NHL Power Rankings: Top 20 Impact Rookies

In the NHL, most rookies will face the inevitable growing pains that comes along with feeling your way around the league for the first time. 

However, there are the select few that can make an impact from the moment they hit the ice in the professional ranks.

In the 2010-11 season, it seems that more players than usual are candidates to win the coveted Calder Memorial Trophy, the annual award given to the most proficient rookie.

Here is a look around the league at the first-year players that have been valuable additions to their respective teams.

Logan Couture

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CHICAGO - MAY 21: Logan Couture #39 of the San Jose Sharks moves the puck while taking on the Chicago Blackhawks in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center on May 21, 2010 in Chicago, Illi

San Jose Sharks center Logan Couture was named the NHL rookie of the month for December after leading all first-year players with 10 goals and four assists in the final four weeks of 2010. 

He was also named the Sharks' MVP for December after beginning the month on a ferocious five-game point streak from Dec. 2-9.

Jeff Skinner

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NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 05: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on January 5, 2011 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Hurricanes 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty I

At just 18 years old, Skinner is the youngest player in the NHL.

However, his tender age hasn't been an issue, as he leads all rookies in total points with 36. 

The Carolina Hurricanes have a bright future with this strong lefty pushing the pace on offense. 

Sergei Bobrovsky

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 20: Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky #35 of the Philadelphia Flyers looks at the scoreboard after giving up a goal in the first period of a hockey game against the Florida Panthers at the Wells Fargo Centeron December 20, 2010 in Phila

The Philadelphia Flyers finally have a solid netminder.

Sergei Bobrovsky leads all rookies with 17 wins and earned the NHL rookie of the month honor for November.

His stellar play has the Flyers primed to make a run at the Stanley Cup this season.

Corey Crawford

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 09: Corey Crawford #50 of the Chicago Blackhawks makes a save against the New York Islanders on his way to a shut-out win at the United Center on January 9, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Islanders 5-0. (Phot

The Chicago Blackhawks are the defending Stanley Cup champions.

Not many fans expected the team to stay in contention for a playoff spot after they were hit by several key injuries earlier in the season.

Corey Crawford's solid play has kept the team afloat. 

He leads all rookies with two shutouts and a 2.13 GAA.

Cam Fowler

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ANAHEIM, CA - JANUARY 02: Cam Fowler #4 of the Anaheim Ducks skates during warm-up prior to their NHL game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Honda Center on January 2, 2011 in Anaheim, California. The Ducks defeated the Blackhawks 2-1. (Photo by Victor

Coming into the season, Fowler was projected to be one of the front-runners to win the Calder Trophy.

In his rookie year, he has lived up to his reputation as an unselfish player that spreads the puck around the ice. 

The superb Anaheim Ducks defenseman leads all first-year players with 21 assists.

Brad Marchand

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 10: Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins celebrates his game tying goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins on January 10, 2011 at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Bruins defeated the Penguins 4-2. (Photo by

Boston Bruins center Brad Marchand has been a gritty offensive force for his team.

His (+15) plus-minus ratio leads all rookies this season.

Marchand's pesky style of play has drawn comparisons to Sean Avery. 

Taylor Hall

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Taylor Hall #4 of the Edmonton Oilers looks up at the clock during a 5-2 Los Angeles Kings win at the Staples Center on January 15, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The bottom-dwelling Edmonton Oilers franchise have hopes for a bright future and a nice piece to build around with the crafty Taylor Hall.

The baby-faced sensation enlivened the suffering fanbase with 27 points this season, including 14 goals.

Hall is sure to be mentioned amongst the names to potentially win the Calder Trophy.

Derek Stepan

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NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 11: Derek Stepan #21 of the New York Rangers skates against the Montreal Canadiens on January 11, 2011 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Montreal defeated the Rangers 2-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

20-year old New York Rangers center Derek Stepan has 27 total points this season.

He ranks fourth amongst all rookies in goals scored (13) and assists (14).

Michal Neuvirth

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SUNRISE, FL - JANUARY 11: Goaltender Michal Neuvirth #30 of the Washington Capitals warms up prior to the game against the Florida Panthers on January 11, 2011 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

Michal Neuvirth's stellar play has the Washington Capitals in prime position to lock up a playoff spot.

Neuvirth has an excellent 2.55 GAA and earned 15 wins for his team this season.

Anders Lindback

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 22: Anders Lindback #39 of the Nashville Predators sprays water on his face during a break in the action against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on December 22, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Pred

Make no mistake, Anders Lindback has kept the Nashville Predators in the playoff race.

Rapidly becoming a fan favorite, the rookie sensation has posted a 2.58 GAA and secured 10 wins for his team.

Bryan Bickell

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 09: Bryan Bickell #29 of the Chicago Blackhawks breaks to the puck against the New York Islanders at the United Center on January 9, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Islanders 5-0. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Gett

Chicago Blachawks winger Bryan Bickell is a major threat on offense.

He has made an immediate impact in the league, scoring 12 goals and adding 14 assists so far this season.

Tyler Ennis

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SUNRISE, FL - DECEMBER 17: Tyler Ennis #63 of the Buffalo Sabres skates prior to the game against the Florida Panthers on December 17, 2010 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. The Panthers defeated the Sabres 6-2. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty

Buffalo Sabres left wing Tyler Ennis brings a lot of energy to the table each and every night.

Ennis has been one of the only bright spots on a struggling Sabres squad, notching 10 goals and 11 assists in 44 games played.

Michael Grabner

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UNIONDALE, NY - JANUARY 11: Michael Grabner #40 of the New York Islanders celebrates an Islanders goal during an NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at the Nassau Coliseum on January 11, 2011 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Ima

While the New York Islanders continue to struggle offensively, Michael Grabner gives them an option on the outside wing.

Grabner, a perennial scoring threat, has a respectable 14 points in 39 games.

Mattias Tedenby

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NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 31: Mattias Tedenby #21 of the New Jersey Devils looks on against the Atlanta Thrashers at the Prudential Center on December 31, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

While the New Jersey Devils continue their freefall towards obscurity, right wing sensation Mattias Tedenby is headed in the opposite direction.

Tedenby has made a name for himself around the league as a potent threat on offense.  The rookie has four goals and five assists in 22 games played this season.

Mikael Backlund

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ANAHEIM, CA - DECEMBER 10: Mikael Backlund #11 of the Calgary Flames skates against the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center on December 10, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

While the Calgary Flames continue to retool their roster and dump salary, center Mikael Backlund is poised to become the backbone to help the team return to glory.

Backlund has four goals and five assists in 37 games played this season.

Mark Letestu

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 08: Mark Letestu #10 of the Pittsburgh Penguins takes a breather against the Minnesota Wild on January 8, 2011 at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

While Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are the brightest stars for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Mark Letestu has been a nice addition to complement the dynamic duo.

Letestu is a look into the future for the Penguins and one of the reasons why they should remain contenders in the Eastern Conference for many years to come.

The rookie is putting together a superb season, earning nine goals and 10 assists in 46 games.

Jordan Eberle

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - DECEMBER 26: Dan Hamhuis #2 of the Vancouver Canucks interferes with Jordan Eberle #14 of the Edmonton Oilers and receives a minor penalty during the first period in NHL action on December 26, 2010 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC, Can

Right winger Jordan Eberle has been a nice addition to a struggling Edmonton Oilers team.

The Oilers, mired in last place in the Western Conference, have been boosted by Eberle's strong play.

The rookie has nine goals and 14 assists in 37 games this season.

John Carlson

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WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 16: Jason Chimera #25 of the Washington Capitals celebrates with John Carlson #74 after scoring in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at the Verizon Center on January 16, 2011 in Washington, DC. The Capitals won the gam

Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson has made a huge impact for his team since the season began.

He has appeared in 46 games and earned 19 points, including five goals and 14 assists.

Tyler Seguin

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SUNRISE, FL - DECEMBER 27: Tyler Seguin #19 of the Boston Bruins waits for a face off against the Florida Panthers on December 27, 2010 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. The Bruins defeated the Panthers 3-2 in a shoot-out. (Photo by Joel Au

Boston Bruins center Tyler Seguin has seven goals and nine assists in 42 games played. 

He was named as one of the players on the 2011 NHL All-Rookie team, scheduled to appear during the skills competition taking place on Jan. 29.

Kevin Shattenkirk

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DENVER - DECEMBER 23: Kevin Shattenkirk #8 of the Colorado Avalanche controls the puck against the Minnesota Wild at the Pepsi Center on December 23, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Wild defeated the Avalanche 3-1. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The Colorado Avalanche are on the playoff bubble, but they wouldn't been in the race at all without star defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk.

Shattenkirk has 15 assists and five goals in 33 games played.

He has made an immediate impact around the league is quickly becoming a fan favorite in Colorado.

Shattenkirk is scheduled to appear at the skills competition during All-Star weekend in Raleigh, North Carolina.