A strong rookie campaign in the NHL is not uncommon, but it’s often followed by the dreaded “sophomore slump.” Conversely, some players who did alright last season begin to find consistency in Year 2.
The 2021-22 rookie class included Calder Trophy winner Moritz Seider, rookie scoring leaders Michael Bunting, Trevor Zegras and Lucas Raymond, and former first rounders such as Matt Boldy, Cole Sillinger, Anton Lundell, Cole Caufield and Seth Jarvis. It’s a long year, and much can change, especially with young players.
So who from this class is slumping, and who is soaring? Let’s take a look at some players from last year’s NHL rookie class.
Sophomores Slumping
Cole Sillinger, C, Columbus Blue Jackets
A slump that begins in training camp is a bad sign. Sillinger has stumbled out of the gate recording only two assists through 13 games. Last season, he had 16 goals and 31 points in 79 games. Perhaps it’s a result of rushing Sillinger from the USHL to the NHL. Perhaps it’s a hangover from a more taxing season than Sillinger’s body was used to. Whatever the reason, Columbus’ 12th overall pick in 2021 now needs to learn to overcome adversity and find ways to be effective away from the puck to stay in the lineup.
Philip Tomasino, RW, Nashville Predators
Perhaps there is no sophomore slump more severe than not making the NHL roster in Year 2. The Nashville Predators obviously decided to take a step back with Tomasino in hopes of taking a larger step forward in the future. After scoring a respectable 11 goals and 32 points in 76 games with Nashville last season, Tomasino is playing more minutes and having a bigger overall role with the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals this year. His 11:32 average ice time as a rookie was not ideal to maximize development, but watching Tomasino lose a roster spot this year was unexpected, and he might deserve another audition. He’s not the only player in this position, as Washington’s Connor McMichael was also not on the Capitals’ opening night roster.
Jamie Drysdale, D, Anaheim Ducks
It’s hard to call what has turned into a disastrous sophomore season for Drysdale a slump. He definitely got off to a slow start going pointless in eight games. He was also playing more than two minutes less per game than he averaged last season as a rookie when he compiled 32 points in 81 games. Unfortunately for Drysdale, his season might have ended after those eight games due to a torn labrum, which requires surgery and will need four to six months of recovery.
Moritz Seider, D, Detroit Red Wings
It would be difficult to immediately duplicate the season Seider had as a rookie. With each passing game, onlookers are growing increasingly concerned with Seider’s offensive slump. After the reigning Calder Trophy winner scored 50 points and topped all rookies in assists with 43, he’s seen his points-per-game totals plunge from 0.61 to 0.36. Defensively, and in transition, Seider continues to play a crucial role for the Red Wings, but expectations are expectations, and his were sky high entering Year 2.
Vasily Podkolzin, RW, Vancouver Canucks
Amongst the struggling Vancouver Canucks, Vasily Podkolzin looks destined for a sophomore slump. The 10th overall pick from 2019 had a decent rookie season scoring 14 goals and 26 points through 79 games. This year, Podkolzin has only two assists in 13 games despite averaging slightly more ice time than last season, and was a healthy scratch once.
Sophomores Soaring
Cole Caufield, RW, Montreal Canadiens
What happened after Martin St. Louis took over as coach of the Montreal Canadiens last year has continued this season for Caufield. He’s scoring at more than a point-per-game pace, and could be the best pure goal scorer the Habs have seen in decades, which is something to say for the storied franchise. His ice time is up, his shooting percentage is up and his production is up. Cole Caufield is a legitimately good player.
Trevor Zegras, C, Anaheim Ducks
Everyone knew the electrifying Zegras was the real deal last season. He has the ability to bring fans out of their seats every shift and has continued that play this year. While his production has only modestly improved, it’s coming on a worse team. Zegras is being counted upon more heavily and drawing stronger matchups while playing increased minutes. He has higher shooting and faceoff percentages compared to his rookie season, meaning the best could be yet to come.
Spencer Knight, G, Florida Panthers
His 32-game rookie season was strong, especially for a 20-year-old goaltender. Knight finished with a 19-9-3 record with a .908 save percentage and 2.79 GAA. This year, Knight is outperforming his counterpart Sergei Bobrovsky in Florida and has improved statistically in every category jumping out to a 5-1-0 record with a .925 save percentage and 2.18 GAA. It’s only a matter of time before the Panthers’ crease is unquestionably Knight’s.
