Calder Trophy Race: Forsberg, Gaudreau, Ekblad

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With one third of the NHL season complete the Calder Trophy race is taking greater shape.  While several rookies have delivered important contributions to their teams, three players are clearly separating themselves from the rest of the league.

The individual NHL races are exciting to talk about, particularly the Calder Trophy because these are the most exciting young players in the game. Players we (hopefully) will be able to enjoy watching perform at a high level for years. The vast majority of winners over the last ten years are having solid if not great careers, so the futures of these three players and their teams looks quite bright:

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1) Filip Forsberg – C, Nashville Predators. It’s absurd what Forsberg has been able to do this year. Leading all rookies in goals (12) and going at over a point per game pace (29 in 28 games), the 20 year old Swede may be altering the image of the Predators from “Smashville” to “Flashville”. Highlight reel goals on a team fighting for first place in the Central Division and a league-leading +25 gives Forsberg all the numbers to be leading the Calder Trophy race at this point in the season.

2) John Gaudreau, L, Calgary Flames. While Mark Giordano is getting most of the national attention for the surprising Flames, Gaudreau has been equally as important. Second among rookies with 22 points, Gaudreau is providing important production to keep the Flames competitive in a loaded Western Conference. But even though this is an individual award, team performance is going to matter and factor into separating Gaudreau from other rookie forwards. If Calgary can remain in the playoff hunt and Gaudreau can continue his solid production, he will remain in the conversation.

3) Aaron Ekblad – D, Florida Panthers. Defensemen are supposed to take longer to learn the NHL game. They need more time in the minors for ‘seasoning’, right? To learn the game and to adjust to the speed and strength of the NHL, right? Don’t tell that to Ekblad. The 18 year old top pick from 2014 is turning heads with 18 points, a +7 rating and solid play in his own zone. Florida is part of a log jam near the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and staying there will help, and Ekblad is absolutely doing his part.

It’s much easier to compare Forsberg and Gaudreau as both are forwards where it is easier to come into the league and make an immediate impact. Ekblad is not going to have the offensive numbers to compete for the Calder Trophy on those stats alone. Forsberg appears on track to win that battle on the stat sheet.

But to come into the league as an 18 year old on the blue line and instantly look like a franchise cornerstone is incredibly impressive. Comparisons to Tyler Myers will be inevitable, both good and bad, as Myers has had quite the up and down career since his win in 2009-10. But if I am casting a ballot today, Ekblad’s overall body of work at a very difficult position is tough to ignore.

I’m voting Ekblad to win, with Forsberg second and Gaudreau third.