Honorable Mention1 of 26

Jackson Blake, Carolina Hurricanes

A fourth-round pick in 2021, the 22-year-old Blake netted 17 goals and 34 points in 80 games as a rookie last season. That earned him an eight-year contract extension. A quick, competitive winger, he has 24 points in 39 games thus far this season.

Brandt Clarke, Los Angeles Kings

Chosen eighth overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, Clarke showed his promise as a top-four defenseman in 2024-25 with 33 points in 78 games and a plus/minus of plus-13. The 22-year-old now holds that role on a full-time basis, with 18 points in 37 games.

Simon Edvinsson, Detroit Red Wings

Making his full NHL debut last season, Edvinsson quickly fitted in well alongside Moritz Seider on the Red Wings’ first defense pairing. Chosen sixth overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, the 22-year-old blueliner had 31 points in 78 games last season.

Anton Lundell, Florida Panthers

Lundell is nicknamed “Baby Barkov” because he plays a two-way role similar to team captain Aleksander Barkov. A first-round pick (12th overall) in 2020, the 24-year-old center is now in his fifth NHL season. He played a key role in helping the Panthers win back-to-back Stanley Cup titles.

Mason McTavish, Anaheim Ducks

The third-overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, McTavish has tallied 42 or more points in each of the last three seasons. A versatile forward, the 23-year-old has solidified his grip on the Ducks’ second-line center position.

Matvei Michkov, Philadelphia Flyers

An electrifying winger with impressive scoring skills, Michkov was taken seventh overall by the Flyers in the 2023 NHL Draft. The 21-year-old finished second among rookie scorers with 63 points, but is struggling in his sophomore season. Nevertheless, he remains a future scoring star.

Frank Nazar, Chicago Blackhawks

Called up midway through last season, Nazar earned a full-time roster spot with 12 goals and 26 points in 53 games. An undersized but highly-skilled center, he was Chicago’s 13th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. With 21 points in 33 games before being sidelined by a recent injury, he’s taken on a larger role with his team.

Juraj Slafkovský, Montreal Canadiens

The first-overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, Slafkovský had two 50-plus point performances over the past two seasons on the Canadiens’ first line. Now 21, the big right winger has taken on a play-driving role on their second line as he continues to adapt toward becoming a more complete player.

Dustin Wolf, Calgary Flames

A seventh-round pick (214th overall), Wolf’s first full NHL campaign was a memorable one. He finished last season with a record of 29 wins, 16 losses, and 8 overtime losses, with a 2.64 goals against average, a .910 save percentage, and three shutouts. That made the 24-year-old goalie a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy.

Trevor Zegras, Philadelphia Flyers

A finalist for the Calder Trophy with the Anaheim Ducks in 2021-22, Zegras struggled through injuries and inconsistent play during the last two seasons. Traded to the Flyers in June, the 24-year-old forward has regained his scoring touch, leading the club with 39 points in 38 games.