Contrary to last years Calder Trophy race, which saw Connor Bedard as expected take home the award, this year is looking like it will be a much closer race. This years batch of rookies boasts a healthy mix of players with no NHL experience, and players who showed their skill in limited NHL time last year. Here are my top 3 favorites to win the Calder Trophy in no particular order.
Matvei Michkov, Philadelphia Flyers
Perhaps the most often mentioned name in early Calder Trophy conversations, Matvei Michkov, is a unbelievably talented offensive force. Michkov’s combination of elite puck skills, high hockey IQ and a lethal shot make him a threat from almost anywhere on the ice. Coming off 41 points in 49 KHL games with HK Sochi last year, Michkov has shown he is more than capable of playing at a high level against professional competition. Slotting into the Flyers top six this year, we could easily see Michkov put up 50-plus points and help Philadelphia make the playoffs.
Macklin Celebrini, San Jose Sharks
Last year the Calder Trophy went to number 1 pick, Connor Bedard; similarly, the most recent number 1 pick Macklin Celebrini, will be fighting for it this year. If he were to win it, he would be only the 11th first overall pick to win the award the year they were selected. Celebrini is an extremely talented forward who plays a full 200 foot game, with explosive offensive upside. Last year at Boston University, Celebrini had 64 points in just 38 games; this effort was enough to earn him the Hobey Baker award, for the best player in college hockey. Celebrini could start the season as the Sharks first line center and could rack up a 20 goal, 50 point season, which might be enough to take home rookie of the year.
Logan Stankoven, Dallas Stars
The only player in the top 3 to have any NHL (or AHL) experience is Logan Stankoven. After scoring at over a point per game pace in the minors, Stankoven earned his right to suit up for 24 regular season NHL games, as well as 19 playoff games last season. Stankoven put up 14 points in the regular season and added 8 in the postseason. Despite his 5’8″ frame, Stankoven is fearless with the puck and drives into high danger areas, constantly creating scoring chances. He will lineup alongside another young phenom in Wyatt Johnston, as well as the veteran Jamie Benn on the Stars second line. If Stankoven plays as well as he did last season, I think he could really surprise everyone and explode with a 60-plus point season and take home the Calder.
Honorable mentions go to Dustin Wolf and Cutter Gauthier who both possess the ability to be in the conversation as nominees or even potential winners of the Calder Trophy. Dustin Wolf will be handling at least a full time backup role in Calgary this year, while Cutter Gauthier should start in Anaheim’s top 6. While it is far too early to say who exactly is gonna win the trophy, I know for sure its going to be a close, and exciting race. For more sports content be sure to checkout Area 51 Sports Network.