Phil Kessel
Minnesota
Statistics: 39 GP, 18-33—51

The combination of a recruiting process that seemed aged like a fine wine, buzz about a potential top overall NHL Draft position and a scintillating World Junior Championship in Grand Forks had expectations soaring before Phil Kessel ever donned a Golden Gopher sweater. Those expectations may have been too much for anyone to live up to, but Kessel proved to be the nation's best newcomer from the season's beginning to end.

That in itself was no small feat in a freshman class that proved to be packed with talent. T.J. Oshie of North Dakota and Jack Johnson of Michigan, in particular, stated cases for this honor, but Kessel earned it.

He finished second in scoring on a supremely talented Minnesota team, and his set-up skills helped make Ryan Potulny the nation's most dangerous power-play performer. Kessel never went more than two games without a point, stringing together three scoring streaks of six games or more.

Kessel was as explosive as advertised, too, which he proved on his first collegiate goal – scored on a penalty shot – and showed further with 14 multiple-point games.

As impressive as his point total was, and he had six more than any other rookie, Kessel earned this honor with his presence more than his points. His impact in every game was unmistakable – whether or not it lived up to outsized expectations.

Runner-up: T.J. Oshie, North Dakota