The Calder Trophy is the NHL’s version of the NHL Rookie of the Year Award. There always seems to be a lot of young talent entering the NHL these days. Players are getting faster and stronger and the league is going towards a youth movement despite some of the older stars in the NHL. Let’s take a look at some of the potential Calder trophy candidates.
Teams have also been drafting better and this is why the NHL has been expanding. The game of hockey is growing all across the globe. Who are some of the potential Calder Trophy candidates heading into the 2019-2020 season?
The first player that comes to mind is centerman Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils. Hughes was the number one pick in the 2019 NHL Draft. He has the potential to be a star in his first NHL season. Jack Hughes can skate like the wind. He is also a tremendous passer and scorer.
The second player that comes to mind is winger Kaapo Kakko of the New York Rangers. He was the second pick in the 2019 NHL Draft. Kakko will score a lot of goals, but I am not sure if he is going to record a lot of assists.
The third player that comes to mind is defenseman Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche. He made his presence known immediately in the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season. Makar strengthened the blue line and he was one of the reasons why they decided to trade defenseman Tyson Barrie to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the offseason.
The fourth player that comes to mind is winger Filip Zadina of the Detroit Red Wings. He was the sixth overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. Zadina is a very dangerous offensive player and he could help Detroit become a respectable team again.
The fifth player that comes to mind is defenseman Quinn Hughes. He is the brother of Jack Hughes. Quinn was the seventh overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. Vancouver has a chance to make it to the postseason for the first time since 2014-2015. Hughes has the chance to be a very good on the offensive end and make plays for his teammates.
The sixth player that comes to mind is defenseman Erik Brannstrom of the Ottawa Senators. Brannstrom was acquired in a trade that involved Mark Stone being sent to the Vegas Golden Knights. Erik Brannstrom has the potential to be the number one defenseman in the now and in the future.
Other potential candidates: winger Alexander Texier (CBJ), winger Eeli Tolvanen (NSH), winger Max Comtois (ANA), center Martin Necas (CAR), winger Owen Tippett (FLA), defenseman Ethan Bear (EDM), defenseman Noah Dobson (NYI), and winger Kristian Vesalainen (WPG).
