Before the 2016 draft, the question marks surrounding Alex DeBrincat never had much to do with skill or production. Instead, it was his size.
When the Blackhawks selected him 39th overall, The Cat was let out of the bag.
After a 127-point season with Erie (OHL) in 2016-17, followed by an impressive 2017 preseason, DeBrincat earned a roster spot earlier than many expected.
The Cat starred in his rookie campaign, leading a struggling Blackhawks squad with 28 goals and maybe even more impressively, remaining healthy enough to play in all 82 games. He finished third among all rookies in goals and also third among players drafted in his class, behind only Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine, the top two selections in the 2016 draft.