THN.com/podcast. From THN On The 'O': Shane Wright Discusses 'Crazy' Season So Far Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk2MDY5NTc0MzA5ODQ5MDQ1/usatsi_19821888.jpg] Not every rookie will be in the Calder Trophy conversation. Whether it’s because of the player being called up part-way through the season and not being able to accumulate enough counting stats or not quite producing like the top rookies but impacting the game in a number of other areas, there are plenty of first-year NHL players worthy of recognition. These players won’t be among the finalists at the end of the year, and they may not even find their name on many – if any – of the ballots when the season ends. Their play this year warrants some recognition, though, so let’s take a look at three rookies who are flying under the radar this season. JONATAN BERGGREN, LW/RW, DETROIT RED WINGS Called up in November, Berggren has been a nice addition to the Wings young core. He’s showcased flashes of his high-end skill and intelligence while adjusting to the NHL game. He’s clicking along at 21 points through 43 games and has looked comfortable in the NHL. The physicality of the NHL has been his biggest hurdle to this point but he’s shown growth in that aspect of the game, using his craftiness and puck skill to overcome his strength and size deficit. A game against Vancouver on Feb. 13 was an excellent example, as the 5-foot-11 Berggren routinely won puck battles in the corner against Tyler Myers, the Canucks' local behemoth. Detroit captain Dylan Larkin, among others, were quick to praise him for it. While averaging 13:40 per night, Berggren likely won’t have the numbers to be in the rookie of the year discussion, but the future looks bright for the young Swede. It’s been great to see after a few years post-draft that featured a number of injuries. KIRILL MARCHENKO, RW/LW, COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS There may not be a more interesting story on the Blue Jackets this season than Russian winger Kirill Marchenko. He recorded 13 goals before notching his first career assist and would be on pace for 34 goals and two assists over a full season, a truly comical stat line. Marchenko is currently tied for second in rookie goal scoring with 14 goals but tied for 19th in rookie points with 15. He has always leaned on his goal-scoring more than his playmaking, but the Jackets’ rookie will likely regress to the mean in both departments, slowing down his goal-scoring while collecting a few more assists over the last couple of months of his first NHL season. The Blue Jackets have had a rough first season with few bright spots. There are some promising rookies, and Johnny Gaudreau has been as advertised, but Marchenko has been entertaining since entering the lineup. As this team improves, Marchenko has a chance to become a legitimate offensive threat for years to come. JORDAN HARRIS, D, MONTREAL CANADIENS The Montreal Canadiens have almost as many games played by rookie defenders (212) than the next three teams combined (CBJ/OTT/EDM, 223). The Habs have had Kaiden Guhle on the top pair playing pivotal minutes, while Arber Xhekaj has been one of the fan favorities this season because of his old-school physical play. Jordan Harris, the defender that’s been seldom spoken of in the same light, has posted a higher point total while his underlying numbers and defensive metrics have been glowing compared to the two other defensive mainstays. Harris has played a lesser role than Guhle, who has missed time due to injury as well, and he doesn’t have the fights that made Xhekaj a household name. But Harris' impact cannot be understated. He plays a smart two-way game, using his intelligence and mobility to play an understated game at both ends of the ice. Harris may be the forgotten defender of the seemingly endless list of Habs rookie blueliners, but he could be one of their key pieces moving forward. He’s become a contributor on the ice and a developing leader off of it [https://twitter.com/scottcwheeler/status/1622585061123006469?s=20]. He’s already signed an extension for two years worth an average annual value of $1.4 million, which could make him a bargain in the next couple of years as well.
