Coming into the season, expectations surrounding Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine were sky high.
Both players were drafted by Canadian teams desperate to turn things around and compete for a Stanley Cup. Matthews and Laine were also the first and second overall picks, so the expectations were understandable.
That being said, as we approach the halfway point of the season, it's probably fair to say that both players have not only met, but exceeded expectations.
Matthews leads all rookies in scoring with 20 goals and 32 points while Laine is one behind him in both categories (19 goals, 31 points).
Not only are we in for an incredible Calder race down the stretch, but both players are on pace to do something only ten rookies have done since the 2000-01 season, score 30 or more goals, and with that, here are those ten players.
Artemi Panarin, 2015-16, 30 goals
Michael Grabner, 2010-11, 34 goals
Logan Couture, 2010-11, 32 goals
Jeff Skinner, 2010-11, 31 goals
Bobby Ryan, 2008-09, 31 goals
Evgeni Malkin, 2006-07, 33 goals
Alex Ovechkin, 2005-06, 52 goals
Sidney Crosby, 2005-06, 39 goals
Marek Svatos, 2005-06, 32 goals
Petr Prucha, 2005-06, 30 goals
