Backchecking returns with a look at this year's rookie class. Not the top 10 or Top 20, but all 85 of them (so far), in alphabetical order.
Justin Abdelkader, LW, Detroit (1-1-2, even, 4 PIM in 8 GP) - Hard-working 22-year-old who helped in last year's playoffs and is battling to land a regular spot in the Wings lineup.
Artem Anisimov, C, N.Y. Rangers (3-4-7, even, 6 PIM in 14 GP) - Lanky 21-year-old who was a point-per-game scorer in the AHL last season and has been productive enough in limited ice time so far with Blueshirts, but needs a more well-rounded game to earn more ice time.
Matt Beleskey, LW, Anaheim (0-0-0, minus-1, 2 PIM in 3 GP) - Stocky winger has played a limited role since getting called up, bu the 21-year-old still has some offensive upside to nurture.
Shawn Belle, D, Montreal (0-0-0, minus-2, 0 PIM in 2 GP) - The 2003 first-round pick still qualifies as a rookie and got into a couple of games with the Habs when injuries struck the blueline. Still no evidence that 24-year-old is ready for regular NHL duty.
Jamie Benn, LW, Dallas (3-7-10, plus-1, 6 PIM in 13 GP) - 20-year-old fifth-round pick in 2007 looks like he's made the jump to the NHL straight from 'The Dub', where he tore up last season's playoffs, scoring 33 points in 19 games. He's already a top-six forward in Big D.
Nicklas Bergfors, RW, New Jersey (2-4-6, plus-1, 4 PIM in 11 GP) - It took four years of AHL seasoning, but the 22-year-old Swede is ready for primetime this season and he ranks third on the Devils in shots, behind Zach Parise and Brian Rolston, both of whom get more ice time.
Bryan Bickell, LW, Chicago (0-0-0, even, 0 PIM in 1 GP) - 23-year-old with good size hasn't scored enough at the pro level, but could still provide some grit in spot duty.
Paul Bissonnette, LW, Phoenix (0-0-0, plus-1, 17 PIM in 6 GP) - Tough guy played 15 games with the Penguins last year and is employed in a minimalist role (5:10 of ice time per game) with the Desert Dogs.
Mario Bliznak, C, Vancouver (0-0-0, minus-2, 0 PIM in 1 GP) - Injuries gave this 22-year-old Czech pivot a chance, though he struggled some in his NHL debut.
Michael Blunden, RW, Columbus (0-0-0, plus-1, 13 PIM in 5 GP) - 22-year-old who was picked up in a trade with Chicago last season and is essentially an extra forward for the Blue Jackets right now, but he's played a sound two-way game in limited action this season.
Alexandre Bolduc, C, Vancouver (0-0-0, minus-2, 2 PIM in 7 GP) - Injuries prompted the recall of 24-year-old who has been playing in Manitoba since 2005-2006. Has good size and isn't afraid to use it, but isn't a threat to be more than a part-time checker.
Chris Bourque, C, Pittsburgh (0-1-1, even, 4 PIM in 5 GP) - Smallish son of NHL Hall of Famer Ray Bourque was picked up on waivers just before the season started and has seen minimal action.
Johnny Boychuk, D, Boston (0-0-0, plus-1, 5 PIM in 3 GP) - 25-year-old had a tremendous season (65 points in 78 games) in the AHL last year, earning a spot in Boston, but that spot has been as the seventh defenceman.
Tyler Bozak, C, Toronto (0-1-1, minus-2, 0 PIM in 1 GP) - Highly-touted 23-year-old collegiate free agent signing was a late cut and did get a point in his one-game call-up, but needs more pro development before he gets a shot at full-time NHL job.
Dane Byers, RW, N.Y. Rangers (1-0-1, plus-1, 2 PIM in 1 GP) - Tough winger with a bit of a scoring touch, who got promoted when severak Rangers forwards were injured.
Taylor Chorney, D, Edmonton (0-1-1, even, 2 PIM in 9 GP) - 22-year-old got the call when injuries hit the Oilers blueline and he's filled in admirably, though he'll have to tighten up defensively as his game matures.
Logan Couture, C, San Jose (0-0-0, even, 2 PIM in 3 GP) - 2007 first-rounder getting a cup of coffee due to injuries, but the 20-year-old had a strong start in the AHL, scoring ten points in his first seven games, to earn the promotion.
Michael Del Zotto, D, N.Y. Rangers (4-8-12, plus-3, 6 PIM in 14 GP) - First-round pick in 2008 has quarterbacked the Rangers' power play and, while he doesn't get a ton of ice time (16:42 per game), his production makes him a very early rookie of the year contender.
Jason Demers, D, San Jose (0-9-9, plus-6, 8 PIM in 14 GP) - 21-year-old was a seventh-round pick in 2008 and has made a smooth jump to the NHL after one season in the AHL. Not only is he getting first unit power play time, but Demers has been steady in his limited 5-on-5 play too.
Guillaume Desbiens, RW, Vancouver (0-0-0, even, 2 PIM in 1 GP) - 24-year-old tough guy got a one-game shot with the Canucks, but is back in the AHL, where he has 30 PIM in 12 games.
Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers, G, Edmonton (1-1, 1.51 GAA, .957 SVPCT in 2 GP) - A second-round pick in 2002, the 25-year-old got into ten games with the Oilers last season and is set as the backup to Nikolai Khabibulin this year.
Jake Dowell, C, Chicago (0-0-0, even, 5 PIM in 2 GP) - Scrappy 24-year-old checking centre got into a couple of games, lifting him to 22 NHL contests for his career.
Davis Drewiske, D, Los Angeles (1-3-4, plus-8, 12 PIM in 14 GP) - A teammate of Dowell's at the University of Wisconsin, 25-year-old Drewiske plays a sound defensive game and doesn't over-extend himself.
Matt Duchene, C, Colorado (2-5-7, minus-3, 4 PIM in 14 GP) - The third overall pick in the 2009 draft has earned rave reviews so far, and is logging significant ice time (17:12 per game), but could still tighten up his defensive game.
Benn Ferriero, RW, San Jose (2-2-4, 2 PIM, plus-2 in 14 GP) - A seventh-round pick of the Coyotes in 2006, the 22-year-old signed with the Sharks after finishing four seasons at Boston College. Isn't seeing a great deal of ice time, but is certainly earning his place as a regular in the lineup.
Nikita Filatov, LW, Columbus (1-0-1, plus-1, 2 PIM in 8 GP) - The sixth overall pick in 2008 was considered a Calder Trophy candidate before the season started, but it won't happen as long as he's a healthy scratch or getting seven minutes of ice time per game.
Cody Franson, D, Nashville (1-1-2, plus-1, 4 PIM in 6 GP) - Towering and talented 22-year-old blueliner started the season in the AHL, but was getting an opportunity with Dan Hamhuis out of the lineup.
Mark Fraser, D, New Jersey (1-0-1, plus-1, 0 PIM in 3 GP) - Injuries on the Devils' blueline have provided the 23-year-old stay-at-home defender with an opportunity to play limited minutes.
Aaron Gagnon, C, Dallas (0-0-0, even, 0 PIM in 1 GP) - 23-year-old was an eighth-round pick of the Stars in 2004, but has worked his way through the Stars organization for the last couple of seasons.
T.J. Galiardi, C, Colorado (1-5-6, plus-2, 6 PIM in 13 GP) - Decent late-season audition with the Avalanche last season opened the door for a spot this season and the 21-year-old has the skills to be a solid checker, though he definitely needs to improve on his face-off work, winning just 39.2% of his draws this season.
Jason Garrison, D, Florida (0-0-0, minus-2, 0 PIM in 2 GP) - 24-year-old played a couple of games before going back to the AHL.
Matt Gilroy, D, N.Y. Rangers (2-1-3, plus-6, 2 PIM in 14 GP) - Last year's Hobey Baker winner was a highly-coveted free agent signing and the 25-year-old has seamlessly stepped right into the Rangers' defence corps.
Michael Grabner, RW, Vancouver (2-3-5, minus-1, 6 PIM in 9 GP) - 2006 first-round pick came up short in training camp and opened the season in the AHL, where he put up six points in five games to earn a recall when Daniel Sedin was injured.
Triston Grant, LW, Nashville (0-0-0, minus-1, 9 PIM in 3 GP) - 25-year-old tough guy open the season with Preds before getting sent back to the AHL, where he's spent the last four-plus seasons.
Thomas Greiss, G, San Jose (1-1, 1.38 GAA, .957 SVPCT in 2 GP) - After three seasons of work in the AHL, the 23-year-old German netminder has the Sharks' backup job behind Evgeni Nabokov.
Jonas Gustavsson, G, Toronto (1-2-2, 3.22 GAA, .892 SVPCT in 5 GP) - "The Monster" has had trouble staying healthy since arriving in North America, but he's going to have every opportunity to be the Maple Leafs' goaltender of the future...and the present.
Matt Halischuk, RW, New Jersey (0-0-0, minus-2, 0 PIM in 7 GP) - 21-year-old has played a part-time role and while he hasn't provided anything offensively, Halischuk plays a sound game.
Victor Hedman, D, Tampa Bay (0-4-4, plus-1, 12 PIM in 10 GP) - The second overall pick in the 2009 draft, the 18-year-old Swede is far and away the rookie leader in ice time, at nearly 25 minutes per game.
Jimmy Howard, G, Detroit (1-2-1, 3.42 GAA, .879 SVPCT in 5 GP) - Has already spent four seasons in the AHL and, entering this season, had played a total of nine NHL games in three different seasons, but now he's installed as Chris Osgood's backup and could push Osgood for playing time. Of course, Howard will have to play better than he has early in the season if he's going to harbour illusions of winning the starting job.
Derek Joslin, D, San Jose (0-0-0, plus-2, 2 PIM in 2 GP) - 22-year-old played a dozen games with the Sharks last year and has seen action in a couple of games this year before getting returned to the AHL.
Evander Kane, LW, Atlanta (3-2-5, plus-3, 12 PIM in 9 GP) - Drafted fourth overall in 2009, the 18-year-old has been impressive, already leading the Thrashers in shots per minute of ice time.
Erik Karlsson, D, Ottawa (0-3-3, minus-4, 6 PIM in 9 GP) - A first-round pick in 2008, the 19-year-old is considered a power play quarterback of the future, but the smallish defender could use more seasoning before he's ready to handle the rigors of NHL play, and he'll get to spend the rest of this season with Binghamton of the AHL.
Tim Kennedy, C, Buffalo (1-3-4, plus-2, 10 PIM in 10 GP) - 23-year-old Buffalo native was a sixth-round pick of the Capitals in 2005, but ended up signing with the Sabres and has been a solid two-way player early in the season.
Dmitry Kulikov, D, Florida (0-4-4, mins-9, 8 PIM in 11 GP) - Taken with the 14th pick in the 2009 draft, the 19-year-old Russian can move the puck and has lots of promise, but is a train wreck defensively, so he'll learn on the job and take some lumps in the process.
Teemu Laakso, D, Nashville (0-0-0, minus-2, 2 PIM in 7 GP) - 22-year-old Finn started the season with Predators, but struggled defensively and was sent back to the AHL.
Ville Leino, LW, Detroit (2-1-3, minus-2, 2 PIM in 11 GP) - After scoring five goals and nine points in 13 games last season, there were high hopes that the 26-year-old Finn would be able to make up for some of the Red Wings' lost scoring, but Leino hasn't been able to find the mark this season.
Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond, RW, New Jersey (0-0-0, minus-3, 0 PIM in 5 GP) - 24-year-old scrapper got into eight games with the Devils last season and has a chance to secure a more regular spot this year, but needs to play a more reliable game to earn an increase in ice time.
Trevor Lewis, C, Los Angeles (0-0-0, minus-3, 0 PIM in 5 GP) - Drafted in the first round in 2006, Lewis had three points in six games with the Kings last season, but has done little in minimal ice time so far this season.
Perttu Lindgren, C, Dallas (0-0-0, even, 0 PIM in 1 GP) - 22-year-old did get his first NHL game out of the way, but is playing with the AHL squad, trying to prove he belongs at the NHL level.
Brad Marchand, RW, Boston (0-1-1, minus-1, 0 PIM in 4 GP) - Injuries in Boston prompted the Bruins to call up the 21-year-old, who opened the AHL season with six goals in six games.
Alec Martinez, D, Los Angeles (0-0-0, minus-2, 0 PIM in 1 GP) - Played his first NHL game, but has been sidelined with an ankle injury and could find it tough to crack the Kings' defence corps now that Randy Jones has been acquired on re-entry waivers.
Shawn Matthias, LW, Florida (1-0-1, plus-1, 0 PIM in 5 GP) - Started the season in the NHL, which was somewhat of a surprise considering how terrible his AHL season was in 2008-2009, but he's back with Rochester in the AHL now with a more developed game.
Kenndal McArdle, LW, Florida (0-0-0, even, 5 PIM in 2 GP) - Blue-collar winger was a first-round pick in 2005, and the 22-year-old had more penalty minutes than ice time in his first game with the big club this season.
Frazer McLaren, LW, San Jose (0-1-1, plus-1, 5 PIM in 4 GP) - 22-year-old tough-guy-in-training got a brief taste of NHL life before getting sent back to Worcester in the AHL.
Tyler Myers, D, Buffalo (2-3-5, plus-9, 6 PIM in 10 GP) - Measuring in at 6-foot-8, the 19-year-old won't be returning to junior hockey, which makes sense since he's been the Sabres' best defenceman so far this season. Not only does Myers have a formidable reach, but he's a strong skater who possesses the confidence to make plays when he gets the puck.
Ryan O'Reilly, C, Colorado (2-9-11, plus-10, 4 PIM in 14 GP) - Perhaps the biggest surprise this season, the second-round pick from 2009 not only made the team, but the 18-year-old has been among the best rookies in the league, getting the job done at both ends of the ice.
Cal O'Reilly, C, Nashville (0-0-0, even, 0 PIM in 6 GP) - After putting up five points in 11 games with the Predators last season, Ryan's older brother started this year back in the A, where he opened with eight assists in four games to earn a promotion when Jason Arnott got injured.
Scott Parse, RW, Los Angeles (1-2-3, plus-1, 4 PIM in 4 GP) - 25-year-old winger started the season with 11 points in seven AHL games and got the call when Justin Williams was injured. So far, he's making the most of his opportunity.
Theo Peckham, D, Edmonton (0-0-0, minus-4, 2 PIM in 3 GP) - Tough guy blueliner played 15 games with the Oilers last year, but the 21-year-old has struggled in his few games this season.
Alex Pietrangelo, D, St. Louis (1-0-1, minus-2, 6 PIM in 4 GP) - Junior-eligible 19-year-old was the fourth overall pick in 2008, yet he's been a healthy scratch more often than not for the Blues so far this season. With only four games under his belt, Pietrangelo could still be returned to junior, as he was last year.
Tuukka Rask, G, Boston (1-1-1, 3.17 GAA, .899 SVPCT in 3 GP) - A first-round pick of the Maple Leafs in 2005, the 22-year-old is the Bruins' proverbial goaltender of the future. For the present, he's backing up Tim Thomas.
Joel Rechlicz, RW, N.Y. Islanders (0-0-0, minus-1, 7 PIM in 5 GP) - Scrapper without much else to offer; how else to explain his 2:30 of ice time per game?
Peter Regin, C, Ottawa (2-2-4, plus-4, 2 PIM in 8 GP) - 23-year-old Dane spent his time in the AHL last season, scoring 47 points in 56 games, was ready to make the jump this year and has been one of Ottawa's best two-way players.
Michal Repik, RW, Florida (0-0-0, minus-1, 0 PIM in 2 GP) - 20-year-old didn't crack the lineup out of camp, but his 11 points in nine AHL games earned a recall to a Panthers team struggling to put the puck in the net.
Jay Rosehill, LW, Toronto (1-0-1, minus-2, 16 PIM in 6 GP) - The 24-year-old enforcer was a seventh-round pick of the Lightning in 2003, but plays the kind of physical game that Brian Burke likes in his role players.
Michael Santorelli, C, Nashville (1-0-1, minus-5, 0 PIM in 7 GP) - Talented offensively, the 23-year-old will have to get better without the puck if he's going to keep a spot with the Predators.
Alexander Salak, G, Florida (0-0-0, 6.67 GAA, .714 SVPCT in 1 GP) - Not terribly effective in an 18-minute appearance early in the season, but the 22-year-old Czech has been top-notch in the AHL (6-0, 1.66 GAA, .947 SVPCT in 7 GP).
Rob Schremp, RW, N.Y. Islanders (0-1-1, minus-3, 4 PIM in 6 GP) - It appears that it wasn't just Edmonton holding back the 2004 first-round pick, who has rare puck skills, but seems to have a fatally-flawed game that isn't up to the nightly grind of the NHL.
Cory Schneider, G, Vancouver (0-0-0, 9.00 GAA, .750 SVPCT in 1 GP) - Called up when Roberto Luongo got hurt, the Canucks' first-round pick from 2004 figures to have a hard time winning the starting job in Vancouver as long as Luongo is around and Luongo does have a new 12-year contract.
Sergei Shirokov, RW, Vancouver (0-0-0, minus-4, 2 PIM in 6 GP) - The star of Canucks training camp, this 23-year-old Russian has also put up 11 points in 11 AHL games, but has already had two unproductive stints with the big club.
Radek Smolenak, LW, Tampa Bay (0-0-0, even, 5 PIM in 1 GP) - Originally a Lightning draft pick in 2005, the 22-year-old got into a game with the Blackhawks this season (tangling with veteran Brad May in the process) before he was plucked off waivers by the Lightning.
Viktor Stalberg, RW, Toronto (0-1-1, minus-5, 2 PIM in 8 GP) - Toronto's training camp sensation was getting opportunities (registering 17 shots in eight games, but couldn't find the net, so the 23-year-old has been sent to the AHL Marlies to recapture his scoring touch.
Gregory Stewart, LW, Montreal (0-0-0, minus-2, 7 PIM in 2 GP) - Gritty 23-year-old played 20 games with the Habs last season; hasn't seen much ice this year and has also been ineffective, yet remains on the roster.
Ryan Stone, LW, Edmonton (0-3-3, minus-2, 9 PIM in 8 GP) - 24-year-old coulnd't crack the Penguins lineup, playing eight games in four pro seasons, but has already played eight games with the Oilers this year, providing physical play in a depth role.
Alexander Sulzer, D, Nashville (0-1-1, plus-1, 0 PIM in 3 GP) - Was expected to make the Predators out of camp, but struggled and ended up in the AHL, where the 25-year-old German put up six points in five games to earn his recall.
John Tavares, C, N.Y. Islanders (4-5-9, minus-2 in 12 GP) - The first overall pick in 2009, after setting junior hockey scoring records, the 19-year-old is expected to be a franchise saviour, which may be too much to ask, but he is centering the club's number one line and providing much-needed offence.
James van Riemsdyk, RW, Philadelphia (1-7-8, plus-2 in 8 GP) - Drafted second overall in 2007, the 20-year-old was a disappointment in a late-season audition with Philadelphia's AHL affiliate last season, but the big winger has shown his high-end skills, scoring at a point-per-game pace while playing less than 13 minutes a night.
Semyon Varlamov, G, Washington (5-0, 3.20 GAA, .895 SVPCT in 6 GP) - A first-round pick in 2006, Varlamov was expected to take the Capitals' starting job this season after stepping into the role in last year's playoffs, but he's currently behind (though maybe not too far behind) veteran Jose Theodore on the depth chart.
Tom Wandell, C, Dallas (2-3-5, plus-1, 6 PIM in 12 GP) - 22-year-old Swede played 14 games with the Stars last season and has landed a regular spot in the lineup this year with a solid two-way game.
Francis Wathier, LW, Dallas (0-0-0, even, 5 PIM in 2 GP) - 24-year-old who adds some toughness to the lineup, but stuck around Big D just long enough to scrap Anaheim's Mike Brown before getting sent back to the AHL.
Yannick Weber, D, Montreal (0-0-0, minus-4, 0 PIM in 3 GP) - Talented puck-moving Swiss blueliner got a chance with the Habs when injuries hit the defence corps, but has since been returned to the AHL, where the 21-year-old future power play quarterback can continue to work on his defensive play.
Colin Wilson, C, Nashville (1-1-2, even, 0 PIM in 9 GP) - Drafted seventh overall in 2008, the 20-year-old has been solid, if unspectacular, early in his pro career. The Predators need offensive production and hope that Wilson can provide it, but that could take some time.
Ryan Wilson, D, Colorado (0-2-2, plus-5, 2 PIM in 7 GP) - Acquired from Calgary in the Jordan Leopold trade last year, the 22-year-old has made the most of his opportunity with the Avalanche, playing well in limited minutes as an injury fill-in.
James Wright, RW, Tampa Bay (1-1-2, even, 4 PIM in 10 GP) - A fourth-round pick in 2008, this 19-year-old was a surprise to stick with the Bolts, having scored just 47 points in 71 WHL games last season, but he has good size and works the boards.
Steven Zalewski, C, San Jose (0-0-0, even, 0 PIM in 2 GP) - 23-year-old got a couple of games with the Sharks, but has since been returned to the AHL, where he has seven points in nine games.
Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@ctv.ca