Start or stash? These NHL rookies are making an immediate fantasy splash - ESPN

While recency bias could be partly to blame, it still feels like this year's crop of rookies is one of the strongest in years. Less a group that's dominated by one or two dazzling individuals, but more so by the number of players who are already contributing in positive and tangible fashion to their NHL squads. A few of whom also deserve rostering in some redraft fantasy leagues straight away.

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Here's a gander at a handful of such standouts, along with others who might need a bit more seasoning in the coming days, weeks, or even months ahead. For record, every individual outlined below should be spoken for in dynasty or deep-keeper competition. Plus, each player mentioned has played the minimum of 10 games required to trigger the start of their entry-level deal, bolstering the likelihood of them sticking around in the NHL.

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Matthew Schaefer, D, New York Islanders (Available in 14.6% of ESPN Fantasy leagues): For crying out loud, the teen just broke one of Bobby Orr's lofty records. Scoring twice against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday, Schaefer is now the youngest defenseman in NHL history to pot multiple goals in a game, passing the legendary Hall of Famer. More than holding his own at the highest level in a game dominated by grown-ups, the just-turned 18-year-old is rounding into a genuine fantasy gem. With five goals and six assists, including five power-play points, on 41 shots, Schaefer sits second only to