The league has never been as young and as talented as it is now. Here are eight players who will change the direction of their teams this season and beyond.
1. Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers: This is a no-brainer. Not only is the 19-year-old forward a generational player, he has the ability to rival the career of No. 99. Yes, I said it. Not that McDavid wants to be compared to Wayne Gretzky, but the second-year NHLer has proven why he has the potential to become the best player in the world. That description is held by the Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby, but if McDavid can remain healthy and productive, this dynamic player in every aspect of the game will revive the Oilers and return the Stanley Cup to Edmonton at some point in his career. It's also impressive he's already wearing the "C."
2. Auston Matthews, C, Toronto Maple Leafs: If Matthews, 19, was eligible to be drafted in the same 2015 class as McDavid and Jack Eichel, many scouts believe Matthews would have edged Eichel for the No. 2 spot. Either way, Matthews, last June's No. 1 overall pick, has been outstanding since he turned pro. He was off the charts during the World Cup of Hockey for Team North America, and his four-goal NHL debut was nothing short of amazing. The rebuilding process for the Maple Leafs continues and Matthews will be one of the reasons winning hockey will become the norm once again in Toronto.
3. Aaron Ekblad, D, Florida Panthers: The No. 1 overall selection in 2014 is one of the best defensemen in the game. His talent was noticeable during his rookie season, when he impressed with his composure both on and off the ice. Ekblad, 20, was named alternate captain of the Panthers this season and it's deserved. The 2015 Calder Trophy winner as rookie of the year will no doubt also capture the Norris Trophy one day.
4. Johnny Gaudreau, LW, Calgary Flames: There are 40 million reasons the 23-year-old forward will have an impact for the Flames. His recent six-year deal worth $6.75 million per season has fans excited that "Johnny Hockey" will remain in Calgary to excite for the foreseeable future. But it's more than just the money for Gaudreau. Generously listed at 5-foot-9, the talented forward plays a lot bigger than his frame. Unlike the three players ahead of him on this list, Gaudreau was a fourth-round pick (No. 104 overall in 2011) and has elevated his game to become one of the best young players in the league.
5. Jack Eichel, C, Buffalo Sabres: Currently sidelined 8-10 weeks with a high-ankle sprain, Eichel is one of the reasons fans are excited about the possibility of a winning team in Buffalo again. Drafted No. 2 behind McDavid in 2015, Eichel enjoyed a successful rookie season, posting 24 goals and 32 assists for 56 points in 81 games. He wasn't at his best for Team North America at the World Cup, but once he's healthy and cleared to return, it's expected Eichel's game will take the next step. High-ankle sprains are tough injuries to deal with for hockey players, so it will be a challenge for him to deal with for the next two months.
6. Shayne Gostisbehere, D, Philadelphia Flyers: Of all the young players to play last season, Gostisbehere was the most dynamic to watch. The 23-year-old defenseman registered 17 goals and 29 assists for 46 points in 64 games. His 17 goals set a franchise record for rookie defensemen and his 15-game scoring streak was the longest such streak by a rookie defenseman in NHL history. During the offseason, he had hip and abdominal surgery but showed no ill effects while playing for Team North America in the World Cup. The Flyers aren't too far off from becoming a perennial Stanley Cup playoff contender again, and Gostisbehere will be a big reason for Philadelphia's success.
7. Nathan MacKinnon, C, Colorado Avalanche: MacKinnon is the most interesting player on this list. The 21-year-old forward and No. 1 overall pick in 2013 needs to elevate his game to a level this season where he can carry the Avalanche. He has the ability to accomplish it. That will be his challenge this season, and he must, in order to be considered an elite player. It was a good sign for the Colorado organization that MacKinnon spent the offseason working out with Crosby in Nova Scotia. By all accounts, it was a successful summer for both of them, especially MacKinnon. We'll revisit his status in April.
8. Jimmy Vesey, LW, New York Rangers: The 23-year-old forward gained the most interest as a college free agent during the summer. The reigning Hobey Baker Award winner from Harvard entertained offers from seven NHL teams before signing with the Rangers in August. He will be given every opportunity to succeed in New York in every aspect of the game. Vesey's addition to the lineup should pay dividends now and in the future for the Rangers. He's considered a tireless workhorse off the ice, which bodes well for his current and future success.