Rookie Showcase: Oct. 17

We are about two weeks into the NHL season and have seen plenty of rookies perform well, while some have been underwhelming.

These players are in no particular order.

Seamus Casey, Defense, New Jersey Devils

Seamus Casey has been a pleasant surprise for the New Jersey Devils this season. After the team lost defenseman Luke Hughes at the start of the season, Casey has stepped in to fill his role.

The 20-year-old played at Michigan last year.

Through seven games this year, Casey has scored three goals and an assist. His biggest impact has been on the power play, where he has scored two of his three goals.

Matvei Michkov, Right Wing, Philadelphia Flyers

Matvei Michkov fell into the Philadelphia Flyers' lap at the 2023 draft. Although he wasn’t supposed to come to North America for three years, Flyers General Manager Danny Briere worked his magic and got him to come over two years early.

The Flyers haven’t been off to the hottest of starts this year, but Michkov has been a bright spot for the team. He scored his first two goals on Tuesday night against the Edmonton Oilers.

Michkov is a special player that the Flyers need. He and Connor Bedard were considered the two best players in the 2023 draft.

These two could be this generation’s, Crosby and Ovechkin.

Jett Luchanko, Center, Philadelphia Flyers

Jett Luchanko is another Flyers rookie. He was a surprise to make the team as he was drafted 12th overall last year.

He is currently the youngest player in the NHL and the youngest player to ever play for the Flyers

Luchanko has not made a major impact scoring-wise but has made up for it with his play. He was considered to be a 200-foot player out of the draft and has lived up to this.

The one thing the Flyers desperately need is center depth and Luchanko helps them fill this void.

Macklin Celebrini, Center, San Jose Sharks

Macklin Celebrini was drafted first overall at the 2024 draft by the San Jose Sharks. He was the consensus top pick for most of the draft cycle and would prove he was worth it by making the Sharks' roster.

Celebrini would have a good start to his career by scoring his first goal in his first game. Unfortunately, the success was short-lived as he would find himself on injured reserve with a lower-body injury.

When Celebrini returns the Sharks will gain back a much-needed piece of their team. They are currently winless at 0-2-2.

Lane Hutson, Defense, Montreal Canadiens

Lane Hutson was one of the Montreal Canadiens' second-round picks in 2022. He had an insane season last year at Boston University. He had 15 goals and 34 assists for 49 points and finished in the top 10 for the Hobey Baker award in his final season as a Terrier.

This year he makes the jump to the NHL joining the Canadiens d-core. Through five games this season he has four points all being assists.

Although he is still looking for his first goal the Canadiens have still seen a big impact from him. He has averaged 22:55 of time-on-ice this season.

Cutter Gauthier, Left Wing, Anaheim Ducks

After forcing his way out of Philadelphia, Cutter Gauthier, the Boston College product, is finally getting his chance in the NHL.

So far he hasn’t made much of an impact for a young Anaheim Ducks team. He has zero points through his first three games.

Defensively he hasn’t done much either being minus one on the season so far.

Rutger McGroarty, Right Wing, Pittsburgh Penguins

Another player who forced his way out of an organization was Rutger McGroarty. The Winnipeg Jets traded him this offseason to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

After captaining the United States World Junior team last year McGroarty made the jump to the NHL. He played in three games for the Penguins before getting sent down to the AHL.

McGroarty will likely get another chance in the NHL later in the season.

There are plenty of other rookies looking to make an impact. Will Smith, Gavin Brindley and Logan Stankoven are just some who are looking to have great seasons.

We could see even more rookies get called up as the season progresses.

Andrew Matz is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email atm5759@psu.edu.