Cole Caufield, F, Montreal Canadiens: Caufield (5-foot-7, 166 pounds) was born in Mosinee, Wisconsin, and selected by the Canadiens with the No. 15 pick of the 2019 NHL Draft. He has scored five points (one goal, four assists) and averaged 14:41 of ice time in 11 games since being recalled from Laval of the American Hockey League on Nov. 18. He had been sent to the AHL on Nov. 1 after he had one assist in 10 games.
Caufield had an assist and played 16:37 in a 4-1 loss against the Colorado Avalanche on Dec. 2, and had two assists and three shots on goal in a 4-3 overtime loss at the Nashville Predators on Dec. 4.
"The first part of the game [against Colorado], I really liked Cole's step. He was dynamic," Canadiens coach Dominic Ducharme said. "Obviously with the puck, that's what he needs to do to be effective. There is work to do without the puck, but I think it's just normal for a young player. There are ups and downs on that side, but it's part of the process too."
Brandon Duhaime, F, Minnesota Wild: Duhaime (6-2, 200), born in Coral Springs, Florida, was chosen by the Wild in the fourth round (No. 106) of the 2016 NHL Draft. Duhaime is third among United States-born rookie skaters with nine points (three goals, six assists) and is first with 63 hits in 27 games. He's averaged 11:08 of ice time in a checking role on a line with Nico Sturm and Nick Bjugstad.
"He battled in training camp and the preseason for an opportunity to be where he is at," Wild coach Dean Evason said. "He is very deserving of that. He has played the game the right way, killed penalties, 5-on-5. He has been a real good player for us this year."
Cole Sillinger, F, Columbus Blue Jackets: Sillinger (6-2, 203) was born in Columbus, Ohio, but represents Canada in international events. Selected with the No. 12 pick of the 2021 NHL Draft, the 18-year-old is the youngest player in the League this season. He's second among U.S.-born NHL rookies with 10 points (five goals, five assists), is first in face-off wins (103) and second in face-off winning percentage among players with at least 75 face-offs taken (46.4 percent) in 26 games. Sillinger is averaging 13:51 in ice time and has been playing center on a line with left wing Gustav Nyquist and right wing Justin Danforth.
"I'm only going to get more comfortable and more familiar with the speed and the strength of the guys, going against strong centermen, and not many 18-year-olds get the opportunity to do this," Sillinger said. "I'm here for a reason, and I'm in the same boat as everyone else right now."
Jasper Weatherby, F, San Jose Sharks: The fourth-round pick (No. 102) in the 2018 NHL Draft was born in Portland, Oregon. The 23-year-old (6-4, 202) has scored six points (two goals, four assists) while averaging 12:08 of ice time in 27 games. He has won 49.8 percent of his face-offs, best among U.S.-born NHL rookies to take at least 75 face-offs, and his 101 face-off wins are second. His 15 blocked shots are tied with Vegas Golden Knights forward Jake Leschyshyn for first among U.S.-born rookies, and his 11 takeaways are second to Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras.
Weatherby scored 24 points (14 goals, 10 assists) in 29 games last season at the University of North Dakota and signed a two-year contract Aug. 24.
"Jasper's performance at our development camp showcased his offensive skill, as well as his ability to utilize his size and strength to consistently win faceoffs," Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said at the time. "He was a top collegiate player last season and served in a leadership role for North Dakota on and off the ice. The ingredients he brings meshes well with the top young players who are emerging in our system."
Trevor Zegras, F, Anaheim Ducks: Zegras (6-0, 185) of Bedford, New York, has scored 22 points (six goals, 16 assists) in 27 games. He's second among NHL rookies in scoring behind Detroit Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond (24 points), and is tied for the rookie lead in assists with Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider. Zegras is averaging 17:00 in ice time playing center on a line with left wing Sonny Milano and right wing Rickard Rakell and the Ducks control 52.0 percent of all shots attempted at 5-on-5 with Zegras on the ice.
