Every NHL Team's Best Young Player in the 2016-17 Season
If the World Cup of Hockey has proved anything, it's that the NHL's young players are among the most exciting to watch in the world. The U23 Team North America roster made waves in the tournament, and even though it fell short of the playoff round, it was impressive to watch.
The age group is key to the business side of things too, with a couple of these guys looking for big paydays already coming out of their entry-level deals.
Using the under-23 age group as a guide, we take a look at the best young players in the game, team by team. Not every franchise has a stellar group of players and prospects on the brink of joining the NHL ranks, but you'll see many burgeoning superstars on this list. The winners, if you want to call them that, get the nod based on what they've already done or what their skills suggest they are capable of in the not-too-distant future.
Click ahead to see your favorite team's best young player in the 2016-17 season.
Anaheim Ducks: John Gibson, G
1 of 30
Age: 23
What he's done: Despite not yet spending an entire season in the NHL, John Gibson has established himself as the top goaltender for the Anaheim Ducks. He made a solid impression a few seasons ago with a three-game debut that saw him go undefeated with a .954 save percentage and 1.33 goals-against average. He played a quarter of the team's games the next year but cemented his status last year with a 38-21-13 record, .920 save percentage, 2.07 GAA and four shutouts in 40 appearances.
Predicting his future: The Ducks were so confident he'd become an elite option in goal that they dealt away former No. 1 Frederik Andersen in an offseason trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Gibson played great against the world's best in the World Cup of Hockey after Matt Murray was hurt, winning his lone start over Sweden and stopping 41 of 44 shots in his two appearances. He has a bright future with a strong Ducks team and will likely be an NHL All-Star regular.
Other candidates: Rickard Rakell, C (23); Hampus Lindholm, D (22).
Arizona Coyotes: Max Domi, C/LW
2 of 30
Age: 21
What he's done: The scrappy little forward who plays with a lot of bite had a nice rookie season for the Arizona Coyotes. Max Domi scored 18 times and finished with 52 points—good for third among all freshmen—in 81 games. The natural center played the wing most of the time and looked good doing it. His speed and skill set him up for success despite his lack of size.
Predicting his future: It's hard to believe Domi wasn't part of Team North America at the World Cup of Hockey, but he still has a couple years of eligibility if the tournament returns. Domi is a candidate for a big jump statistically this year, similar to what the Calgary Flames' Johnny Gaudreau did last season to become one of the best scoring forwards in the league. Domi is competitive and driven to succeed and could be future captain material.
Other candidates: Dylan Strome, C (19); Anthony Duclair, RW (21).
Boston Bruins: David Pastrnak, RW
3 of 30
Age: 20
What he's done: A foot injury prevented David Pastrnak from playing his first full NHL season in 2015-16, but his production during the 51 games he was able to suit up for was impressive. He scored 15 goals and 26 points in that span, which multiplied over a full 82-game slate would be 24 goals and about 42 points. In two partial campaigns, the Czech Republic product has 25 goals and 53 points in 97 NHL contests. He also has a plus-15 rating.
Predicting his future: The Bruins are depending on the slick winger to play a big role this season now that he's no longer a teenager. He finished strongly in both seasons, racking up 10 goals and 26 points in the last 41 games as a rookie after spending half a year in the AHL and then going 12-9-21 over his final 38 last year once he recovered from his injury and returned from the World Junior Championship. He's going to be a big part of the top two lines for years to come—unless the Bruins trade him away for the defenseman they desperately need.
Other candidates: Frank Vatrano, C (22); Malcolm Subban, G (22).
Buffalo Sabres: Jack Eichel, C
4 of 30
Age: 19
What he's done: 2015 second-overall draft pick Jack Eichel had a great rookie season after a dominant year in the college ranks, winning the Hobey Baker Award as a freshman. The big center finished with 24 goals and 56 points in 81 games, landing second in freshman scoring and fourth in points per game among rookies who suited up for at least 40 games.
Predicting his future: Eichel's rookie numbers were similar to another high pick who started with a terrible team—New York Islanders captain John Tavares, who is now one of the league's top players. Expect a similar trajectory from Eichel, who is of similar size and skill level with a great deal of responsibility dumped on his shoulders early. He's a franchise player and future captain.
Other candidates: Rasmus Ristolainen, D (21); Sam Reinhart, C (20)
Calgary Flames: Johnny Gaudreau, LW
5 of 30
Age: 23
What he's done: Johnny Gaudreau has already become one of the most electrifying players in the NHL in just two years of experience at the pro level. The former college star—another Hobey Baker Award winner—had a respectable rookie campaign two years ago with 24 goals and 64 points in the regular season and another nine points in 11 playoff games. He took his game to another level as a sophomore with 30 goals and 78 points in 79 games.
Predicting his future: The Calgary Flames better find a way to sign the restricted free agent to a long-term deal before the dollars go up any more. Gaudreau was one of the World Cup's best players in the round robin with two goals and four points in three games, tying with defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere as the top point-getters among those who didn't advance to the semifinals. He is tiny but makes up for a lack of size with shiftiness, pure speed and hands that can keep up. His hockey intelligence and vision make him deadly with the puck. He may be the modern-day Pavel Bure.
Other candidates: Sean Monahan, C (21); Sam Bennett, C (20)
Carolina Hurricanes: Victor Rask, C
6 of 30
Age: 23
What he's done: Among all the candidates for the Carolina Hurricanes, it's a little surprising Victor Rask appears to be the best at this point. About to enter his third NHL season, Rask usurped Elias Lindholm as the next big thing in Canes Country with a 21-goal, 48-point sophomore campaign last year to finish in a tie for second in team scoring behind linemate Jeff Skinner. It was a big jump from the 11 goals and 33 points he netted as a rookie.
Predicting his future: Rask was a second-round pick in 2011 and went on to have a couple of nice years with the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL before a productive rookie year in the AHL that led to his promotion to the NHL two seasons ago. He has steadily improved every year. The team has enjoyed his work ethic and sees enough top-end offensive potential to give him a six-year deal worth $4 million per season. He may not be a superstar but he's a stellar second-line center with two-way potential. Others may have more upside, but Rask has proved his value.
Other candidates: Elias Lindholm, C (21); Teuvo Teravainen, C (22); Noah Hanifin, D (19)
Chicago Blackhawks: Alex DeBrincat, RW
7 of 30
Age: 18
What he's done: He's done nothing at the pro level just yet, but the Chicago Blackhawks' second-round (potential) steal from the 2016 NHL draft is talented offensively. Alex DeBrincat has put together a pair of 100-point seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Erie Otters, with 51 goals in each. And that was just 68 and 60 games.
Predicting his future: It's early, but while others on this list—and there are none with experience because of the Blackhawks' salary-cap issues—are further along in their development, it's DeBrincat with the massive upside. He is small at 5'7" and 160 pounds, but guys like Johnny Gaudreau have proved size doesn't matter if there is elite skill in the package. He could become the next Patrick Kane...or at least another Artemi Panarin.
Other candidates: Tyler Motte, C (21); Nick Schmaltz, C (20); Vince Hinostroza, C (22)
Colorado Avalanche: Nathan MacKinnon, C/RW
8 of 30
Age: 21
What he's done: Nathan MacKinnon has already played three NHL seasons since being drafted first overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 2013. He's appeared in 218 games with 59 goals and 153 points so far. His best campaign was a 24-goal, 63-point rookie year in which he posted a plus-20 rating and shooting percentage of 10. He was a key piece for Team North America at the World Cup with two goals and three points in the round robin, including a big overtime winner in an upset over Sweden.
Predicting his future: MacKinnon hasn't yet consistently tapped into what made him a top pick, but his performance at the World Cup offers signs of a breakout coming soon. The big center can play the middle or the wing, but if the team commits to building him up at either spot, the result could be the emergence of the franchise cornerstone it thought it got when selecting him.
Other candidates: Gabriel Landeskog, LW (23); Mikko Rantanen, RW (19)
Columbus Blue Jackets: Seth Jones, D
9 of 30
Age: 21
What he's done: There are a lot of names to pick from on what should be an up-and-coming Columbus Blue Jackets team, but defenseman Seth Jones showed in his limited time with the Jackets last season that he has the potential to become a top shutdown rearguard with offensive upside. He had two goals and 20 points in 41 games with the Jackets after the trade from Nashville—nearly double what he produced with the Predators.
Predicting his future: Jones will quickly rise to the 40-point mark from the blue line and be a perennial All-Star defender. Will he become a Norris Trophy nominee with any regularity? The fourth overall draft pick from 2013 has the kind of talent and potential to become an award winner in the next decade.
Other candidates: Boone Jenner, C/LW (23); Brandon Saad, LW (23); Alexander Wennberg, C (22)
Dallas Stars: Mattias Janmark, LW/C
10 of 30
Age: 23
What he's done: Sweden's Mattias Janmark was part of a spring trade in 2015 but wasn't expected to make his mark on the NHL for a couple of years. Instead, he earned his way onto the Dallas Stars roster in training camp last season. The natural center found a fairly regular spot on Jason Spezza's wing and showed he could play responsibly on defense and chip in on offense with 15 goals and 29 points in 73 games.
Predicting his future: The Detroit Red Wings are good at the draft table, and Janmark was a third-round pick in 2013 who fits the profile of a solid prospect who could grow into a regular top-six role on the wing or even make a transition back to center and offer spectacular depth there. He probably won't ever be a point-per-game player but could be a 50-plus-point performer and shutdown defender for years to come. His experience as a rookie gives him the upper hand on the others here.
Other candidates: Julius Honka, D (20); Brett Ritchie, RW (23)
Detroit Red Wings: Dylan Larkin, C
11 of 30
Age: 20
What he's done: Dylan Larkin impressed the Detroit Red Wings so much in training camp last fall they had to keep the teenager in the lineup for the season. He helped them keep their playoff streak alive with a 23-goal, 45-point rookie season that warranted a top-five spot in voting for the Calder Trophy. He has elite speed, winning the fastest skater competition in record time at All-Star Weekend last season and was part of Team North America at the World Cup of Hockey this month.
Predicting his future: Making the move to his natural position of center, Larkin may have some growing pains, but he has 70-point potential thanks to his skill and fiery competitive streak. He hit a rookie wall last year when fatigue set in after a much smaller college schedule the previous season, but his first-half numbers were impressive, and he should be able to sustain that pace a little easier now that he knows what to expect in a full NHL season.
Other candidates: Andreas Athanasiou, C (22); Anthony Mantha, RW (22); Tomas Jurco, RW (23)
Edmonton Oilers: Connor McDavid, C
12 of 30
Age: 19
What he's done: A nasty shoulder injury kept Connor McDavid from playing a full season as a rookie last year, but the top overall pick from 2015 showed why he's in line to inherit Sidney Crosby's spot as the face of the NHL. He led all freshmen who suited up for double-digit games with a 1.07 point-per-game average. Even with the injury, he finished with 16 goals and 48 points in 45 games.
Predicting his future: He'll likely be the next Edmonton Oilers captain and continue to score at a point-per-game pace for a decade or more. McDavid should quickly challenge for the league's scoring title. He is the real deal and showed it again at the World Cup of Hockey by leading Team North America to the most exciting performance of the tournament.
Other candidates: Leon Draisaitl, C (20); Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C (23); Jesse Puljujarvi, RW (18)
Florida Panthers: Aleksander Barkov, C
13 of 30
Age: 21
What he's done: Aleksander Barkov would be getting a lot more attention if he were playing in a bigger market. The young center is coming off a breakout season in his third year in the NHL. He scored 28 goals and 59 points in just 66 games during an injury-shortened campaign. Barkov also had one of the league's top 25 plus/minus ratings at plus-18. In three seasons, he has 52 goals and 119 points in 191 regular-season games—improving each year.
Predicting his future: Barkov has Jonathan Toews potential with a real ability to shut down opponents he lines up against while putting together some nice offensive numbers. Like Toews, he relied on a high shooting percentage to pile up the goals but could flirt with 30 in every full season considering he nearly hit that mark while missing more than 15 contests. He should be a lock for 60-75 points.
Other candidates: Aaron Ekblad, D (20); Jonathan Huberdeau, LW (23); Vincent Trocheck, C (23)
Los Angeles Kings: Nick Shore, C
14 of 30
Age: 23
What he's done: The fact there are only a couple of options says volumes about the veteran-laden Los Angeles Kings and how they're built. Nick Shore is a nice depth prospect but doesn't seem to have much offensive upside despite some success in that area in the AHL. Shore was a point-per-game prospect two years ago in half a season with the Manchester Monarchs and spent the other half with the Kings. He was a part-time King last year and now has four goals and 17 points in 102 NHL games.
Predicting his future: Shore is a good depth player but looks like he needs a couple of more years of seasoning in order to unlock the keys to better offensive contributions at the top level. If he can hit double-digit goals and 20-30 points with regularity, the Kings would be happy—especially if he continues to display the defensive maturity he has so far.
Other candidates: Adrian Kempe, LW (20)
Minnesota Wild: Matt Dumba, D
15 of 30
Age: 22
What he's done: So far, Matt Dumba has been a power-play specialist on defense for the Minnesota Wild while lining up in a bottom-pairing role at even strength. That's a fine way to start for a talented young blueliner with plenty of depth ahead of him in the system. Dumba has gradually earned more looks over the past three seasons, playing his first full NHL campaign last year and scoring 10 goals and 26 points in 81 games. He had eight goals and 16 points two years ago in his 58 NHL appearances after getting called up from the AHL Iowa Wild.
Predicting his future: Dumba has a chance to blossom into a top-four defenseman who could average 18-20 minutes per night but spend all of his special teams time on the power play. The Wild can afford to bring him along slowly and create positive matchups at even strength, and the gradual development should pay off in a few years as he earns a bigger role. He has 40-point potential, having scored six of his 10 goals and 12 of his 26 points on the man advantage last year despite averaging second-unit minutes.
Other candidates: Jonas Brodin, D (23); Mike Reilly, D (23)
Montreal Canadiens: Alex Galchenyuk, C
16 of 30
Age: 22
What he's done: Alex Galchenyuk finally got a look as the Montreal Canadiens' top center late last season, and the result was positive. He had a breakout season with 30 goals and 56 points in 82 games, including 16 goals and 22 points over the final 22 games. He has improved in every season and now has 72 goals and 160 points in 275 regular-season games over four years. Most of those have been on the wing on the second or third line.
Predicting his future: The 6'1", 207-pounder has cemented his status as the top center the team hoped he would become when drafting him third overall in 2012. Galchenyuk will thrive with Max Pacioretty and Brendan Gallagher on his wings for a full season. He could be a point-per-game player and should finish with 25-30 goals and at least 70 points if he can stay healthy. His long-term future is bright now that confidence seems to support his talent.
Other candidates: Sven Andrighetto, RW (23)
Nashville Predators: Filip Forsberg, LW/C
17 of 30
Age: 22
What he's done: Filip Forsberg finished fourth in the Calder Trophy voting two years ago with a 26-goal, 63-point rookie season. He followed up last year with 33 goals and 64 points as a sophomore. He's established himself as one of the league's most frequent shooters and a net-front presence who has a quick release that causes goaltenders grief. Forsberg took 247 shots on goal last season, ranking 22nd.
Predicting his future: When one of the world's best centers compares you to arguably the greatest goal-scorer of modern times, you're doing something right. Forsberg may not be at Alex Ovechkin's level just yet, but he's well on his way to becoming one of the league's most dangerous snipers. He should make the jump to the 70-point mark next year with another 30-goal season.
Other candidates: Kevin Fiala, LW (20)
New Jersey Devils: Pavel Zacha, C
18 of 30
Age: 19
What he's done: Teenager Pavel Zacha, the New Jersey Devils' top pick in the 2015 draft, got a taste of pro hockey late last season, and it went well. He played just one game for the Devils but earned a pair of assists and a plus-four rating in a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs in April. He joined the AHL Albany Devils for three games in the regular season and scored a goal and three points. Zacha added a goal and a pair of assists in five playoff games as well. That all came after a 28-goal, 64-point season in 51 games for the OHL's Sarnia Sting.
Predicting his future: It looks like the Czech Republic product has a bright future with the Devils based on his penchant for offense. The big-bodied but offensively gifted Zacha has a real shot at making the NHL roster rather than returning to major junior hockey this year. Despite his impressive scoring numbers, Zacha has also proved to be a valuable commodity on the penalty kill, which illustrates his versatility and ability to defend.
Other candidates: Damon Severson, D (22); John Quenneville, C (20)
New York Islanders: Ryan Strome, C
19 of 30
Age: 23
What he's done: Ryan Strome showed he was capable of some nice offensive numbers two seasons ago, scoring 17 goals and 50 points in 81 games in 2014-15. He had a setback last season, though, with pressure mounting while he played alongside stud center John Tavares. Strome scored just eight goals and had 28 points in 71 games, leaving you to wonder whether he'll be able to match his rookie performance.
Predicting his future: Fresh off signing a two-year deal worth $5 million over the two seasons, Strome has to prove he's the kind of players he appeared to be in first full campaign. He will be playing his natural center position after spending the last three years as a winger but should benefit from a reunion with Kid Line teammates Anders Lee and Brock Nelson as the team searches for combos with consistency.
Other candidates: Ryan Pulock, D (21); Mathew Barzal, C (19)
New York Rangers: Mika Zibanejad, C
20 of 30
Age: 23
What he's done: New York Rangers fans could like what Mika Zibanejad has to offer after a trade brought him over from the Ottawa Senators this offseason. The young Swede has been a full-time NHLer for just two seasons but has been developing in the league for four years on a part-time basis. His improvement has been steady. Zibanejad has back-to-back 20-goal seasons and jumped from 46 to 51 points last year.
Predicting his future: Zibanejad should center one of the top two lines for the Rangers and be flanked by a couple of good players. He could jump to the 60-point range for the first time in addition to a third straight 20-goal campaign. Long-term, he has top-line center potential and the kind of speed that can help him transition into an elite forward.
Other candidates: J.T. Miller, C (23); Jimmy Vesey, LW (23)
Ottawa Senators: Jean-Gabriel Pageau, C
21 of 30
Age: 23
What he's done: The Ottawa Senators' hometown product quietly impressed in his first full NHL season, scoring 19 goals and 43 points in 82 games last year on a line with Zack Smith and Mark Stone. It was a nice follow-up to his half season the previous year when he netted 10 goals and 19 points in 50 games after potting 11 goals and 21 points in 27 games for the AHL's Binghamton Senators.
Predicting his future: A small and speedy forward, Pageau is a versatile player who can slide up and down your lineup as needed. If he's your third-line center, your team should be good offensively. He may not ever be a superstar forward but could find himself in a top-six forward role and able to provide 20 goals and 50 points—which is a number any team would take for secondary scoring behind the stars.
Other candidates: Cody Ceci, D (22)
Philadelphia Flyers: Shayne Gostisbehere, D
22 of 30
Age: 23
What he's done: Shayne Gostisbehere took the league by storm as a rookie last season after being called up from the AHL in mid-November, finishing as the runner-up to Calder Trophy winner Artemi Panarin after racking up 17 goals and 46 points in just 64 games. He also received some Norris Trophy nods after finishing eighth in average points per game at the position among those who played at least 20 games and landing 17th in scoring among defensemen. He averaged more than 20 minutes per game, including an average of four on the power play.
Predicting his future: The sample size is small, but Gostisbehere looks like a legitimate threat for the goal-scoring title among defensemen thanks to his impressive shot. Only Brent Burns and Oliver Ekman-Larsson averaged more goals per game among rearguards who suited up for at least 20 contests. Gostisbehere is going to be in the Norris Trophy discussion before too long, especially as his defensive game grows with more time in the league.
Other candidates: Sean Couturier, C (23)
Pittsburgh Penguins: Matthew Murray, G
23 of 30
Age: 22
What he's done: Winning a Stanley Cup in your rookie year with fewer than 15 regular-season games on your resume is no easy task, but that's what Matthew Murray did with the Pittsburgh Penguins last season when injuries opened the door to his seizure of the starting job in goal. He went 9-2-1 down the stretch with a 2.00 goals-against average and .930 save percentage and then won 15 games in the playoffs with a .923 save percentage and 2.08 GAA.
Predicting his future: A broken right hand suffered while playing for Team North America in the World Cup of Hockey this month may delay his return to starting goaltender status for the Penguins, but even if Marc-Andre Fleury recaptures the role, Murray is too good to leave on the bench for any extended period. He should manage at least a timeshare this year. He's the goalie of the future in Pittsburgh and looks poised to become an All-Star.
Other candidates: Olli Maatta, D (22); Derrick Pouliot, D (22)
San Jose Sharks: Tomas Hertl, C
24 of 30
Age: 22
What he's done: Tomas Hertl took a big step forward with his first 20-goal season last year, finishing with 46 points in 81 games in his second full NHL campaign with the San Jose Sharks. He's struggled with staying healthy, though, having injured his knee in his rookie year when he scored 15 times in just 37 games. He then sat out the World Cup thanks to another knee injury suffered in the Stanley Cup Final.
Predicting his future: It's a little uncertain because of both his health and his position. Hertl has mostly played wing on the left side of the top line beside Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski but could move to his natural center position to offer the Sharks more depth this season. In the long run, it will likely prove to be a great move for the team, but it may slow down his offense in the short term because he's losing his elite linemates.
Other candidates: Nikolay Goldobin, LW (20)
St. Louis Blues: Colton Parayko, D
25 of 30
Age: 23
What he's done: Colton Parayko worked his way onto the young guns of Team North America in the World Cup after an impressive rookie season during which he scored nine goals and 33 points while averaging more than 19 minutes per contest. His emergence as a potential offensive force from the back end has made star Kevin Shattenkirk a potential trade piece as he heads into the final year of his contract.
Predicting his future: It's a bright one for the big 6'6", 225-pounder who finished eighth in the Calder Trophy voting and went on to produce three assists in three games at the World Cup this month. Parayko should see his minutes climb this year, along with his statistics. He produced solid numbers despite not participating much on the first power-play unit. Expect him to become a 40-point NHL defenseman quickly and consistently.
Other candidates: Robby Fabbri, C (20)
Tampa Bay Lightning: Nikita Kucherov, RW
26 of 30
Age: 23
What he's done: Nikita Kucherov led the way for Team Russia at the World Cup with two goals and three points in three games, along with 13 shots on goal—which were second only to Vladimir Tarasenko. The restricted free agent has surpassed Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos as the Bolts' best forward, netting 59 goals and 131 points in 159 games over the past two seasons.
Predicting his future: Kucherov is going to lead the Lightning in points on an annual basis and could eventually challenge Stamkos for the goal-scoring honors as well. The Russian's upside is limitless. He could become an 80-point player and 40-goal scorer sooner than later.
Other candidates: Jonathan Drouin, LW (21); Andrei Vasilevskiy, G (22)
Toronto Maple Leafs: Auston Matthews, C
27 of 30
Age: 19
What he's done: Before being drafted first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the spring, Auston Matthews was playing pro in Switzerland, scoring 24 goals and 46 points in 36 games for Zurich SC. He had his formative years with the USHL development teams and had 20 goals and 48 points in 24 games in 2014-15.
Predicting his future: Matthews was one of the most exciting players at the World Cup, and it looks like his skills will translate well to the NHL, judging from the best-on-best tournament. He had two goals and an assist in three games. He could be following Connor McDavid's footsteps as the next generational talent. He's doing it under the bright lights in Toronto but seems to have the maturity to overcome that.
Other candidates: Morgan Rielly, D (22); William Nylander, C (20)
Vancouver Canucks: Bo Horvat, C
28 of 30
Age: 21
What he's done: Bo Horvat's second season with the Vancouver Canucks was a promising one. He finished with 16 goals and 40 points in 82 games. His minus-30 rating was abysmal, however, ranking second-worst in the league.
Predicting his future: A lot of responsibility has been placed on the young center's shoulders with the departure of Ryan Kesler leaving a significant hole in the roster and Brandon Sutter going down early last season. Horvat made massive strides on the defensive side of the game last year while also improving his offensive game. He led the team with a 50.9 percent success rate on draws. He is turning into a great leader at a young age, which may prove more valuable than his offensive statistics.
Other candidates: Jake Virtanen, RW (20); Sven Baertschi, LW (23)
Washington Capitals: Andre Burakovsky, LW
29 of 30
Age: 21
What he's done: Andre Burakovsky's first full NHL season was a promising one as he moved up and down the lineup as needed. He produced plenty of offense despite not playing much on the power play, scoring 17 goals and 38 points in 79 games. He has 60 points in 132 regular-season NHL games so far.
Predicting his future: The Washington Capitals are loaded with talent up front, but Burakovsky is going to be a big part of the team's future. The speedy 6'3" winger has plenty of upside. A return to the power play will help boost his offensive totals. He should be a 20-goal and 50-point player as a minimum.
Other candidates: Jakub Vrana, C (20)
Winnipeg Jets: Mark Scheifele, C
30 of 30
Age: 23
What he's done: Mark Scheifele enjoyed a big breakout season with the Winnipeg Jets last year, scoring 29 goals and 61 points as the team's top center. The big pivot (6'3") followed up his career season with some fun hockey on the wing beside Connor McDavid at the World Cup.
Predicting his future: Scheifele is quick and strong and has the kind of vision that makes everybody on his line better. Now that he has proved capable of a big season, we predict bigger things in the near future. He should be a 70-point player this year and has the potential for point-per-game production going forward. He's going to be flanked by some good players in Winnipeg to help him grow.
Other candidates: Connor Hellebuyck, G (23); Nikolaj Ehlers, LW (20); Jacob Trouba, D (22)
All stats via NHL.com unless otherwise noted.
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