BLOG: My Way Too Early 2022-23 Calder Trophy Prediction

The NHL playoffs are starting in ~two weeks, so naturally this is a perfect time to discuss next season's Rookie of the Year award.

There are a handful of young stars who recently signed their entry levels with their respective NHL clubs. Owen Power, Matty Beniers, Mason MacTavish among dozens of others who will undergo their rookie campaigns will be in contention. Beniers looks great as it is & Owen Power cannot be counted out.

However, the name I am looking at is Thomas Bordeleau. Bordeleau is the 2020 38th overall pick for the San Jose Sharks. Formerly a standout for the stacked Michigan Wolverine squad. I admittedly have only watched three full-length games in which Bordeleau appeared so there are probably some gaps in his game, but he's stood out in every game I've seen so far.

In NCAA hockey, he totaled 67 points in 61 games. After turning pro less than two weeks ago, he's appeared in four professional matches (two AHL, two NHL) he's scored 5 assists. Pretty good. Take this beauty from last night's game vs. Columbus:

From what I've gathered, Bordeleau is an effective forechecker & playmaker with an acumen for creating space for himself in tight spaces. His innate offensive instincts are noticeable already playing on San Jose's third line with Rudolf Balcers & Noah Gregor, earning assists in back to back games to open his career.

Imagine him sharing the ice with Logan Couture or Timo Meier? Smells like Calder to me...

Anyway, here is a highlight reel for your viewing pleasure:

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