

In this slideshow, we'll examine several players having the biggest impact in their postseason debuts. Feel free to weigh in with your thoughts on this topic in the comments section below.

Stephen Johns, Dallas Stars

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Called up by the Dallas Stars in early March, Dallas Stars defenseman Stephen Johns collected three points in 14 regular-season games down the stretch. In the 2016 playoffs, however, the 6'4", 225-pounder is garnering notice for his physical play.

Though Johns didn't collect any points in his first 11 postseason games, he's been very effective in his own zone. The 24-year-old leads the Stars and all playoff rookies in hits (36).

He's also among the rookie leaders in blocked shots (10) and total ice time.

Johns has shown considerable poise and defensive shutdown ability in this year's playoffs. He's made his presence felt on the Stars blue line.

Tom Kuhnhackl, Pittsburgh Penguins

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Called up by the Pittsburgh Penguins in January, winger Tom Kuhnhackl quickly settled into a checking-line role. He scored five goals and added 10 assists for 15 points in 42 regular-season games.

Capable of playing either wing, the versatile 24-year-old is playing well in his NHL postseason debut.

In 10 playoff games, Kuhnhackl has scored twice and set up three markers for five points. That puts him among the leading scorers for rookies. He's tallied a game-winning goal and is the only rookie skater with a short-handed goal. He's also been a physical presence, ranking among the Penguins' leaders in hits.

With his speed and all-around skill, Kuhnhackl was among this season's pleasant surprises for the Penguins. He's also one of the reasons they're within a game of reaching the Eastern Conference Final.

Radek Faksa, Dallas Stars

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Center Radek Faksa spent this season bouncing between the Stars and their AHL affiliate. In 45 regular-season NHL games, the 22-year-old tallied only five goals and seven assists for 12 points.

In the 2016 playoffs, however, he's made significant improvement.

In 11 postseason games, Faksa has scored three goals and set up two more for five points. Two of those goals were game-winners, leading the Stars and all postseason rookies in that category. At 6'3" and 210 pounds, he's played a solid two-way game. He's also been strong in the faceoff circle.

Seizing an opportunity to step up in the heat of playoff competition, Faksa has had a positive effect on a Stars lineup missing two key forwards in Tyler Seguin and Patrick Eaves.

That bodes well for his chances of becoming a full-time roster player next season.

Colton Parayko, St. Louis Blues

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Rookie defenseman Colton Parayko was a nice surprise this season for the St. Louis Blues. After earning a spot in training camp, the 22-year-old quickly became an indispensable part of their blue line. With 33 points in 79 games, Parayko finished second in scoring among NHL rookie rearguards.

Parayko has carried over that solid play into the 2016 playoffs. He leads all rookie defenders in points (four) and blocked shots (21).

He's also been effective on the power play, chipping in a goal and an assist. He's seeing time on the penalty kill as well.

Despite being an NHL playoff neophyte, Parayko is having little difficulty adjusting to the intensity. Providing invaluable depth to the Blues' defense corps, he's among the reasons the team is poised to reach the Western Conference Final.

Joonas Donskoi, San Jose Sharks

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San Jose Sharks right wing Joonas Donskoi enjoyed a promising start to his NHL career. With 11 goals and 25 assists for 36 points in 76 regular-season games, the 24-year-old finished just outside this season's top 10 in rookie scoring.

In his first Stanley Cup playoffs, Donskoi is adjusting well to the pressure.

With three goals and four assists for seven points in 10 games, he's among the leading rookie scorers. Among those goals was a game-winner. He's also among the Sharks' postseason point leaders.

With his speed and puck-handling skills, Donskoi already proved himself a valuable addition to the Sharks this season. His performance in the 2016 playoffs suggests better things are ahead for this promising Finn.

Artemi Panarin, Chicago Blackhawks

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Chicago Blackhawks left wing Artemi Panarin made an impressive NHL debut. He led all rookie scorers in the regular season with 30 goals and 47 assists for 77 points.

As a result, the 24-year-old was named a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy.

Though the Blackhawks were eliminated in seven games by the St. Louis Blues, Panarin was a key part of their offensive attack. Finishing the series with seven points in as many games, he was tied for the Blackhawks' scoring lead with linemate Patrick Kane.

After two playoff rounds, he remains among the leading rookie playoff scorers.

If there were any doubts over how he'd perform in his first NHL playoff series, Panarin wasted little time silencing them. His performance was among the few bright spots of Chicago's postseason.

Robby Fabbri, St. Louis Blues

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St. Louis Blues forward Robby Fabbri had a good rookie season in 2015-16. A center playing left wing, the 20-year-old tallied a respectable 18 goals and 19 assists for 37 points in 72 games.

In the 2016 playoffs, however, he's playing like a seasoned veteran.

Entering Game 6 of the Blues' second-round series with the Dallas Stars, Fabbri has two goals and eight assists for 10 points in 12 games. He leads all postseason rookies in points and is among the Blues' leading scorers. He's had four two-point games, with two of those coming against the Stars.

Fabbri seems to be thriving in the heat of playoff competition. He's a key reason the Blues are poised to advance to the Western Conference Final for the first time since 2001.

Matt Murray, Pittsburgh Penguins

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Entering this season, Matt Murray was considered a future starting goaltender for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Pressed into service due to a late-season injury to starter Marc-Andre Fleury, Murray has performed very well. His efforts have the Penguins a game away from eliminating the Washington Capitals and marching to the Eastern Conference Final.

Only 21, Murray's playing with the composure of a veteran.

Among the starting netminders through two rounds, his 1.96 goals-against average and .937 save percentage sit fourth overall. In eight games, he's given up two or fewer goals five times. His calm demeanor has enabled him to weather the pressure of NHL playoff competition.

Murray's stellar netminding has made it difficult for the now-recovered Fleury to return to action. It appears the Penguins' future starter is ready for prime time.

If Murray carries the Penguins to the conference finals, questions could grow over Fleury's future in Pittsburgh.

Player stats via NHL.com.