NHL has become teenagers on ice
By: Brian McNally
Examiner Staff Writer
10/28/09 4:35 PM EDT
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All over the NHL it seems like the kids are taking over. Dozens of hockey players drafted in 2008 and 2009 already have made their NHL debuts. A few are even making an impact already. It's nothing new for a league that has seen phenoms like Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Patrick Kane and Evgeni Malkin burst onto the scene as precocious teenagers. But the numbers seem to grow every year. Here are a few of the best:
Steven Stamkos, 19, Tampa Bay Lightning » Top pick in 2008 draft posted 23 goals as a rookie. He centers the second line in Tampa and already has seven goals this season.
Drew Doughty, 19, Los Angeles Kings » Struggled at times as rookie. But the No. 2 pick in 2008 has been better as sophomore. He is +2 with good offensive numbers for a defenseman -- two goals and nine assists.
Zach Bogosian, 19, Atlanta Thrashers » Just a solid first season for the 2008 No. 3 pick from New York. He's a -3 so far this year. But he does have two goals and looks like a future star.
John Tavares, 19, New York Islanders » Center was top pick in 2009. He already has three goals and four assists for the Islanders -- though he's also a -6 as he learns the hard way what it takes to be a two-way player.
Matt Duchene, 18, Colorado Avalanche » Teaming up with fellow 18-year-old Ryan O'Reilly to help the Avalanche -- expected to be NHL's worst team -- to a stunning 9-1-2 record. Duchene has a goal and five assists. O'Reilly has two goals and eight assists.
Victor Hedman, 18, Tampa Bay Lightning » So tough for an 18-year-old to make an impact on "D". But this 6-foot-6, 220-pound Swede is a man-child. No. 2 pick in 2009 is a +1 with four assists and will anchor the Tampa blue line for years.
Evander Kane, 18, Atlanta Thrashers » Turned 18 one month before training camp. Has three goals and two assists at left wing. Perfect spot for a kid who, no joke, was named for boxer Evander Holyfield -- an Atlanta native.
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