Every Wednesday, I devote this space to a discussion -- in some way, shape or form -- of rookies. Despite all this chatter about the freshman class, there are always a few guys that I don't get to talk about that much.
Colorado D Kevin Shattenkirk, the 14th overall pick in the 2007 draft, fits into this category, but only because he didn't make the big club out of training camp. The former Boston University captain has piled up five goals and 11 assists in just 19 games with the Avs since being recalled in early November. In 11 fewer games, Shattenkirk has moved within five points of the rookie point scoring lead. He already has moved into the top spot among freshman D-men -- not bad in six weeks' work.
Here are three other rookies -- who did make their clubs out of training camp -- that aren't getting much media attention but quietly are making an impact for their teams:
