Who are the top rookies?

So, who will be the top rookie of the 2008-09 NHL campaign? It'll be one of these five players. How do I know that? It's easy.

They're among the annual bumper crop of first-year players who bring either excitement or dread, depending upon where you stand as a fan of NHL teams.

Though none is likely to supplant any of today's young stars this season, these five players will get to take the first steps of what their employers hope will be long and productive careers

No. 5: Kyle Okposo (pronounced OH-po-sew), right wing
New York Islanders
20 years old (4.16.88) / Drafted seventh overall in 2006
The skinny: The Islanders are beginning yet another youth movement, and Okposo is carrying the banner. With five points in a nine-game call-up last year, as well as 28 in 35 games in AHL Bridgeport, Okposo should make a seamless transition.

No. 4: Fabian Brunnstrom, left wing
Dallas Stars
23 years old (2.6.85) / Signed as a free agent in 2008
The skinny: Everyone seems to think he'll be this season's best player from Europe. My question, however, is will Brunnstrom be more like Peter Forberg or Andreas Karlsson? The Stars' brass and fans are hoping he's more like Foppa than Floppa. At 23, he'll be one of the NHL's oldest rookies.

No. 3: Drew Doughty, defense
Los Angeles Kings
18 years old (12.8.89) / Drafted second overall in 2008
The skinny: Given all the young talent that the Kings have stockpiled over the past few seasons, it makes sense that a resurgence is in the works. Doughty and teammate Jack Johnson should have a good handle on Los Angeles' blueline for quite a few years.

No. 2: Kyle Turris, center
Pheonix Coyotes
19 years old (8.14.89) / Drafted third overall in 2007
The skinny: Turris' expected appearance in the Coyotes' lineup should take some offensive pressure off of Peter Mueller and, perhaps, Shane Doan. Here's to hoping for two things: he handles the pressure and absorbs every bit of wisdom imparted by his coach, Wayne Gretzky.

No. 1: Steven Stamkos, center
Tampa Bay Lightning
18 years old (2.7.90) / Drafted first overall in 2008
The skinny: To some, it's nearly cheating to say the top pick of the most recent NHL draft will be the following season's top rookie. Stamkos, however, seems to be the complete package. I'm looking forward to watching him play.

Who's the best young forward?

When it comes right down to it, creating this list of the top young forwards for the 2008-09 season was fairly straightforward. In fact, the top four are hockey household names.

But rather than complain about the lack of movement within the list, and, really, that shouldn't be a complaint, why not embrace the talent that these top-shelf players bring to the game?

Are there some surprises? Certainly. It raised my eyebrows when my research and rating formula left off Chicago's twin young stars, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. Sure, they're talented and have restored credibility to the moribund Blackhawks franchise. But, there are players who are simply better. In time, I suspect they'll climb up the ratings.

You'll also note that, once again, Atlanta's Ilya Kovalchuk didn't make a the top-five list. Now, if this was a list of the NHL's most exciting players, well, then, that's a different story. But until he remembers that hockey is a two-way game, and improves his minus-12, he falls far short of having an all-around game.

Rather than dwell on that, let's take a look at who are the top five young forwards, defined as being 25 years old or under as of Oct. 4, in the NHL:

No. 5: Paul Stastny, center
Colorado Avalanche
22 years old (12.27.85)
Drafted 44th overall in 2005
The skinny: Coming from famous hockey bloodlines, there's no doubt about his abilities. He averaged more than a point-per-game (71 points, including 24 goals in 66 games) last season and is aware of his defensive responsibilities (plus-22). He's the Avs' go-to guy.
Last season's ranking: n/a

No. 4: Jason Spezza, center
Ottawa Senators
25 years old (6.13.83)
Drafted second overall in 2001
The skinny: The only reason he dropped a spot from last year's rankings is the trio of players in front of him. Logging 92 points, including 34 goals, in 76 games reaffirms his status as one of the NHL's elite players, no matter his age. At plus-26, his defense is only getting better.
Last season's ranking: No. 3

No. 3: Evgeni Malkin, center
Pittsburgh Penguins
22 years old (7.31.86)
Drafted second overall in 2004
The skinny: Welcome to the first of three no-brainer picks. Simply put, on any given night during the season, Malkin, who had 106 points in 82 games, has the skills and growing experience to be the best player in the game. His play last season when teammate Sidney Crosby was injured is the stuff of legends.
Last season's ranking: No. 5

No. 2: Sidney Crosby, center
Pittsburgh Penguins
21 years old (8.7.87)
Drafted first overall in 2005
The skinny: Only a high ankle sprain kept Sid the Kid from providing Washington's Alex Ovechkin with some competition for postseason hockey hardware. Still, though, he posted 72 points, including 24 goals, in only 53 games. Had he played a full 82-game season, there's no doubt he would have posted a 110-plus-point campaign.
Last season's ranking: No. 4

No. 1: Alex Ovechkin, left wing
Washington Capitals
23 years old (9.17.85)
Drafted first overall in 2004
The skinny: Let's see, he won the Art Ross Trophy (112 points), the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy (65 goals), the Hart Memorial Trophy (league MVP) and the Lester B. Pearson Award (most outstanding player, as voted on by NHL players). What I found most impressive was a commitment to defense, evidence by his plus-28. Though I'd still build a team around Crosby, Ovechkin keeps making that decision more difficult.
Last season's ranking: n/a

Ones to watch

C'mon, now, did you really believe that Kovalchuk, Kane and/or Toews wouldn't make some Hound Central 4.0 list of the game's top young forwards? I may be stupid, but I'm not an idiot. Again, the names are presented in alphabetical order:

Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals, center
20 years old (11.23.87) / fourth overall in 2006 Draft
The skinny: With Ovechkin as a linemate, there's no reason why No. 8's abilities and passion for the game won't rub off on Backstrom. He can score and remembers that hockey is a two-way game. In time, he's likely to move up the list.

Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks, right wing
18 years old (11.19.88) / first overall in 2007 Draft
The skinny: Last season's Calder Cup winner will have to prove that last season's offensive efforts (72 points, including 21 goals, in 82 games) were no fluke. His defense (minus-5), however, needs a little work. still, though, he's a bright young talent. Extra points, too, for being a Buffalo kid.

Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings, center
21 years old (8.24.87) / Drafted 11th overall in 2005
The skinny: It's too bad that Kopitar doesn't play for a stronger team. That way, his glaring minus-15, after two straight minus-12 seasons, wouldn't be held against him, in terms of favorable all-around play. Still, though, 77 points, including 32 goals, in 82 games isn't anything to sneeze at. As the Kings' mature, Kopitar's game will only get better.

Ilya Kovalchuk, Atlanta Thrashers, left wing
25 years old (4.15.83) / first overall in 2001 Draft
The skinny: It's like I keep saying: Kovie is one exciting player -- when he's in the offensive zone. In the Thrashers' defensive zone, well, that's another story. Until he commits to improving his defense, he'll be viewed as a one-dimensional player. That's a shame, too.

Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks, center
23 years old (5.10.85) / 19th overall in 2003 Draft
The skinny: In hockey terms, this guy's a stud: 82 points, including 24 goals, in 72 games and a plus-32. He's big, strong and should define the NHL's power forward position for many, many years. Teammate Corey Perry isn't too bad, either.

Peter Mueller, Phoenix Coyotes, center
20 years old (4.14.88) / eighth overall in 2006 Draft
The skinny: His rookie-season numbers (54 points in 81 games) were pretty good, all expect one -- a minus 13. Once he works on that, there's no stopping his rise to among the elite players.

Tomas Plekanic, Montreal Canadiens, left wing
25 years old (10.31.82) / 71st overall in 2001 Draft
The skinny: A sleeper pick, it's my guess that most folks here in the states couldn't tell you much about Plekanic. Solid scoring (69 points, including 29 goals, in 81 games) and defense (plus-15) should raise his profile around the league.

Jason Pominville, Buffalo Sabres, right wing
25 years old (11.30.82) / 55th overall in 2001 Draft
The skinny: Here's a kid who truly picked up the pace last season, finishing with 80 points, including 27 goals. Though his plus-minus fell from the 2006-07 season, he still finished a plus-16. And, no, I'm not playing favorites here. This kid, like teammate Derek Roy, are certainly worthy of inclusion.

Derek Roy, Buffalo Sabres, center
25 years old (5.4.83) / 32nd overall in 2001 Draft
The skinny: Last year was Roy's coming-out party, picking up 81 points, including a career-high 32 goals, in 78 games, and finishing with a plus-13. He's not the tallest player (5-foot-9) in the NHL, but he's got one of the biggest hearts.

Eric Staal, Carolina Hurricanes, center
23 years old (10.29.84) / second overall in 2003 Draft
The skinny: Bottom line, the Hurricanes live or die with Staal. It's hard to believe that at 23, he's been in the NHL for four seasons. He rebounded nicely, posting 82 points in as many games, from his Stanley Cup hangover season in 2006-07. Although he was a minus-2, it was his best showing yet.

Jonathan Toews (pronounced TAYVES), Chicago Blackhawks, center
20 years old (4.29.88) / third overall in 2006 Draft
The skinny: Just like his buddy Patrick Kane, expectations are running high for Toews. Fifty-four points in an injury-shortened 64-game season shows he has the offensive skills to become a big star. A plus-11 is surprising, too, given his tender years. He, too, is destined for the top-five list.

Feel free to check out last season's top young forwards.

Who's the best young defenseman?

Of all the "best young" features that Hound Central 4.0 will produce this week, this one -- profiling the top young defensemen in the NHL -- contains the most surprises. And the most names

While most of the names will be familiar, more familiar names have fallen off the top five listings. And it's not just because they're older than 25, as of Oct. 4. Nope, the winds of change were brought about by changes to Hound Central 4.0's formulaic criteria for defensemen.

Beyond scoring, games played and plus-minus, the staples for past editions, this season's rankings incorporate more defensive-minded statistics into the equation: blocked shots, hits and a player's giveaway/takeway score.

As you'll soon see, it led to a nearly widespread shuffling in the rankings. No longer on these lists: Pittsburgh's Ryan Whitney, Nashville's Shea Weber and Tampa Bay's Matthew Carle, three of last year's top five.

Instead, they've been replaced by some surprising names, players who play a more complete game:

No. 5: Dan Hamhuis
Nashville Predators
25 years old (12.13.82)
Drafted 12th overall in 2001
The skinny: While it's easy to get lost in the shuffle of the Predators blueline, Hamhuis stood shoulders above teammates Ryan Suter and Shea Weber. He likes to hit (162) and posted a respectable 27 points. Only a minus 4 kept him from fourth place.
Last season's rankings: n/a

No. 4: Duncan Keith
Chicago Blackhawks
25 years old (7.16.83)
Drafted 54th overall in 2002
The skinny: Over time, the Blackhawks have been blessed with great defensemen: Pierre Pilote, Chris Chelios, the late Keith Magnuson, Doug Wilson, Bob Murray and, yes, Bobby Orr. It's time to add Keith's name to the list. Look beyond his 32 points and plus-30. Marvel at his 115 blocked shots and plus-11 in giveways/takeaways. This guy is good. Real good.
Last season's ranking: n/a

No. 3: Brent Seabrook
Chicago Blackhawks
23 years old (4.20.85)
Drafted 14th overall in 2003
The skinny: Well, if Keith makes the list of Chicago's top defensemen, I better add Seabrook as well. He loves to hit. He loves to block shots. And, like Keith, he pitches in offensively. What more can I say? The Blackhawks are blessed on the blueline.
Last season's ranking: n/a

No. 2: Dan Girardi
New York Rangers
24 years old (4.29.84)
Signed as a free agent in 2006
The skinny: If this isn't the biggest surprise on the list, I don't know who else I could name. Ulf Samuelsson? Seriously, though, this kid is flying under way too many radars. If you haven't heard of him by now, you will soon enough. A Memorial Cup winner with the London Knights, he's not afraid to sacrifice his body -- 179 hits and 123 blocked shots. Twenty-eight points in a full 82-game season only help his cause.
Last season's ranking: n/a

No. 1: Dion Phaneuf
Calgary Flames
23 years old (4.10.85)
Drafted 9th overall in 2003
The skinny: As much of a surprise as Girardi may be, there's should be little debate as to who is the best young defenseman. Hands down, it's Phaneuf. He can skate. He can score. He plays the point on the Flames' power play. His mile-wide mean streak (194 hits) can scare the living snot out of you, too. I only hope that being the cover boy for EA Sports' NHL09 doesn't prove to be a jinx.
Last season's ranking: No. 2

Ones to watch

These young defenseman, in alphabetical order, have either already made, or will soon make, their presences felt on NHL bluelines. I won't apologize for the length of this list, either. The NHL is deep in young defensemen:

Jay Bouwmeester, Florida Panthers
25 years old (9.27.83) / 3rd overall in 2002 Draft
The skinny: Really, I expected more out of Jay-Bo last season. Hence, his fall from the No. 3 spot on last year's list. Perhaps the arrival of Bryan McCabe, as well as a season under the belts of the Panthers young core, will help both the team and Bouwmeester. Age alone knocks hom off next year's list.

Brent Burns, Minnesota Wild
23 years old (3.9.85) / 20th overall in 2003 Draft
The skinny: Quietly, Burns put together a solid offensive campaign (15-28=43, 8 PPG, 4 GWG) within Minnesota's defense-first system last season. Because of that, expectations will be higher this season. There's plenty of room for improvement on the defensive side of his game. Patience will pay off here.

Braydon Coburn, Philadelphia Flyers
23 years old (2.27.85) / 8th overall (Atlanta) in 2003 Draft
The skinny: Though slightly prone to turning over the puck, there are few holes in Coburn's game. Points (36) and power play goals (5) are plentiful for a defenseman. A plus-17 shows he's not a defensive liability.

Tobias Enstrom, Atlanta Thrashers
23 years old (11.5.84) / overall in 200 Draft
The skinny: A pleasant surprise out of camp last year, he brought some offensive pop (5-33=38) to Blueland's blueline. He'll block shots (106), but shies away from hitting (21). Thrashers fans must drool at the thought of Enstrom and Zach Bogosian (No. 3 overall in 2008) on defense.

Tom Gilbert, Edmonton Oilers
25 years old (1.10.83) / 129th overall in 2002 Draft
The skinny: Though he's not a big hitter (27), Gilbert has no problem laying down to block shots (159). With 13 goals among his 33 points, scoring isn't a problem. Greater concentration to defense will round out his game.

Mike Green, Washington Capitals
22 years old (10.12.85) / 29th overall in 2004 Draft
The skinny: When I started researching this list, I figured Green would pose some serious competition for Phaneuf as the game's young top defenseman. It wasn't even close. Granted, Green posted a ton of points (56, including 18 goals). But he logged less than 100 hits (94) and blocked only 68 shots. He's kind of sloppy with the puck, too.

Erik Johnson, St. Louis Blues
20 years old (3.21.88) / 1st overall in 2006 Draft
The skinny: Just another key part in the rebuilding project going on in St. Louis. Another season of tutelage under Eric Brewer, Barret Jackman, Jay McKee and Al MacInnis will only hasten the maturation process. Another instance where patience will be rewarded.

Jack Johnson, Los Angeles Kings
21 years old (1.13.87) / 3rd overall in 2005 Draft
The skinny: With Jonathan Bernier, Drew Doughty (No. 2 overall in 2008), Alexander Frolov and Anze Kopitar, Johnson joins a talented nucleus with the Kings' young lineup. His talents will become better known as the Kings' fortunes improve.

Brian Lee, Ottawa Senators
21 years old (3.26.87) / 9th overall in 2005 Draft
The skinny: Given the departures of Wade Redden and Andrej Meszaros from Ottawa's defensive unit, the University of North Dakota product stands a chance of cracking the Senators' opening-night lineup as a rookie. If not, he'll do it soon enough.

Andrej Meszaros, Tampa Bay Lightning
25 years old (10.13.85) / 23rd overall in 2004 Draft
The skinny: In surfing the Web recently, I ran across some blog comments that thanked the Lightning for taking Meszaros off the Senators' hands. Mez, as they call him, wasn't as good as everyone believes him to be, that his game suffered after Zdeno Chara signed with Boston. I don't buy that. In fact, I look forward to watching this kid blossom into a premiere blueliner.

Matt Niskanen, Dallas Stars
21 years old (12.6.86) / 28th overall in 2005 Draft
The skinny: When your teammates are Mike Modano, Brenden Morrow, Jere Lehtinen, Sergei Zubov and Marty Turco, it's understandable that a player like Niskanen might go unnoticed. Though he could improve the physicality of his play (47 hits and 62 blocked shots), he brings enough offense (7-19=26 and a plus-22) to the table.

Paul Ranger, Tampa Bay Lightning
24 years old (9.12.84) / 183rd overall in 2002 Draft
The skinny: As fortunate as Chicago is to have Keith and Seabrook, Lightning fans should start singing the praises of Ranger and Meszaros (And, really, Carle will turn out to be a fine defenseman). Ranger, with 31 points in 72 games, won't face the pressure to play a 10-year-veteran game this season. Hopefully, offseason shoulder surgery won't impede his progress.

Marc Staal, New York Rangers
21 years old (1.13.87) / 12th overall in 2005 Draft
The skinny: It's like I said last year, let's all sit back and enjoy today's version of the Sutter brothers roam and reign among NHL rinks. It won't be long before all four brothers -- Eric, Marc, Jordan and Jared -- will rack up a million air miles between them every season. Maybe they'll let their folks use them.

Feel free to check out Hound Central 3.0's best young defensemen.

Who's the best young goalie?

Even though my skating skills are suspect at best, manning the pipes is, by far, the last position I'd ever want to play in hockey. Why? There's too much pressure. Slapshots, despite copious amounts of padding, still hurt. And I'm afraid walking would be impossible after my first split save.

Thankfully, my fears, no matter how unfounded and unrealized, are quickly dismissed by the NHL's elite goalies. Pressure? Sounds like breakfast. Stinging shots? They only hurt until the pain goes away. Split saves? That's why you stretch.

To be in a position of deciding any game, where a flick of a glove is the difference between winning and losing, has got to be flat-out funky. Imagine, though, if you were just a kid, relatively speaking, squaring yourself as Washington's Alex Ovechkin tore down the ice.

In a second, you'd face these questions: Will he unleash a bullet? Or, will he dangle? Who's on the off-wing and, really, will Ovie pass? Am I wearing my cup?

Sounds like a job description that only very few people can handle. Sure, all are in the NHL. But these five young goalies, 25 years old or under as of Oct. 4, are the best ones to ask:

No. 5: Kari Lehtonen
Atlanta Thrashers
24 years old (11.16.83)
Drafted 2nd overall in 2002
The skinny: Though whispers on his abilities and conditioning are approaching chatter level, Lehtonen's still among the league's most exciting goalies. He faces a ton of shots (1,560) and puts up solid numbers: four shutouts within a injury-marred 12-win campaign, a 2.90 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage. Most teams would love a goalie with his abilities and, um, potential.
Last season's ranking: No. 4

No. 4: Carey Price
Montreal Canadiens
21 years old (8.16.87)
Drafted 5th overall in 2005
The skinny: His performance in the playoffs, exposing a somewhat weak glove, should not be your lasting impression of this could. He played so well that even the most grizzled hockey veteran dared mention his name in the same sentence as Patrick Roy and Ken Dryden. Monster stats, too: Three shutouts within 24 wins, a 2.56 GAA and a .920 SP. I'm thinking, too, that Price, whom I suspect will only climb up this list in the seasons ahead, spent the summer working on his glove hand.
Last season's ranking: first appearance

No. 3: Pascal Leclaire
Columbus Blue Jackets
25 years old (11.7.82)
Drafted 8th overall in 2001
The skinny: After years of waiting for Leclaire to step up and get noticed, the 2007-08 campaign was his coming-out party. Nine shutouts within 24 wins, a 2.25 GAA and a .919 SP validated what many have said about him -- he's a top-shelf goalie. Can he lead the Blue Jackets to the playoffs? If he repeats last season's performance, there's no reason why Columbus won't play past early April.
Last season's ranking: first appearance

No. 2: Cam Ward
Carolina Hurricanes
24 years old (2.29.84)
Drafted 25th overall in 2002
The skinny: To some, last season might be viewed as a disappointment. Still, though, six shutouts in 37 wins is pretty darn good. A 2.90 GAA and a .916 SP are respectable, too. I still have faith in Ward. To me, he's a money goaltender. Hurricanes fans, I hope, will agree. If they don't, I'm sure quite a few NHL teams would welcome his 1,870 saves.
Last season's ranking: No. 5

No. 1: Marc-Andre Fleury
Pittsburgh Penguins
22 years old (11.28.84)
Drafted 1st overall in 2003
The skinny: In a team loaded with superstars, Fleury is likely the most unheralded. Last year's playoffs, though, should support his rising through these rankings. A 1.97 GAA and a .933 SP should have been good enough to win the Cup. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh ran into the Red Wings. Barring injury or burnout, this kid is the best goalie, age notwithstanding, in the NHL.
Last season's ranking: No. 3

Ones to watch

These five young keepers, listed in alphabetical order, should soon become the next wave of elite goaltenders:

Jonathan Bernier, Los Angeles Kings
20 years old (8.7.88) / 11th overall in 2006 Draft
The skinny: Yes, he could use some AHL seasoning. But, the Kings will give him a chance this season. Given the revolving door in the Kings crease last year, he should have the chance to earn a starting gig. The smart money, however, has him starting in a couple years.

Jaroslav Halak, Montreal Canadiens
23 years old (5.13.85) / 271st overall in 2003 Draft
The skinny: As much as I hate to admit it, the Canadiens look stacked in net for years to come. Halak performed admirably in a handful of games last season. The big question, though, is where does he play: Montreal, watching mostly from the bench, or Hamilton, where he'll get playing time?

Karri Ramo, Tampa Bay Lightning
22 years old (7.1.86) / 191st overall in 2004 Draft
The skinny: Last season's run with the Lightning showed that Ramo wasn't quite ready for the NHL's prime time. Still, his aggressiveness in net and competitive spirit bodes well for the Lightning. Like Lehtonen, he's another top young Finn goalie.

Pekka Rinne, Nashville Predators
25 years old (11.3.82) / 258th overall in 2004 Draft
The skinny: Let's see, Chris Mason runs off Tomas Vokoun. Dan Ellis sends Mason packing to St. Louis. Rinne, another Finnish product, could easily send Ellis to the bench or who knows where. Stuck in the AHL for the past few seasons, this is his opportunity to show what he can do. He had five shutouts and 37 wins as Milwaukee's starter last season.

Tobias Stephan, Dallas Stars
24 years old (1.21.84) / 34th overall in 2002 Draft
The skinny: Though he won't make anyone forget about Marty Turco, this season will either spent riding the pines or starting for AHL Iowa. Six shutouts within 26 wins, even at the minor-league level, isn't anything to sneeze at. Dallas, it seems, is set in goal for the next few years.

Feel free to check out Hound Central 3.0's best young goalies.

Who's the best young tough guy?

When kicking around the idea for this feature, profiling the NHL's top young tough guys, the last thing I wanted to do was focus on fighting. Though I see a role for enforcers in today's game, I'm not convinced that a one-tool player deserves to take up valuable space, both on an NHL bench and within a team's salary cap.

Today's players have to be able to skate and score. They have to be able to dish out hits. They must bring pause to any opponent with a tendency toward shenanigans. And, yes, they have to be able to put up their dukes.

Having said that, though, they don't have to be among the team's leaders in scoring or, in one case, even penalty minutes. Nope, all they have to be are solid all-around contributors.

That's why I believe these five young players, defined as 25 years old or under as of Oct. 4., best typify what every team longs to have -- a bona fide, three-tool tough guy.

No. 5: David Clarkson, right wing
New Jersey Devils
24 years old (3.31.84)
Undrafted; signed as a free agent in 2005
The skinny: At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, size plays a big role in his game. His 193 PIMs, including 21 majors, and his 150 hits show he's not afraid of the rough stuff. Of his 22 points last season, nearly half (9) were goals. The kid's a winner, too, playing for the Kitchener Rangers' 2003 Memorial Cup championship squad.

No. 4: Jared Boll, right wing
Columbus Blue Jackets
22 years old (5.13.86)
Drafted 101st overall in 2005
The skinny: Who's says Southern boys can't play hockey? Born in Charlotte, N.C., the Blue Jackets resident enforcer turned heads and flattened noses by making the Columbus squad out of camp. Not only did he rack up an NHL-leading 28 majors within his 226 PIMs, but he also logged 135 hits. Hopefully, he'll improve upon his offense (5-5=10 in 75 games).

No. 3: Dustin Brown, right wing
Los Angeles Kings
23 years old (11.4.84)
Drafted 13th overall in 2003
The skinny: One of my favorite players in the NHL, he's also the subject of one of my favorite hockey stories. It seems that he wasn't making any friends among teammates during his rookie AHL season because he kept knocking the tar out of them in practice. His coach told him not to worry about making friends. Last year, his 311 hits led the NHL. And though he had only 55 PIMs, 15 of those came from fights. His 60 points, including 33 goals, round out the package.

No. 2: Dion Phaneuf, defense
Calgary Flames
23 years old (4.10.85)
Drafted 9th overall in 2003
The skinny: To players of Phaneuf's caliber, it's s compliment to say he's scary good. This blueliner, however, is simply scary. He loves to hit (194) and most are punishing. He's not afraid to fight, picking up 10 majors among his 182 PIMs. Oh, yeah, he scores, too -- 17 goals among 60 points in 82 games.

No. 1: Daniel Carcillo, left wing
Pheonix Coyotes
23 years old (1.28.85)
Drafted 73rd overall (Pittsburgh) in 2003
The skinny: The only thing to say about Carcillo's season last year? Geez, what could have been. For a guy who missed more than a quarter of his season, he posted impressive numbers: 24 points, including 13 goals, in 57 games as well as 109 hits. And let's not overlook his NHL-leading 324 PIMs (20 majors). Sure, his actions sometimes hurt the Coyotes, and he paid the price. Opponents, however, take great pains to notice whenever he's on the ice.

Ones to watch

Keep an eye on these five players, listed in alphabetical order, as they're likely to make some noise by banging some bodies this season:

Adam Burish, Chicago Blackhawks, right wing
25 years old (1.6.83) / 282nd overall in 2002 Draft
The skinny: Scoring (8 points in 81 games) will never be his strong suit, but 16 majors with 214 PIMS, as well as 89 hits, shows that physicality often earns a spot on a NHL roster.

Hugh Jessiman, New York Rangers, right wing
24 years old (3.28.84) / 12th overall in 2003 Draft
The skinny: Long called the Huge Specimen for his formidable size (6-foot-4, 200 pounds), the Dartmouth product is my sleeper pick to make the Rangers and start mixing it up in the Big Apple. Sure, he's a long-shot, but imagine the fun you'd have watching him crash, bang (154 PIMs in AHL Hartford) and light the lamp (18 goals in 71 games in AHL Hartford).

Milan Lucic, Boston Bruins, left wing
20 years old (6.7.88) / 50th overall in 2006 Draft
The skinny: He's tough as nails and brings a hard-hat approach to every game. That's why the Black and Gold gave him the Seventh Player Award last season. You gotta love his beak, too. Scoring 27 points in his rookie campaign was impressive, as were the 13 majors (65 minutes worth) within his 89 PIMS. His 181 hits show he's a willing banger, too.

Shane O'Brien, Vancouver Canucks, defense
25 years old (8.9.83) / 250th overall (Anaheim) in 2003 Draft
The skinny: If you watch this kid, you can tell he loves to play the game. He can score (21 points, including four goals, in 77 games), skates like Popeye, loves to hit (128) and isn't afraid to drop the mitts (six majors within 154 PIMs). There were times last season, though, where his penalties were problematic.

Zach Stortini, Edmonton Oilers, position
22 years old (9.11.85) / 94th overall in 2003 Draft
The skinny: Among the league leaders in majors (23) within his 201 PIMs, he's someone the Oilers know will keep opponents honest. Personally, I'd link to think there's room for improvement in scoring (12 points, including three goals, in 66 games) and hits (99).