Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Edmonton Oilers
When looking at the potential season that R.N.H. could have had this year, it really makes you think if a player who ended the year on the Injured list could win this award.
In a mere 62 games in 2012, the 18-year-old rookie scored 18 goals and 34 assists for a total of 52 points.
He was lethal on the power play, scoring nearly half of his points with the extra skater, (3 G 20 A). He is a playmaker, and can pick the corner and snipe if the situation calls for it.
He averaged 17:36 in ice time, which was third among NHL rookie forwards this season.
If not for the two shoulder injuries, he would have projected out for 69 points, including 24 goals.