2010-11 Calder Trophy Favourites
The Calder Trophy is awarded to the National Hockey League’s most outstanding rookie at the end of the season. A trophy that can be awarded to a player in any position, the Calder is one of the most difficult trophies to win. Recent winners include impressive names such as Evgeni Malkin, Alexander Ovechkin, and Patrick Kane.
Last season’s winner – Tyler Myers
Calder favourites
Nikita Filatov – Forward – Columbus Blue Jackets
It has still not been confirmed whether or not youngster Nikita Filatov will make the move to the NHL this season.
Filatov spent last season in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League, but has made it clear that he plans to play in North America. With only a one-year contract in Russia, Filatov is now able to join the Blue Jackets full time. If he were to join the squad there is no question that the talented young star would be placed directly on the team’s second line, playing behind all-star Rick Nash.
Filatov is an unquestioned offensive talent, and joining the Blue Jackets, who have scoring punch, would certainly be beneficial for both club and player.
Taylor Hall – Forward – Edmonton Oilers
Taylor Hall is an impressive offensive talent, and is likely to rack-up points on a young Edmonton club.
At the moment Hall is set to start on the squad’s second line, however many believe that before the season ends he will be given first line duties.
The additional ice time should give Hall a real chance at taking home the Calder Trophy. In addition, he is expected to participate on his team’s power play.
A force at the offensive end, if Hall is to win the Calder Trophy it will be based on his point production alone. Nevertheless, with no professional hockey experience it is difficult to give him the jump on Filatov.
Alex Pietrangelo – Defenceman – St. Louis Blues
Listed on hockeysfuture.com as their number one prospect, Alex Pietrangelo is considered one of the best young defenceman in hockey, and having played in only 17 NHL competitions Pietrangelo is still eligible for the Calder Trophy.
The Blues have brought Pietrangelo along slowly, ensuring that he played out all his eligibility in major junior.
Suiting up for the Barrie Colts last season he put up 29 points in just 25 games, showing his value as an offensive defenceman. Able to move the puck and skate fluidly through the neutral zone, Pietrangelo may be considered a smaller version of Myers, who took home the Calder last season.
A first-round pick in 2008, Pietrangelo is expected to make the Blues’ defence core out of camp, and enter on the team’s second line, as well as garnering power play minutes.
The only thing that could keep Pietrangelo from really challenging for the Calder would be if the Blues decided to place him in the American Hockey League for another season of conditioning. St. Louis has shown that they are willing to take their time with the youngster, and if they believe he may be better suited with their affiliate in Peoria, that is exactly where he could be heading.
John Carlson – Defenceman – Washington Capitals
At 20 years old, John Carlson is just eligible for the Calder Trophy this year. The skilled defender will join a thin Washington blue line and will be expected to log major minutes.
After playing in 22 games at end of the year with Washington, Carlson impressed the Capitals coaching staff, and was given the start in all seven of the Caps play-off games. Notching four points in seven contests, Carlson is pencilled in to appear with the club in 2010-11.
If Carlson is allowed to spend the full campaign with the Capitals he has a very good chance of challenging for the Calder, as the rugged 6ft 2in defender should be a force at the back end next season.
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