The Favorites To Win The NHL Calder Trophy
Who’s going to win the Calder Trophy? The award is given to the best rookie in the NHL There’s quite an extensive list of candidates for the honor this season. This year the competition is at an all-time high.
Alexandre Texier, Columbus Blue Jackets
The French winger has a shot at being the Jackets leading scorer this season. Yes, he’s that talented of a prospect. After scoring 3 points in the Blue Jackets 8 playoff games, Texier has been exposed to the highest level of NHL play. He’ll more than likely end up on the top power play with Cam Atkinson and Pierre-Luc Dubios, only increasing his appeal to win the award.
Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils
The number 1 overall pick of the 2019 NHL Draft, Hughes is going to be a stud in the NHL for years to come. Playing on the vastly improved Devils team, he’s arguably the most gifted rookie this year. Judging by his impressive preseason play thus far, Hughes is going to score upwards of 60 points. He’ll likely center the teams second line with Nikita Gusev and Wayne Simmonds, and will get some ice time with P.K. Subban as well.
Kaapo Kakko, New York Rangers
Only 18 years of age, Kakko feels like a hockey veteran. He led Finland with six goals at the IHF World Championships. He’ll look to bring that same magic to the Rangers, who are in the running for the Stanley Cup this season. Kakko has a great team surrounding him. The 2nd overall pick of the 2019 NHL Draft finds himself in the best situation of any NHL rookie.
Elvis Merzjikins, Columbus Blue Jackets
The second candidate from the Blue Jackets, Merzjikins could end up being one of the leagues best goalies in a few years time. He’ll start the season in a timeshare with Jonas Korpisalo, as they look to replace franchise great, Sergei Bobrovsky, who signed with the Florida Panthers. Ultimately, Merzjikins is the far superior talent. If he gets the starts, expect the two-time Jacques Plante Trophy ( top goalie in the NL) winner to be a heavy Calder favorite.
Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche
The 20-year-old defenseman could be the odds on favorite for the Calder Trophy. During the Avalanche 10 playoff games last season, Makar had six points. He’s a former Hobey Baker award winner (given to the top player in collegiate hockey), after scoring 49 points in 41 games for the University of Massachusetts. Colorado traded Tyson Barrie to Toronto, opening up a spot for Makar on the top line. He’s got the ability to be one of the leagues best defenseman in his rookie year.
Image Source: The Canadian Press
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