Remember the first time you watched a future NHL star and thought, “This kid is going to be good”? There are plenty of chances for that feeling with this year’s rookie class, which features some seriously exciting young talent.
With so many fresh faces ready to make their NHL debuts, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 rookies worth keeping an eye on this season. This list includes a number of highly touted prospects looking to prove they belong, along with a few under-the-radar names hoping to surprise everyone.
Some of these rookies will step into big roles right away, while others may need time to find their footing. Either way, these 10 players are worth keeping an eye on as the new season gets underway.
Gavin McKenna, Toronto Maple Leafs, LW
Being the No. 1 overall pick comes with huge expectations, but Gavin McKenna has already given fans plenty of reasons to be excited. The 18-year-old put up 51 points in 35 games at Penn State last season after dominating the WHL, and now he gets his first shot at the NHL.
McKenna is expected to get a look in Toronto’s top six, potentially alongside stars like Auston Matthews or William Nylander. His playmaking stands out, and Leafs fans will be watching closely to see how quickly his game translates to the NHL.
Porter Martone, Philadelphia Flyers, RW
After joining Philadelphia late last season, Martone picked up 10 points in nine regular-season games and added five more in 10 playoff games. Since he stayed below the NHL’s 25-game rookie eligibility limit, he still qualifies as a rookie heading into 2026-27.
Now Martone gets a full season to show what he can do at the NHL level. He’s expected to play a top-six role and see time on Philadelphia’s first power-play unit, giving the 19-year-old a great opportunity to become one of the league’s most exciting rookies.
Anton Frondell, Chicago Blackhawks, C
The No. 3 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, Frondell showed his potential across two leagues last season. He put up 28 points in 43 games with Djurgarden in Sweden, while also recording nine points in 12 NHL contests.
Frondell brings a strong two-way game, combining a physical presence with the ability to create chances around the net. With Connor Bedard expected to miss the start of the season, Frondell could be asked to take on a bigger role right away.
Ivar Stenberg, San Jose Sharks, LW
A strong season in Sweden put Ivar Stenberg firmly on the NHL radar before the Sharks selected him No. 2 overall in the 2026 Draft. He led all SHL players aged 18 or younger with 33 points in 43 games, then added 10 points in seven games as Sweden won gold at the World Junior Championship.
Now comes the big test. Stenberg is expected to start the season in San Jose and could line up alongside Macklin Celebrini. His vision, speed and playmaking could make him an exciting addition to a Sharks team building around its young core.
James Hagens, Boston Bruins, C
Boston’s No. 7 pick from the 2025 NHL Draft made a strong case for a bigger role after an impressive sophomore season at Boston College. Hagens finished with 47 points in 34 games before adding four points in six games with Providence.
Now, the Bruins are counting on Hagens to help add some speed and offence to their lineup. He could start on the wing before eventually moving back to centre, where Boston sees him as a potential top-six option. Bruins fans will be watching closely to see how quickly he can make an impact.
Cole Hutson, Washington Capitals, D
Cole Hutson already got a brief taste of the NHL last season, and he made the most of it. The young defenceman recorded 10 points in 14 games, including six power-play points. His skating, puck movement and offensive instincts quickly stood out.
The Capitals see him starting on the third pairing and second power-play unit, but his offensive game could earn him a bigger role as the season goes on. He also has some family experience to draw from, with older brother Lane already established as a star defenceman in Montreal.
Roman Kantserov, Chicago Blackhawks, RW
After three full seasons playing against grown men in the KHL, Roman Kantserov is finally getting his shot in North America. The 22-year-old has already shown he can handle the physical side of pro hockey, and Chicago expects his speed and hockey IQ to translate well to the NHL.
The original plan was for Kantserov to play alongside Connor Bedard, but Bedard’s injury means that won’t happen right away. Instead, Kantserov could start with Frank Nazar before eventually joining Bedard on the top line. That gives him an interesting opportunity to make his mark from the start.
Jacob Fowler, Montreal Canadiens, G
Rookie goalies rarely make a major impact right away, but Fowler could be the exception to the rule. After getting his first NHL opportunity last season, Fowler went 9-6-2 with a 2.43 GAA and .908 save percentage, showing he can hold his own at this level.
Fowler could begin the season in the AHL, but don’t be surprised if he ends up playing a much bigger role between the pipes for Montreal. If he picks up where he left off, he could have a real impact on the Canadiens’ season.
Konsta Helenius, Buffalo Sabres, C
It’s hard to ask for a better introduction to Sabres fans than what Konsta Helenius had last season. After spending most of the year in the AHL, he got his chance with Buffalo and scored twice in the playoffs before heading to the World Championship and scoring Finland’s gold-medal winner in overtime.
Now there’s an opening for Helenius to take on a bigger role with the Sabres. Buffalo lost Alex Tuch in the offseason, and Helenius could be the one to fill that void. After the way he finished last season, he’ll be one of the rookies worth keeping an eye on.
Tij Iginla, Utah Mammoth, LW
Nepotism? Maybe. But Tij Iginla has done enough to show he belongs in this conversation on his own. The son of Hockey Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla is coming off a 90-point season with Kelowna and finally looks ready to make the jump to pro hockey.
Utah could start him in the AHL to get him used to playing against bigger, stronger competition. But Iginla has a real shot to force his way onto the Mammoth roster, and his speed and shot could make him an interesting addition if he gets the opportunity.