The National Hockey League’s 2020-2021 rookie class is one of the most talented in recent memory. While Alexis Lafreniere is the clear standout, there are a number of other talented newcomers that are worth keeping an eye on.
Quinton Byfield of the Los Angeles Kings is one of the most exciting prospects in the league. The 6-foot-4 center was selected second overall in the 2020 NHL Draft and has the potential to be a franchise cornerstone for the Kings. He has already impressed in his first few games, showing off his impressive skating and puck-handling skills.
Another player to watch is Tim Stutzle of the Ottawa Senators. The German forward was taken third overall in the draft and is already making an impact in Ottawa. Stutzle is a dynamic playmaker with great vision and creativity. He has the potential to be one of the league’s top playmakers for years to come.
The New York Rangers also have a talented rookie in Kaapo Kakko. The Finnish winger was taken second overall in the 2019 NHL Draft and has already shown flashes of brilliance in his first few games. He has an impressive combination of size, skill, and speed that make him a dangerous offensive weapon.
The Carolina Hurricanes have two rookies that are worth keeping an eye on. First is defenseman Jake Bean, who was taken 13th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft. Bean is a smooth-skating defenseman with great offensive instincts. He has already shown flashes of brilliance in his first few games and could be an important part of Carolina’s defense for years to come.
The other rookie to watch is forward Martin Necas, who was taken 12th overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. Necas is a dynamic forward with great speed and skill. He has already shown flashes of brilliance in his first few games and could be an important part of Carolina’s offense for years to come.
The 2020-2021 rookie class is full of talented players beyond Alexis Lafreniere. Quinton Byfield, Tim Stutzle, Kaapo Kakko, Jake Bean, and Martin Necas are all players that are worth keeping an eye on as they continue to develop and make an impact in the NHL.
