Nicklas Backstrom F Washington
The native of Gavle, Sweden picked up where injured center Michael Nylander left off. The 20-year-old center will win the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie if his Caps qualify for the playoffs. He had the added pressure or good fortune of centering the league’s top scorer Alex Ovechkin, and tabbed 14 goals and 52 assists in his first 70 NHL games, and managed +12 plus/minus rating, too.
David Booth F Florida
The 23-year-old left winger from Detroit was a welcome surprise for the Panthers this season scoring 21 goals and adding 17 assists. Technically, Booth doesn’t qualify as a rookie because he played 48 games last season (just three goals and seven assists) but the former Michigan State Spartan makes our team because we like his enthusiasm and there is a shortage of first-year forwards on Southeast teams who had solid seasons.
David Steckel F Washington
The 6-5, 215-pound center broke a finger March 5, but was productive as a checking-line center and on faceoffs for the Caps before his injury. Caps’ head coach Bruce Boudreau recommended that the team sign the Ohio State product after the lockout. Boudreau coached the 25-year-old and former No. 1 pick of the L.A. Kings for three seasons in the AHL. Steckel has been effective on the Caps’ penalty kill unit and while it’s unlikely he’ll ever be a big scorer in the NHL, he’s the type of role player any team could use.
Tobias Enstrom D Atlanta
Former 8th-round pick could be a regular NHL All-Star defenseman in years to come, particularly if the Thrashers pair him with a stay-at-home partner that will allow the Swede to explore more offensive opportunities in the future. Paired with fellow Swede Nic Havelid this season, which was Atlanta’s best duo by far this season. The 23-year-old has five goals and 33 assists in 79 games, and averages more than 24 minutes of ice time per game.
Mike Lundin D Tampa Bay
Also 23, Lundin is the only Lightning defenseman with a plus rating, and joins forward Michel Ouellet as the only plus players on the entire squad of those that have been with the team for the entire season. Played in 77 of 79 games and picked up only 16 penalty minutes for the season, which is unreal for a rookie blueliner. Hasn’t shown much of an offensive flair yet, but like Enstrom he will get more notice once his team improves in the standings next season.
Dan Ellis G Nashville
The former second-round pick of the Dallas Stars in 2000 turns 28 in June, but had just one NHL start prior to this season. He tied an NHL record by adding six straight wins in his first starts this year for a total of seven consecutive wins to start his career. He bailed out the Predators this year by solidifying the goaltender position after trading away Tomas Vokoun and watched as former No. 1 goalie Chris Mason faltered during the season. Ellis played in 42 games and compiled some gaudy stats, winning 22 games against 13 losses with a 2.28 goals-against-average, a .926 save percentage and six shutouts. Might be one of the biggest reasons the Predators still have a shot at the playoffs during an injury-plagued season.