Just eleven days into the 2010-11 NHL regular season, the NHL’s young guns are really impressing and making a huge impact for their respective teams. Although each team has nine games to make a decision as to whether they stay with the club or are sent back to juniors, many rookies are proving their worth and look to stick with the clubs league-wide. The Calder Memorial Trophy is historic and significant in many ways. NHL greats like Syl Apps, Terry Sawchuk, Bobby Orr, Ray Bourque, Mario Lemieux, Teemu Selanne, and Martin Brodeur (just to name a few) have won this trophy and gone on the have major success in their professional careers. The first ever winner of the Calder Memorial Trophy was Carl Voss in 1933, and it has now been awarded 77 times to the league’s best rookie.
Tyler Myers beat out Jimmy Howard and Matt Duchene last year for the honor as he posted a 11-37-48 record with an impressive +13 rating through a full 82 game rookie season. Myers played with great composure and responsibility, and was highly deserving of the honor. The year before, 2008-09, goaltender Steve Mason took home the honor with the Columbus Blue Jackets posting a phenomenal 20-26-9 record with a 3.06 GAA and .901 save percentage with 5 shutouts through 58 games with a lackluster Columbus Blue Jackets team, being the main reason behind their first ever Playoff birth.
It’s somewhat of a rarity for a defenseman or goaltender to win it, but it’s entirely possible this year. The crop of youngsters could quite possibly be the best we’ve seen in years, and the race for the Calder will be extremely exciting, probably going down to the closing stages of the regular season.
To the date, there are a total of 57 rookies that have taken to the ice around the National Hockey League. I’m not going to list them all of course, nor am I looking to rate them. Instead, I’d like to mention fifteen of the more poised players to stick with their clubs and challenge for the Calder. Also, I’d like to list another fifteen players that have a shot at full-time status with a real outside chance of Calder glory, but they will be strong very, very soon, and are worth keeping a watchful eye on this year.
*2010-11 stats from Oct. 7th - 17th.
*some videos low quality/short duration.
The Edmonton Factor
The Edmonton Oilers were the worst team across the board last year. There really wasn’t one positive thing to take home from most Oilers games at the end of the night other than a nice goal you may have seen scored by the other team. This year, however, the Oilers are one of the more exciting stories in the league, namely due to the trio of rookies that, all three respectively, have a very strong chance of winning the Calder Memorial Trophy.
-Forwards-
Taylor HallAge: 18 | Drafted by Edmonton in 2010 (1/1)
Left Wing
Taylor Hall was the 1st overall NHL Entry Draft Selection in 2010. For an 18 year-old with the pressures of being that number one pick, Taylor has impressed immensely with his maturity and playmaking abilities. Hall was an OHL superstar. Over three years spent with the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL, Hall blew everyone out of the water with 123 goals and 157 assists for 280 points in just 183 games. Among his accomplishments in the OHL, he walked away with two Memorial Cups, two Playoff MVP Awards, four All-Star nominations, and led the league twice in scoring. In last years’ World Junior Championships Hall scored 6 goals and 6 assists in the 6 game tournament. His scoring prowess will become effective in short order with an improved cast around him in Edmonton. In his first NHL game he tallied an assists, but I would expect the points to start flowing soon, and him to be at the top of the rookie race come the end of the year.
Magnus PaajarviAge: 19 | Drafted by Edmonton in 2009 (1/10)
Left Wing
Magnus Pajaarvi stepped onto the ice looking like the most NHL-ready of the three in training camp and pre-season. Paajarvi possesses great speed and craftiness. He constantly keeps defensemen guessing as to what he is going to do next, and has greatly improved his own defensive game which still could use some work. Paajarvi has a great shot, and excellent passing ability as he displayed in junior and professional ranks in Sweden. For Timra of the Swedish Elite League, a league of men, Paajarvi went 20-29-49 in 134 games, but his major accomplishments have come in International play. At the junior World Championships level (three appearances) he scored 6 goals and 19 points in 18 games, and at the World Championships he scored 5 goals for 9 points in 9 games with a +8 rating. Swedes have looked strong in general in the NHL in recent years, and Paajarvi is on the up early having scored a goal and an assist in his third and fourth NHL games to date.
Jordan EberleAge: 20 | Drafted by Edmonton in 2008 (1/22)
Center
Jordan Eberle broke into the NHL in smashing fashion, scoring what is likely to be among one of the flashiest goals of the year, and also notching an assist on a shot that was at first thought to be his second tally of the game. Eberle was projected to be a first-line player and judging by what we’ve seen from him thus far, it appears as though those projections are accurate. Eberle split time in the AHL and WHL over the last two years, but the majority of his play over the last four years has been with Regina of the WHL. For Springfield (AHL) he has appeared 20 times, scoring 9 goals for 23 points. For Regina his numbers are staggering, having notched 155 goals and 155 assists for 310 total points and an +22 rating in 254 games. His busy year also saw him in the World Junior and World Championships’ for Team Canada. In World Juniors he is 14-12-26 in 12 games, and in Worlds last year he tallied a goal and 3 assists in four games. Eberle has a gift for scoring as his shot and deking ability is top notch already, but his speed and strength could use a bit of an improvement. The improvement will come, as will the other two young forwards of the Edmonton Oilers as they will surely all three stick with the team and get loads of ice time.
Jeff SkinnerAge: 18 | Drafted by Carolina in 2010 (1/7).
Center/Winger
Another player likely to get loads of ice time this season is 18 year-old Jeff Skinner. Skinner was probably the best available natural goal scorer in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, and Carolina was delighted that he slipped all the way to 7th. Skinner is just a kid, like a lot of the young guys making their debut, but he could well be in with one of the best shots of attaining the honor that is the Calder Memorial Trophy. Skinner isn’t the largest player, but his leg strength is incredible and his never-give-up ethic puts him consistently in a position to do what he does best; score goals. His totals from the OHL over two years are impressive at 77-64-141 in 127 games played for Kitchener, but it was his performance last year that showed the hockey world exactly where this kid is heading. In 64 games he tallied 50 goals and 40 points in the regular season, and as if that weren’t enough, he went on to tally another 20 goals and 13 assists in 20 playoff games. That’s a total of 70 goals in 84 games. He showed his hands are ready to frustrate even the best NHL goaltenders as in his second career NHL game he deked Minnesota goaltender Niklas Backstrom out of his gear for the only shootout goal of the game, giving his Hurricanes team their second victory in a row in Finland to open the season. Skinner is in a prime position for a young kid trying to make a name for himself as the rebuilding Hurricanes will be heavily dependent and hopeful of their young talent throughout the year.
Derek StepanAge: 20 | Drafted by NY Rangers in 2008 (2/51)
Center
If Eberle had a great first night in the NHL, Derek Stepan had a glorious one. In his first NHL game, Stepan netted a hat-trick to become the first player in the 85-year history of the Rangers and the fourth in the NHL since 1927 to score three goals in his first NHL game. The 20 year-old spent two seasons in the WCHA with Wisconsin playing 81 games and going 21-66-87 with a +10 rating. Last year he also played for Team USA in the World Junior Championships notching 4 goals and 14 points with a +9 rating in 7 games. Stepan has natural goal scoring ability, no doubt, but his best assets are wide spread through his offensive and defensive awareness. Stepan has good foot speed and an even better shot. His playmaking ability is superb at the young age of 20, and his willingness to bang bodies along the boards and in front of the net put him in good shape for Calder contention. Stepan instantly found chemistry with agitator Sean Avery and newly-signed Ruslan Fedotenko in pre-season and early in the regular season with the Rangers on the third line. If his numbers continue to impress, the young American could find himself among even better offensively minded forwards regular-strength and on the powerplay with even more chances of putting the puck in the net, which I’m sure he will do plenty of.
Tyler EnnisAge: 20 | Drafted by Buffalo in 2008 (1/26)
Center/Left Winger
Tyler Ennis got a chance to get his feet wet last season by playing up with the Sabres ten times. In those 10 games, Ennis notched 3 goals and 6 assists, catching the eye of head coach Lindy Ruff and many fans alike. The 5’9 center possesses raw speed, and the ability to undress NHL defensemen on command. He proved this last year with his dekes and dangles, his quick shot, and premium playmaking ability. He is exactly what the Sabres need in terms of offensive production and could easily become a team leader in short order on the nightly scoresheets. The one issue with Ennis is his size and ability to deal with fast-moving larger defensemen. He’s done growing, but he could definitely bulk up a bit to make him a more dynamic offensive threat. Even with this single mark against him, Ennis should be in with a great shot of the Calder this year. Over four years with Medicine Hat of the WHL he scored 115 goals and 121 assists for 236 points with a +22 rating in 245 games. He put in some time in the AHL last year appearing 69 times, netting 23 goals and 65 points. He’s obviously carried that scoring and playmaking ability with him into the NHL, showing it last year in his ten games played, and this year through six games having tallied four assists.
Tyler SeguinAge: 18 | Drafted by Boston in 2010 (1/2)
Center
Tyler Seguin is an interesting story in the fact that he is the highest draft pick (2nd overall) to go to an already strong, playoff ready team in recent memory. The pick was originally Toronto’s but the Leafs traded it to the Bruins in the Phil Kessel deal. Seguin lost the battle of Taylor vs. Tyler for the first overall draft spot, but Seguin isn’t much (if any) less the player that Hall is. Seguin played two seasons with Plymouth of the OHL notching 69 goals and 104 assists for 173 points with a +31 rating in 124 games. Seguin is known for his scoring prowess, but he does hold some promise on the defensive end of the puck as an all-around type of player which Boston can build around. Seguin lacks a bit of maturity and focus at the NHL level, and still needs to find a happy medium in his one-ice placement. At 18 though, Seguin does look good and very promising, his biggest benefactor will be the fact that he will be playing with Boston’s skilled and veteran players all year long. For this reason and for that of the skill he showed in the OHL, Seguin should be a strong runner for the Calder. Seguin scored his first goal in his second career NHL game on a long feed pass that sent him on a breakaway. In his third game Seguin added an assist, but he will not be able to depend on deep passes for goals as this is not the OHL.
Logan CoutureAge: 21 | Drafted by San Jose in 2007 (1/9)
Center
Logan Couture is another young player that will greatly benefit from a strong cast around him. The other major benefit for Couture is the fact that he got a good look at NHL play last year appearing in 25 games. In his debut (although not reaching enough games played (26) to deem him a sophomore this year) he tallied 5 goals and 9 points with a +4 rating. Prior to his NHL career, he spent four years with Ottawa in the OHL where over 232 games he recorded 111 goals and 176 assists for a whopping 287 points with a +31 rating. In two year with the AHL affiliate of San Jose, Worcester, he appeared in 46 games, scoring 20 goals and 33 assists for 53 points and a +15 rating. Couture’s sticking point with scouts is in his ability to play a solid two-way game while maintaining raw offensive productivity. He has good foot speed and a great wrist shot, his only downfall may be his leg strength and balance which will likely improve in due time. Couture scored his first NHL goal in fashion as he netted the game winner in the first game of the year on the powerplay to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets on Swedish soil. Couture has a promising future ahead of him, and if consistent chemistry can be found on the third line Couture stands a slim chance of attaining Calder status.
Mark LetestuAge: 25 | Signed by Pittsburgh in 2007
Center
Mark Letestu factors in as the oldest of the strong candidates for the Calder race, but thus far is head on the points list. Letestu went undrafted, and becomes a feel-good story in the NHL as he was signed as a free-agent by the Penguins in 2007. The noteworthy portion of his playing career began with Bonnyville of the AJHL where in four years he played 190 games notching 118 goals and 130 assists for 248 total points. The fact that he was not drafted is a bit of a question, but once Pittsburgh acquired him he quickly began his pro development. His development took some time, but each year he made considerable progress. Outside of a brief stint in the ECHL, he played four years with Wilkes-Barre Scranton of the AHL in 191 games scoring 51 goals and 83 assists for 134 points and a +30 rating. 2009-10 was slightly less productive in the AHL as he played just ten games less than the year prior, but it was the same year he got his first taste of the NHL as he scored one goal in 10 NHL games. His 2010-11 season has been a much different story, as through his first 6 games this year he has led all rookies in points scoring with 3 goals and 2 assists with a +2 rating. The two factors helping Letestu are in the fact that he is playing with a very strong offensive team in the Pittsburgh Penguins, and that third line center Jordan Staal has yet to take the ice after a pre-season injury. Letestu has assumed that role for now, and will surely be pushed aside when Staal comes back. His play, however, has been that of sheer determination to stick with the NHL club and challenge greatly for the Calder. After his first 6 games it is hard to believe he will be sent back down, as a fourth line role, or perhaps a re-shuffle through the top three seems well worth the Penguins time to payment for his hard work thus far. This point production cannot stand all year long, but should Pittsburgh give him the ice time he has deserved thus far, he could be in with a surprise shot at Calder glory.
-Defense-
P.K. SubbanAge: 21 | Drafted by Montreal in 2007 (2/43)
Defense
P.K. Subban holds an incredibly strong chance at the Calder this year. Defensemen are rarely picked as the favorite for the honor, but “Prime Time” (as teammate Mike Cammalleri calls him) came in late in Montreal’s 2009-10 season and wowed the crowd on a nightly basis. Through 2 regular season games Subban picked up two assists, but it was his 14 playoff games in which he solidified himself as an NHL-ready offensive defenseman where he posted one goals and 7 assists with a +2 rating, making himself a strong part of the Candiens run to the Eastern Conference Finals. Prior to his emergence in the NHL, he spent the 2009-10 season with Hamilton of the AHL, his first in the pro league, notching 18 goals and 35 assists for 53 points and an incredible +46 rating through 77 games. His play in the AHL showed that his stardom at the OHL ranks wasn’t due to the league in which he was playing, but he’s ready to play against men, and play smart on both ends of the puck. In four years’ time spent with Belleville of the OHL, Subban played 234 games notching a staggering amount of points (42-148-190) for a defenseman, and followed it up with defensive durability with a +77 rating. In International competition (World Junior Championships), Subban appeared twice notching 3 goals and 6 assists in 13 games. Subban is offensively set, his skills with the puck and on his feet are unmatched by most 21 year-old defensemen, with the only real area in which he could improve would be in his own zone. Subban will get plenty of powerplay time, and plenty of ice time in general, which should allow him to develop at an NHL pace rather fast, and push him to the top of the list for Calder contenders.
John CarlsonAge: 20 | Drafted by Washington in 2008 (1/27)
Defense
John Carlson, too, may well be in with a solid chance of the Calder despite the fact that he is a blueliner. Carlson also got his feet wet late last year with the mighty Washington Capitals playing 22 games in the regular season, posting one goal and 5 assists with a +11 rating. His strong defensive play saw him in the post season where his offensive touch came alive at the NHL level scoring one goal and 3 assists with a +6 rating in 7 games. Before his call-up, Carlson spent 48 games in the AHL with the Hershey Bears notching 4 goals and 35 assists for 39 points with an amazing +37 rating. Last year was busy for Carlson as he also played for the United States in World Juniors notching 4 goals and three assists with a +8 rating in 7 games, his biggest goal being the Gold Medal winning goal in overtime against Team Canada. In his two years spent with Indiana of the USHL (2006-2008), Carlson played 61 games scoring 12 goals and 31 assists for 43 points and a +9 rating. In 2008-09, he played his only year in the OHL appearing in 59 games, notching an eye-catching 16 goals and 60 assists for 76 points and a solid +23 rating. Carlson plays a great all-around game. He’s got an impeccable passing ability and possesses a strong shot. Carlson is a big kid too, standing tall at 6’3 208lbs. and is able to use his large frame effectively. He is very strong mentally, possitionally, and physically in his own zone. He can play both ends of the special teams with the ability to play a shut-down defenseman role on the penalty kill, or quarterback the powerplay quite effectively. Carlson has found a home on the blueline on the mighty Capitals’ second powerplay unit, and has already scored a goal and 5 assists through his first 5 games of this new season. He won’t keep up that points-per-game rate, but he will be surrounded by an offensively devastating cast all year-round which puts him in the prime position to lead all rookies.
Oliver Ekman-LarssenAge: 19 | Drafted by Phoenix in 2009 (1/6)
Defense
Oliver Ekman-Larsson finally signed his entry-level deal with the Coyotes in May, and already is a big piece of the defensive core in Phoenix. The Coyotes lost a bit in defensive depth over the off-season, but the young Swede looks to make a profound impact for this team early. Despite needing to gain some muscle, Ekman-Larsson presents the Coyotes with a very young, very agile offensive defenseman that can provide a lot with breakout passes and even more on the powerplay. Ekman-Larsson has spent his entire hockey career in Sweden prior to this season in various junior and U18 leagues. In Swe2 for Leksand over two years time he has played 99 total games notching 16 goals and 38 assists for 54 points. 52 of those games were played through his busy 2009-10 season which was also very busy with International play for his country. In the World Junior Championships he scored 2 goals and 3 assists in 6 games with a +5 rating, and in the World Championships he played 9 games adding a goal and an assist with a +3 rating. There is little question in his offensive abilities, but the good sign for the Coyotes is in his smart play in his own end as well. His timing, positioning, and stick work is all top notch, especially for a 19 year-old. Ekman-Larsson should factor in for a lot of important minutes for the Coyotes this season, and his 0 points through his first four games should be of no worry to ‘Yotes fans, as Ekman-Larsson is the real deal.
Cam FowlerAge: 18 | Drafted by Anaheim in 2010 (1/12)
Defense
Cam Fowler presents an interesting story from Draft day onward. Fowler is a highly touted young offensive defenseman that will be angling for the Calder all year-long. His draft day was a bit of an anomaly as he was projected to go in the top four or five. Fowler sat hopelessly through the first 11 picks, wondering when his name would be called. His play has often been compared to that of recently retired future hall of famer, Scott Niedermayer, and fittingly the Ducks would be the team to draft the young American at the 12 spot. GM Bob Murray must have been beside himself to see Fowler still available at number 12, and the reasons are obvious through his first six NHL games played. In his NHL debut, Fowler was third on the team in average time on ice as it appears head coach Randy Carlyle will place faith in the youngster right out of the gates. Through the six games played Fowler has notched a goal and two assists, with a very respectable -1 rating after the Ducks were outscored 13-2 through their first three games. Last year Fowler played 55 games with Windsor of the OHL, notching 8 goals and 47 assists for 55 points and a +38 rating. His stellar season was followed by a 3 goals and 14 points performance through 19 playoff games. His busy year also included 7 games played for the United States in the World Junior Championships where he scored 2 assists and came away with an impressive +8 rating. At just 18, Fowler possesses the skill level to stick in the National Hockey League in arguably the toughest position on the ice. Fowlers’ strengths are wide spread. Fowler is at NHL caliber in terms of his passing and shooting abilities, as well as his great leg strength and fluid skating. He’s no doubt an offensively oriented player, but his defensive zone presence is also top notch. It’s hard to narrow down Fowlers strongest asset, but if it had to be done, it would be the instinct and awareness he plays with – even at such a young age. Fowler completes the four of the defensemen pushing for the Calder as he will get loads of ice time and will command respect.
-Goaltenders-
Jonathan BernierAge: 22 | Drafted by Los Angeles in 2006 (1/11)
Goaltender
It’s not often a goaltender is suspect of attaining the Calder, but it’s far from impossible, especially when you have a rookie with such a well documented success rate as Jonathan Bernier. Bernier played the bulk of his minor league career with Lewiston of the QMJHL, playing 148 games total, with a 78-63-7 record, a 2.72 goal against average and a .908 save percentage with 4 shutouts. It didn’t take long at all for scouts to notice his elite play as he was drafted by the Kings in the first round in 2006. Los Angelis has been smart in their development of the youngster by first sending him back to the QMJHL for two years, then promptly assigning him to Manchester of the AHL. Bernier actually did play 3 games in the AHL, and 4 games in the NHL during his last season of QMJHL. 2008-2010 saw Bernier full time with the Manchester Monarchs as he improved greatly over the two years spent in the AHL. In 115 total AHL games he went 54-46-11 with a solid 2.19 GAA and a .927 save percentage with an unprecedented 14 shutouts. The 2009-10 season was a great one for the Quebec native as his save percentage rose to .936, and he achieved the Baz Bastien Memorial Trophy for the best goaltender, and nomination to the First All-Star team. His success saw him in 3 games up with the Kings last year where he stunned everyone going 3-0 with a 1.30 GAA and a .957 save percentage and even a shutout. Bernier’s stellar play has pushed last years’ backup down to the minors and will actually be challenging Jonathan Quick for starts. In his first game of the 2010-11 season he lost a close 2-1 contest but his .935 save percentage suggested he hasn’t lost a step. Through 8 total NHL appearances Bernier is 4-4-0 with a 2.73 GAA and a .909 save percentage with one shutout. Bernier is an elite goaltender and will be for years to come. Depending on his amount of starts, Bernier is a favorite for a shot at the Calder.
Michal NeuvirthAge: 22 | Drafted by Washington in 2006 (2/34)
Goaltender
The Washington Capitals are rich in youth in terms of net presence. They have the pleasure of having two stellar, and improving 22 year-olds to chose from on a nightly basis in Semyon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth. The latter, Neuvirth, may actually be able to out-perform the more seasoned Varlamov through this year and take over as the number one in the Nation’s Capital. The young Czech netminder bounced around quite a bit in his four years in the OHL playing for three different clubs (Plymouth, Oshawa, and Windsor) where he impressed greatly in his collective 74 games played, going 43-15-12 with a 2.69 GAA and .922 save percentage with 4 shutouts. 2008-09 saw Neuvirth bouncing around a bit as well as he played a brief stint in the ECHL going 13-6-7 with the South Carolina Stingrays, 17 games with the Hershey Bears of the AHL going 9-5-2, and 5 games in the NHL going 2-1. In 2009-10 he played 22 games with Hershey, and a career high 17 in the National Hockey League. Through 39 games with Hershey he recorded a 24-11-2 record with a 2.45 GAA and .916 save percentage with 2 shutouts. His NHL numbers are just as impressive as he has appeared 27 times going 15-6-0 with a 2.66 GAA and a .914 save percentage. Neuvirth jumped right into the opportunity given at a full-time job with the Capitals this year as he got off to a flying start. Through 5 games he is 4-1-0 with a very impressive 2.16 GAA and .930 save percentage. Neuvirth is technically sound and incredibly quick, but his most notable asset is the composure in which he plays with. His counterpart, Varlamov, is equally talented but has appeared rattled and inconsistent at times through his NHL games played, giving Neuvirth the prime opportunity to rack up wins with an already Cup contending NHL club. These factors add up to Neuvirth being a strong contender for the Calder this season.
Outside Looking in
-Forwards-
Nikita Filatov was loaned to the KHL last year after not making the team. In 2009-10 Filatov appeared 26 times for CSKA Moscow, notching 9 goals and 13 assists for 22 points and a +3 rating. Filatove also saw 13 games up with the Blue Jackets scoring two goals on 11 shots. In 6 games in his World Junior Championship outing for Russia, Filatov impressed with 1 goal and 5 assists and a +3 rating. Filatov was drafted 6th overall by the Blue Jackets in 2008, and is projected to be an elite-level goal scorer. His first appearance on NHL ice saw him in 8 games where he tallied an impressive 4 goals. Through 39 games with the AHL he set a 16-16-32 record in that same year. Filatov has a tough time with larger physical players, but possesses raw speed and puck handling skills that consistently creates chances for himself and his linemates. The underachieving Blue Jackets of last year are looking for their youth in players like Filatov to take a dominant role with the team. Filtov should get big minutes for his long awaited NHL breakout. Filatov should factor in greatly on the Calder chase this season, especially if the plans work out to keep him in the top-six. Through four games this season Filatov has scored 2 assists with 6 shots on goal. 
Brian Bickell got off to a hot start this year with the revamped Blackhawks roster notching 2 goals and 2 assists in his first 6 games. Bickell is a bi-product of the Blackhawks rich depth that has been factored as being a part of the Hawks’ recovery plan after losing 10 roster players from last years’ Cup winning team. Bickell isa big boy at 6’4 223lbs. and uses his body effectively on the forecheck and around the net to produce points. He is exactly the mold of player Chicago likes to play around their smaller skill forwards, and with keeping that in mind; Bickell could be a surprise candidate for the Calder if he can keep his high octane game alive and well for 82 games in the NHL. Brad Marchand makes up for his lack of size with a tenacious and fast style of play. Marchand also plays an agitating role in the corners, and has a determination to have the puck on his stick at all times. Marchand got a good look at NHL pace last year as he played with the Bruins in 20 games, only notching one assist. Marchand isn’t at all a likely Calder candidate, but he could really find his rhythm with the large and talented Boston Bruins forwards this season. Through 3 games this year he has tied his points totals last year with an assist, and already put the puck on net a quarter of the times he did through 20 games last year with 8 shots. Eric Tangradi also benefits from a strong supporting cast with the Pittsburgh Penguins, His linemates will benefit from his gritty play and large frame. Tangradi is a very smart player and plays with a vengeance in front of the net, never shying away from a physical challenge. Tangradi’s size, smarts, and hands saw him post an impressive 17 goals and 39 points through 65 games in the AHL last year, just after his impressive 3 years in the OHL where in 176 games he tallied a 67-101-168 points record with a very strong +61rating. Through his first 6 games in the NHL, Tangradi has netted a goal and an assist, and looks primed to be a big part of the third and fourth pairings of the Penguins. 
Mikael Backlund has been held off of the scoresheets through four contests this season after playing up with the Flames 23 times last year just notching 1 goal and 10 points. Backlund is expected to take a larger role in the offensive structure of the Flames this year and could be primed to break out at an NHL pace this year. His offensively struggling Flames team will be depending heavily on he and fellow rookie Brett Sutter to make up for the lackluster efforts of their veteran players. 
Nino Niederreiter steps in as the youngest player in the National Hockey League. The young Swiss born player impressed heavily in International competition, and has factored in heavily for the Islanders early. He looks NHL-ready, and is likely to stick with the thinned-out club all year. It’s not guaranteed for the youngster, but his lone goal in the Isle’s 2-1 loss in only his second NHL game did him a great service for maintaining an NHL spot. Brayden Schenn is a solid young athlete that is NHL-ready at 19 years of age. He is a dynamic passer of the puck, and is able to find open ice to make plays, or create it with his large frame. Schenn showed the hockey world what he is capable of through his three years with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL where he played 195 games notching 94 goals and 164 assists for 258 points and a mind-blowing +83 rating. Schenn is a valuable addition to the roster this year and will surely stick with the club and benefit from great players around him. -Defensemen-
Jamie McBain should rightfully have been up in the top fifteen on my Calder chase list. McBain has shown great promise as a long-term staple on defense for the rebuilding Carolina Hurricanes. In 14 games last season, McBain impressed with 3 goals and 7 assists with a +6 rating. More than impressive numbers put McBain in a top-four role with the Hurricanes for this year as he wasted no time, notching a powerplay assists and +1 rating in his first game of the season, as his point total and plus/minus remain the same now through 4 games. McBain is Calder caliber in terms of defenseman, the only thing that might hinder his plus/minus this year could be the fact that he’s playing with the Hurricanes. McBain will be a long time player in the National Hockey League and it will be great to watch him play his complete game style all year-round. 
Matt Taormina has had an excellent start to this season as through 6 games he has racked up 1 goal and 3 assists with a -1 rating. Taormina put up 10 goals for 50 points last year in the AHL, hence his good look right out of the gates this season. The 23 year-old American spent four years with Providence at the collegiate level notching 141 20 goals and 65 points with a +11rating through 141 games. He is effective on both ends of the puck, and while not incredibly large, is very strong young in his career. He and other Devils’ depth defensemen got an instant look as the Devils have struggled with injuries and cap issues from the start.
Jakub Kindl has been talked about and highly anticipated for some time now. The one thing keeping him off of NHL ice has simply been the fact that he is in the Detroit Red Wings organization, which likes to over-ripen their young talent and make sure they’re NHL ready before playing NHL games. It’s never been an easy task to crack the Wings’ lineup at 23, especially in terms of defensemen. Kindl has benefited from teammates’ various injuries, but his strong skating and passing ability are great signs for the Red Wings as he looks more than ready for a full-time spot on the team. Being in Detroit, he may be sent back once all injured players have returned, but he will remain the first guy up under any circumstance. Kindl has played well enough to stay, but it’s likely we’ll have to wait until next year to see him play nightly. Jake Muzzin is a big, solid, NHL-ready defenseman at the age of 21. There is seemingly no glaring weakness in Muzzin’s game as he is set to likely stick with the Kings for the entire season. Coaches and scouts have identified his poised play in both offensive and defensive zones early in his first 4 NHL games. Muzzin has a great breakout pass and quick release, as well as smart and gritty defensive coverage in his own zone. It appears he can do anything, whether it’s clearing the front of the net, or jumping into the play; Muzzin is a truly talented young blueliner. He played just one game in the AHL last year, as most of his season was played in his final year in the OHL where he completed 230 games for Sault St. Marie notching 28 goals and 118 points with 196 penalty minutes. Though four NHL contests Muzzin has notched an assist and two shots. He plays for a very strong Los Angelis Kings hockey club, with smart players around him. He will take a giant step in his development on a nightly basis. -Goaltenders-
Anders Lindback made his North American debut late in the first game of the season after Pekka Rinne went down with a lower-body injury. From the moment the monster 6’5 Swede stepped on the ice, opponents have been flustered. Through four games Lindback is undefeated in regulation, posting a 2-0-1record with a 2.41 GAA and .921save percentage. He was drafted by Nashville in 2008, and has spent his entire playing career prior to this season in Sweden, predominantly with Byrnas in Swe Junior, Swe 2, and Swedish Elite levels. Lindbacks’ Calder contention depends on his number of starts, as is the case with all rookie netminders, but if his play thus far is matched even closely throughout the rest of the year there is a good chance he can do it. 
Sergei Bobrovsky is another young netminder to step in a lot earlier than he had figured on. After Michael Leighton underwent back surgery late in the off-season, Philadelphia made a surprise move by starting the 22 year-old in the season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Bobrovsky won that contest 3-2 with a solid .935 save percentage. Since then, his record has decreased slightly as in 3 games he is 2-1-0 with a 2.67 GAA and a .910 save percentage. Bobrovsky could factor in for the Calder as he has looked incredibly poised for being the youngest ever goaltender to start the season for the storied Flyers. His ability to get the call consistently depends a lot on the injury issues in net the Flyers have been dealing with. Last year the Flyers dressed seven different goalies throughout the year and started five. In the post season Boucher would go down and Leighton would take the reigns. Hopefully for the Flyers’ sake their tough luck in net is past them, but that remains to be seen and Bobrovsky is chomping at the bit.
Cory Schneider finally makes his full-time NHL debut behind all-star Roberto Luongo. Luongo’s play has been questionable during his time with the Canucks, as the team is hopefull the young 24 year-old can push him to better numbers. Schneider only factors in if Luongo fails, but it’s not impossible. Schneider is a great young goalie with a very promising career ahead of him, playing for a very strong Cup contending team. He has spent four seasons in the AHL with Manitoba where he went 84-45-5 through 136 games with a 2.31 GAA and .920 save percentage with 12 shutouts. His best year was arguably the 2008-09 where he captured the Baz Bastien Memorial Trophy (Best Goaltender), Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Trophy (Fewest goals against), and was nominated to the First All-Star team.Corey Crawford is incredibly the 6th goaltender worth mentioning in this Calder piece, as the highly touted 25 year-old will be backing up the veteran Marty Turco for the defending Stanley Cup Champions this year. Crawford is the future, and he will be learning a great deal from Turco while also benefiting from one of the best defenses in the NHL. Crawford has been brewing in the AHL for 5 years now, with spotted NHL appearances throughout. In 255 total games with Rockford, Crawford is 135-98-13 with a 2.78 GAA and .908 save percentage with 8 shutouts. Crawford is expected to play big in the backup role to Turco, and has already started twice in this young season going 1-1-0 with a 3.03 GAA and .903 save percentage. I don’t see Crawford getting enough starts to be a threat for the Calder, but should Turco go down it will be a very interesting storyline. -NHL Rookie List-
-All-Time Calder Winners List-
- Kendall Grubbs
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