Young Guns: A New Generation of NHL Stars

There’s a new feel to the National Hockey League this season.

A fresh generation of players have taken the league by storm. While veterans like Mats Sundin and Joe Sakic are off to flying starts, they find themselves competing against a whole host of rising stars.

With any luck, the youngsters will join Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby in revolutionizing the game of hockey. Here's a look at the best of the best...

Patrick Kane

*1st Overall Pick in 2007 NHL Entry Draft
* Chicago Blackhawks

Kane has flourished under head coach Denis Savard. The Rookie of the Month for October will be counted on to bring excitement back to the United Center.

Blessed with uncanny ability and amazing vision, Kane leads an exciting new future for the Blackhawks.



Sam Gagner

* 6th Overall Pick in 2007 NHL Entry Draft
* Edmonton Oilers

Gagner and Kane combined for 263 points with the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League. In Edmonton, Gagner will also be asked to play an even larger role.

With solid young talent around him, there’s no telling what Gagner is capable of achieving.



Jack Johnson

* 3rd Overall Pick in 2005 NHL Entry Draft
* Los Angeles Kings

Not hanging on to Jack Johnson will haunt the Carolina Hurricanes for years to come.

The Hurricanes shipped Johnson and Oleg Tverdovsky to LA for Eric Belanger and Tim Gleason while Johnson was still in college.

The 2007 CCHA Offensive Defenseman of the Year will only benefit from playing with the likes of Lubomir Visnovsky and Rob Blake.



Erik Johnson

* 1st Overall Pick in 2006 NHL Entry Draft
* St. Louis Blues

Currently recovering from a sore foot, Erik Johnson looks to be the real deal for the Blues. Some even compare him to former St. Louis defensemen Chris Pronger.

Like Pronger, Johnson is a poised kid with a great hockey sense. Feeding him ice time will maximize his true potential.



Nicklas Backstrom

* 4th Overall Pick in 2006 NHL Entry Draft
* Washington Capitals

Backstrom will be looking to learn a few tips from veteran Swedish playmaker Michael Nylander.

Given his great vision, Backstrom won’t play like a 19-year-old when he takes to the ice this year. Teaming with Alexander Ovechkin and Alexander Semin only increases the Swede’s potential.

 

Carey Price

* 5th Overall Pick in 2005 NHL Entry Draft
* Montreal Canadiens

Already receiving rave reviews from the Montreal press, Price seems to have the confidence of a seasoned NHL veteran. Expect him to be a franchise centerpiece for Les Habitants.

 

Jonathan Toews

* 3rd Overall Pick in 2006 NHL Entry Draft
* Chicago Blackhawks

Playing with Patrick Kane will help Toews immensely. Together, the two look primed to wreak havoc on opponents for many years to come.



Andrew Cogliano

* 25th Overall Pick in 2005 NHL Entry Draft
* Edmonton Oilers

Cogilano's speed complements the Oilers’ traditional run-and-gun style.

Combine that with a great set of hands and the ability to dangle the best of defenders, and Cogliano should be a staple in the Oiler attack downt the road.



Jiri Tlusty

* 13th Overall Pick in 2006 NHL Entry Draft
* Toronto Maple Leafs

Tlusty injects some much-needed youth to an aging Toronto roster.

After catching the eye of Maple Leaf scouts with his energetic play and fantastic scoring ability, Tlusty seems destined for big things.

 

Devin Setoguchi

* 8th Overall in 2005 NHL Entry Draft
* San Jose Sharks

Often knocked for inconsistency, Setoguchi always manages to find a way to hit back at his critics.

The youngster possesses a solid frame and considerable talent, and has earned himself a spot on the San Jose Sharks’ roster. GM Doug Wilson will be banking on Setoguchi to deliver.