Wednesday, October 29 2008 -- In a somewhat unprecedented trend this season, a number of young defensemen just drafted in 2008, have made significant contributions to their teams early on, and should be kept around for the rest of the season.

Luke Schenn (18 years old), of the Toronto Maple Leafs, has played 9 games this season, and already has 13 shots on goal. Although his numbers aren't yet there, Schenn is the type of defenseman that the Leafs need, providing a heavy physical presence at 6'2, 216 pounds. With the Leafs in a rebuilding year, look for Schenn to continue to get heavy ice time, as he is already averaging over 20 minutes a game.

Zach Bogosian (18 years old) could be on the edge when it comes time for the Thrashers to decide whether or not he will stay with the club for the rest of the season, but he does have 10 shots on net and 13 penalty minutes, while averaging around 13 minutes of ice time for Atlanta. With Atlanta in a similar situation as Toronto this season, it may be in Bogosian's interest to use this season to allow him to mature in the NHL, where potential rookie mistakes won't be as harmful to the team's hopes for the year.

For Philadelphia, young Luca Sbisa, also 18, has 4 assists and 12 shots in his first 8 games. Sbisa, a young defenseman from Italy has seen around 18 minutes a game for the Flyers, as well as getting some time with the second power play line.

Finally, in Los Angeles, Drew Doughty, also 18, is proving why he was worth the 2nd overall pick in the 2008 draft. He already has 1 goal and 12 shots for the Kings, and is a remarkably impressive +7 through 8 games. He has consistently averaged over 22 minutes a game, and will most likely be retained for the remainder of the season if he continues to play like he has.

The interesting thing to note about this young crop of defensemen is that fact that in the past, defensemen have traditionally taken longer to mature and be effective in the NHL than say, a talented offensive forward. However, as these young men have begun to prove, size and youthful speed are very helpful in the transition for a defenseman from junior and college hockey to the NHL.