As we reach the halfway point of the 2024-25 regular season, NHL.com is publishing a series of articles on those who would be likely to win the various individual trophies that will be awarded at the end of the campaign. Today’s predictions for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s rookie of the year.
The Calder Trophy race is probably the one that will be the most interesting to follow between now and the end of the campaign. But if the season were to end today, it would be Lane Hutson who would deserve the rookie of the year award, according to the NHL.com panelists.
The Montreal Canadiens defenseman received eight of the 11 first-place votes available in our in-house poll to edge out Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks at the top of the list. Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov completes the top-3.
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These three promise to give us quite a fight between now and the end of the regular calendar, but at this point, Hutson has not stolen his place on the top step of the podium. The 20-year-old American ranks first in the NHL among rookies with 30 points (three goals, 27 assists) in 40 games, in addition to being, by far, the most used first-year player with a average ice time of 22:38 per game.
Hutson was named NHL Rookie of the Month for December after scoring 13 points in 14 games and setting a record for a rookie defenseman in Canadiens history with a streak of seven consecutive games with at least one point. , ahead of Glen Harmon (January 9 to 19, 1943: 2-5—7 in 6 MJ) and Chris Chelios (December 16 to 27, 1984: 1-8—9 in 6 MJ; also March 1 to 14, 1985: 3-6—9 in 6 MJ).
“I think he deserves to be in the Calder conversation because he’s having a great season so far,” said Cole Hutson, a Boston University defenseman who is Lane’s younger brother, during the 2025 World Junior Championship. “There is only half the season played, so he will have to finish strong, but he is already among the best in terms of points. It’s rather impressive. »
Regardless, Hutson has energized the Canadiens’ offense and is already a crowd favorite in Montreal. Despite everything, the main person concerned assures that he is not thinking about individual honors.
“My goal is to help the team make the playoffs,” the young man said on January 2. This is the goal for the whole team. I don’t look too much in the direction of individual trophies. I would say it’s good to be in the running, but there are several good rookies in the NHL this season. »
Hutson is right to praise his fellow freshmen. Celebrini is also one who could beat him very closely, or even beat him, in this race to the Calder.
The 18-year-old forward leads rookies in points per game average (0.90), tied points (20) and shots on goal (102), and he impresses night after night with his games and spectacular maneuvers.
He is also the most used first-year forward across the NHL (19:45).
“I just want to keep playing the way I’m playing right now,” Celebrini said. [Les discussions entourant le Calder] don’t really affect what I do. »
Celebrini’s performance is unfortunately not a guarantee of success for the Sharks, who are in the middle of a reconstruction process. San Jose (13-24-6) sits last in the Pacific Division and had an eight-game losing streak (0-7-1) between Dec. 14-31.
“It’s a lot more pleasant when you win,” noted Celebrini. You have a lot more energy when you start winning matches. Nobody likes to lose. Nobody wants to lose. Everyone hates losing. You can have a lot more fun when you win. »
The race for the Calder Trophy is far from over. With half a season still to play, a lot can change. After a quarter of the season, Logan Stankoven of the Dallas Stars was considered the favorite according to NHL.com members. Two months later, he is no longer even in the top 5 voting intentions.
Voting results (five points for a first place vote, four points for a second place vote, etc.):
Lane Hutson, Montreal Canadiens, 50 points (8 first place votes)
Macklin Celebrini, San Jose Sharks, 44 points (2 first place votes)
Matvei Michkov, Flyers de Philadelphia, 32 points
Dustin Wolf, Calgary Flames, 26 points (1 first place vote)
Maxim Tsyplakov, Islanders de New York, 6 points
Logan Stankoven, Dallas Stars, 4 points
Emil Heineman, Montreal Canadiens, 2 points
Cutter Gauthier, Ducks d’Anaheim, 1 point
