The NHL season is still young, but analysts and pundits have already started debating who might take home the Calder Trophy.
Leading the early conversation are Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov, New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, and Detroit Red Wings forward Emmitt Finnie.
Other notable rookies in the mix include Minnesota Wild blueliner Zeev Buium, St. Louis Blues winger Jimmy Snuggerud, and Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin.
Is Ivan Demidov the Favorite To Win the Calder Trophy?
To get an early read on the race, ESPN conducted a poll with some voters from the Professional Hockey Writers Association on the condition of anonymity. According to the results, Schaefer dominated the proceedings, earning 81% of the first-place selections.
Demidov picked up the remaining first-place votes to sit firmly in second place.
One voter called Demidov “a very close second,” while another said, “Ivan Demidov has been spectacular, but at this point, this race is not particularly close.”
Demidov has recorded 3 goals, 7 assists, and 10 points through his first 12 games, impressive numbers for a rookie player.
Still, many believe Schaefer has set himself apart. “Is this even a real question? It’s Matthew Schaefer,” one voter said.
Schaefer has been outstanding, tallying 5 goals and 5 assists (10 points) in 12 games, tied for the rookie lead. He has contributed across the board at even strength and on the power play, averaging nearly 22 minutes of ice time per night, more than any other rookie in the league. “Position matters. So does ice time.” one voter noted. “And Schaefer is logging more than two minutes per game more than any other rookie,”
Schaefer made history on Sunday, becoming the youngest defenseman in NHL history to score multiple goals in a single game. He netted two in the Islanders’ 3-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, breaking a record that had stood since 1966, when Hall of Famer Bobby Orr accomplished the feat at 18 years and 248 days old.
For now, Schaefer looks like the clear front-runner for the Calder Trophy. But Demidov is not entirely out of the race.
Demidov and the Canadiens next face the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday at Centre Bell. The Islanders and Schaefer will face Boston next.