The NHL has a rule that states, if a rookie on his entry-level contract stays on the team for 10 games or more, it burns off a year of their contract. With some rookies pushing that limit, its decision time for a lot of NHL GM's. While some rookies are clear cut favorites to stay with the big club, some others don't have that luxury. Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Dylan Larkin and Nikolaj Ehlers are all but locked in at this point but there are guys on the bubble.
Vancouver Canucks are a good place to look. Jake Virtanen and Jared McCann are approaching this deadline and may not have made a big enough impact to stay and loose a year of control. McCann has been the more productive one with four goals where Virtanen only has one assist. Virtanen isn't in the top 30 and hasn't made much of a case to hang on to his roster spot. McCann is currently tied for 10th in rookie scoring and is sporting a +3, being a centerman is also makes him more valuable.
St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko might have to stay past the deadline just out of necessity. The Blues are currently with out star defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk a little while longer. He has made a pretty good case to stay while getting his chance with the St.Louis, racking up six points including a two goal outing in a win over the Calgary Flames. He's looked comfortable on the second pairing in Shattenkirk's absence and might earn him some more time in the NHL.
Noah Hanifin, of the Carolina Hurricanes is another rookie defenseman who might stick just out of need. He's not yet trusted on the penalty kill but has been comfortable at even-strength. He's chipped in two assists and with James Wisniewski out with a knee injury, they aren't deep enough on the blue-line to demote Noah. He's just one of five Hurricanes to dress in every game so far.
Just a side note, Dylan Larkin is the first teenager to crack the Detroit Red Wings opening night roster since the 1999-00 season (Jiri Fischer). That says a lot about the kid and the promise he is showing so far this season. He's potted seven points in nine games with five assists centering the second line on an always deadly Detroit squad. He's earned some power play time on the second unit and should do nothing but continue to improve and play well within the Red Wings organization.