Rookies Make the Grade

We all know that Steve Stamkos is the odds-on favourite to win the Calder Memorial Trophy this season. We've heard the hype surrounding Fabian Brunnstrom's remarkable season in Sweden and his subsequent signing with the Dallas Stars. You've probably also heard Kyle Turris' name being floated around as another potential contender for the Calder Trophy. But who else is there? In the Prospect Report's first week back from the off season, we'll take a look at a few players who are set to play their first NHL game on opening day that you may not have heard of coming into this season.

Colton Gillies - Gillies first made a name for himself playing for Western Hockey League's Saskatoon Blades. Before his 18th birthday, Gillies was already 6-foot-4 and he learnt to take advantage of his imposing frame. In his breakout 2006-07 season with Saskatoon, Gillies had 30 points and 148 penalty minutes in 65 games. His play led to him being selected 16th overall in the 2007 NHL entry draft. However, entering the 2007-08 season, everyone was looking for him to demonstrate his offensive potential and show he was more than just a towering player with a mean streak. Gillies responded by scoring 24 goals and 47 points in 58 WHL games while still spending 97 minutes in the sin bin. He was then sent to the AHL, where he scored one goal and registered seven assists in 11 games.

Gillies is a very fast skater who can use his superior reach to challenge opposing players in one-on-one battles. He can count his puck handling abilities as one of his strengths, but he still needs to improve his shot. He has all the makings of a great power forward, but Gillies should still be considered a work in progress. He entered this season's training camp as a bit of a long shot to make the Minnesota Wild's roster, but he managed to impress coach Jacques Lemaire. Gillies will start the season with Minnesota and can be counted on to spend plenty of time in the sin bin right off the bat. However, he may need time to adjust to the NHL before he starts to live up to his offensive potential.

Patrik Berglund - After an unremarkable rookie season with Vasteras in Sweden, Berglund broke out with 21 goals and 48 points in 35 games in 2006-07. After such a strong season in Sweden, Berglund had a great shot of making the Blues' 2007-08 roster. However, St. Louis eventually decided Berglund needed more time to bulk up before he could play in the NHL. Berglund did as the Blues asked and showed up to this season's training camp an impressive 199 pounds.

Berglund has all the tools necessary to be a star in the NHL. He has terrific reach and he is capable of protecting the puck when he gets it. He has a knack for getting the puck to open linesmates and he's capable of taking the shot himself when the opportunity presents itself. Berglund will start the season on a line with Paul Kariya, who thinks Berglund has the ability to have a 100 point season before his NHL career is done. Berglund isn't likely to get anywhere near the century mark this season, but he should put up solid numbers as a top-six forward. He's a great late-round draft choice or waiver wire pickup in most fantasy leagues.

Zach Bogosian - Selected third overall in the 2008 entry draft by the Atlanta Thrashers, Bogosian is hoping to make an immediate impact in the NHL. Bogosian certainly has experience with making a good first impression. In his rookie season with the OHL's Peterborough Petes, Bogosian recorded 33 points and 63 penalty minutes in 67 games. However, it was his spectacular 2007-08 sophomore season where Bogosian truly made his mark and earned the third overall pick in the entry draft.

Bogosian scored 11 goals and registered 50 assists in 60 OHL games last season. He was the only OHL blueliner to lead his team in scoring and he finished second amongst defensemen in assists. He was highly ranked amongst OHL defensemen both for his offensive talents and his defensive skills.

Bogosian is a smart player with a great work ethic. He is an offensive defenseman who doesn't neglect the defensive side of the game. While his 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame helps him play a physical game, he is still a strong and quick skater. He has a top-notch shot and he's demonstrated a willingness to use it.

Atlanta GM Don Waddell decided to have Bogosian start the season in the NHL after the team acquired Mathieu Schneider, feeling the young defenseman could learn from one of the best offensive defensemen in the league. However, the pressure is on Bogosian to impress in a hurry. The first year of Bogosian's contract kicks in if he plays in 10 NHL games this season. For that reason, Bogosian will likely be sent down to the minors if he hasn't worked out within the first nine games. Bogosian is still a risky player to have on your fantasy team because of this, but we like his chances of playing a full season in the NHL. Bogosian could finish the season as one of the top scoring rookie defensemen.

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