On Monday we looked at three rookies who had a solid month of the December.
NHL Rookie Watch: The Best Of December
Sadly, there are rookies that had a December not to remember, for one reason or another. The field was tough to narrow down but here are three of the players one may keep an eye on in our “Rookie Cold Watch.”
NHL Rookies On Cold Ice — December
Alex Iafallo — Los Angeles Kings — Center
As of press time, the Los Angeles forward had just two points in 13 December games. It does seem a little unfair to focus on a player who is only playing bottom six minutes now. However, Iafallo had spent the first two months entrenched in the top-six.
Los Angeles has given the player chances though. The forward has not produced enough. He has not severely disappointed from an effort standpoint, but more from a fantasy perspective. Two goals on 77 shots are not what a top-six forward should not be his totals given his chances. This is why he is further down on the depth chart now.
It will be intriguing to see how he develops as the season goes on. There are tools to work with when it comes to Iafallo. The Kings coaching staff must be able to get more out of him. His hands and speed are still at least league average, if not above average.
There is a good chance that this is a learning year in the league for Iafallo. Will he get sent down at some point? That is possible. Shot and chance generation will be vital as much as the defensive part of his game. All are works in progress.
Victor Antipin — Buffalo Sabres — Defenseman
Victor Antipin surprised some by making the Sabres out of camp. Antipin has played some tough minutes, and that has backed off a lot. Average ice time has been around 15 minutes a night but dipped considerably in December. The defenseman played only five games with zero points.
The young defenseman has been invisible and now listed for the last ten days or so as being “ill”. Buffalo started off with a huge dud which has had a negative fantasy and defensive impact on Antipin. Some pundits saw him as a nice sleeper. Antipin needed more time, even if it was in the minors. Concerns are major that he could be homesick. This is a situation to monitor as the 25-year old has promise but is Buffalo the best place for him? Given the lack of team defense, it’s a great question.
Nolan Patrick — Philadelphia Flyers — Center
Unfortunately, Patrick was the second pick in the draft. Fantasy impact would be lower given Philadelphia has eased him into the league. Flashes have been on display so far, but two points in nine games are just not what was expected.
Patrick has been able to stay healthy. That remains debatable if he stays that way. The Philadelphia center makes plays most often do not see coming. He has shown even more of why the forward was drafted second overall. His ice time is still being sheltered at around 12 minutes per night. Patrick is being utilized with 55%+ offensive zone starts but has -6% possession metrics to team relative.
Patrick should gain more of a power play role which should help his numbers come later in the season. On the other hand, he must learn to skate with his head up and on a swivel. Potential is high, but attention to details needs some work. When Patrick keeps his head up more, the results will come.
