Calder Trophy Candidates: Frontrunners

Which players stand out as this year’s favored NHL Rookie of the Year candidates?

One of the biggest questions going into the 2008-2009 NHL season is who will hold the Calder Trophy in June? There are 2 premier players looking to break into the NHL this season and make an immediate impact for their respective clubs. As the season prepares to launch in just a few days, these kids are gearing up to compete for Rookie of the Year honors.

Steve Stamkos (Tampa Bay – C) – Stamkos was the first player selected in the NHL’s most recent draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are coming off of a disappointing season to say the least. The 03-04 Stanley Cup Champs went 31-42-9 and finished last in the East in this past season. Stamkos is looking to chip in and help turn things around for the Lightning in 08-09. He had a phenomenal OHL career with the Sarnia Sting putting up 214 points in 137 career OHL games. A number of off-season acquisitions will give Stamkos plenty to work with when trying to revitalize this Lightning franchise. Left winger Ryan Malone, who was acquired from Pittsburgh during the free agency period, may be an option for Stamkos to work with this season. He played well along side of Crosby last season and could gel with the rookie this year. It’s a spark with a teammate that’s going to help generate a spot in the finals of the Calder race. Stamkos needs to take advantage of Tampa Bay’s turnaround potential this year in order trump Kyle Turris’ potential performance in Phoenix.

Kyle Turris (Phoenix – C) – Turris was selected 3rd overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the Phoenix Coyotes. Phoenix is coming off of an improved season last year going 38-37-7, good for 12th in the ultra-competetive West. Turris spent his junior career playing for the Burnaby Express in the British Columbia Hockey League. He was named the 2005-2006 Rookie of the Year and the 2006-2007 league MVP. He spent the last year playing college hockey for the Wisconsin Badgers, leading the team with 36 points in 35 games as a freshman. The New Westminster, BC native also needs to utilize the ‘team on the rise’ mentality that’s buzzing around Phoenix right now. Turris is penciled in to start the season along side Todd Fedoruk and Mikkel Boedker on the 2nd line. Turris is a gifted puck handler who may find some chemistry with his fellow rookie Boedker. He could very well see some power play time and that should certainly generate more scoring opportunities for the 19 year old.

Follow up: 8 More Calder Trophy Candidates.