Calder Trophy Candidates
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With every new season, comes a new crop of rookies competing for the honors of Rookie of the Year. The 2015-2016 season brings one of the most exciting group of rookies we’ve seen in recent history. Scoring is down in the NHL, so it doesn’t look as though any of these guys will be breaking any rookie records, but it doesn’t change the fact that this is an extremely skilled group of guys who all look to have very bright and productive careers ahead of them.
*NHL/Junior stats source: The Hockey News: 2015-16 Pool Guide
Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
Jul 2, 2015; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; NHL draft number one pick Connor McDavid takes part in the Edmonton Oilers rookie camp at the Rexall Center. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
It’s not often that generational talents make their way to the NHL. The last two were John Tavares and Sidney Crosby. The Edmonton Oilers got very lucky when they won the 2015 lottery, adding McDavid to a star-studded cast of young talent.
Scoring might be down in the NHL, but that shouldn’t stop Connor McDavid from helping Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle increase their point production. He’s the most likely to walk away with the Calder Trophy as there’s a chance he could produce at a point per game rate.
Jack Eichel, Buffalo Sabres
Apr 9, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston University forward Jack Eichel (9) gets past North Dakota forward Drake Caggiula (9) during the third period of a semifinal game in the men
The Sabres were devastated when they walked into the draft lottery with the highest odds to land McDavid, but fell to #2.
Buffalo may have gotten the best consolation prize in recent NHL history. At Boston University last year, Eichel put up 71 points in 40 games, earning him the prestigious Hobey Baker Award.
The Sabres will likely have him center their second line, between possibly Matt Moulson and Sam Reinhart. Eichel is an excellent two way forward with massive offensive upside.
Sam Reinhart, Buffalo Sabres
Oct 30, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Sam Reinhart (23) brings the puck behind Boston Bruins goalie
Niklas Svedberg(72) during the second period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Former 2014 first rounder enjoyed a 9-game stint with the Sabres last season, where it quickly became evident that he could use another year of marinating to get bigger, stronger, and faster. He looks poised to step into the lineup in 15-16 and could be highly productive in his first season of play.
Where he ends up in the depth chart could ultimately decide the fate of his season. A player of Reinhart’s talent is usually a lock for a top 6 role, but Sabres depth could push him down to the third line. If he ends up with Eichel on the second line where he should be, it’s conceivable that he ends up in the top 5 in rookie scoring.
Max Domi, Arizona Coyotes
Sep 15, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes center Max Domi (15) carries the puck during the second period against the Los Angeles Kings at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Coming off 102 points in 57 games in London of the OHL, Domi was one of the most electrifying players in the CHL last season. Domi is a virtual lock to make the Coyotes this season, and looks as though he may lineup next to Anthony Duclair.
The chances of third overall pick Dylan Strome making the team are pretty slim, as he would need a beyond impressive camp to play for the Yotes this season.
Regardless, imagining these 3 young stars together moving forward for years to come has gotta be exciting for Arizona fans.
Sam Bennett, Calgary Flames
May 8, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center Sam Bennett (63) skates with the puck against the Anaheim Ducks during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Anaheim Ducks won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Bennett dealt with some injuries last season. He still managed to rack up 24 points in 11 games with Kingston of the OHL, before appearing for the Flames in the playoffs where he impressed tallying 4 points in 11 games.
He should find a home on the second line to begin the season alongside Mikael Backlund and newly acquired Michael Frolik. If he can somehow find his way to the first line, demoting Jiri Hudler, then he may compete with McDavid for the Calder.
Anthony Duclair, Arizona Coyotes
Nov 15, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Rangers left wing Anthony Duclair (63) skates on the ice before playing the Pittsburgh Penguins at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
He spent much of last season bouncing around from the NHL to the QMJHL to international play. He impresed at all three, with a great stint in New York.
Duclair ended up being the prized piece in the Keith Yandle deal. Like Max Domi, Duclair should be a virtual lock to start the season with the Yotes in their top six.
Should be fun to watch Domi and Duclair grow together down in the desert this season.
Nikolaj Ehlers, Winnipeg Jets
Sep 30, 2014; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers (42) during the second period against the Ottawa Senators at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
After producing 101 points in 51 games for Halifax of the QMJHL last season, it looks as though Ehlers is ready to step into the NHL and immediately be a productive player.
Best known for his speed and creativity, the Q’s playoff scoring leader could compete for the Calder if the Jets decide to pair him with Scheifele on the second line.
He would have to outplay Mathieu Perreault in training camp to do so. Regardless, Ehlers should be a big part of the Jets plans moving forward.
Robby Fabbri, St.Louis Blues
Sep 22, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; St. Louis Blues center Robby Fabbri (15) skates against the Dallas Stars during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeated the Blues 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Rewind one year to 14-15 training camp, and Robby Fabbri almost forced the Blues hands into keeping him. Tough decision to move him back to junior, where he accumulated 51 points in 30 games with the Guelph Storm.
It would be very surprising if Fabbri didn’t make this team out of training camp this year. A recent surgery to C Jori Lehtera will keep him out for the beginning of the season, essentially opening up a roster spot for one of Fabbri or Ivan Barbashev.
Expect Fabbri to win that battle, which will leave the Blues with some tough decisions when Lehtera returns. Fabbri has the talent to stick around long after Lehtera returns.
Where he fits into the depth chart could dictate his productivity this season.