In addition to the race for the playoffs, another race will be worth watching between now and the end of the 2024-2025 season in the National Hockey League (NHL): that for obtaining the Calder Trophy awarded to the rookie par excellence.
• Also read: Lane Hutson among NHL elite in December
And the race promises to be close until the very end.
At this point in the campaign, three players and a goalie stand out among all those in their first year on the Bettman circuit.
First, San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini seems to hold a slim lead over his pursuers with a total of 27 points, including 12 goals in 28 games. His average of 0.96 points per game gives him first place among rookies so far.
What’s more, the first overall pick in the last draft averages nearly 20 minutes on the ice per game, second among all Sharks forwards.
If the title were to be awarded today, he would definitely be the favorite.
However, he will have to maintain his pace since three other players follow him closely. Matvei Michkov of the Philadelphia Flyers, who seemed to be the leading contender after a strong start to the season, should not be discounted.
Even though he has slowed down in recent weeks, he still leads all first-year players with 29 points, including 12 on the power play.
Then there is Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson. The 5’9″, 162 lbs small guard closely follows Michkov and Celebrini with 26 points and leads all rookies with an average playing time of 22 min 26 sec per game.
The 20-year-old has just been named the NHL rookie of the month for December with 13 points in 14 games.
What might help Hutson’s candidacy is the position he plays. No other first-year defenseman comes close to him in on-ice impact and offensive production. He leads all rookies among NHL defensemen by… 20 points!
However, a goalkeeper often forgotten when we talk about the best rookies on the circuit is making a name for himself. In Calgary, Dustin Wolf is having an excellent start to the season with the surprising Flames.
The 23-year-old American has won 12 of his 19 starts while maintaining an excellent save percentage of 0.914. Not bad for a pick of 7e tour.
If the Flames are currently in the heart of the playoff race in the Western Conference, they can thank Wolf.
