Kevin Dupont

A new NHL season is upon us, and like every season, rosters around the league have an ample sprinkling of rookies. But 2008-'09 has a whole bunch of fresh faces, an embarrassment of riches when it comes to kids who have game, which could make for some angst and head-scratching when it comes time to choose the 2009 Calder Trophy winner for rookie of the year.

In no particular order here, a brief look at 10 of the new kids on the block of ice who, at least with rinks across North America just now opening for business, could be given serious Calder consideration:

Steve Stamkos, F, Tampa Bay — We've been hearing about this phenom for how long? At least as far back as when chatter began about making the nets bigger. He scored 197 points in his two years with the Sarnia Sting, then went No. 1 overall to the Bolts. Seems to make nets bigger by himself. Not huge (6-foot-1, 195 pounds) but a skill set to be a franchise player. Went 0-0—0 in his first three NHL games. Fellow Lighting pivot Vincent Lecavalier can tell him how long it takes to fulfill that ''franchise'' tag.

Kyle Turris, F, Phoenix — Another newbie, only 19 years old, and fresh off the University of Wisconsin campus (38 points in 36 games with the Badgers last season). Debuted with an assist vs. the Blue Jackets. Picked No. 3 overall in the '07 draft, very strong on skates and has a legit knack for unloading shots. One of the many promising kids the Desert Dogs have in their lineup, and it will be a little easier for Turris to develop at pivot with veteran Olli Jokinen now aboard from Florida.

Blake Wheeler, W, Boston — At 6-5, 215 pounds, and with real wheels and stick skills, the former UMinn star surprisingly made the club out of his first camp, then scored in the season (and career) opener against the Avs. Strong, mobile and mature, the most talented big man the Bruins have had at wing since the days of Mike Knuble (now in Philly). He is older (22) that most of the new kids. Came to Boston as an unrestricted free agent, after not being able to reach contract terms with Phoenix.

Luke Schenn, D, Toronto — After selecting him No. 5 overall in the June draft, the Leafs were careful to manage expectations in training camp, noting there was no point in keeping the 6-2, 215-pound backliner on the varsity if he couldn't play among their top four defensemen. But, voila, there was Schenn on opening night, and he could stick around for quite a while. Rugged, strong, and with ample flashes of offense. Should be a significant building block in the Leafs makeover, now 40-plus years in the making.

Drew Daughty, D, Los Angeles — The Kings made him the top defenseman drafted in the '08 entry class, believing he could be the cornerstone backliner of the future. Three-plus months later, he played a steady 17:40 against the Sharks in his NHL debut. Big-time skater. Big-time hitter (Scott Stevens-like in that category) and with both the skill and poise to be a power-play quarterback. Too bad the Kings didn't find some veteran blueline leadership, beyond ex-Oiler Matt Greene, to help ease the freshman's pressure.

T.J. Oshie, F, St. Louis — Piled up 45 points in 42 games, along with 57 penalty minutes, in college (North Dakota) last season. Will turn 22 years old just before Christmas. Plays with strength and snarl, something the Blues did not have in abundance last season. Coach Andy Murray doesn't need him to try to duplicate his point-per-game college pace. All he has to do for a successful first year is play with an edge, maybe chip in with 30-35 points. But has a much higher ceiling.

Jakub Voracek, F, Columbus — Picked No. 7 overall in the '07 draft, struck for a goal and assist in his NHL debut against the Stars. Very fast and equally creative with the puck at right wing, reminiscent in some ways of another kid from Kladno, Czech Republic, by the name of Jaromir Jagr. Not as big, or prolific, but similarly wired. Scored 101 points last year with the Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL). Helped gain a step on the roster when Blue Jackets moved Nikolai Zherdev to the Blueshirts.

Derick Brassard, F, Columbus — Another prime Blue Jacket youngster, the 21-year-old pivot scored a goal in each of his first two NHL games this season (after dipping his toe in the NHL for 17 games last year). An excellent playmaker who could help the Blue Jackets secure their first ever playoff berth. Despite strong offensive start, won't be expected to carry the offensive load, but stranger things have happened, especially when considering how the Blue Jackets have strung together seven playoff DNQs since inceptions.

Fabian Brunnstrom, F, Dallas — A late, late, late bloomer in Sweden, the 23-year-old winger signed with the Stars as a free agent, after taking serious looks at other clubs, especially the Red Wings and Canadiens. A left wing with decent size (6-1, 205), he carries perhaps the highest expectations of anyone in the freshman class, and because of his age he could have a physical edge and maturity level over some of the teenagers. But he also could be labeled a project.

Zach Bogosian, D, Atlanta — Has the skills and power that lead some to project him as an impact, two-way defenseman, able to make things happen at both ends of the ice. Not many of those around lately. Good-sized body (6-2/200) who likely will add 15 pounds, minimum. Can make the all-important first pass to trigger an offense, and also can rub out enemy forwards as they cut in from the wings. Was picked third overall in the June draft and likely will a fixture this year with Thrashers.

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