NHL Rookies who could make an immediate impact this year.

1. Maxim Shabanov, W, NYI: Maxim is one of the most promising prospects coming from the KHL, averaging over a point per game with some breathtaking highlight reels. Several teams bid for his services, and fortunately for him, a team in dire need of offensive help signed him. He also signed a one-year deal to expedite his ability to sign another contract for more money, so the pressure is on for him to succeed. New York had an exodus of talent following last year's trade deadline, leaving a gap for Shabanov to secure a prominent role. Questions remain regarding his size, but he plays a finesse game and might be able to steer clear of physical play. His coach, Patrick Roy, has not shied away from playing rookies, so there might be a long leash for him to perform. He's worth rostering in dynasty leagues and is a good pick in late-round drafts for redraft leagues.

2. Calum Ritchie, C, NYI: Acquired in the Brock Nelson deal, Calum Ritchie is a tantalizing prospect with a runway for top-six minutes on an Islanders team that, as previously mentioned, jettisoned much of its core and has many role players and open positions. Ritchie has the size and hockey ability to play in a top-six center position if he can earn it out of camp. Roy is not afraid to deploy rookies, so Ritchie could be worth monitoring if he makes a strong showing at camp.

3. Zeev Buium, D, MIN: With Jonas Brodin injured for the start of the 2025 season and Zeev Buium having been used for spot starts in this year's playoffs, Buium has a chance to earn a top-four role and possibly some power-play time with a unit that features Kirill Kaprizov. Despite limited usage in his playoff appearances, a training camp will give him a chance to build rapport and earn his coach's trust. His game lends itself to being a power-play quarterback and a strong puck-possession defenseman at the NHL level. Minnesota lacks a defenseman with his skill set. He was one of my favorite prospects coming out of the 2024 draft, and he helped his team win an NCAA championship and a World Junior gold medal by playing immense minutes as a crunch-time player.

4. Rutger McGroarty, W, PIT: Rutger has had a tumultuous start to his NHL career, refusing to play for Winnipeg and being traded to Pittsburgh for Brayden Yager. McGroarty seemed to have a skill profile destined to fit into a depleted offensive core with his high pace of play and big frame, but things didn't go as planned last year. He only played eight games, looking rather lost on the ice and getting demoted to the third or fourth line. Upon being sent down to the minors, McGroarty initially struggled to find himself on the scoresheet. However, he picked up steam and was effective in the points category later in the season, helping carry Wilkes-Barre to a 40-24-8 record, despite being one of the major forwards with a negative plus-minus at -10. McGroarty utilized his strength to dominate college players, but this isn't as effective at the NHL/AHL level. He needs to tighten up his offensive zone awareness and defensive positioning to stick in the top six of an NHL lineup. He has the shot and body frame to be a contributor; he just needs it to click. There isn't much forward depth in Pittsburgh to stop him, which is a good sign for dynasty and redraft fans alike.

5. Ivan Demidov, W, MTL: Montreal has slowly built a powerhouse through savvy trades and the draft. No prospect has recently started their NHL career with as much advertised ability as Ivan Demidov, who was a Black Ace for Montreal and dazzled with spectacular plays. Montreal may have been bumped early from the playoffs, but the early eye test shows that Demidov has the ability to be a highlight-reel player. He is confident enough to pull off dangles most players wouldn't attempt and has the skill set to execute them. Paired with the acquisition of puck-moving defenseman Noah Dobson and the recent ascension of Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson, Demidov and Montreal are poised to take off this season.

6. Axel Sandin-Pellikka, D, DET: Axel Sandin-Pellikka, a 20-year-old right-handed defenseman, was selected 17th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. His 2024-2025 season with Skellefteå AIK in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) was exceptional, where he recorded 12 goals and 29 points in the regular season, earning the Börje Salming Trophy as the best Swedish-born defenseman. His playoff performance included 15 points over two seasons, the most by a junior defenseman, showcasing his offensive capabilities from the blue line. Axel drew into three games in the Calder Cup playoffs and looked like he belonged. Expect Axel to battle in camp for a top-four position; the fact that Detroit lacks elite playmakers on the right side will only increase the odds of him cracking the team.

7. Michael Misa, C, SJ: Depending on team needs, I think Misa would have been the #1 overall pick for half of the NHL. Misa has a stereotypical NHL size at 6'1", 183 lbs. His 2024-2025 season with the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL was dominant, leading the league with 134 points (62 goals, 72 assists) in 65 games, earning the CHL Top Scorer Award. His 62 goals were the highest by an OHL player since Patrick Kane's 2006-07 season, tying for third-most by a draft-eligible skater in OHL history. The Sharks have a glaring hole at second-line center, and Misa is almost guaranteed at minimum a nine-game trial run at the NHL level. The Sharks have also acquired some decent wingers to insulate Misa; he's currently projected to be flanked by veteran Tyler Toffoli if he cracks the top six. His only competition is Alex Wennberg, whose skill set lends itself to being a third-line center.