One rookie to watch on all 32 NHL teams in 2026-27

Sep 28, 2026, 08:45 EDT

One rookie to watch on all 32 NHL teams in 2026-27

Credit: Steven Ellis

And that’s that. The NHL’s shortest preseason in recent memory is done, and the games are set to really begin.

The 2026-27 season begins on Tuesday, with young prospects finding themselves in a different spot than usual. Many were able to carve their way into a starting-night lineup because of the extended preseason. But with most teams just playing four games, there wasn’t a ton of opportunities to impress. Still, between the rookie tournaments, development camps and all the offseason training, NHL teams have a solid idea of which young players have shots at cracking the roster in a meaningful capacity this year.

Today, we’re looking at one rookie to watch on all 32 NHL teams. All of them are Calder Trophy eligible, but not every team has someone projected to be a full-time NHLer. Some players listed below will start the year in the AHL, but should factor into NHL action at some point. Many teams might cycle guys for a few games in at a time, and that’s it. Who knows? Maybe someone under the radar will find a way to slip through the cracks:

Anaheim Ducks : Nikita Klepov, LW, 18

Could Klepov steal a spot on Anaheim’s top line just months after getting drafted in the first round? The winger is a tremendous playmaker and finished the year as the OHL’s top scorer with 97 points. But he’s also a stout shooter and wasn’t far from reaching the 40-goal barrier. Klepov plays with a ton of finesse, but he’s physically strong, too. He’s not an amazing skater, but he makes up for it by having the puck more often than not. Klepov had committed to Michigan State University but later changed his mind and signed an entry-level contract with the Ducks. That shows you how highly the organization values him. He’d be a fascinating fit alongside Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier on the top line.

Boston Bruins : James Hagens, LW, 19

We saw Hagens skate in his first pro action between Providence and Boston. Hagens didn’t play much with the big club, but he was solid with Providence as he got himself up to speed. Next up? Full time in Boston, where he’ll likely slot somewhere in the middle six. Hagens’ true value is in making smart plays, being a good two-way player and outthinking opponents, and that’s something that I think we saw already in the AHL. He does play a lot on the perimeter; I think that is something he’ll need to adjust if he’s going to be successful in the NHL. Hagens will have to figure out how to play with a bit more muscle, too. If Hagens can learn to exploit the middle of the ice and get the puck where it needs to be, he’ll be a big-time contributor for the Bruins moving forward.

Buffalo Sabres: Konsta Helenius, C, 20

I was a big fan during his draft year, and I still am today. Helenius appeared in nine regular-season games with the Sabres last year, scoring a goal and four points. He returned to the team in the postseason, scoring twice in four games and giving the team much-needed energy. Helenius was excellent throughout the AHL season, and he has nothing left to prove in Rochester. It looks like Helenius is set for third-line center duties this year in Buffalo, where he’ll use his physical strength and hockey IQ to create openings for him and his teammates. Plus, he has to be riding a monumental high after helping Finland win the World Championship (he was outstanding, by the way).

Calgary Flames: Samuel Honzek, LW, 21

Injuries have plagued Honzek’s career – he was limited to just four points in 18 games this past season. So it’s hard to truly feel confident in Honzek’s game right now, beyond a more bottom-six role, which, honestly, isn’t a bad thing given his playstyle. However, a promising preseason slate should give hope that he’s ready for a huge first full year. He’s a strong puck protector who uses his 6-foot-4 frame to his advantage, and he has a powerful wrister, too. Scouts have praised his overall fitness and intensity, which allowed him to return to the NHL from training camp for the second consecutive season. If he stays healthy, Honzek can still be a decent NHLer. It just feels like a bit of an uphill battle right now given how the past few years have gone.

Carolina Hurricanes: Bradly Nadeau, LW, 21

Nadeau was one of the better wingers in the AHL last year, putting up more than 50 points for the second consecutive season. He’s been productive at just about every level, and it’s only a matter of time before he gets it all together in the NHL. Nadeau played 12 games in the NHL in 2025-26, but that number is going to skyrocket in 2026-27. He’s expected to start the season in the NHL while Seth Jarvis recovers from an injury. Nadeau can contribute offensively in a way that few other Hurricanes prospects can expect to do – look for him to do whatever it takes to not get sent back to the AHL.

Chicago Blackhawks: Roman Kantserov, LW, 21

After all the hype in Hawks-land last season, Kantserov is ready for the big show. The 21-year-old had 36 goals and 64 points in 63 games while leading the KHL in goals. The 2024 Gagarin Cup champ was downright dangerous every time he hit the ice, and, despite being a smaller forward at 5-foot-9, he’s absolutely fearless. Kantserov will likely slot into Chicago’s top line, and while Anton Frondell might get more hype as a prospect, overall, the fact that Kantserov is a goal-scoring winger and doesn’t have to worry about the two-way responsibilities that Frondell has should unlock some Calder Trophy opportunities.

Colorado Avalanche: T.J. Hughes, RW, 24

A hat-trick to close out the preseason, plus some injuries up front, means Hughes is set for some NHL action. He first drew attention as an NCAA UFA after a 36-point freshman season and then upped the ante with a 48-point campaign a year later. Hughes finished his run with a 57-point effort last year, making him one of the top college players in the nation. Hughes is an interesting prospect because he started his junior career playing Jr. B, and then went as long as possible in the AJHL (registering 66 goals and 127 points in 2021-22) before kicking off his college tenure. As he’s an older prospect, expectations are high for Hughes, and he often delivers. He’s intense, quick and always looking to get in the way to steal pucks. His play away from the puck has continued to improve over the past two seasons, as well.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Luca Pinelli, C, 21

Pinelli is expected to primarily play in Cleveland, but he’s definitely an intriguing prospect to watch. Pinelli had quite the rookie AHL season, scoring 14 goals and 46 points in 68 games. The former Ottawa 67’s captain is an energetic forward who plays bigger than his 5-foot-9 frame. He’s intense, hits hard and plays with a ton of pace. Pinelli’s off-puck game has continued to improve, but he can still be lured into giving the puck away under the slightest pressure. I’d like to see Pinelli break through the middle of the ice to create more dangerous scoring chances, as he still relies too much on the perimeter. But at his age, it feels like he’s already more advanced than most smaller prospects in the game.

Dallas Stars: Dylan Hryckowian, RW, 22

The Stars have one of the worst prospect pools in the NHL, and there’s no clear path for any rookie to take the step forward. But could a second Hryckowian get a shot with the big club?. At 5-foot-10, he lacks the size teams are chasing after. But the same goes for his brother, Justin, who finished his rookie year with 30 points last year. Dylan often played more than 20 minutes a night for Northeastern and has been incredibly productive at every level. He plays with so much pace while also being an annoying you-know-what in transition. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Hryckowian get an opportunity in a bottom-line energy role.

Detroit Red Wings: Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, RW, 20

The strong, two-way forward is easily one of the best players to come out of Norway in recent memory, so it was nice to see him have a strong performance at the World Championship. Brandsegg-Nygård helped Norway win bronze, building on an excellent first year with the Griffins in the AHL. He proved he could dominate shifts with his two-way game and his excellent release, and his off-puck game is already so established for a player his age. The 6-foot-1, 207-pound winger is as competitive as they come, and he showed that during his 14-game run with the big club last season. Brandsegg-Nygård will definitely have a shot to spend the year in Red Wings’ bottom six all year long.

Edmonton Oilers: Josh Samanski, C, 24

Samanski played 24 games last season, which just allowed him to keep his Calder Trophy eligibility. The German Olympian made a strong impression with the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors and ended up playing a solid penalty kill role with the Oilers. Internationally, Samanski was one of Germany’s top players at the World Championship and proved he could be tough to contain in an energy role at the Winter Olympics. Samanski will likely spend time in both Edmonton and Bakersfield this year, with the Oilers having some decent depth options to choose from already. But Samanski definitely made a positive impact at training camp – and maybe enough to warrant an extended look with the big club.

Florida Panthers: Sandis Vilmanis, LW, 22

Vilmanis had a strong 2025-26 campaign, splitting his time between the NHL and AHL. He had five points in 19 NHL games and another 17 goals and 38 points in 48 games with Charlotte. It was a breakthrough campaign for the Latvian winger, who also finished as one of the top scorers at the World Championship. I’ve never been too high on his game, viewing him as more of an energy guy at best. But he has done an excellent job of elevating his offensive reads and capitalizing on open space. Look for Vilmanis to become a legitimate bottom-six forward option in the long run.

Los Angeles Kings: Jared Wright, RW, 23

Wright had a good year in the AHL with Ontario and even saw 23 games with the Kings. More importantly, though, he impressed enough to play in LA’s four playoff games against Colorado in the spring before finishing the campaign back in the AHL. Wright has an opportunity to fill a fourth-line role again, using his speed and size to win battles along the boards. Don’t expect much in terms of offense, but he’s a strong penalty killer who’ll give it his all every single year.

Minnesota Wild: Charlie Stramel, C, 21

The Wild turned five prospects into full-time NHLers last year, leaving the club with very little to get excited about on the rookie front. Stramel definitely should spend the majority of the year in Iowa, but he’s Minnesota’s top youngster and could be called upon for some bottom-line duty this year. He capped off his college career with an impressive 19 goals and 44 points in 37 games – just three points shy of his combined production from the three years prior. Stramel is a huge 6-foot-3, 216-pound forward who takes space away quickly and effectively. He’s quite athletic, too, allowing him to continuously get in the way, no matter the stage of the game.

Montreal Canadiens: Jacob Fowler, G, 21

Fowler got an extended look with the Habs last year, which included his first (brief) playoff action. Fowler is the best goaltending prospect in the game thanks to his incredible play reads, quick movements and fantastic hands and skating. This feels a little like watching a young Carey Price break through the noise as a youngster – Fowler is easily the most skilled Canadiens goaltender they’ve had in close to 20 years. Jakub Dobeš will serve as Montreal’s starter, but Fowler should be able to steal some starts in the short term while building experience to (eventually) become Montreal’s long-term No. 1.

Nashville Predators: Vitali Pinchuk, C, 24

Pinchuk’s name surfaced as one of the top potential European-based UFAs early last year, with several teams reportedly interested in the 6-foot-3 center. Pinchuk previously earned some NHL Draft attention in 2020 and 2021, but the COVID-19 pandemic likely didn’t help his stock. He didn’t play a ton early in his KHL career. But with 64 points in 62 games this season, Pinchuk has been absolutely lights out in his fourth full campaign. He plays with pace and confidence and can absolutely dominate down the middle while still offering off-puck support. Look for him to start the year on Nashville’s fourth line and potentially push his way up.

New Jersey Devils: Amadeus Lombardi, LW, 23

Lombardi turned heads during training camp, which helped force himself into an NHL job. Lombardi had a whopping 102 points in 2022-23 with the OHL’s Flint Firebirds after going 113th overall to Detroit the year prior. Lombardi then found his groove in the AHL with a pair of 40-plus point seasons (while missing around 20 games a year due to injury). His hard-working nature and solid offensive tendencies have continued to make him a fascinating prospect to watch. He’s not goign to crush guys, but his speed and skill make him a fascinating option on the fourth line.

New York Islanders: Victor Eklund, LW, 19

Eklund made a great impression in training camp, which shouldn’t surprise any Swedish fans. He put up a decent 24 points in 43 games in his first full season of SHL hockey. He then came over to North America, had an assist in his first NHL game, and put up more than a point per game in the AHL to close out the season. Add in a World Junior gold and an overall impressive international season, and it was hard not to like what we saw from one of the more intense wingers from the 2025 NHL draft. I think there’s a top-six winger in the making here. As long as he continues to work on his off-puck game, I don’t think it’ll be long before he’s cracking the Islanders roster on a full-time basis. But right now, look for him to just get adjusted to living in a new enviroment for the first time.

New York Rangers: Alberts Šmits, LHD, 18

When the Rangers selected Šmits fifth overall, they knew there was a strong chance he’d immediately make the big club. The 6-foot-3 blueliner moves well for his size and makes so much happen with the puck. It’s always nice seeing an 18-year-old who plays with a ton of confidence on the power play. He also has plenty of pro experience under his belt, which can be challenging to find out of European defenders. If things fall flat, Šmits can chase big minutes back in Finland. Regardless, I think he’ll be a top-four defenseman sooner rather than later, though, and should give Rangers fans something to get excited about.

Ottawa Senators: Carter Yakemchuk, RHD, 20

Yakemchuk is a big, mean dude who makes himself impossible to play against at times. When you watched him play in the OHL, it was clear that he could physically dominate opponents while being excellent with the puck. But with so-so defensive acumen and subpar skating, there were questions about how he’d be able to translate to the pro game. Instead, he was outstanding in the AHL, scoring 10 goals and 40 points while being physically dominant against older competition. He also impressed in his short run with the Senators to close out the regular season, and while his preseason was a mixed bag, I like the idea of him spending the full year in Ottawa. I think he could still be a bit more active in his own zone, but I don’t feel like his skating has really slowed him down too much. I think he’s strong enough with the puck that he could force his way into power-play time sooner rather than later, too.

Philadelphia Flyers: Porter Martone, RW, 19

Well, duh. Martone is one of the top prospects in the world and will be a key piece of the Flyers’ long-term plans. Blessed with arguably the best vision in the 2025 draft class, he possesses elite offensive instincts. His wrist shot is remarkable, and he processes the game at speed as well as any incoming rookie. Many believe Martone is the favorite to win the Calder, and it’s hard to disagree. He had an excellent end to the 2025-26 regular season and also had some shining moments with Canada at the World Championship. Martone is ready for the spotlight, and it’ll be fun watching him adapt to the chaos of the NHL.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Sergei Murashov, G, 22

Murashov burst onto the North American hockey scene two years ago, swiftly dominating both the AHL and the ECHL. He followed that up last season by posting elite AHL numbers, boasting a .919 save percentage and a stellar 24-9-4 record. Given his success, it wasn’t entirely shocking to see him register a 4-0 shutout in just his second NHL game last November. Goalie evaluators have touted his legitimate starter potential for years, and while Arturs Silovs will have different plans, there’s a lot of excitement surrounding Murashov’s NHL promotion. It’s hard to win the Calder as a goalie, but Murashov will be a top-10 candidate, no question about it.

San Jose Sharks: Ivar Stenberg, LW, 18

Stenberg is as NHL-ready as it gets out of the 2026 NHL Draft class. Even though his point production tapered off slightly down the stretch last year, he still authored one of the most impressive U-19 seasons in recent SHL history and was excellent at the World Championship. Add a stellar gold-medal run with Sweden at the World Juniors to his resume, and it was hard to not fall in love with his raw talent. Stenberg will have some depth to contend with on the left side this year, but I fully expect him to leave Sharks’ camp as a middle-six winger and challenge for rookie of the year honors.

Seattle Kraken: Oscar Fisker Mølgaard, C, 21

Jake O’Brien is the hot-shot prospect making his pro season debut, but OFM is ready for a more extended look with the Kraken. He played his first full year in North America last year, registering 10 goals and 34 points in 49 games with the Firebirds. Fisker Mølgaard also had a pair of helpers in a 13-game run with the Kraken, while also being one of Denmark’s top players at the Winter Olympics. He has played quite a bit of hockey over the past few years and has quickly established himself as one of Denmark’s most promising young players. I feel his reliable, two-way game will allow him to stick in the NHL for many years to come. Fisker Mølgaard might not be a high-end prospect, but he has a clear path to full-time NHL duty, likely in a third-line capacity.

St. Louis Blues: Theo Lindstein, LHD, 21

I’ve enjoyed watching Lindstein the past few years, and he was one of my favorites at the 2024 World juniors. He has never really been a high-output defender, but he’s a capable passer and does a decent job of getting shots through traffic. There’s nothing about Lindstein’s game that really stands out, but he’s quite well-rounded and can play a lot of minutes. I think if the Blues pair him with somebody who likes to rush the puck a bit more, that’s where Lindstein can really shine. Look for him to get some more time in the NHL this year after making his debut last season.

Tampa Bay Lightning: Benjamin Rautiainen, C, 21

Sam O’Reilly is Tampa’s top prospect, but Rautiainen is a fascinating option to skate in the NHL this year. The Finnish forward had one of the best seasons by a U-21 player in recent European pro hockey history with 25 goals and 77 points. I love him as a shooter, but he truly came alive as one of the most exciting playmakers outside of the NHL. He’s thinking all-offense, all-the-time, and it is exactly what the Bolts are banking on him being able to do in the NHL. I think he’ll need to be in a power-play role to truly unlock his full potential, especially given he’s more of a perimeter player at 5-on-5. But if he could figure out the physical game and exploit the middle of the ice more, I think he’ll be able to really make it work in the NHL.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Gavin McKenna, LW, 18

This is, and always was, a given. McKenna was one of the top stars in college hockey and has been extremely productive at every level. Toronto needed someone with his hockey IQ and pure talent in the top six, and the young winger hits all the notes. The hands, the mobility, the ability to get himself into scoring lanes consistently, you name it. He’ll have the opportunity to play a top-six role right away and should easily be one of the most impactful rookies this season. The Leafs are coming off an ugly campaign, so having someone like McKenna to give the team some tremendous talent should pay off.

Utah Mammoth: Sebastian Cossa, G, 23

The Mammoth desperately needed to address their goaltending situation, and Cossa was a perfect fit. Taken 15th overall in 2021, Cossa quickly established himself as one of the top goaltending prospects in the game. He put up excellent numbers in Grand Rapids last year, which included a career-best 26 wins, five shutouts and a .915 SV%, but that included fading in the second half and losing his starting job to Michal Postava by the Calder Cup playoffs. With Detroit’s goalie pipeline was crowded, Utah took advantage, especially with Michael Hrabal still a few years away. Cossa is a 6-foot-6 goaltender who moves well for his size and has an excellent glove hand. He can still allow the odd weak goal, but he’s a confident keeper who just needs the opportunity to prove himself at the next level.

Vancouver Canucks: Braeden Cootes, C, 19

Cootes’ impressive preseason wasn’t enough to keep him with the big club, but he’ll definitely see some time in Vancouver before too long. He got his first taste of NHL action after a strong training camp a year ago. He was ultimately sent back to the WHL, where he’d go on to register 63 points in 45 games between Seattle and Prince Albert before going on to play with Canada’s World Junior team (they hope to get him back this winter). I don’t expect Cootes to be a play-driver in the NHL, but he’s one of the most well-rounded forwards in the system. He’s got speed, skill and hockey sense, allowing him to play a variety of different roles. Cootes is a ton of fun to watch, and it won’t take him long to get the Canucks faithful fully invested in him.

Vegas Golden Knights: Trevor Connelly, LW, 20

Vegas’ pipeline is weak and always has been. But Connelly is a legit impressive prospect with a bright future ahead (if he can stay healthy). Injuries impacted Connelly’s rookie pro season, which included preventing him from a second go-round with USA’s World Junior team. But the offensively minded winner still finished with 49 points in 46 games and would have absolutely eclipsed the 60-point mark as a 19-year-old had he not missed time. Connelly’s backchecking continues to improve, and he seems to never give up on a play. For a team who has rarely held on to their prospects, Connelly looks like a legitimate top-six scoring threat for Vegas. He can shoot, make quality passes and fly around the ice. His training camp received some mixed reviews, but Connelly is the closest to NHL-ready that the team has.

Washington Capitals: Ilya Protas, LW/C, 20

Protas is one of the most intriguing prospects in the game right now thanks to his huge frame and high-end talent. He had 29 goals and 66 points in 69 AHL games last year, leading all rookies in the process. That helped Protas earn a promotion to Washington, where he had four points in four games alongside older brother Aliaksei Protas. He’s so talented, and you can’t go wrong with a 6-foot-5, 225-pound frame. Protas’ skating has taken nice strides forward, too; he’s no longer flat-footed against the majority of his competition. Look for Protas to be one of the top contenders for the Calder Trophy – although fellow Capital Cole Hutson will put up a significant fight, too.

Winnipeg Jets: Viggo Björck, C, 18

Björck made an excellent impression in Winnipeg’s recent rookie tournament games in Gatineau and again during the preseason. Big players show up against their peers, and Björck definitely looks ready to challenge for an opening night roster spot. The small but fearless center is so fascinating; nobody seems to know how to contain him. Björck’s shot is incredibly deceptive, especially on the power play. He doesn’t give you much to work with if you’re a goalie – and it’s because he doesn’t need to. Björck is quick, accurate and always in a dangerous spot, and there’s legitimate No. 1 center potential here. Björck is easily the most exciting prospect Winnipeg has had in a long time. As long as he stays in the NHL full-time, he’ll be a Calder Trophy contender.

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