Rookie Radar: The Race Is On For Rookie Of The Year

There are a number of rookies who have been impressive through their first month in the NHL. The 2020 first overall draft pick, Alexis Lafreniere, was expected to come out of the gate hot, but he has been off to a slow start. Viten Vanecek of the Washington Capitals has been named January's rookie of the month.

Ilya Samsonov has been absent from the Washington Capitals due to Covid-19 protocols. With Henrik Lundqvist out for the season, Vanecek became the starting goaltender and put up a 5-0-2 record through the month of January. He currently holds a 2.94 GAA and a 0.913 SV%. He's currently the leading candidate for the Calder Trophy, but whether he will remain the starter over Samsonov is unclear.

Kirill "The Thrill" Kaprizov has been lights out for the Minnesota Wild. He put up 8 points in his first 10 games, including a beautiful goal against the Los Angeles Kings in his NHL debut. The 23 year old came over to North America after playing in the KHL. He's skilled and he's not afraid to lay the body. He's the favorite to win the Calder Trophy.

The New Jersey Devils have found a gem in Ty Smith. He's tied with Kaprizov with 8 points in 9 games. The rookie blueliner has impressed teammates and coaches with his level of offensive skill. There was not a significant amount of hype surrounding Smith prior to the start of the season, but we're onto him now.

K'Andre Miller of the New York Rangers has been recognized as an emerging star in his first 9 games. The 6'5" defenceman is an offensive powerhouse and has fantastic hockey IQ. He may only have 4 points, but what more do you want for a rookie blueliner? Expect to hear Miller's name a lot this season.

Goaltender Vitek Vanecek of the @Capitals and MedStar Washington Hospital Center emergency room RN Mary “Dani” Dell’Isola named @NHL’s “Rookies of the Month” for January. https://t.co/khzIe1KUeE pic.twitter.com/Ga6WJ9L1E3
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 2, 2021

VITEK. VANECEK. ROOKIE. OF. THE. MONTH. 😤

More: https://t.co/duzSFE0KfZ #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/3bFiNLIEs2
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 2, 2021

Kirill Kaprizov (2-6—8) burst onto the scene this season and is now tied for the League lead in points among rookies.

Don't miss @mnwild vs. @Avalanche at 8:30 ET on @NHLonNBCSports. pic.twitter.com/YM5g9KKGuG
— NHL (@NHL) February 2, 2021