Early Predictions For Rookie Of The Year – Tyler Toffoli Will Win Calder

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I am one of those people who love to see young players break through.  I am the guy who always takes too many rookies in their hockey pool because I want to be the one who predicted the success.  But face the facts, there aren’t many rookies who truly make an impact in the NHL in any given year. Earlier this week I outlined which of those prospects I think will play this season, but there is a difference between playing and making an impact.

Jun 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Florida Panthers player Jonathan Huberdeau poses with the Calder Trophy during the first intermission of game two of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Boston Bruins at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

As such, here are my top 5 list of players who could break through to capture the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 2013-14.

1.  Tyler Toffoli -LOS ANGELES KINGS

May 21, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi (31) gathers the puck ahead of Los Angeles Kings center Tyler Toffoli (73) during the second period of game four of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at HP Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Last year’s AHL rookie of the year got his feet wet in the NHL last season with 5 points in 10 regular season games and 6 points in 12 playoff games.  He will get a shot to play on one of the top 2 lines with the departure of Dustin Penner to the Ducks.

2.  Filip Forsberg – NASHVILLE PREDATORS

Apr 27, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Nashville Predators center Filip Forsberg (9) skates with the puck against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the third period at Nationwide Arena. Columbus defeated Nashville 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

Nashville has never been known as a dynamic offensive team, but Forsberg has the opportunity to break through with a big year, one that he couldn’t put up in Washington.He played 5 games with the Predators to get acclimated somewhat to the NHL style of play.  He might get off to a slower start than some freshmen, but by the end he should be in the conversation.

3. Nathan MacKinnon – COLORADO AVALANCHE

Jun 30, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; Number one overall draft pick Nathan MacKinnon to the Colorado Avalanche poses for a photo during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Since Mario Lemieux in 1984-85, only 3 first overall draft picks have gone on to win the Calder Trophy, and only 1 of those (Patrick Kane) won it the year after they were drafted (Alex Ovechkin had to wait a year to play due to the 2oo4-05 lockout), and Bryan Berard (did not play in the NHL the year he was drafted).  MacKinnon has a good shot to join the select company.

4. Sean Monahan – CALGARY FLAMES

Jun 30, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; Sean Monahan puts on a jersey after being introduced as the number six overall pick to the Calgary Flames during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Although they didn’t finish last in the league, it is hard to see a team that needs the player they drafted in the first round more than the Flames need Monahan.  He has the potential to step right in and become the Flames’ #1 center right away, and has the all around game and the maturity to fit in that spot.

5. Mark Scheifele – WINNIPEG JETS

Jan 27, 2013; Winnipeg, MB, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele (55) warms up prior to the game against the New York Islanders at the MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

Two times he has been given auditions of 7 and 4 games in the last two seasons, but hasn’t been able to stick.  Third time could be a charm for Scheifele, although his strength is still a concern, and his ability to handle the grind of a full NHL season is in question.   He is dynamic offensively and in the right situation could have a breakout season.

SYNOPSIS & PREDICTION

More often than not, the rookie of the year is not one who plays in the league as an 18 year old, having just been drafted.  Most of the time it is a player who has had one year or more to get some seasoning (either in junior or the minors) and adjust their game to better prepare or to get physically stronger.

The two players I see having the best chance to make immediate impact, Monahan and MacKinnon, both have the smarts to play in the NHL right away, but I truly think that the winner of the Calder Trophy will be a player who was drafted in 2010 – Tyler Toffoli of the Los Angeles Kings.

Apr 27, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi (31) makes a save against Los Angeles Kings center Tyler Toffoli (73) during the game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

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