As the NHL season approaches, anticipation for the future stars of the sport is beginning to rise. Many talented young players have already made their mark in the league, but there are still countless rookies who are poised to have breakout performances in the near future. The 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs will undoubtedly feature some of these rookies, and fans are eagerly keeping an eye on their development. From hotshot forwards to reliable defenders, this year’s crop of rookies is sure to capture the attention of hockey enthusiasts across the globe. Here are some of the NHL rookies to watch in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Stuart Skinner is set to play a significant role for the Edmonton Oilers as they aim to progress past the Western Conference First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second year in a row. The young 24-year-old goalie finished off the regular season with an impressive 29-14-5 record, a 2.75 goals-against average, and a .914 save percentage in 50 games. However, Skinner has stepped up his game since March, winning 14 of his last 16 games with a 2.43 GAA and .920 save percentage in 16 games. For his exceptional efforts, Skinner was named NHL Rookie of the Month for March, leading the league with 10 wins in 12 games, a 2.83 GAA, and .908 save percentage. Skinner’s spectacular play helped Edmonton record its first shutout of the season against the Los Angeles Kings in March.
Skinner’s journey has not been an easy one, with Dustin Schwartz, Edmonton’s goalie coach, describing how he had to work his way through several development levels to arrive at his current position. Skinner is independent, committed, determined, and physically imposing, with a hunger for success. He is eager to join the ranks of rookies who have played vital roles in championship-winning seasons, such as Brad Marchand, Tyler Toffoli, Jake Guentzel, Jordan Binnington, and Ross Colton.
In addition to Skinner, seven other rookies to watch in the playoffs include Matty Beniers, Seattle Kraken’s forward; Luke Hughes, New Jersey Devils’ defenseman; Wyatt Johnston, Dallas Stars’ forward; Pyotr Kochetkov, Carolina Hurricanes’ goalie; Nils Lundkvist, Dallas Stars’ defenseman; Nick Perbix, Tampa Bay Lightning’s defenseman; and Logan Thompson, Vegas Golden Knights’ goalie.
As the countdown to the 2023 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs begins, the league’s top rookies are poised to come into their own and make a name for themselves on the biggest stage. With their raw talent, hunger for success, and determination to win, each of these young players is set to play a crucial role in their team’s quest to lift the coveted Stanley Cup. From the blazing speed of Jack Hughes to the formidable defense of Bowen Byram, the future looks bright for these rising stars, and fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the moment when they take center stage. So keep a close eye on these rookies as they light up the ice with their skills and passion, and prepare to witness history in the making as the next generation of NHL superstars emerges.
