The modern NHL features impactful players that are still teenagers. Who are the young bucks that could cause havoc against the New York Rangers next season?
Seth Jarvis (CAR): New York fans will remember Jacob Trouba’s collateral hit on Jarvis in game 7 of the 2022 ECSF series against Carolina. Entering his third NHL season, Jarvis has tallied 31 career goals and 8 goals in the post-season. Jarvis's growth will only help a surging Hurricanes franchise in their quest for the cup.
Adam Fantilli (CBJ): Fantilli is only the 11th player ever to win a World Junior and World Championship in the same season. Following a Hobey Baker-winning campaign for the Michigan Wolverines, Fantilli was drafted third overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2023 NHL draft. He may be in the running for the Calder, challenging the CHL’s phenom Connor Bedard next season.
Luke Hughes (NJ): Fantilli’s teammate at Michigan University last season and brother of Jack Hughes and Quinn Hughes, Luke Hughes looks to develop this season at the NHL level. The 6’4 offensive defender stride and tremendous lateral movement. The 2021 4th overall draft selection played in 5 games for the Devils in the regular season and playoffs combined and will have to earn a roster spot next season.
Morgan Frost (PHI): Taking a few years to develop, the Flyers 24-year-old forward notched 46 points last season. His notable steps forward and the club's current state of rebuilding places Frost in a top-six position next season.
Oliver Wahlstrom (NYI): Inking a one-year prove-it deal this off-season, Wahlstrom enters the 2023 season tallying a career 61 points in 161 games. Hailed for his goal-scoring abilities at the time of the 2018 NHL draft, Wahlstrom will likely look to capitalize and create opportunities to earn another contract from the Islanders veteran favoring general manager Lou Lamoriello.
Connor McMichael (WSH): AHL Hershey Bears champion and the Capital's 2019 first-round draft selection will play under Spencer Carberry again next season, a coach who has seen the prospect's development at the American league level and potentially at the NHL level. That connection just could help the Capitals develop an effective player for the post-Ovechkin era in Washington.