Calder Trophy Power Rankings: Ivan Demidov leads the way
The hockey world has been gifted with some tremendous rookie classes in recent NHL seasons.
Last year’s race for the Calder Trophy was an exciting one. Lane Hutson tied a 45-year old record for most assists by a rookie defender, becoming the fifth active defenceman to win the Calder and finishing as a unanimous top-two pick.
Dustin Wolf, who finished second to Hutson in voting, posted some of the top freshman goaltending metrics we’ve seen in years. Star first-year forwards Macklin Celebrini and Matvei Michkov, who finished third and fourth in voting respectively, each posted 63-point rookie seasons.
But this year's NHL rookie class could be even better.
To accurately showcase the battle for the 2026 title as the top first-year player, we’ve assembled a collection of seven scouts across the Elite Prospects vertical to provide their top 10 rankings. This start-of-season edition hinges a good deal on projection, past results and trends, and a healthy dose of hype. We’ll update this list as deployment, current analysis, and clarity set in.
Ivan Demidov, RW, Montreal Canadiens
Ivan Demidov waltzes into this season as the betting favourite to take home the Calder, sweeping all ballots in this exercise. Whether it was his high-end KHL campaign, electric flashes to end last season in Montreal, or the possibility of his immediate ascension to the top of the lineup, our scouts agree that the Russian winger has the best odds of winning Rookie of the Year.
Matthew Schaefer, LD, New York Islanders
The most recent first-overall pick will also be the youngest player in the NHL this season. That fact will not be lost on voters at season’s end. Matthew Schaefer has already made highlight reels this preseason with incredible backchecks that showcased his star-level skating ability. He has the name-brand recognition, the affable personality, and the backstory that people love to root for.
He’s also a hell of a player who earned four second-place votes in this exercise.
Ryan Leonard, RW, Washington Capitals
Ryan Leonard was among the first-year players who got a taste of NHL action last spring. He scored his first NHL goal, played nine regular-season games, and earned invaluable experience through eight playoff games as well. Factor in his superstar-level NCAA career, and Leonard landed at No. 3 on this list.
The hard-nosed winger brings the type of skill and intensity that will instantly endear him to coaches and teammates. It should also afford him opportunities to play further up the lineup and propel his production.
Alexander Nikishin, LD, Carolina Hurricanes
With 337 professional games under his belt, Alexander Nikishin has accumulated more pro experience than the rest of this list combined. The most experienced first-year player will likely have the most solidified role, as he appears poised to slide right into a top-four position in Carolina.
The 6-foot-4 defender accomplished just about everything you could in the KHL, scoring at a 0.81 points-per-game pace in his last three seasons. At 24 years old, he’s physically, mentally, and emotionally ready for a full NHL season and a heavy workload.
Jimmy Snuggerud, RW, St. Louis Blues
One of the sneakier bets to climb this list as the season progresses is Jimmy Snuggerud. Last summer, the American winger made the difficult decision to return to the University of Minnesota for a third season of NCAA action. That extra year of development should enable him to transition more seamlessly into the Blues' lineup.
If Snuggerud can stick on the top line and top power play unit playing next to Robert Thomas, watch out.
Michael Misa, C, San Jose Sharks
The most recent second overall selection, Michael Misa joins a San Jose lineup that is used to having teenagers on the roster. Knowing that Misa had accomplished nearly everything you can at the junior level, the Sharks were in a bit of a pickle. With Misa needing a new challenge and not yet being AHL-eligible, he'll be a full-time NHLer this season.
With winning not yet being a priority in San Jose, the Sharks can afford to be flexible with his deployment. He's been playing in the top-six all throughout preseason, so expect him to anchor the middle of the ice and help alleviate some of Celebrini's two-way responsibilities.
Zeev Buium, D, Minnesota Wild
Zeev Buium might not have the flashiest rookie campaign, but his all-around game could sneak him into the Rookie of the Year mix. Minnesota will trust him with real minutes because he plays well beyond his age. Despite being just 20 years old, he’s calm under pressure, efficient on exits, and deadly in transition. It’s the hockey sense that jumps out more than his size or flash. If he logs power play time and keeps producing at both ends, Buium’s blend of poise and pace could allow him to hang around the Calder conversation.
Sam Rinzel, D, Chicago Blackhawks
Sam Rinzel’s development is reminiscent of a rocket ship to the moon: it’s heading straight up. The 6-foot-4 defender just kept getting better in the NCAA and made the leap to the NHL last season. He recorded five points in nine games and played top minutes, including the first power play unit. If the defenceman can hold onto those spots this season, he’ll have a chance to climb this list.
Yaroslav Askarov, G, San Jose Sharks
The lone goaltender on the list, Yaroslav Askarov likely won’t rack up too many wins this year. But he has the skill, pedigree, and potential to steal games, and maybe even a few votes if San Jose gives him enough starts. The bar for goaltenders to hit the ballot is lower than skaters, and Askarov projects as the top option early.
Zayne Parekh, D, Calgary Flames
Zayne Parekh rounds out the list, but his exceptional offensive toolkit gives him the kind of boom potential that could push him near the top of this group.
The former OHL Defenceman of the Year led all CHL blueliners with 107 points last season and brings a rare dimension to Calgary’s blue line. With elite lateral agility, a rocket of a release, and the confidence to try things most players wouldn’t, the 19-year-old has game-breaking upside. The key will be harnessing that unbridled enthusiasm to ensure he’s steady enough away from the puck to see enough ice to pop offensively.
