This week in THN: Nov. 21, 2011

In the Nov. 21, 2011 edition of The Hockey News:

Pick up a copy at your local newsstand, buy it from the THN store, digitally, or subscribe at thehockeynews.com today!

• It’s our annual rookie issue and the cover story looks at Ryan ‘The Nuge’ Nugent-Hopkins and Gabriel Landeskog – two freshmen off to hot starts in the NHL.

• In his editor’s notebook, Jason Kay writes why it’s most difficult to break in as a goaltender now after it was most difficult for a defenseman for years.

• The THN Inbox prints the best letters to the editor, shows the result of an online rookie poll and Adam Proteau answers your questions in the mailbag.

• Inside Hockey reveals the result of our player poll in which a staggering rise in visor usage is revealed, plus we go inside a practice Zurich coach Bob Hartley ran media members through – and much, much more.

• We look at Devils rookie Adam Larsson, who is the central piece of a rebuilding blueline; Dallas coach Glen Gulutzan, who has a degree in teaching; rookies, such as Erik Gudbranson and Sean Couturier, who don’t have to light up the scoresheet to have an impact; the lifestyle changes first-year pros have to get used to; the difficulty a junior team faces when a player stays up in the NHL; and more in our rookie package.

• In Proteau Type, Adam Proteau writes how the post-lockout NHL has thrust rookies into the spotlight and also increased the expectations placed upon them from Day 1.

• In our Team Reports section, we look at the unexpectedly-quick Ottawa Senators rebuild, and how the Blue Jackets youngsters are still generating a lot of hype despite the aggressive off-season moves for veterans. We also provide depth charts for each NHL team, complete with cap hit and first power play unit.

• Prospect Report catches up with Belleville Bulls power forward Brendan Gaunce, diminutive Flyers farmhand Garrett Roe and 2010-11 Quebec League rookie of the year Charles Hudon.

• In Last Minute of Play, Larry Humber’s crossword puzzle provides a challenge for readers, Blast From the Past shows Wayne Gretzky in goalie gear and Jersey Hound showcases a unique Tre Kronor sweater.

• And in overtime, Ken Campbell writes how Washington coach Bruce Boudreau has evolved over his time with the team.

Pick up a copy at your local newsstand, buy it from the THN store, digitally, or subscribe at thehockeynews.com today!