Trophy Talk: Calder Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the Year)

Trophy season is almost upon us, so that means it is time to analyze who deserves what. This season has featured a pretty wide variation of talent & production unseen in some time. Check out this crazy statistic:

With all these players popping off this season, it's never been more critical to utilize analytics in attempt to separate point-producers from play-drivers & determine which is more valued from an Award standpoint. While the public models don't always line up with the private models (those employed in-house by NHL Clubs), they are generally adept at capturing a more holistic view of a player's game, especially as data becomes more widely available.

Now, our rankings are not solely based on one analytical model or another. Rather, its a year-long analysis of anecdotal testimony supported by data so to reach an accurate conclusion. That said, let's begin:

Calder Trophy Winner: Moritz Seider D - (DET)

No rookie has had a bigger role in a more difficult assignment than Seider. He ranks fourth among rookies in points, logs the most ice time, & is deployed in all situations. Powerplay, Penalty Kill, up a goal, down a goal, doesn't matter; Mo is on the case.

Runners Up: 2. Michael Bunting F (TOR), 3. Trevor Zegras F (ANA)

Bunting: "But he's 26" yeah yeah yeah, so what? He's in contention, so he warrants consideration. End of deal.

Bunting has certainly benefitted from playing with Matthews & Marner, no doubt. But Marner & Matthews also benefit from playing with Michael Bunting. His ability to one-touch pass into soft areas pays huge dividends; he leads all rookies in points with 55. Yet, that's not why he's this high on the list. It is because of his ability to disrupt play in the defensive zone & quickly transition up the ice that makes him so valuable to his team.

Zegras: Talk about a breath of fresh air, Zegras erupted into the NHL this season. His unique combination of IQ, swagger, & skill is reminiscent of Patrick Kane. Zegras ranks third in rookie scoring, and first in Michigan goals scored. Now there are two catalysts for placing above DET's Lucas Raymond. 1) individual two-way play driving & 2) quality of teammates deployed with. Raymond has a quality group of skaters to work with each night, whereas Zegras is forced to elevate the play of his teammates. Both critical when analyzing on-ice impact.

Honorable Mentions: Lucas Raymond (DET), Tanner Jeannot (NSH), Dawson Mercer (NJD), Anton Lundell (FLA)

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