AP Photo by John Autey via Pioneer Press
This season has seen its share of rookies who have made a positive impact on their NHL teams. Even with it being a condensed 56-game schedule that’s been interrupted by COVID, there certainly are some first-year players worthy of being included in the Calder race.
The leading candidate is the uber talented 23-year old KHL import Kirill Kaprizov of the Wild. A late fifth round pick in 2015, Kaprizov dominated in Russia before finally agreeing to come over and play in the NHL. He hasn’t disappointed. A fantastic skater with immense offensive capability, his 30 points (13-17-30) pace all rookies in scoring. Playing on a line with veteran Mats Zuccarello, the dynamic duo have been a big part of Minnesota’s success. Kaprizov is a player to watch who should make his postseason debut this May. The former star of CSKA Moscow is electrifying with the puck. He remains the front-runner for the Calder Trophy.
There are a few first-year goalies who deserve accolades. If Kaprizov’s Wild teammate Kaapo Kahkonen was the full-time starter in net, he’d be higher on our list. In 18 games (17 starts), the 24-year old netminder is 12-6-0 with a 2.34 GAA, .920 save percentage and two shutouts. However, Cam Talbot remains the starter after reclaiming the spot. Kahkonen has a bright future.
Of all the goalies that have gotten action, it’s the steady play of Finnish netminder Kevin Lankinen who has the Blackhawks in a playoff spot. A free agent signing on May 21, 2018 out of Helsinki where he played in the SM-lliga, the 25-year old got more pro experience playing for both Rockford of the AHL and the Indy Fuel of the ECHL the past two years. His first NHL year in Chicago has seen him go 13-9-4 while posting a 2.71 GAA, .920 save percentage and two shutouts to help the Blackhawks stay in fourth place in their competitive Central Division. While Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat get all the accolades, they wouldn’t be fighting for the playoffs without Lankinen. That’s why I rank him second behind Kaprizov.
Other notables include Caps goalie Vitek Vanecek, Jake Oettinger, Ilya Sorokin, Alex Nedeljkovic and Igor Shesterkin. If Shesterkin had stayed healthy, he would likely be among the top rookies vying for the award. His nine wins, 2.29 GAA and .924 save percenJason Robertsontage are superb. Now that he’s healthy, the Rangers are making a late push for the postseason in the competitive East Division. The 25-year old Russian along with close friend Sorokin, who has done a great job backing up for the Islanders, are two goalies who are worth following. Keep an eye on Senators first-year netminder Filip Gustavsson. A prospect they acquired from the Pens for Derick Brassard.
If Kaprizov and Lankinen are the top two candidates on our list, that leaves a few spots open for skaters. For a while, it looked like Ottawa third pick Tim Stutzle would definitely be in the running for the Calder. The 19-year old from Germany is a superb skater who possesses a quick wrist shot and good vision. He came in hot off the World Junior Championship and has played well for the rebuilding Senators. With six goals and 13 assists totaling 19 points, he’s tied for third in rookie scoring with teammate Josh Norris and Devils defenseman Ty Smith. Stutzle had tremendous upside. They might not be good yet, but the Senators are on the right track.
At the moment, the third spot is between Smith and Jason Robertson. Both have had good seasons. Smith is a smooth skating offensive defenseman for the Devils. His 17 helpers and 19 points pace all freshmen defensemen. On a low scoring team that is still a work in progress with 2019 top pick Jack Hughes up and down in his second year, the 21-year old Smith is the building block the Devils will rely on for their blue line. Originally selected with the number 17 pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, the left shooting Smith actually benefited from an extra year in Juniors with the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL. Finally proving ready, he’s played in all 34 games with his 19 points tied for first in team scoring with Pavel Zacha. Not the biggest in stature, Smith makes up for it with his speed and ability to read plays. He’ll be a big part of the team moving forward.
If Smith is the top rookie defenseman, Rangers first-year player K’Andre Miller should be heard from. Even though the former first round pick only has eight points (3-5-8) in 33 contests, he’s a plus-14 with 57 hits and 44 blocked shots while averaging 20:37 in the top four. The former Wisconsin product should continue to improve on Broadway. Honorable mention to Hurricanes D Jake Bean, who could become a big point producer on a playoff contender.
While we focused last week on the evolution of Islanders rookie Oliver Wahlstrom, who plays on the third line, it’s been the significant improvement of Stars rookie forward Jason Robertson that has him in the mix for the Calder. How good has the 21-year old former second round pick in 2017 been? The forgotten player who quietly posted seven points (1-6-7) for Team USA in the 2019 World Junior Championship, has been on fire of late for the Stars. He’s produced 10 points (4-6-10) over the last 10 games including scoring goals in three straight to move up to second in rookie scoring with 23 points (8-15-23). Give that Dallas isn’t a high scoring offense, it’s all the more impressive. The 23 points in 29 games place Robertson fourth in team scoring on last year’s Stanley Cup runner-up chasing the Blackhawks and two other teams for the playoffs.
Keep tabs on Predators rookie Eeli Tolvanen. The 2017 first round pick has been heating up at the right time. The Finn turns 22 later this month. In last night’s loss to the Stars, he had a six-game point streak (3-6-9) snapped. It looks like the hype was real. To think 29 teams passed on Tolvanen. Quite a few might wind up regretting it.
One other rookie who’s been quietly having a nice season is Blackhawks forward Pius Suter. He’s in double digits in goals (11) and has 18 points. Suter has gotten some time with future Hall Of Famer Kane. His three game-winning goals are tied for tops among rookies with Tolvanen. Suter is a 24-year old from Zurich. The Swiss star who actually was part of Senators rookie camp and didn’t make the Islanders, signed as an undrafted free agent with Chicago on July 16, 2020. A big scorer for the ZSC Lions in the Swiss League, he’s been quite a find for the Hawks. It’ll be interesting to see what happens with Suter moving forward. Especially with Kirby Dach back. Much also could depend on the status of Chicago captain Jonathan Toews. His status remains unknown. Hopefully, he’ll be okay.
It’s definitely been an interesting year for the 2021 Rookie Class. While ’20 top pick Alexis Lafreniere continues to adjust to life with not ideal ice time on the Rangers, it isn’t surprising that he’s only got 11 points. His usage hasn’t been consistent or allowed for much growth. It happens when an organization is more committed to making the playoffs due to their proven performers over a 19-year old future star. Lafreniere has more points than Kaapo Kakko, who’s overall game has improved. He only has five goals and totaled 15 in 90 career games so far. That topic is one to follow given how high both went.
What we’ve learned is that some NHL teams are more willing to trust their young prospects. Take a look at the rookie production for the Blackhawks and Devils. There’s a noticeable difference. Every situation is different. That said, it’s definitely been a good year to track the development of first-year players. The final stretch is upon us. There should be plenty of excitement.
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