Calder Trophy Power Rankings: Matthew Schaefer’s race to lose
With another month of NHL action in the books, this year’s freshman class has continued to reshuffle the deck in the race for the Calder Trophy.
This update sees the top six players hold their positions, while the bottom four have shifted significantly.
It’s also worth noting that Jimmy Snuggerud narrowly missed the cut by a single voting point. He posted 10 points in 11 games over the past month and is clearly trending up.
To reflect the race accurately, a group of Elite Prospects scouts submitted individual top-10 Calder ballots. The rankings below represent a composite of those votes.
1) Matthew Schaefer, D – New York Islanders (1st)
Ho-hum. Another month, another top spot for Matthew Schaefer.
Over the last 30 days, the 18-year-old defender recorded four goals and 10 points in 15 games. His 16 goals on the season rank second all-time by a U19 defender in NHL history, while his 39 points sit just two back of Bobby Orr for third-most ever.
This is historic territory.
2) Ivan Demidov, RW – Montreal Canadiens (2nd)
Ivan Demidov continues to lead all first-year players with 46 points in 57 games. It’s a strong 66-point full-season pace. That tracks for a similar output that won Elias Pettersson, Matty Beniers, Auston Matthews, and Nathan MacKinnon their Calder Trophies.
But it won't be enough this year. He’ll need to ramp it up significantly to seriously challenge Schaefer.
3) Beckett Sennecke, RW – Anaheim Ducks (3rd)
Demidov may lead rookies in scoring, but Beckett Sennecke remains right on his heels.
The Ducks winger leads all freshmen in even-strength goals (16) and points (35), while also pacing first-year forwards in shots. Recently turning 20, Sennecke has been excellent all season and especially strong over the past month, posting 12 points in 13 games.
4) Jesper Wallstedt, G – Minnesota Wild (4th)
It wasn’t a banner month for Jesper Wallstedt.
He finished with a 3-3-0 record and a 0.875 save percentage, though he closed the stretch with two quality starts and wins. On the season, Wallstedt still leads all first-year goaltenders in save percentage (0.915) and shutouts (4).
Now the question is whether he sees any Olympic action.
5) Ryan Leonard, RW – Washington Capitals (5th)
Despite a cooler stretch – one goal and five points in 16 games – Ryan Leonard held firm at No. 5.
The Capitals winger continues to see steady power-play usage and ranks fifth among rookies in total scoring on the season.
6) Ben Kindel, C – Pittsburgh Penguins (6th)
Benjamin Kindel keeps earning trust in Pittsburgh with his two-way play, and the offence has followed.
His six goals over the past month tie for the rookie lead, while his three game-winners during that span stand alone at the top. This kid is way ahead of schedule.
7) Fraser Minten, C – Boston Bruins (NR)
No rookie has been hotter than Fraser Minten of late.
Much to the frustration of Maple Leafs fans, the 21-year-old has surged in Boston, posting six goals and 12 points in his last 14 games. His ice time has climbed steadily, along with an expanded role on both special teams units.
8) Justin Sourdif – Washington Capitals (NR)
Justin Sourdif has provided a real spark for Washington.
He recorded 13 points in his last 14 games, climbing to eighth in freshman scoring while also delivering strong defensive results.
9) Arseny Gritsyuk, LW – New Jersey Devils (8th)
It was a tough month for Arseni Gritsyuk.
With just five points in 14 games, he’s slipped outside the top 10 in overall rookie scoring, sitting at 23 points in 53 games. Still, his play-driving ability and defensive detail keep him on the board.
10) Alexander Nikishin, D – Carolina Hurricanes (NR)
Alexander Nikishin returns to the rankings after a one-month absence.
The physical Russian defender saw increased power-play usage at times, but couldn’t convert that opportunity into meaningful production. Even so, the 24-year-old continues to impact games consistently at both ends of the ice.