Calder Trophy Candidates: Rookies to Watch

By Pat Andrzejewski

John Tavares: The most coveted player coming out of this past draft class is also the most expected to make an instant impact at the NHL level. John Tavares’ junior career was spectacular. He set new scoring records in the OHL and led the Canadian Juniors to 2 straight gold medals. The Islanders will expect immediate results from the young phenom as they will most likely plug him in their first line. Unfortunately for Tavares, he plays on a very young, unproven squad on the Island, but his pure talent alone is enough to take him seriously in early Calder talk. How long will it be until Tavares carries this team on his back?

Semyon Varlamov: Semyon Varlamov took the world by surprise when he led the Washington Capitals to the 2nd round of the playoffs last summer and made highlight reel saves night-after-night to get them there - all this with just 6 NHL regular season games played under his belt. Coach Bruce Boudreau would not commit to naming a starting goaltender in the pre-season, but Varlamov will battle Jose Theodore from day one, and don’t be surprised if Theodore’s reign as starting goalie is short-lived. Playing for the offensive powerhouse Capitals also adds to his value, as he will be able to accumulate quite a few victories.

Victor Hedman: Victor Hedman was Tavares’ biggest rival in the rankings of this past draft. He is expected to be a franchise defender, due to his great skill set, his size (6’6’ and still growing), and his knowledge of the game. At the age of 16, Hedman was playing in the Senior Modo Team for the SEL. The new Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman is consistently compared to Chris Pronger, because of his overpowering size and offensive aspect of the game. Hedman was logging over 20 minutes a game in the pre-season, so expect him to start the season off with a bang.

Nikita Filatov: Probably one of the most individually skilled players out of all Calder candidates is the small sized, hard working Nikita Filatov. Filatov has enough talent to make scoring chances alone while making his surrounding players superior. In his 8 regular season games last year for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the regular season, he managed to score a hat trick against a defense first Minnesota team, but was then sent down to the AHL to familiarize with the North American style of hockey. With explosive speed combined with quick hands, this offensive force is not one to be ignored and could be primed for a big rookie campaign.

Jonas Gustavsson: Jonas Gustavsson is a late bloomer that led his Farjestad team in the SEL to a championship last season. Brian Burke flew out to Sweden in an effort to bring him to the Toronto Maple Leafs and succeeded. “The Monster” earned his appropriate nickname by his 6’3” stature and his ability to cover the whole net. He also has an aggressive perspective on the game so he can limit shooting angles. Expect him to push Vesa Toskala for the starting goaltender role once he finds his NHL stride and with the improved defensive corps, it’ll be fun to watch.

Michael Del Zotto: As the 20th overall pick in 2008 by the New York Rangers, Michael Del Zotto was drafted for his offensive output on the blue line. After roughly averaging a point-per-game in the OHL, this 19-year-old wasn’t expected to make the Rangers this year. After an impressive pre-season, he has opened the eyes of coach John Tortorella and has made the team and is now quarterbacking the 1st PP unit. For now, Tortorella prefers Del Zotto to highly priced Wade Redden and Michal Roszival and if he continues his strong play, there is no doubt that the London Knights, his junior team, will have to look for his replacement immediately.

Matt Duchene: Often compared to Steve Yzerman for his speed, hockey sense, and great hands, Matt Duchene is one of the most complete players to come out of the 2009 draft class. Duchene played on a team with a plethora of future NHL talent, the Brampton Batallion, and amassed 79 points in 57 games. One of the many bright sides to his game is his 2-way sense of hockey and his ability to throw his weight around even though he isn’t the size of a typical power forward (5’11”, 200 lbs). Duchene pumped his fists as Victor Hedman was drafted the Tampa Bay Lightning, which allowed his childhood favorite team to select him at 3rd overall. With Colorado in rebuilding mode, Duchene will be counted on as the 2nd line center and he has the potential to be an impact player in this young Avalanche lineup.

Jamie Benn: Jamie Benn who was drafted in the 5th round in 2007 by the Dallas Stars has progressed admirably in his final year on the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL by scoring 46 goals in 56 games. He is a natural goal scorer who always manages to get to loose pucks before his opponents do. He’s going to get a chance to prove his NHL talent as he has made the Dallas Stars’ opening roster and will play on the second line with Mike Ribeiro and Brenden Morrow. He will need to adjust his defensive skill and start using his 6’2” frame more if he wants to be as successful as he was in the WHL, but with his raw offensive talent, he has more than enough to become a successful NHLer.

Ville Leino: When Ville Leino was called up to the Detroit Red Wings at the beginning of February last season, he made a huge impact fast. He accumulated 9 pts in 13 games including his first NHL goal in his first NHL game. This year is a different story for the 26-year-old rookie hailing from Finland. In the off-season, the Red Wings lost over 80 goals to free agency this off-season and another 34 goals in the season-threatening injury to Johan Franzen. He will be heavily relied upon to make up for those lost goals and being on a team which is a perennial cup contender and being used as a top 6 forward, Leino has a big opportunity to make a strong case for the Calder Trophy.

Colin Wilson: When Colin Wilson was drafted 7th overall in 2008 by the Nashville Predators, they knew they had drafted a player that will be the foundation of their hockey team for years to come. An offensively gifted Wilson, who is the son of Carey Wilson who played over 500 games in the NHL, has great size, remarkable offensive capabilities, and incredible hockey sense. He led Boston University to a NCAA national championship last season and put up impressive point totals in his 2 years on the team. With plenty of open roster spots on the Predators this year, Wilson is poised to have a big season if he can translate his junior success into his NHL form.