Calder Trophy Predictions: Mar. 25

Story posted March 25, 2022 in CommRadio, Sports by James Morrison

As the season reaches the final few months many rookies have had an opportunity to show what they can offer this season. The Calder Trophy is awarded to the top rookie performer from that season.

Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider has outperformed expectations his entire career while leading the race for the Calder and has 42 points on the season.

Detroit is not a good team but Seider will anchor the defense for a while.

Anaheim center Trevor Zegras is a close second with 47 points on the season while playing for a Ducks team that continues to tank this season. 

Another player with the potential to win the award is Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond who has 20 goals on the season and has served as a perfect complement to Dylan Larkin.

Michael Bunting most likely won’t win the award but he still has 49 points this season while playing with stars like Auston Matthews and Mitchell Marner.

The Panthers have gotten amazing contributions from center Anton Lundell this season who could still win the trophy with a strong late-season push.

Out of nowhere, Predators forward Tanner Jeannot is leading all rookies in goals with 21 while the Predators continue to overachieve.

The next few players probably won’t win the award but have still put together solid seasons.

Matt Boldy has come on late for the Wild and scored 24 points in just 30 games on the year. Goaltender Jeremy Swayman has been red hot for the Bruins recently while winning rookie of the month for February. He has a record of 18-8-3 on the season and has a 2.09 goals-against average.

Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis has made an impact this season as a speed guy who can score.

Dawson Mercer has stepped up for the Devils this season with 36 points while only being -4 on the last place Devils.

Detroit has another rookie in net with Alex Nedeljkovic who has a 3.15 goals-against average on the season.

Preseason favorite Cole Caufield struggled earlier this season but has since rebounded with 30 points so far on the year.

The next few players are not going to win the award but have still carved out roles on their team.

Avalanche forward Alex Newhook now wowed on the stat sheet with 11 goals in 54 games while also playing on the top two lines.

Spencer Knight didn’t quite arrive this season, but he does own a 2.88 goals-against average over 23 games.
Dan Vladar has been a reliable backup goaltender for the Flames this season.

Jonathan Dahlin started the year on the Sharks' top line but has since tapered off with just 12 goals on the season.
Jamie Drysdale has consistently been playing on the Ducks' top defensive line and has 26 points on the season.
Vasily Podkolzin has 16 points on the season and has been underwhelmed in his 62 games.

Avalanche defenseman Bowen Byram had 11 points in 18 games before taking a leave of absence from the team in January.

Columbus’ first-round pick Cole Sillinger has put up 21 points this year so far.

James Morrison is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jpm6920@psu.edu.