Week 5 Keepers, Rookies, and Prospects

The first month of the 2015-2016 season has concluded, and there has been a ton of stories. Already you've had veterans like Stamkos hitting his 500th point and Chara playing in his 1,500th game. At the same time you've had some young guys who have already been highlighted like Max Domi and Jack Eichel making a name for themselves, Sadly there's also been some huge injuries like the 2015 number one overall pick, Connor McDavid, going down for "months".It's been an entertaining start to the season and the action only seems like it will be heating up from this point foward, Who are the week 5 standouts? Well let me tell you.

Keepers: Patrice Bergeron (BOS)

Is there anyone on the planet who can say something bad about this guy? He now has 3 Selke Trophies to his name and has been a huge part of Boston's league leading powerplay, and is consistently one of the best guys at the center dot in the entire league. So far this season, Bergeron has scored 4 goals and 7 assists, but 4 of those points have been on the powerplay. Bergeron knows how to throw the body and takes all the shots he can. Not to mention he's part of a penalty kill pairing with Brad Marchand who has been one of the better short hand scorers over the past few years. This is a guy, if you have him, don't let him go.

Rookies: Artemi Panarin (CHI)

Like they had to after winning the cup in 2010, Chicago had to left some of their depth players go to other teams. Once again, though, they have guys stepping up to try and fill those holes. No player has done this more than Artemi Panarin. Through 14 games, Panarin has 2 goals and 10 assists for 12 points. Those are pretty unreal numbers considering Chicago hasn't looked as good as they have in recent years. He's had the fortune of playing on the top line with Toews and Garbutt which has benefitted him; still, it has seem to be the only line consistently scoring for Chicago. On top of everything he's playing with one of the best two way guy (Toews), who has also consistently been in the top of the league in scoring over the past few years. If that's not a guy to learn from, I don't know who is. Grab this guy if he's available, you will not be disappointed.

Prospect: Oscar Lindberg (NYR)

You're probably asking yourself, who? Those outside of the state of New York probably don't know this kid by name, but he's a name you should learn. In his first 3 games, he had a goal a piece. That alone got my attention when I needed a strong name off the waiver wire. Since then, he's scored 4 more goals (7 total), and 3 assists through 13 games. What's most impressive is he is sitting on a +9 for the season which shows his and his linemate's responsibility with the puck. If you're looking for a guy to beef up your lineup, check your waiver wire for this kid.

So there it is, 5 weeks in and another set of players that should be in your lineup on a nightly basis. Once again, there has been so many people in this young season who have stepped up and beyond expectations. Still there is a long season ahead of us, with plenty of time for more guys to show their worth. WIth all the key injuries occuring, it's leaving opportunities for young guys to step up and earn a spot in the NHL. Keep your eyes out for those guys and stay tuned for my week 6 highlighted guys next week