Now that the regular season has wrapped up, the tempo and shift to shift intensity ratchets up significantly. To the regular season, the Stanley Cup playoffs are a whole other animal and many veterans, let alone rookies, have what it takes to make an impact.
We all know the headlining rookie class of 2024-25 by now. Names likes Hutson, Celebrini and Michkov resonate with most, but what about the baby faces shoring up bottom six checking roles and fifth and sixth defence pairings? The majority of teams in the postseason aren’t rostering high profile rookies, so let’s take a deep dive and scrounge up the first year names that you’ll want to keep your eyes out for on the highlight reels and boxscores.
Eastern Conference
Carolina Hurricanes
Logan Stankoven
Logan Stankoven? He’s still a rookie? Yes the former Dallas Star winger is back for another Stanley Cup playoff run…as a rookie. Stankoven was only one game below rookie status last season and should be ready for the spring season more than most. With the Stars in the 2024 playoffs, he had 8 points in 19 games. Despite the blockbuster Mikko Rantanen trade relocating Stankoven to Carolina, the scrappy scoring forward played at a 0.5/game pace. Penciled in on the third line, he presents as a responsible and steady scoring threat.
Jackson Blake
Blake is another winger with a smaller frame, but his straight away speed and fiesty attack have kept him in the Canes’ lineup all season long. He stepped in right out of college and scored 17 goals. He has earned top line honours and powerplay time due to his combination of speed, hard play and scoring touch. Blake appears to be cut from the Caroline Hurricane mold and fits right into their style of play.
Florida Panthers
Mackie Samoskevich
Samoskevich saw a brief stint with the Panthers to close out the season last year and didn’t see any playoff time, but the former 1st rounder is part of the fold this year. The creative offensive winger brings great vision to the Panthers attack. He put up great numbers in junior and college and led the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers in scoring last year at only 20 years of age. With Matthew Tkachuk sidelined post the 4 Nations Faceoff, Samoskevich has seen steady top 6 minutes and powerplay duties. He’s an active shooter and isn’t shy to chip in with a few hits, so he looks primed for playoff style hockey.
Ottawa Senators
Nikolas Matinpalo
Matinpalo isn’t going to turn heads, but that is what the Senators need the most on their blueline. His simple game and right shot option have been an elusive commodity for the team for some time. After a lengthy career in the Finnish pro ranks, he is trending towards a similar projection to teammate Artem Zub. A late addition to Finland’s 4 Nations squad, Matinpalo has shown he can stick it out with the big boys. Look for him to play bottom pairing minutes and contribute as a shot blocker.
Montreal Canadiens
Lane Hutson
At the top of the rookie list, Lane Hutson has captured the eyes of many this season. He met the hype as an offensive wizard and set a record for rookie scoring among defenceman in Montreal. His 63 points this season and 20+ minutes a game have likely locked him in as the Calder trophy winner. Watch for Hutson’s tremendous edgework and puck transition out of the defensive zone and deceptive look offs. The big question for many is can his smaller frame sustain the physical rigours of the postseason and continue to have an impact? Stay tuned.
Ivan Demidov
As if Hutson and his razzle dazzle flavour weren’t enough, Ivan Demidov has burst onto the scene and is another must watch first year talent. Demidov is fresh off a KHL season that saw him post the most points by an under 20 player (49) surpassing Kirill Kaprizov. He is a dynamic scoring threat with decent size at right wing and will surely push the pace of the game. The Canadiens have hit a home run adding him to their roster and he poses as a massive x-factor that could help push Montreal as the underdog story of the playoffs.
Jakob Dobes
Dobes is the lone goalie on the list. He doesn’t have the same cache as his other rookie teammates, but with plenty of AHL seasoning, Dobes looked solid for the Canadiens when called upon this year. He meets the big goalie standard with his 6 foot 4 inch frame and covers much of the net with his size and mobility. Can Dobes actually factor in? Sam Montembeault has chipped away at the starter role over the past few campaigns and locked himself into the crease, but should Montreal need to make a switch, Dobes offers a serious option.
Washington Capitals
Ryan Leonard
Maybe the biggest NCAA addition late this season has been Ryan Leonard. The highly touted right winger brings a blend of power and finish to the Capitals roster. Leonard’s play fits perfectly for the postseason game, so his transition should be seamless. He will no doubt find ways to contribute with a heavy shot volume and noticeable hits. He could see favorable matchups while playing on the third line as well. Look for Leonard to play a noisy game and have an impact in one way or another.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Gage Gonsalves
After earning his stripes in the AHL for the past three seasons, Gage Gonsalves has officially made the jump. While he was a steady scoring contributor in the minors, he has filled a depth role nicely this season. Gonsalves isn’t a threat to do alot of offensive damage right now, but the overall balance in his game has earned him a regular shift. He is playing wing at the moment and projects as a depth center down the line. Watch for him to work the forecheck and cycle game.
Conor Geekie
Another depth staple has been Conor Geekie. The former Utah HC prospect boasts a 6 foot 4 inch frame that is noticeable on the forecheck and at the net front. Geekie plays a heavier game and his hard play has helped cement his spot in the lineup. While the Lightning salary cap teetering on the ledger, the 11th overall pick from 2022 and his entry level price tag have slid in nicely. Geekie should be good for the odd point off the cycle these playoffs.
Western Conference
Dallas Stars
Mavrik Bourque
If it wasn’t for Dallas’ stellar depth up front, Mavrik Bourque wouldn’t be resting on the fourth line wing. Bourque is a toolsy player that can play in all situations. He was tremendous in the AHL scoring 124 points in 141 games and is chopping at the bit to push his way up the Stars’ lineup. With injuries already to Jason Robertson, don’t be surprised to see Bourque get the call to play more meaningful minutes should another forward go down.
Oscar Back
Back is another Stars forward playing fourth line minutes and it’s an area where he thrives. His size alone demands attention and his frame is built for the hard areas of the ice and the rigours of playoff hockey. Back saw his first taste of the NHL this season and didn’t look back after rounding out his play in the AHL over the past three years. Look for Back to play a chip and chase style game while working the boards.
Lian Bichsel
If you are purposefully seeking out Bichsel, he’s pretty hard to miss. At 6 foot 7 inches, he’s by far the biggest skater on the ice and is an imposing figure on the Stars’ blueline. What’s even more concerning for the opposition is that Bichsel has great lateral mobility and excels at finishing checks. He won’t be quarterbacking the powerplay, but expect Bichsel to be a fixture in front of the net boxing out, blocking shots and activating his stick in passing lanes to make his presence felt.
Minnesota
Zeev Buium
Not even a full calendar year since being drafted and Zeev Buium is making the NHL jump. Arguably the steal of the 2024 draft, Buium was touted as a top 10 selection, but fell to the WIld at the number 12 spot. His tremendously steady play and offensive game have many anticipating an impactful debut. Considering that he plays big minutes and shows great puck patience, the Wild are confident Buium can step in and fill a role at the toughest time of year. His hockey resume is loaded with championship experiences Minnesota followers are hopeful the trend continues.
Los Angeles Kings
Samuel Helenius
Helenius may not be the headliner should the team succeed, but he is definitely a head above most. The 6 foot 6 inch center is leading the Kings fourth line efforts. Beyond his 7 points in 50 games this season, Helenius presents as a prototypical grinder on offence finishing checks and making space for his linemates. He played regular minutes down the stretch for the Kings and should serve as a reliable depth option moving forward.
Brandt Clarke
After a few short appearances in the NHL the previous two seasons, Clarke answered the call this year after Drew Doughty was injured in the pre-season. The offensively gifted Clarke scored 33 points in 78 games in 2024-25 and proved his worth. Clarke is no doubt talented with the puck on his stick, but he continues to refine his defensive approach and incorporate more physicality in his game. Look for Clarke to transition the puck well with elite passing up the ice and confidently walk with blueline for consistent shots on net.
Thanks for reading.
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