NHL's Next Wave: John Tavares and 15 Offensive Stars of Tomorrow

Since the 2004-2005 lockout, the National Hockey League has seen the emergence of many young, talented players.

When Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby were drafted first overall in consecutive years, the stage was set for the birth of a great rivalry, and the two have more than lived up to the hype.

Of course, Crosby and Ovechkin are just part of the game's revolution of youth, along with Steven Stamkos, Eric Staal, Evgeni Malkin and Jonathan Toews, to name a few.

Indeed, it would appear that the torch has been passed down, from the hands of our heroes of yesteryear, such as Joe Sakic and Brendan Shanahan, to the promising young stars who have captured our imaginations since draft day.

Over the last several seasons, we have already seen Crosby and Toews lead their respective teams to Stanley Cup victories and their country to Olympic Gold.

Youth is definitely being served, and in line with that reality, yet another group of future studs is on the horizon.

Let us take a glance at some of the players who make up that next cluster of stars-to-be.

*NOTE: The players in this slideshow are listed based on how many points they've compiled this season, not in order of future-star status.

No. 15: Tyler Seguin, Boston Bruins

Tyler Seguin's first NHL goal

Boston selected the Canadian youngster with the second overall pick in the '10 entry draft, and while an initial peek at his stats this season (10 G, 11 A, 21 P) might lead you to the conclusion that Seguin's not very good, the numbers are misleading.

Because the Bruins were already a very deep team, Seguin does not get nearly the same amount of ice time as Taylor Hall, who was taken by the Edmonton Oilers first overall.

Naturally, less playing time will lead to less scoring chances, making it tough to put up strong statistics.

However, despite limited action, Seguin has shown flashes of the glimmering future that lies ahead. He's going to be a top player in this league, even if it takes him a while to reach that level. Be patient.

No. 14: Jordan Eberle, Edmonton Oilers

Jordan Eberle's been a hit in Edmonton since the day the Oilers picked him in the NHL Draft.

Perhaps it's because of his clutch performances for Team Canada at the World Junior Championships, or maybe it has something to do with the plethora of fancy dekes in his repertoire.

Either way, he's sure to become a force to be reckoned with soon, and together with Taylor Hall and Magnus Paajarvi, Oilers fans should now be able to point to a brighter future.

This season, he's put up respectable rookie numbers, potting 15 goals while adding 21 assists (36 points), which is pretty solid, considering his team doesn't score much as a whole.

No. 13: Evander Kane, Atlanta Thrashers

The prototypical power forward, Kane isn't the only "Evander" to pack some punch, albeit a different type of punch.

The kid can score, and he's not afraid to drive to the net and use his size. What's more, Kane's also got an excellent set of hands.

He's got a knack for weaving his way through defenses, just one of many talents that will make him a star in the years to come.

Kane has 18 goals and 20 assists (38 points) for Atlanta this season, and should his team make the playoffs, he'll be a major reason why.

No. 12: Derek Stepan, New York Rangers

Derek Stepan made a strong first impression, notching a hat trick in his first-career game for the New York Rangers.

The youngster has shown flashes of his potential all year long, scoring 18 goals and picking up 21 assists (39 points).

He has given the Blueshirts a major offensive boost, especially when you consider the relatively poor season Marian Gaborik is having.

Stepan should develop into a fantastic playmaker and leader in the NHL for a long time, and for Rangers fans, that's just what the doctor ordered.

No. 11: Derick Brassard, Columbus Blue Jackets

Derick Brassard is quietly having himself a season for the Columbus Blue Jackets with 15 goals and 26 assists.

He has become the team's top center, something the Jackets have struggled to find since their inaugural season.

His combination of scoring ability and hockey sense has served him well thus far and should make him a marquee player in the league soon.

No. 10: Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars

Jamie Benn, all of 21 years old, has the speed and hands to score goals at the NHL level.

He's done just that with relative frequency this season, finding the back of the net 19 times while contributing 23 helpers (42 points) for the Dallas Stars.

It's not a question of whether or not Benn will have a successful NHL career, but rather how soon that success will come.

No. 9: Michael Grabner, New York Islanders

If Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt played hockey, his style would likely be very similar to Michael Grabner's.

For Grabner, speed is everything, and as New York Islanders play-by-play announcer Howie Rose says:
"He goes from zero to 60 as fast as you can do it."

He's used that skating ability to his advantage, potting 28 goals and 14 assists (42 points) and putting his name in the Calder Trophy discussion.

No. 8: Taylor Hall, Edmonton Oilers

Going into this season, Taylor Hall was seen as the future of Edmonton Oilers hockey.

Of course, fans had the highest of expectations for the first-overall pick of the 2010 NHL Draft, and though his season came to an unfortunate end a couple of weeks ago, the rookie did not disappoint.

Hall finished his freshman campaign with 22 goals and 20 assists (42 points), and he likely would have reached the 50-point plateau if not for suffering a season-ending injury.

Regardless, he's got plenty of hockey ahead of him, and Hall should flourish in no time.

No. 7: Tyler Ennis, Buffalo Sabres

Tyler Ennis may be one of the lesser-known players in this slideshow, but make no mistake, he deserves to be here.

He's got a lethal shot, not to mention the poise and patience of a 10-year veteran, and his strong performance this season has paid immediate dividends for the Buffalo Sabres.

For a team that has had trouble scoring all season long, an issue that worsened when Derek Roy was sidelined for the remainder of the year, Ennis has been a breath of fresh air.

Ennis has 17 goals and 26 assists, good for 43 points this year.

He's a bright kid, and he's got an even brighter future in this league.

No. 6: Jakub Voracek, Columbus Blue Jackets

As it turns out, Derick Brassard isn't the only young player making a difference for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Jakub Voracek happens to be a splendidly gifted goal scorer. He's got speed and soft hands, a wonderful skill set to possess in the "new NHL," where players thrive on that kind of ability.

He has 14 goals and 31 assists (45 points) this season and he should reach 50 before it's all said and done.

Voracek's going to be a star in this league, and when he reaches his peak, the Blue Jackets are going to be a force to be reckoned with.

No. 5: Logan Couture, San Jose Sharks

If there were a consensus choice for Rookie of the Year, Logan Couture is it.

While it doesn't seem like Couture's actually a rookie (he already has NHL postseason experience), it's technically his first season, and he's making the most of it.

Couture has a whopping 25 goals and 21 assists this season for San Jose and, with stars like Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau struggling, has been the Sharks' go-to offensive player from the start.

Should he win the Calder Trophy, he'll certainly have earned it, and at this rate, it won't be the last award he wins in what should be an illustrious career.

No. 4: Nikolai Kulemin, Toronto Maple Leafs

Nikolai Kulemin has been quite the offensive surprise this season, notching 25 goals and 24 assists (49 points).

He is a major reason that Toronto is even just six points out of a playoff spot.

Kulemin is a fast player with a gorgeous shot and he knows how to score goals, which is a good thing for the Leafs and their fans.

Hopefully he'll be able to produce similar results for a long time at the NHL level.

No. 3: Jeff Skinner, Carolina Hurricanes

We knew Jeff Skinner was going to be an impact player for the Carolina Hurricanes.

What we didn't know was that he would become a star this quick.

Skinner has 50 points this season (24 goals, 26 assists) and has Carolina very close to the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

This kid has a lot of potential, and he's only going to improve with each passing year.

No. 2: Matt Duchene, Colorado Avalanche

After slipping to third overall, Matt Duchene fell into the arms of the Colorado Avalanche, and they've been rewarded handsomely for placing that trust in the young gun.

He put up strong numbers during his rookie season and has 51 points (21 goals, 30 assists) this year.

Duchene has shown responsibility at both ends of the ice, and his commitment to the team's success is unmatched.

It's that type of attitude that will make him a good player in the NHL very soon.

No. 1: John Tavares, New York Islanders

Become youngest player in history drafted into OHL? Check.

Break Wayne Gretzky's OHL scoring record? Check.

Lead Team Canada to gold at the World Junior Championships? Check.

Get drafted first overall in NHL entry draft? Check.

It seems as though John Tavares has impressed hockey fans every step of the way, and he wasn't about to break the habit upon being drafted first overall by the New York Islanders last year.

After scoring 24 goals and putting up 30 assists (54 points) in his rookie season, Tavares has already surpassed those numbers this year, with 25 goals and 32 assists, good for 57 points.

He'll likely finish the season with over 60 points, a fantastic achievement for any NHL player, let alone a 20-year-old.

What's more, the emergence of Tavares has made his teammates better, helping Matt Moulson score 30 goals last year (and likely again this season) and helping otherwise non-factor P.A. Parenteau become a productive player for New York.

John Tavares is a future stud in the National Hockey League, and we should expect nothing less from him.