from Sam McCaig of The Hockey News,
A good rookie represents hope for the future, but a really good rookie represents hope for the here and now as well as down the road. Here are the 10 NHL teams most likely to receive an injection of youthful skill and optimism this season:
ANAHEIM DUCKS: It’s not quite Ryan Getzlaf and a bunch of 20-year-olds in Anaheim this season, but it’s close. The Ducks might enter the 2019-20 campaign with a half-dozen rookies on their roster, including five up front. Highly regarded forwards Sam Steel, Troy Terry and Max Comtois are all but locks to crack the lineup and get the chance to make immediate contributions, with Max Jones and Isac Lundestrom also pushing hard for a spot. On defense, Josh Mahura looks good to earn a regular shift, while Brendan Guhle – who’s technically not a rookie after playing 18 and eight NHL games in the past two seasons, respectively – is also expected to play full-time.
Calder Trophy candidates: Steel, Terry and Comtois will be put in position to succeed, with Steel the most likely to compete for rookie-of-the-year honors.
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