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The 10 most intriguing NHL rookies of 2021 |
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The wait for Russian Kirill Kaprizov to begin his career with the Minnesota Wild has lasted so long that maybe we should view Kaprisov more as a six-season Kontinental Hockey League veteran than a rookie.
Kaprizov, 23, began his KHL career in 2014-15. He has scored 113 in 293 games, including 33 last season and 30 the season before.
In the KHL, Kaprizov has established himself as a clever scoring winger with equally passing ability. He can go between his legs, pick the corners with his shot or make himself invisible when defenses are trying to sort out traffic in front.
Kaprizov was drafted fifth overall in 2015, and he’s been content to become a star in the KHL. The Wild have been frustrated that they haven’t been able to sign him earlier, but because he waited the Wild now will get a player who will instantly become one of their top players.
He’s No. 1 on my list of the NHL’s most intriguing rookies. Others on my list:
Goalie Igor Shesterkin (New York Rangers): He is probably the leading candidate for the Rookie of the Year because he is going to be the No. 1 goalie on an up-and-coming team. Last season, he was 17-4-3 in Hartford and 10-2 in New York. The Rangers are becoming a quality team, and he has shown he is a difference-maker in net. If talented Shesterkin isn’t a finalist for the Calder Trophy, it probably means the Rangers won’t make the playoffs.
Forward Trevor Zegras (Anaheim Ducks): Anyone who watched him in the World Junior Championships would conclude that Zegras is ready for the NHL or very close. Zegras has some Patrick Kane in his game. Zegras is a gifted playmaker with a keen understanding of how to exploit gaps in the defensive coverage. He owns a high hockey IQ.
Goalie Ilya Sorokin (New York Islanders): It’s not difficult to find hockey people who believe Sorokin will eventually claim the net and not give it back. He’s 25 and more polished than most young goalies. Since he started playing full-time in the KHL, Sorokin’s seasonal goals-against averages have been 1.06, 1.61, 1.59, 1.16 and 1.50. His save percentages have ranged from .929 to .953 during that span. Initially, Sorokin will split time with Semyon Varlamov.
Wing Alexis Lafreniere (New York Rangers): Lafreniere, the No. 1 pick overall, will start on the third line because that’s NHL tradition for these situations. But he has too many tools to stay there for long. He will be playing in the top six before long. He’s physically and mentally more mature than most first-year pros.
Defenseman Bowen Byram (Colorado Avalanche): This is an elite level prospect who is projected to end up playing in Colorado’s top six. This is a Colorado team that is a co-favorite to win the Cup. That’s how revered Byram is.
Defenseman Alexander Romanov (Montreal Canadiens): This is a crowd-pleasing defenseman who likes to make things happen with a big slap shot or massive hit.
Center Dylan Cozens (Buffalo Sabres): Based on how he played at the WJC, Cozens should be able to slot in as the No. 3 center. Right now, the Sabres will be happy to have Jack Eichel, Eric Staal and Cozens as their top three centers. In the long run, it will be Eichel and Cozens as the team’s top two centers.
Tim Stuetzle (Ottawa Senators): Given Ottawa’s rebuilding mode, Stuetzle will be given every opportunity to explore the depths of his talent. He’s an exciting, dynamic, entertaining performer.
Quinton Byfield (Los Angeles Kings): He was the No. 2 draft pick. You can find scouts who believe that he will have a career the equal of Lafreniere Byfield has some Evgeni Malkin traits.
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