NHL Predictions: 20 Young Players to Watch Next Year

The NHL's cupboards are stocked to the brim with young, high-end talent.

In the past few seasons, we've seen the emergence of some of the game's biggest stars.

Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Toews and Alex Ovechkin are just some examples of players who have made an impact at a very young age.

I've compiled a list of 20 players who should make a big splash in the NHL next season. 

20. Blake Geoffrion, Nashville Predators

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DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 26: Blake Geoffrion #5 of the Nashville Predators at American Airlines Center on February 26, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Blake Geoffrion has a lot more going for him than just his name, although he seems to be dealing with all of the pressure and expectations it's adding.

It took Montreal Canadiens legend “Boom Boom” Geoffrion’s grandson three NHL games to score his first goal and one more to score his second.

The former second-round draft pick opted to stay in school regardless of the implications.

Smart kid.

It looks like he’s going to have a pretty good career—he’ll do his name proud.

19. James Reimer, Toronto Maple Leafs

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PHILADELPHIA - MARCH 03: James Reimer #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs in action against oThe Philadelphia Flyers during their game on March 3, 2011 at The Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The Leafs finally seem to have found their man between the pipes.

James Reimer, the soon-to-be 23-year-old, is blossoming into a legitimate No. 1 goaltender before our eyes.

After Andrew Raycroft, Justin Pogge and Jonas Gustavsson didn’t pan out, Leafs’ fans may have been starting to give up hope.

Reimer, with a 12-5-4 record, could be the real deal.

18. Cam Fowler, Anaheim Ducks

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ANAHEIM, CA - FEBRUARY 27: Cam Fowler #4 of the Anaheim Ducks skates against the Colorado Avalanche at Honda Center on February 27, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Cam Fowler was projected to be one of the top five picks in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. When the Anaheim Ducks finally selected him 12th, he breathed a sigh of relief.

I’m sure the Ducks couldn’t be happier right now.

The 19-year-old defenseman has already registered 29 points. Though his defensive game can use some honing (he currently sits at minus-23), he has a lot of time to work on it.

Prediction: he will be in the Norris mix in the next few years.

17. Marcus Johansson, Washington Capitals

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SUNRISE, FL - MARCH 6: Marcus Johansson #90 of the Washington Capitals carries the puck behind the Florida Panthers net on March 6, 2011 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

Marcus Johansson is a centerman who the Washington Capitals drafted 24th overall in the 2009 draft.

The talented 20-year-old was selected for his two-way capabilities.

He’s been playing a third/fourth line role and developing his defensive game against high-end competition.

Still, though, he’s managed nine goals and 10 assists after 54 games.

Johansson appears to be a future Selke candidate in the making.

16. James Van Riemsdyk, Philadelphia Flyers

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 20: James van Riemsdyk #21 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates against the Ottawa Senators on January 20, 2011 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

James van Riemsdyk was drafted second overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft behind Patrick Kane. To compare the two players would be unfair. Kane is an NHL superstar and JVR, well, he’s still trying to find his way.

Flyers fans can be happy in seeing van Riemsdyk’s improvement since last season. He has already scored one more goal (with a total of 16) in 19 fewer games played and his defensive game is much more respectable—he has a plus/minus of plus-13 compared to last year’s minus-1.

It’s possible that James van Riemsdyk will never live up to his lofty expectations, but I expect to see a solid goal-scoring campaign in the 2011-2012 season.

15. Adam McQuaid, Boston Bruins

Adam McQuaid, the 24-year-old Boston Bruins’ defenseman, is currently second in the entire NHL in plus/minus with a surreal plus-27.

He won’t be contributing very much offensively, but if the 6’4” McQuaid continues developing as a rock-hard stay-at-home defenseman, he will strike fear into opposing forwards.

14. Jordan Eberle, Edmonton Oilers

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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 23: Jordan Eberle #14 of the Edmonton Oilers controls the puck against Mechal Handzus #26 of the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on December 23, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Jordan Eberle is the Yang to Taylor Hall’s Yin. As Hall continues to grow, so will Eberle.

He is very talented and he has scored some dazzling goals.

He’s popped in 15 pucks in his rookie campaign.

Expect more as the Oilers continue to rebuild.

13. Derek Stepan, New York Rangers

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WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 25: Derek Stepan #21 of the New York Rangers against the Washington Capitals at the Verizon Center on February 25, 2011 in Washington, DC. The Rangers won 6-0. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Derek Stepan is making the best of his opportunity in the NHL.

The New York Rangers' rookie has impressed thus far.

The 20-year-old has scored 18 goals and chipped in with 20 assists in his first NHL stint.

He should be a dangerous scoring threat for many years to come.

12. Max Pacioretty, Montreal Canadiens

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SUNRISE, FL - MARCH 3: Max Pacioretty #67 of the Montreal Canadiens carries the puck up ice against the Florida Panthers on March 3, 2011 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. The Canadiens defeated the Panthers 4-0. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Gett

Montreal Canadiens fans are rejoicing.

In just 37 games with the Habs this season, Max Pacioretty scored 14 goals and added 10 assists.

Unfortunately, while playing the Boston Bruins on Mar. 8, Zdeno Chara hit Max when he didn't have the puck. The dirty hit caused Max's head to bounce off of a stanchion. It didn't look good.

Hockey fans are crossing their fingers hoping that Patches will be alright.

The Canadiens have been looking for a big, top-six forward for a very long time. It appears as if they may have finally found their man.

11. Nazem Kadri, Toronto Maple Leafs

Nazem Kadri is the Toronto Maple Leafs’ top prospect. He was called up from the AHL’s Marlies and showed fans that although he’s not quite ready for the NHL, he will be soon.

His six points on the big club isn’t much to brag about, but his play on the Marlies this season—36 points in 41 games—is nothing to snicker at.

If he can bring up his weight and maturity level, he should be an impact player for the Leafs in the near future.

10. Tyler Seguin, Boston Bruins

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DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 13: Tyler Seguin #19 of the Boston Bruins skates against the Detroit Red Wings on February 13, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Tyler Seguin is being eased into the NHL by the Boston Bruins. With a very deep lineup, the team can find no good reason to rush the 2010 second-overall pick—nor should they, for that matter.

He’s gaining good defensive experience on the bottom lines.

Tyler has managed to score 10 goals and he will definitely be a factor next season

9. Evander Kane, Atlanta Thrashers

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ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 11: Evander Kane #9 of the Atlanta Thrashers skates up the ice in a breakaway against the New York Rangers at Philips Arena on February 11, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Evander Kane has already scored nine more points this season than he did in his rookie campaign (35 compared to 26). Moreover, he’s done it in nine fewer games.

Impressive to say the least.

He’s gearing to break out but hasn’t yet made it to the next level.

Hopefully he’ll be able to reach the 30-goal plateau in his third season with the Thrashers.

8. Brad Marchand, Boston Bruins

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UNIONDALE, NY - FEBRUARY 17: Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins shoots during an NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on February 17, 2011 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

Brad Marchand burst onto the NHL scene this year playing wing to Patrice Bergeron with Mark Recchi on the Boston Bruins’ checking line. He is a plus-23 this season and is tied for second in the NHL in short-handed goals this season with four.

The scrappy forward has also tallied 35 points, scoring 19 goals thus far. That is quite the improvement from the one assist he managed in 20 games last season.

No one really expected the Bergeron line to be such an offensive threat. Marchand sort of just came out of nowhere.

He’s only 22-years-old, so B’s fans have a lot more to look forward to.

7. Kevin Shattenkirk, St. Louis Blues

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ST. LOUIS, MO - FEBRUARY 22: Kevin Shattenkirk #12 of the St. Louis Blues moves the puck up ice against the Colorado Avalanche at the Scottrade Center on February 22, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Kevin Shattenkirk seemed to be the Colorado Avalanche’s best defensive prospect.

Shattenkirk—picked 14th overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft—was a promising offensive defenseman, beginning his breakout this season before Colorado sent him to St. Louis in the Johnson/Stewart blockbuster trade.

It was an odd move by Colorado, but the Blues won’t be unhappy in reaping the benefits.

Shattenkirk has already tallied 30 points this season and will be an effective top-pairing defenseman for the Blues.

6. Brayden Schenn, Los Angeles Kings

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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 15: Brayden Schenn #10 of the Los Angeles Kings looks to pass during the game against the Vancouver Canucks at the Staples Center on October 15, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

This season, Brayden Schenn has played in the WHL for the Brandon Wheat Kings and Saskatoon Blades, the AHL for Manchester Monarchs (the LA Kings farm team), the NHL for the Kings and in the World Junior Hockey Championship where he won a silver medal for Team Canada.

The kid just doesn’t stop.

He was just named the WHL’s Player of the Month for February after he scored 32 points in 13 games with the Blades.

Expect to see Schenn making an impact for the Kings next season.

5. Logan Couture, San Jose Sharks

Logan Couture has made some fantastic progress. In his first NHL stint, Couture scored five goals in 25 games.

This season, he’s already potted 25.

Logan is well on his way to becoming a prolific goal-scorer. He is insulated by some of the NHL’s most talented players in Joe Thornton, Dany Heatley and Patrick Marleau.

Couture has the ability to go about his business undercover.

4. P.K. Subban, Montreal Canadiens

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CALGARY, AB - FEBRUARY 20: P.K. Subban #76 of the Montreal Canadiens skates against the Calgary Flames during the 2011 NHL Heritage Classic Game at McMahon Stadium on February 20, 2011 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Flames defeated the Canadiens 4-0.

P.K. Subban burst onto the scene in the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, showcasing his flashy skating and play-making abilities on the Montreal Canadiens’ back end.

Habs’ fans hoped that he would be able to carry his play into the 2010-2011 season.

P.K. has not disappointed.

Although he has been the subject of some over-hyped controversies, Subban has backed up his flair with his talent.

3. John Tavares, New York Islanders

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UNIONDALE, NY - FEBRUARY 21: John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders skates during an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers at the Nassau Coliseum on February 21, 2011 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

John Tavares plays on one of the worst teams in the NHL. Still, in each of his first two seasons, he has managed to score 24 goals.

It makes you wonder: How would Tavares fare on a contending team?

Obviously, the Isles would never let go of him and hopefully, as the young team continues to develop, Tavares will continue to improve.

If he doesn’t hit 30 goals this season, he certainly will next year.

2. Jeff Skinner, Carolina Hurricanes

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NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 16: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on February 16, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Jeff Skinner leads the NHL rookie scoring with 49 points—not too shabby for the former figure skater!

Skinner will continue to improve his game on a line with elite NHLer Eric Staal.

It’s a bit hard to fathom that an 18-year-old could have such good hockey sense, but we’ve seen it before.

1. Taylor Hall, Edmonton Oilers

If Taylor Hall didn’t go down to an ankle injury after his first NHL fight attempt, there is no doubt in my mind that he would have scored 30 goals in his rookie campaign.

After a slow(ish) start, Hall has really adjusted to the NHL.

Expect a huge sophomore season from Taylor next year.