Every year, a new wave of elite young talent breaks into the NHL. The 2025-26 rookie class is particularly strong, with a number of talented players seemingly destined for greatness. From playmaking forwards with silky-smooth mitts to skilled defencemen that make breakout passes with ease, the league is loaded with fresh, young talent.
With so many new faces turning heads this season, we’re seeing a number of breakout performances across the league. Now that we have a solid sample size, we’ve got a clear picture of the best young players from this year’s rookie class.
There’s still a lot of hockey left before this year’s Calder Trophy is handed out, but here’s our take on the top five rookies in the NHL this season.
5. Zeev Buium – D, Minnesota Wild
Drafted 12th overall by Minnesota in 2024, Buium is making a significant impact on this Wild roster this season. He entered the league with a strong offensive pedigree from the University of Denver, and that trend has continued at the pro level. He’s currently second among rookie defencemen in scoring with 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) over his first 18 games.
At just 19 years old, Buium’s averaging more than 19 minutes of ice time per game, third-most among all rookie skaters. His presence on the blue line has bolstered the Wild’s power play, and his seven points with the man advantage leads all rookies.
He still needs work on developing a balanced two-way game, as evidenced by his -10 plus/minus, but he’s already breaking Minnesota rookie records. It’s easy to forget that Buium is only 18 games into his NHL career; he should be a key piece of the Wild’s defensive corps for years to come.
4. Jakub Dobes – G, Montreal Canadiens
As the only rookie goaltender to crack our top five, Dobes has been sensational between the pipes for the Canadiens this season. While he started the year as the clear backup in Montreal behind Sam Montembeault, things can change in a hurry when you just keep winning. Fast forward just over a month into the season, and the Czech goaltender still has yet to lose with an overall record of 6-0-1.
At 6’4” and 215 lbs, Dobes is a big goalie who can fill the crease and use his size to his advantage. His numbers this season haven’t just been good for a rookie, they’re up there with the top netminders in the league. His 2.25 GAA is third-best among all NHL goalies, while his .920 save percentage is fourth. He was even named the NHL’s third star for the month of October.
It’s safe to say that this rookie has already surpassed all expectations from when the Canadiens drafted him 136th overall back in 2020. Dobes has earned the trust of his teammates and his play has sparked a potential goalie controversy in Montreal.
3. Beckett Sennecke – F, Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim’s turnaround has been one of the biggest surprises in the first month of the NHL season, and Beckett Sennecke has been a big reason why. The rookie right winger has 11 points (6 goals, 5 assists) in 16 games, third-best among first-year players.
The Ducks have high hopes for their 19-year-old playmaker after selecting him third overall in 2024. With quick hands, strong vision and a willingness to attack the middle of the ice, he’s had no trouble producing at the next level.
Sennecke has locked down a top-six role with Anaheim, who currently lead the Pacific Division and sit second in the Western Conference. We’ve still yet to see the finished product, but he’s already displayed the offensive flashes and dangling ability that made him such a highly touted prospect.
2. Matthew Schaefer – D, New York Islanders
There’s a lot of pressure that comes along with being the first overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft but it doesn’t look like Matthew Schaefer is feeling the heat. He may be just 18 years old, but the teenager is showing the hockey world that he’s every bit the franchise defenceman as advertised.
By providing the Islanders with a mobile, puck-moving defenceman who can make good reads and drive play from the back end, Schaefer has helped New York elevate their play this season. He leads all rookie defencemen in scoring with 12 points (5 goals, 7 assists) in 16 games while averaging more than 22 minutes of ice time per game.
Playing on the team’s top pairing at this age is a feat all on its own, but Schaefer isn’t just surviving — he’s thriving. As the centerpiece of the Islanders’ rebuild, you can expect to see him on New York’s blue line for many years to come.
1. Ivan Demidov – F, Montreal Canadiens
The top spot on our rookie list goes to Canadiens right winger Ivan Demidov. He was taken fifth overall by the Habs in 2024, but spent most of last season playing for the KHL’s SKA Saint Petersburg. It’s still early in his NHL career, but Demidov has looked like a superstar for Montreal and the rest of the league is taking notice.
The Russian forward leads all rookies in scoring with 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists) in 16 games this season. His elite puck-handling and playmaking instincts have been on full display, and he’s developed excellent chemistry playing alongside Alex Newhook and rookie centre Oliver Kapanen on Montreal’s second line.
Demidov is already one of the league’s most exciting players to watch and has been making the highlight reels on a nightly basis. The Habs have one of the best young teams in hockey, and Demidov’s emergence could be the missing piece needed to thrust this team into Stanley Cup contention.