Hockey fans were spoiled last season, as they had the fortune of witnessing one of the highest rookie scoring race in the last decade.
Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine, the respective 1st and 2nd overall picks of the 2016 NHL entry draft, demonstrated incredible skill after both scored at least 35 goals last season. Matthews managed to notch 40 in 82 games, while Laine potted home 36 in 73.
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As the 2017-18 season approaches, rookies will try to make an imprint on the league. 2017 first overall pick Nico Hischier and 2nd pick Nolan Patrick will attempt to replicate the 2016 duo’s success, and have some pretty big shoes to fill. In total, 158 NHL rookies managed to score a combined 758 markers. Matthews and Laine easily led all first-year skaters with a combined 76 goals; a number that made up more than 10% of the total (10.2).
- Numbers represent percentages
Wow.
Individually, the Leafs’ sniper scored more than 5% while the Jets’ phenome accounted for 4.7%.
- Numbers represent percentages
Both players are expected to take a step forward next season, which is frightening to the rest of the league when you take this stat into account.
Nico and Nolan, you’ve got a lot of catching up to do.
