The Calder Memorial Trophy is an honor given to the best rookie in the NHL over their first full year of competition. Many of the all-time greats such as Mario Lemieux, Bobby Orr Ray Bourque and Tony Esposito have won this award. For many, the award is the beginning of a Hall of Fame career.
While that may not be true for this years winner, it still rings true that winning the award looks great on any hockey players resume. This season, the Calder Memorial Trophy could go to a number of players. While these five are the favorites, do not be surprised if more names are added to the list.
1. Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings
It's hard to believe that a 19 year old could be the most mature skater in the league, but it might actually be true. Larkin is already a premier two way forward, as he leads the league with a 19+/-. His 11 goals lead all rookies in the NHL, showing he can also produce on the offensive end as well. His three game winning goals are tied for the lead amount goalies as he has proven himself to be a clutch time performer. He may only be in third when it comes to points, but that is because the Red Wings are loaded with playmakers.
2. John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks
The answer to the Ducks goaltending prayers may have been answered in this 22 year old from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. While he has only played in seven games this season, he still has made enough of an impact to garner attention for rookie of the year. He played in four playoff games last year for the Ducks, and put up an impressive .919 SV%. The playoff success seems to have built up to success this season, as his 1.47 GAA is the best in the league.
3. Max Domi, Phoenix Coyotes
Max Domi is second among rookies with 23 points, which is even more impressive when you consider the fact that Domi plays on a Coyotes team that has historically been terrible on offense. With Domi leading the charge, the Coyotes are now a top 10 offense, with a number of young players leading the charge. Domi also leads the team in goals and is second in +/-. If the Coyotes keep playing the improved hockey they have been playing, expect Domi to be a popular name for rookie of the year.
4. Artemi Panarin, Chicago Blackhawks
The biggest beneficiary of the crazy start to the season Patrick Kane has been having is Panarin. As his line mate, Panarin has been along for the ride, leading all rookies with 27 points in only 27 games. Panarin also leads rookies in assists, which have been easy to come by with Patrick Kane scoring 16 goals so far this season. If Panarin can stay on the Kane line, he has an outsiders chance of winning rookie of the year.
5. Shayne Gostisbehere, Philadelphia Flyers
Although only playing in 11 games so far this year, the Flyers blue liner already has two game winning goals. He is also one of the few Flyers with a positive +/- as it has been a disappointing start to the season for the Flyers. However, Ghost was a crucial part of the Flyers recent four game winning streak, and if he continues to play the way he is for the remainder of the season, he could be the defender with the best odds to win rookie of the year.