HF Radio: Projected All-Rookie Team

Yes over the next week I will also post my Top Ten Calder Candidates but I thought I would start things off with a look at what I believe will be your All-Rookie team for the upcoming season.

We will start in goal and his name is not Carey Price, it's Karri Ramo.

All-Rookie Team 07-08

G - Karri Ramo - Tampa Bay

Being a big fan of the Montreal Canadiens I would love to put Carey Price in this spot but I really think less stands in the way of Karri Ramo. Ramo will be the Finnish goaltender that makes an impact in the NHL this season, next year it will be Tuuka Rask. Ramo should be able to atleast earn the backup spot with Tampa Bay to start the season and once given an opportunity I'm a big believe that he will outplay Holmqvist and take over the starters job in T.B.

D - Erik Johnson - St. Louis

Not only is he big and talented, he will also be given a chance to be a top three blueliner with the Blues. Johnson will most likely be looked up to provide offense from the backend for the Blues and unless Eric Brewer picks up his game Johnson will lead this crew of d-men in scoring.

D - Kris Letang - Pittsburgh

Many people may expect to slide Jack Johnson into this role but I really think Kris Letang is going to be given the opportunity to see alot of ice-time on the Penguins and alot of ice-time on the Pens means alot of points.

C - Nicklas Backstrom - Washington

Choosing a center for the All-Rookie team is tough and it may even be harder at the end of the season. Backstrom along with Jonathan Toews and Peter Mueller will all be looked upon to play top six minutes on their respective clubs this year. I just see Backstrom doing better with Ovechkin or Semin then Toews will with Havalt or Mueller will with....poor Mueller.

LW - Clark MacArthur - Buffalo

While this years rookie is class is very deep on both the blueline and down the middle it's a little weak on the wings. The LW position could come down to MacArthur or Habs 25-year old winger Janne Lahti. It would also be interesting if the Oilers opted to keep Sam Gagner with the big club, could he possibly play the wing a bit? When all is said and done I opted to place the former Medicine Hat Tiger MacArthur in this spot after a very good AHL season last year.

RW - Igor Grigorenko - Detroit

Grigorenko's permanent arrival is Detroit is long overdue. Many people think he may need some seasoning in the AHL but I'm thinking he sticks with the club from day one and doesn't look back. With some of the fellow talented euro's in Detroit I would be surprised if Grigorenko hit the 40 assist plateau.

Take it easy!