The 2021 NHL rookie class is really fun -- but also really complicated. The introduction of taxi squads and delayed starts to Canadian junior hockey has given NHL teams more roster flexibility than they often have at this stage of the season. And the rollout of the flat salary cap has placed a premium on low-dollar contracts, meaning more first-years are being offered long looks and good opportunities.
Most teams will have at least one rookie in their lineup on any given night. How does the class stack up? To help cut through some of the noise, I wanted to take a look at a number of rookies either on opening night rosters, on taxi squads or already assigned to the AHL who are worth knowing as the season progresses.