The NHL has finally released its three Calder Trophy nominees.
After intense anticipation, New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal, Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser and Arizona Coyotes forward Clayton Keller have been named the top three rookies of the year.
Each player had standout seasons, however, some fans might agree others were more deserving of one of the three spots. With that in mind, here are four rookies who hockey fans might agree got snubbed of a Calder nomination.
KYLE CONNOR
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Drafted one position behind Barzal at 17th overall in 2015, Connor showed why he could end up as one of the steals of his class in his first full season. Through 76 games, the Michigan native recorded 31 goals and 26 assists while primarily playing on the Jets’ top line with Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele (when healthy). His 31 tallies led all rookies in the category.
Charlie McAvoy
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McAvoy was a rock for the Bruins in his first full campaign with the team. The 6'0 208 pound defenceman averaged the second most amount of ice with 22:09 per game behind team captain Zdeno Chara. At 20 years of age, the former Boston University standout already has the look of a franchise defender.
WILL BUTCHER
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Originally selected in the 5th round by the Colorado Avalanche in 2013, Butcher chose New Jersey as his new home in the 2017 offseason as a free agent. The 23-year-old immediately made his mark with nine assists in his first six games. He led all rookie defencemen with 44 points and immediately helped turn the Devils into a playoff team following a lost 2016-17 season.
YANNI GOURDE
Yanni who?
After years in the AHL, the 5’9 undrafted free agent broke into the NHL scene with 25 goals and 39 assisits. Gourde’s story is all-the-more heartwarming when you consider he was in the East Coast Hockey League earlier in his career. The 26-year-old will cost the Tampa Bay Lightning just $1 million against the cap next season but will be in for a raise if he can replicate his success.
This isn’t to say these players were the only other impressive rookies. 2017 first overall pick Nico Hischier showed tremendous promise playing alongside MVP candidate Taylor Hall while Chicago Blackhawks forward Alex DeBrincat and Columbus Blue Jackets forward Pierre Luc-Dubois each showed promise with their respective teams. Lightning defenceman Mikhail Sergachev also served as key piece on Tampa Bay’s blue line with 40 points in 79 contests.
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The rookie of the year will be announced on June 20 at the NHL’s award ceremony. Of the names on the list, who do you think deserved a place in the three spots?
