Top 5 Calder Trophy Candidates at the End Of November

When deciding the NHL awards, one of the most talked about awards is the Calder Trophy, as people debate which young star deserves it more based on several criteria.

Although some years have deeper rookie classes than others, a few rookies are head and shoulders above the others. The rookies are the chosen few to be awarded the Calder Trophy at the end of the season.

The Calder Trophy is awarded to the player who was most proficient in his first year of competition, or the league’s best rookie. The Calder Trophy has been awarded 89 times, with no award being given during the 2004-05 lockout season.

Top five Calder Trophy candidates at the end of November.

The Calder Trophy was awarded first in 1932-33. The inaugural recipient was Detroit center, Carl Voss. Voss played 38 games, scoring six goals and 15 assists for 21 points in route to winning the award.

The award is dedicated to former NHL president Frank Calder. Calder purchased a trophy each year, which would then be given yearly to the league’s outstanding rookie, as this occurred until his untimely death in 1943. After his passing, the NHL created the Calder Trophy in his honor.

In total, 29 players in the Hall of Fame have won the Calder Trophy. This list includes Voss, Sweeney Schriner, Frank Brimsek, Johnny Bower, Terry Sawchuk, Emile Francis, Gerry Cheevers, Al Arbour, Andy Bathgate, Frank Mahovlich, Bobby Orr, Larry Robinson, Doug Harvey, Patrick Roy, Pavel Bure, Peter Forsberg, and Fred Shero.

There are controversies surrounding the award. Some fans and media speculate the award should not be awarded to rookies of a certain age, experience, or anyone based on how much the team wins or loses. Right or wrong, the award is presented to the best overall rookie contributor.

Here are the top five candidates to win the Calder Trophy as of the end of November.