Calder Trophy

The NHL just released the candidates for the rookie of the year - the Calder Trophy. The final three were Columbus goaltender Steve Mason, Anaheim winger Bobby Ryan and Chicago winger Kris Versteeg. The Rangers had just one rookie to play a significant role this season, Lauri Korpikoski and let's face it - he didn't have a chance.

Actually, Versteeg and Ryan don't have a chance against the goaltender who carried a mediocre team into the playoffs. So the Scotty Hockey pick is Steve Mason. Going beyond this season, I think Ryan will prove to be a better player (Versteeg is a complimentary-type, nothing more) but Mason helped Manny Malhotra get back into the playoffs so all credit given and due (yeah Manny!).

 The Calder Trophy: Honoring the NHL's Brightest Young Stars

The NHL's Calder Trophy is a prestigious award that recognizes the league's top rookie player each season. Named in honor of Frank Calder, the NHL's first president, this award has a rich history dating back to 1933. Over the years, it has celebrated the emergence of young talents who have gone on to become legends of the game. In this article, we'll delve into the history, significance, and FAQs surrounding the Calder Trophy.

The Origins of the Calder Trophy

The Calder Trophy's inception can be traced back to the early years of the NHL. Frank Calder, the league's first president, had a vision of promoting and recognizing young talent in the game. In 1933, the trophy was introduced to honor the memory of Frank Calder and to celebrate the contributions of rookies to the league.

Calder Trophy Winners: A Who's Who of NHL Stars

One of the remarkable aspects of the Calder Trophy is the illustrious list of winners who have gone on to have exceptional careers. Names like Terry Sawchuk, Bobby Orr, Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Alexander Ovechkin have all won the Calder Trophy. These players are not just stars; they are legends who have left an indelible mark on the NHL.

Criteria for the Calder Trophy

The criteria for winning the Calder Trophy are relatively straightforward. To be eligible, a player must meet the following requirements:

The player must be under the age of 26 as of September 15 of the awarding year.

The player must not have played more than 25 games in any single preceding season nor more than six games in two preceding seasons in any major professional league.

The player must be voted as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the NHL.

These criteria ensure that the award is indeed presented to a rookie player who has made a significant impact in their debut NHL season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was the first-ever recipient of the Calder Trophy?

The first Calder Trophy was awarded in the 1932-33 season, and the inaugural winner was Carl Voss of the Detroit Red Wings.

Has any player won the Calder Trophy more than once?

Yes, some players have won the Calder Trophy multiple times. Notably, Bobby Orr and Wayne Gretzky each won the award twice.

What types of players are usually nominated for the Calder Trophy?

Nominees for the Calder Trophy are typically young, up-and-coming players who have had a significant impact in their debut NHL season. They can be forwards, defensemen, or goaltenders.

What is the significance of winning the Calder Trophy?

Winning the Calder Trophy is a tremendous honor and is often seen as a stepping stone to a successful NHL career. Many Calder winners have gone on to have Hall of Fame careers.

Are there any notable snubs or controversies surrounding the Calder Trophy?

Like any major award, there have been instances of controversial decisions and perceived snubs over the years. Some fans and analysts have debated the merits of certain winners, but ultimately, the award aims to recognize the best rookie of the season according to the established criteria.

Memorable Moments in Calder Trophy History

Bobby Orr's Dominance: Bobby Orr's rookie season in 1966-67 was nothing short of spectacular. He not only won the Calder Trophy but also set a new standard for offensive production by a defenseman. His impact on the game is still felt today.

Wayne Gretzky's Arrival: Wayne Gretzky's rookie season in 1979-80 saw him amass an astonishing 137 points, shattering previous records. He was a transformative figure in the NHL, and his rookie year was a sign of things to come.

Teemu Selanne's Goal-Scoring Prowess: Teemu Selanne burst onto the scene in 1992-93, scoring a rookie-record 76 goals for the Winnipeg Jets. His incredible scoring ability earned him the Calder Trophy and endeared him to fans worldwide.

Connor McDavid's Modern Brilliance: In recent years, Connor McDavid's rookie season in 2015-16 showcased his unparalleled speed and skill. He captured the Calder Trophy and has since become one of the league's top players.

The Calder Trophy is more than just an award; it's a celebration of youth, talent, and the future of the NHL. For nearly nine decades, this accolade has shone a spotlight on the league's brightest young stars, many of whom have gone on to achieve greatness. As fans eagerly anticipate each new NHL season, they look forward to discovering which rookie phenom will be the next to etch their name into the annals of hockey history by capturing the coveted Calder Trophy.

Trophies: Kids and Kings

Since I will be out in the field for work the next two days, I don't think I will have time to split them up so here they are: my predictions for the final two of the 'big five' trophies.


The Calder Trophy:
1. Jonathan Toews (Chicago) - Just can't say enough about this kid. He is the whole package - he is phenomenal offensively, responsible defensively and a leader. He has starred in college, in world juniors and even looked good at the world championship in the spring despite being the youngest player there. In Chicago he will have little pressure - the team sucked last year, attendance is down and home games are rarely broadcast. He will get a lot of ice time (even on the power play), he will have some great veterans to mentor him in Robert Lang and Yanic Perrault and he will have Jack Skille and Pat Kane to share in the rookie experience. The spotlight, what little of one there will be, will be on No. 1 overall pick Kane at the start but by midseason Toews should have the Calder all but wrapped up.
2. Jack Johnson (L.A.) - The Carolina Hurricanes are kicking themselves now, and will be for a long, long time. They had trouble signing him before last season and dealt him to L.A. for a pair of mediocre NHLers. Johnson showed them up by just showing up. He played in five games for the Kings at the end of the season and was a beast! If not for the perfect situation in Chicago for Toews, I would have handed the Calder to him. He has the tools to not just be as good as his mentor in L.A. Rob Blake, but much, much better. Johnson will battle Dion Phaneuf for the Norris for years to come.
3. Nicklas Backstrom (Washington) - Like Toews, Backstrom is walking into a good situation with little pressure. The Caps were bad last year, he will have one of the two Alexanders on his wing and he will have underrated veteran Michael Nylander to guide him (and force him to babysit). Backstrom is a good playmaker and if he develops the chemistry with Semin, then watch out.
Dark Horse: Marc Staal (N.Y.) - I am a Rangers fan, I have to put him in. I am not even 100% sure he will get a NHL job with the team already carrying eight defensemen (nine if you include Darius Kasperitis, who they say is in the best shape of his life and ready for a come-back). However, Staal already proved himself to be a man among boys as the best defenseman in juniors the last two years. Should Sather be smart and find a way to make some room for him, Staal has the size and skills to make an impact and in New York's limelight, it could get him the Calder.


The Hart Trophy:
1. Cindy Crosby (Pittsburgh) - If Bettman and the NHL had done the right thing, then Cindy would be a Ranger, much like Pat Ewing went to the Knicks. Granted the Rangers were able to recover from the lockout without him and he pretty much saved the Penguins franchise, but still -- imagine how big of a star he would be on Broadway! So I'm bitter and his perpetual whining to officials pisses me off even farther. But he's good. Very, very good. And, barring something tragic, this will be his award to lose for the next 10 years. Damn I hate him.
2. Joe Sakic (Colorado) - From a petulant child to a graceful elder statesman, Joe Sakic is the man. A quiet captain of grace and skill, he is the Aves' Steve Yzerman (just with better knees). Sakic had a 100 points last year and his team only got better this offseason. He won the Hart back in 2001 and with Ryan Smyth by his side this season he can capture it again.
3. Martin Brodeur (Jersey) - If New Jersey goes anywhere and does anything this season, it is because of Marty. The Devs lost Gomez and Rafalski but signed Weeksie from us so while the scoring went down, Brodeur should get better. And that is a scary thought since he had a 2.18 gaa and 0.922 save percentage with no one to spell him last year. No rest for the wicked, haha. Wonder how that sister-in-law of his is doing ...
Dark Horse: Jaromir Jagr (NYR) - Ok, I don't want to jinx anything so I made Jags a dark horse in this race. Should the Rangers improve on last season, should they go farther in the playoffs it will not be because of the additions of Gomez or Drury, it will be because Jagr played like the all-world talent he is. The Rangers need him to be healthy and happy to win, that simple. Henrik is great, but there are too many teams with great goaltenders between here and the Stanley Cup. There aren't many, if any, with a player of Jagr's caliber (when he chooses to be). So let's hope he's happy and Let's Go Rangers!