Top 5 Impact NHL Newcomers 2013-14

A few games into the 2013-14 NHL season, it is clear that high profile newcomers are making an immediate impact. Both rookies and traded players are stepping up for their new franchises and making names for themselves. Here are the top 5 impact newcomers so far this season:

1. Thomas Hertl
The rookie forward from the Czech Republic has been on fire to start his first season with the San Jose Sharks. According to NHL.com, Hertl leads all rookies in scoring with 8 points and 7 goals. The Sharks started 5-0-0 and are 1st place in the Pacific Division. Hertl is a constant threat on the ice, and fans in San Jose are excited for what looks like an incredibly bright future.

2. Tyler Seguin
Seguin's offensive abilities were stifled in the defensive system of the Boston Bruins. Now traded to the Dallas Stars, he is playing under a different system and flourishing with 2 goals and 4 assists in 4 games played. As the team's number one center, he developed great chemistry with his linemate Jamie Benn and made a huge impact immediately.

3. Nathan MacKinnon
MacKinnon - the #1 overall pick from the 2013 NHL Entry Draft - is off to a great start for the Colorado Avalanche. He is barely behind Hertl in rookie production. MacKinnon leads all rookies with 5 assists, and is two points behind Hertl for the rookie lead in points. The Avalanche had a surprisingly good start to the season, and MacKinnon is very promising on the ice.

4. Bobby Ryan
Ottawa is off to a poor start on the season, but Bobby Ryan - acquired from the Anaheim Ducks over the summer - has been a bright spot on the team. The young American has 2 goals and 2 assists through 5 games, and seems to be comfortable with his new team. The Pittsburgh Penguins are the odds favorites to take the Eastern Conference, according to Betfair - a site online that offers real money gambling on sports scenarios and outcomes. At this site, each team is given fixed odds in division, conference, and overall play, and the Senators are ranked behind the Penguins, Bruins, Red Wings and Maple Leafs.

5. Anton Khudobin
The Carolina Hurricanes often escape media attention, and Khudobin has only started two games in net. However, those were the Canes' only two wins, and in that limited sample size, he is sporting an excellent 1.50 GAA and .940 Save %. Analyzing stats after just a few games is not an accurate representation. Still it is a promising beginning for Khudobin, and the Hurricanes have a need for a consistent goaltender. It's looking like Cam Ward may lose his starting goaltender role.