This year’s National Hockey League rookie class may go down as one of the strongest and deepest in history. In one of the many repercussions of the lockouts, many of the rookies that would have broken into the league last year have entered the league this year, effectively doubling the size, and talent level, of this year’s rookie class. Led by talented forwards Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, many of these players will most likely shape the league for the next decade and beyond. Unlike many other professional sports the NHL chooses not to promote extensive media coverage of its entire rookie class, so who exactly are these newcomers making a splash on the ice?

Lauded defensemen prospects Dion Phaneuf of the Calgary Flames and Brent Seabrook of the Chicago Blackhawks have made their debuts and lived up to, if not exceeded, expectations. Both have showcased their skills on the ice, leading rookie defensemen in points and total goals scored plus assists, while showing a glimpse of the terrific careers they have ahead of them. Lesser known prospect, Andrej Meszaros of the Ottawa Senators, has had his impact as well. Despite relatively unimpressive offensive statistics, Meszaros ranks second in the entire league in plus/minus rating with a whopping +20 rating, showing that his team plays better with him on the ice, scoring many more goals than they give up. It stands as little coincidence that his team ranks first in the Eastern Conference.

Between the pipes rookie netminders Henrik Ludvinquist of the New York Rangers and Jason LaBarbera of the Los Angeles Kings have stepped up to help their teams to the second and third seeds in their respective conferences. For the Rangers, Henrik Ludvinquist has split time with established veteran goaltender Kevin Weekes but has largely outperformed his counterpart on his way to earning the trust of coach Tom Renney. Ludvinquist ranks third in the league in goals against average (2.08) and save percentage (.929%), and has played a major role in his team’s rise to the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, Jason LaBarbera has played solidly for the Kings, posting respectable numbers but, more importantly, winning eight games in eleven starts, while backstopping his team to a tie for the lead of their division a surprising third seed in the Western Conference.

Yet in the new offensive era of hockey, an extremely impressive forward class has shone and demonstrated their capability to perform on the professional hockey stage. In Philadelphia, the highly touted dangerous duo of centers Mike Richards and Jeff Carter has taken to the ice and hardly disappointed, playing a large role in the third most potent offense in the league. Mike Richards has registered a decent tally of four goals but has also shown his playmaking abilities through ten assists and a +10 rating. Jeff Carter has shown his own scoring touch by registering a commendable total of seven goals and five assists. Winger Pavel Vorobiev has emerged as an offensive threat for the Chicago Blackhawks, particularly on the powerplay, recording six goals and nine assists for fifteen points, eight of which he earned on the man advantage. Left Wing Thomas Vanek of the Buffalo Sabres has played a vital role in their offense, scoring only three goals but bolstering his offensive credentials with thirteen assists. Jussi Jokinen of the Dallas Stars has established himself as a scoring speedster with eight goals and seven assists.

 Led by Ovechkin and Crosby, these players and other rookies will look to dominate the league for years to come. More importantly, following the institution of a variety of new rules aimed at creating a more flowing and high scoring game, these new faces represent a new generation ushered into a league based upon scoring and finesse. In the years to come these rookies will play a key role as the new face of the league as the NHL seeks to rebuild its fan base.

Note: All statistics as of November 26, 2005