Fantasy hockey – Impact rookies and sophomores to draft

As is usual this time of year, the future is about to morph into the present for a host of talented, young stars in the NHL. In turn, many members of this gaggle of fresh pro faces are equally ready to make an impact within the fantasy fold. Here’s our annual round-up of rookies and sophomores to maintain on radar, not only during your fantasy draft, but throughout the 2022-23 regular season.

Brand new(ish)

Mason McTavish, F, Anaheim Ducks: If this year’s beau of the WJC ball can even come close to mimicking this summer’s international play in taking his next big step – look out. Team Canada’s captain racked up 17 points in seven games, essentially driving his national squad to the top of the Championship podium. While competition in the NHL is whole other bag of bananas, McTavish still prematurely presents as a prolific scorer on a young Ducks squad that’s ready to take another leap forward. If he settles into a top-six role and carves out a spot on the No. 1 power play, as anticipated, the 19-year-old will make a significant scoring splash in his first full tour. Perhaps even to the tune of 60-plus points. Then onwards and upwards from there.

Jack Quinn, F, Buffalo Sabres: Last season’s AHL Rookie of the Year is primed for a breakout season on a young Sabres team on the upswing. My guess is Quinn slides in on the wing within the top-six, priming himself for a breakout campaign, straight away. He didn’t put up 61 points in 45 games with the Rochester Americans by accident. With such a proclivity for production, this young man has “Calder Candidate” written all over him. Betcha he hits the 60-point mark with ease.

Marco Rossi, F, Minnesota Wild: Two years removed from being diagnosed with COVID-related myocarditis, and months after wrapping up a successful 53-point/63-game season in the AHL, it’s time for the soon-to-be 21-year-old to finally shine at hockey’s top level. Pencilled in at center alongside Matt Boldy on the Wild’s third line in the here and now, Rossi projects to hurdle both Ryan Hartman and Joel Eriksson Ek up the lineup down the road. For now though, a Minnesota club that lost Kevin Fiala in the offseason will need some extra scoring punch from the ninth overall draft pick (2020) regardless of where he lines up. Don’t be surprised if Rossi puts up scoring…