Fantasy hockey rookies can provide an edge, but only if your expectations are modest. To get value from this list, follow the players through training camp and see who has a legitimate shot at helping your fantasy hockey team. Here's a look at the prominent names in the 2010-11 rookie crop.
Tyler Ennis, Forward, Bufflao Sabres, Age 20
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With a promising playoff performance last spring and off-season changes in Buffalo, the door opens for Ennis. Considered an excellent - though smallish - prospect, he scored 9 points in 10 games last season and added another 4 points in 6 playoff games. He should be ready for a top-six shift, and ready to score 35-40 points.
Taylor Hall, Forward, Edmonton Oilers, Age 18
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Hailed by all as the "complete package," Hall leads the resurrection of a moribund franchise. How he responds to the pressure is anybody's guess, and watching him learn to play NHL defense might be painful at times. But he'll get his ice time. Hall's specialty is taking the puck to the net with strength, speed, and skill. He should do it often enough to hit the 40-point plateau.
John Carlson, Defenseman, Washington Capitals, Age 20
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After playing 22 regular-season games last year, Carlson logged top-four minutes in Washington's playoff loss to Montreal. So he's a good bet to play 17-18 minutes per game this season. 30 points is a realstic projection for a dynamic player stepping into a high-scoring team.
Tyler Seguin, Forward, Boston Bruins, Age 18
Will Seguin play? His chances of making the team improve greatly if Marc Savard's post-concussion problems persist into the season. The Bruins have never been afraid to play rookies, and a highly skilled guy like Seguin can score 45 points if he's dressed every night and getting regular ice time.
Alex Pietrangelo, Defenseman, St. Louis Blues, Age 20
After drafting him fourth overall in 2008, the Blues sent Pietrangelo back to junior hockey for two more years. He should finally be ready this season, starting 5th or 6th on the depth chart. The upside: an early favorite for Rookie of the Year. The downside: he gets sent to the AHL. The most realistic projection: limited ice time and 20-25 points.
Jamie McBain, Defenseman, Carolina Hurricanes, Age 22
McBain stepped in late last year to score 10 points in 14 games. With the Hurricanes rebuilding, he could emerge as an offensive d-man this year. he won't score at last season's pace, but with power play time he's a solid 25-point candidate.
Nazem Kadri, Forward, Toronto Maple Leafs, Age 19
Kadri is young and small and likely has a lot to learn about playing center ice in the NHL. But the Leafs don't have a lot of options down the middle. He has to show he's sticking with the team before we put him down for 20-25 points.
P.K. Subban, Defenseman, Montreal Canadiens, Age 21
After last year's emergency playoff performance - stepping in impressively for the injured Andrei Markov - it's time for Subban to take a regular job on the blue line. He likes to get creative with the puck, which can make him something of a wild card. Should inherit minutes from the departed Marc-André Bergeron, with solid 20-point potential.
Jeff Skinner, forward, Carolina Hurricanes, Age 18
With the Hurricanes commited to a rebuilding year, Skinner will get a long look at center. He's still a good bet to be sent back to junior. But if he can stick around, his immense goal-scoring and puck-handling skills could make him a dark horse candidate for rookie of the year.
Cody Hodgson, Forward, Vancouver Canucks, Age 20
Returning from long-term back issues and fighting for a job among a deep forward group, Hodgson looks like a candidate for the minor leagues. Hard to see him cracking 20 points even if he sticks with the big club.
