The NHL Rookie of the Year award race is heating up as the 2015-16 season pushes toward the playoffs, and players like Jack Eichel, Connor McDavid and Artemi Panarin all are making strong cases to win the trophy.
Coming into the season, many around the NHL felt that Eichel and McDavid would be the main candidates for the award after being the top two picks in the draft. McDavid was selected first overall by the Edmonton Oilers, while Eichel was picked second by the Buffalo Sabres. The two players just faced off against each other for the first time, with McDavid leading the Oilers to a 2-1 win over Eichel's Sabres. McDavid had two goals in the game, including the winner in overtime.
Those two gained the most attention among the rookie class after being the top selections, but other players have emerged as strong candidates as well. For most of the season Panarin has been leading all rookies in scoring and that should get him some significant votes for the award. Some other names in the mix include Max Domi, Dylan Larkin, Shayne Gostisbehere, Connor Hellebuyck and Anthony Duclair.
Here is a look at the top names in the race for the Calder Memorial Trophy:
Artemi Panarin, Chicago Blackhawks
Panarin is currently looking like the favorite for the award, as the winger has been leading all rookies in scoring and production this season. Panarin is ranked first among rookies in points, goals scored and assists, and he also is averaging nearly 19 minutes of ice time. Panarin is playing a key role for a Stanley Cup contender, and voters may take that into account as well. Panarin has 57 points, 22 goals and 35 assists in 62 games this season.
Jack Eichel, Buffalo Sabres
Eichel has been productive for the Buffalo Sabres this season, and injuries on the roster have given him the chance to be a top contributor for the team. Eichel is ranked in the top five among rookies in points, goals, assists and average ice time. Eichel has 41 points, 17 goals and 24 assists through 64 games this season, and if he has a strong finish to the year, he could overtake Panarin for the award.
Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
McDavid's candidacy for the award took a bit of a hit after he went down with a shoulder injury, which forced the rookie to miss nearly three months. But McDavid has returned healthy and has been very productive since coming back, and he still could end up winning the award this season with a strong finish. McDavid has 31 points in 28 games this season, including 12 goals and 19 assists.
Some other candidates for the award include:
Max Domi, Arizona Coyotes: 42 points, 17 goals, 25 assists
Anthony Duclair, Arizona Coyotes: 33 points, 16 goals, 17 assists
Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings: 39 points, 19 goals, 20 assists
Shayne Gostisbehere, Philadelphia Flyers: 35 points, 12 goals, 23 assists,
Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets: 13 wins, 2.34 goals against average, .918 save percentage
(All stats from NHL.com)
