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Rookie development isn’t always smooth sailing. Sometimes, rookies regress before finding their next development direction. Here are three unsigned rookies who had disappointing performances last year and really need to take a big step forward this season if they want to get contracts.
Samu Salminen
I still think Samu Salminen is a promising player who played on a low-scoring team at U-Conn, the same team that Artem Shlaine played on, and nearly doubled his scoring after transferring to Northern Michigan. Hopefully, Salminen’s development at U-Conn will help him fully develop his defensive side of the ball, as he’ll need that to one day be a top-six forward in the NHL. Offensively, Salminen’s scoring has stagnated at 17 points after a season in which he had visa issues and adjustment to North American hockey. Add in the fact that Salminen played eight more games this season and scored two fewer goals, and it’s not a great scoring season. Salminen needs to step up his game this year.
Peter Hauser
It’s hard to believe Peter Hauser is only 20 years old. The Czech winger finally moved to Sparta Prague this season, but not full-time, totaling just 7 assists (and no goals) in 30 games. Hauser has many of the traits of a high-energy fourth-line winger, but still needs to improve his skating. In order to stay relevant among prospects, Hauser needs to earn a regular rotation role with Sparta Prague this season and elevate his performance to a more respectable level.
Ethan Edwards
Ethan Edwards is a slightly different player on this list, the Michigan guard has been strong this season, appearing in just 21 games after missing training camp and recovering from an early season injury. This will be Edwards’ senior season, and the guard is expected to play a huge role in the Devils after the departure of rookie Seamus Casey. A strong season would ensure Edwards gets a contract. With the Devils system overcrowded at the back, it remains to be seen what the deal will be.
Honorable Mention: Cole Brown
I put Cole Brown here because even though the Brantford Bulldogs winger has only slightly declined in his D+1 season (three fewer points in five games), I’m not as confident in his long-term potential as a rookie as the other three. Brown is a sixth-round pick in 2023, and these draft picks tend to fail. Brown has to take a big step this year to change that narrative.
Your opinion
Now it’s time to tell us what you think. Leave your comments below.
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