Ryan S. Clark, a reporter covering the NHL for ESPN, is already looking ahead to the 2024-25 season and the potential candidates for the Calder Trophy. As we saw with Connor Bedard last season, being the No. 1 pick doesn’t guarantee a Calder Trophy win. Could Macklin Celebrini be the next top pick to take home the award, or will someone else surprise us?
While it’s still early to make any definitive predictions, there are a few names that are generating buzz in the hockey world. Cutter Gauthier, Matvei Michkov, Logan Stankoven, and Will Smith are all players to keep an eye on as potential Calder contenders. Each player brings their own unique skill set to the table, and it will be interesting to see how they perform in their rookie seasons.
Looking back at last season, Connor Bedard was the early favorite for the Calder Trophy, but Brock Faber emerged as a serious challenger. This goes to show that anything can happen over the course of a season, and we shouldn’t count anyone out just yet.
So, who are the favorites for the 2024-25 season? While it’s impossible to say for sure, there are a few players who stand out as potential frontrunners. Keep an eye on these players as the season progresses, as they could make a serious push for the Calder Trophy.
In addition to the top contenders, there are always a few under-the-radar players who surprise us with their performance. These players may not be getting as much attention now, but they have the potential to emerge as serious Calder challengers as the season unfolds.
As we eagerly await the start of the 2024-25 NHL season, it’s clear that there are plenty of talented rookies to keep an eye on. Whether it’s a well-known name like Celebrini or a breakout star like Gauthier, this season is sure to be an exciting one for hockey fans. Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses, and see which rookie ultimately takes home the Calder Trophy at the end of the year.