NHL Rookies To Watch

The 2023-2024 National Hockey League season introduced a wave of fresh talent, with rookies stepping into major roles across the league. Here’s a detailed analysis of the Top 10 Best NHL Rookies, each making significant impacts on their respective teams.

Honorable Mention

Joseph Woll

Team: Toronto Maple Leafs

Previous Ranking: Unranked

Despite making appearances for Toronto in the previous two seasons, Joseph Woll was not considered a rookie until this season, when he reached 25 games played. The goaltender has taken his opportunity in the Leafs’ net and ran with it.

His solid play has provided stability at crucial times as he finished with a winning record in net, allowing Toronto to remain confident in their goaltending future.

Woll’s consistency and poise have earned him praise and a growing role as he continues to develop his skills at the NHL level.

Top 10 NHL Rookies 2024 Rankings

10. Dmitri Voronkov

Team: Columbus Blue Jackets

Previous Ranking: Unranked

Dmitri Voronkov has adjusted well to the North American style of play, bringing physicality and scoring ability to the Blue Jackets.

In 75 games played this season, the rookie notched 18 goals, 6 of which came on a power play, and 16 assists to total 34 points.

His robust style of play and ability to chip in offensively have made him a valuable addition to Columbus, contributing key goals and playing a solid game along the boards.

9. Pyotr Kochetkov

Team: Carolina Hurricanes

Previous Ranking: 9

Pyotr Kochetkov has made a name for himself as a promising young goaltender for the Carolina Hurricanes. Kochetkov has demonstrated a blend of agility and technical skill that belies his experience level.

Kochetkov’s performances have shown he can be relied upon in critical situations, suggesting a bright future as he continues to adapt and improve in the league.

Despite his novelty, the goalie posted an impressive W-L-OTL record of 23-13-4, including four shutout wins. 

8. Samuel Ersson

Team: Philadelphia Flyers

Previous Ranking: Unranked

As a rookie, goalie Samuel Ersson faced the challenge of stepping into a starting role head-on and showed many flashes of brilliant play. His performances have been a bright spot for the Flyers, showcasing his reflexes and composure under pressure.

Ersson’s ability to make key saves has kept Philadelphia competitive in many tightly contested games. His W-L-OTL record lands among the top 20 goaltenders, and he was tied first among rookies with four shutouts.

7. Leo Carlsson

Team: Anaheim Ducks

Previous Ranking: 8

Leo Carlsson‘s combination of size and skill allowed him to make an immediate impact in Anaheim. As a forward, his ability to protect the puck and his offensive awareness have resulted in significant contributions in both goals and assists, making him one of the most promising young talents in the league.

At only 19 years old, the former second-overall pick has a tremendously bright future and will look to build off his 29-point season next year. 

6. Connor Zary

Team: Calgary Flames

Previous Ranking: Unranked

Connor Zary has emerged as a reliable scoring option for the Flames, displaying a knack for being in the right place at the right time.

His scoring touch and ability to finish plays have been vital for Calgary as he continues to develop his overall game and establish himself as a future cornerstone of the team.

His three years in the minors appear to have paid dividends, as the 22-year-old accumulated 14 goals and 20 assists in just 63 games.

5. Marco Rossi

Team: Minnesota Wild

Previous Ranking: 4

Marco Rossi has quickly adapted to the NHL’s pace, showcasing his playmaking skills and vision. Centering one of the top lines for the Wild, Rossi has become a critical component of their offense, facilitating plays and displaying a high hockey IQ that belies his rookie status.

There’s no questioning his skill, as he scored 21 goals and 19 assists, but he’ll have to work to stay out of the box, as he was in the top 10 among rookies in total penalty minutes.

4. Logan Cooley

Team: Arizona Coyotes

Previous Ranking: 7

Logan Cooley has brought speed and creativity to the Coyotes’ lineup. His agility and skill in handling the puck make him a constant offensive threat.

Cooley’s development over the season has seen him take on more responsibilities, including special teams play, where his impact has been immediately noticeable as he tallied 13 power-play points on the year, with 10 of them being assists.

Arizona has a budding star in their 2022 first-round selection, who also notched two game-winning goals on a struggling squad.

3. Luke Hughes

Team: New Jersey Devils

Previous Ranking: 3

Defenseman Luke Hughes has seamlessly transitioned to the NHL, utilizing his skating prowess and offensive capabilities to become a key figure on the Devils’ defense.

His mobility and puck-handling skills have allowed him to contribute offensively while managing his responsibilities in the defensive zone, making him a dual threat on the ice.

Despite only scoring nine goals, he notched 38 assists, which was second most among rookies this season, only trailing the final two players on this list by 1.

The sky’s the limit for the 2020 fourth-overall pick, who will hope to continue his playing career in New Jersey with his brother, Jack.

2. Brock Faber

Team: Minnesota Wild 

Previous Ranking: Unranked

Defenseman Brock Faber has been a steadying presence on the blue line for Minnesota. Known for his poise and defensive acumen, Faber has excelled in a top-pairing role, contributing significantly in both zones.

His ability to read plays and make smart, effective decisions has helped stabilize the Wild’s defense during critical moments.

What sets Faber apart from the rest of the pack is his durability, as he played in all 82 games and led all rookies in time on ice, in which he finished 5th in the entire NHL.

1. Connor Bedard

Team: Chicago Blackhawks

Previous Ranking: 1

As the 2023 first overall pick, Connor Bedard has not disappointed, quickly becoming the centerpiece of the Blackhawks’ rebuild.

His exceptional skill set, including remarkable shooting accuracy and hockey sense, has made him a standout, leading all rookies in both goals and points.

Bedard’s presence on the ice is transformative, elevating the play of those around him. The center will soon look not just to be the best player in his draft class but among the league.

How would you rank the best NHL Rookies into the 2023-2024 season? Rank below to be added in the NHL Power Rankings.

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