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NHL Calder Trophy Race: Top 10

By Ryan Ritchie |
Mar 3, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (53) tries to make a play against Edmonton Oilers right wing Jordan Eberle (14) during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. The Oilers defeated the Flyers, 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (53) tries to make a play against Edmonton Oilers right wing Jordan Eberle (14) during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. The Oilers defeated the Flyers, 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Calder Trophy Race: Top 10 Countdown

This year’s NHL Calder Trophy race is one of the deepest rookie classes in memory.

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Realistically, arguments can be made for a top 25 countdown, given the large number of quality first-year performances. But only a handful of players exist in the conversation as NHL Calder Trophy Winner. It will be interesting to see the amount of parity among award voters.

Risers in this edition include, Sam Reinhart, who continues to impress in the second-half with a larger role, and more ice-time. Connor McDavid makes his way back into the top 10, although it will be difficult for him to garner enough consideration once the dust settles. Shayne Gostisbehere continue to show consistency, providing much-needed offense from the back-end for Philadelphia.

Honorable Mentions:

Sam Bennett (CGY), Nikolaj Ehlers (WPG), Robby Fabbri (STL), Joonas Donskoi (SJ), Mattias Janmark (DAL), Oscar Lindberg (NYR), Ben Hutton (VAN), Noah Hanifin (CAR), Joonas Korpisalo (CLB), Connor Hellebuyck (WPG), Louis Domingue (ARZ)

NHL Calder Trophy Race: Top 10

10. Anthony Duclair, Arizona Coyotes

Duclair is now up to 37 points on the season. He has shown growth and improvement, with added confidence in 2015-16.

Mar 5, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Sam Reinhart (23) during the third period against the Minnesota Wild at First Niagara Center. Minnesota beats Buffalo 3 to 2. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Sam Reinhart (23) during the third period against the Minnesota Wild at First Niagara Center. Minnesota beats Buffalo 3 to 2. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Sam Reinhart, Buffalo Sabres

Dan Bylsma entrusted Reinhart with added responsibility in the second half, leading to a larger role and more ice-time. He has excelled in the process, and is arguably one of the top rookies in the 2016 calendar year.

8. Colton Parayko, St.Louis Blues

This giant defender is a model of consistency in 2015-16. Going about his business quietly behind a cast of Vladimir Tarasenko, Alex Pietrangelo, and Kevin Shattenkirk, among several others, it’s easy to overlook Parayko. He has 27 points on the season, including a plus-20 (+20).

7. Max Domi, Arizona Coyotes

The wheels fell off a bit around January, but Domi found his second wind, and continues his strong play from early in the season. Max now has 43 points in 66 games.

6. Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings

Sliding down a bit in our rankings, much like he has in the Detroit Red Wings lineup. He was a plus-25 (+25) last time, and while he continues to produce, his rating has dropped to plus-19 (+19). He has 40 points in 65 games, but Larkin may have finally hit the rookie wall. Look for him to bounce back down the stretch, and into the playoffs.

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5. Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers

When you can produce over a point-per-game as a teenager, it speaks volumes. Had Connor McDavid enjoyed a long, healthy season, he might be the runaway winner of the NHL Calder Trophy. Unfortunately, he may have missed too much time.

4. Jack Eichel, Buffalo Sabres

A pair of Buffalo Sabres continue to excel as the season grows older. Eichel continues to do what made him effective at the beginning of 2015-16, but the production is finally catching up to him in the second half. Now, second in rookie scoring, Eichel has 46 points (20 goals) in 69 games. The future is exciting if you’re Buffalo Sabres fan.

Mar 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson (36) makes a glove save in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson (36) makes a glove save in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

3. John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks

Perhaps Gibson deserves more credit. He is a major reason why the Anaheim Ducks dragged themselves out of an improbable hole back to being legitimate Stanley Cup contenders. John Gibson is 16-9-3 with a 2.07 goals-against-average and .919 save percentage. Can he garner more consideration if he carries Anaheim deep into the playoffs?

2. Shayne Gostisbehere, Philadelphia Flyers

Among the names of hottest rookies in the second half, Shayne Gostisbehere is gaining more attention. For good reason, he’s a dynamic offensive threat from the blueline. 20 of his 37 points have come on the powerplay, yet Shayne is still a plus-5 (+5) – that only gives you an idea of how much offense he creates in comparison to what is given up.

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1. Artemi Panarin, Chicago Blackhawks

There is something to be said for a guy who continues to produce at the high level Artemi Panarin has all-year long. It was unclear exactly where he would fit in upon transferring from the KHL, but Panarin quickly developed chemistry with Patrick Kane. With Artem Anisimov up the middle, the trio have combined to form the NHL’s most dangerous line. Panarin now has 62 points (25 goals) in 66 games.

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