The NHL has unveiled its 2025-26 All-Rookie Team, celebrating standout first-year players. New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, who won the Calder Trophy for top rookie, leads a lineup that includes Carolina's Alexander Nikishin, Montreal's Ivan Demidov, Anaheim's Beckett Sennecke, St. Louis's Jimmy Snuggerud, and Montreal's goalie Jakub Dobes. The selection, determined by the Professional Hockey Writers Association, highlights their impressive contributions throughout the regular season and playoffs.

By the Numbers
  • Matthew Schaefer scored 59 points, leading rookie defensemen.
  • Ivan Demidov led all rookies with 62 points in 82 games.
  • Jakub Dobes posted a 29-10-4 record with a .901 save percentage.
State of Play
  • The All-Rookie Team reflects players鈥� performances from the regular season and playoffs.
  • Schaefer and Demidov showcased exceptional skills and consistency throughout the year.
  • Rookies are contributing significantly to their teams鈥� playoff successes, especially in the Eastern Conference Final.
What's Next

As the NHL prepares for the upcoming season, these rookies will be crucial in shaping their teams' strategies going forward, and their performances could have lasting impacts on playoff outcomes.

Bottom Line

The 2025-26 All-Rookie Team underscores the growing talent in the NHL, with young players not only making their mark but also driving their teams towards playoff contention.