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NHL

Opinion: Looking At Possible Calder Trophy Candidates For 2018-19

The Calder Trophy. The trophy is given to the NHL’s top rookie. New York Islanders centre Matthew Barzal is the current holder of the Calder Trophy.  It’s early but 2018-19 looks to have a very good class of rookies and will have an intriguing race for the Calder. Here, I will explore possible candidates for the Calder Trophy. Some players are a lock to make their teams, while others will have to impress at training camp.

Elias Pettersson, C/LW, Vancouver Canucks

As a Canucks fan myself, the hype for Elias Pettersson is real.  Drafted 5th overall in 2017, The Canucks have a gem in him. Pettersson, has smashed records in SHL and has won a ton of silverware. In 44 games with the Vaxjo Lakers, he scored 24 goals and had 32 assists for 56 points which led the league. That also broke the record for most points by a junior in the SHL beating Kent Nillsson’s 42-year record of 54 points. In the playoffs, he led the Lakers to the Le Mat Trophy and was the playoff MVP. He was also named the SHL Rookie of The Year, Forward of The Year and the Guldpucken for league MVP. A brilliant two-way forward with jaw-dropping moves and amazing puck handling skills. He is also and excellent passer and can score as well. Elias Pettersson is a worthy Calder Trophy candidate.

 

Rasmus Dahlin, D, Buffalo Sabres

The 2018 First Overall pick has to be on this list. He is a defenceman who can play in any situation. A terrific skater and puck handler, he knows where his teammates are. Dahlin knows how to quarterback a power play. He knows how to join the attack in a hurry as well. Dahlin is also not afraid to be physical.  Already compared to the likes of Erik Karlsson and even the great Nick Lidstrom, Dahlin is definitely gonna be a contender for the Calder Trophy.

Casey Mittelstadt, C, Buffalo Sabres

We have another Buffalo Sabres prospect on this list. Mittelstadt was drafted 8th overall in the 2017 Entry Draft by Buffalo. They say he brings the complete package of speed, skill and hockey sense who can play at any end of the ice. Mittlestadt brings an electric offensive presence to Buffalo. He has already played six games with the Sabres, scoring a goal with 4 assists last season. Before that, he was at the University of Minnesota scoring 11 goals and 19 assist in 34 games. A creative player who has an elite transition game and who has a great hockey mind. A complete player who can be a very big point producer in the NHL and who could possibly win the Calder Trophy next season.

Lias Andersson, C, New York Rangers

There are two words to describe Lias Andersson: Team Player. He has good hockey sense and plays an excellent two-way game.  He is fast, has a nice shot and has a high hockey IQ. Andersson is a leader and understands the game very well. The Swede already played 7 games with the Rangers and had a goal and an assist last season. He played for the AHL Hartford Wolfpack and  5 goals and 9 assists in 25 games. Before that, he was on loan to Frolunda HC of the SHL and had 7 goals and 7 assists in 22 games.

Eeli Tolvanen, LW/RW, Nashville Predators

Tolvanen dominated the USHL with the Sioux City Muskateers. Then, he was drafted 30th overall in 2017 by the Nashville Predators. He scored 19 goals and 17 assists with Jokerit of the KHL last season. Tolvanen played 3 regular season games with the Predators where he was held pointless. The Finnish winger is good with the puck on his stick and knows how to score. He has a deadly and accurate shot. Already a steal in the draft, he is a worthy Calder Trophy candidate.

Andreas Johnsson, LW/RW, Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs have plenty of young talent. Andreas Johnsson is one of them.  He skates fast with good vision and hands. He knows how to make plays that lead to goals and also can score himself. Johnsson is a pretty good stickhandler as well. He scored two goals and an assist in 9 games with the Leafs last season. The winger scored 26 times and had 28 assists in 54 regular season games with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. He played a pivotal role in the Marlies run to the Calder Cup with 10 goals and 14 assists in 16 playoff games. Johnsson was drafted 7th overall by the Leafs in 2013. Keep an eye out for him because he as well is a worthy Calder Trophy candidate.

Miro Heiskanen, D, Dallas Stars

Probably the best defenceman in the 2017 draft, Heiskanen was drafted third overall by the Dallas Stars. He is an elite two-way defenceman in the making.  Heiskanen is a smooth skater and a  great puck mover who can start the attack up the ice. He is a creative player who can shoot and pass pretty well. His defensive game is very good as he cuts off lanes for the opposition. Heiskanen is also not afraid to throw the body around. He has 11 goals and 12 assist in 30 games with HIFK with of the Finnish Liiga . In the playoffs, he had 3 goals and 6 assist in 14 games. He has the potential to be a top two pairing guy in Dallas and should be in contention for the Calder Trophy as well.

Andrei Svechnikov, RW, Carolina Hurricanes

Andrei Svechnikov was the second overall pick in June’s draft. He had 40 goals and 32 assists in 44 games with the OHL’s Barrie Colts. In 8 playoff games, he had 5 goals and six assists.  A terrific goal scorer with who has a terrific shot, Svechnikov can also skate with an excellent balance and powerful stride. The Russian winger is also a great play maker who displays strength with and without the puck. A player which teams can use in any situation.