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NHL Awards: Who Wins The Calder Trophy

By Michael Straw

Apr 16, 2013; Uniondale, NY, USA; Florida Panthers center Jonathan Huberdeau (11) takes a shot on New York Islanders goalie Evgeni Nabokov (20) in front of New York Islanders defenseman Radek Martinek (4) and New York Islanders center Josh Bailey (12) period of an NHL game at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2013; Uniondale, NY, USA; Florida Panthers center Jonathan Huberdeau (11) takes a shot on New York Islanders goalie Evgeni Nabokov (20) in front of New York Islanders defenseman Radek Martinek (4) and New York Islanders center Josh Bailey (12) period of an NHL game at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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While everyone is focused, and rightfully so, on the Stanley Cup playoffs, the NHL has been announcing the candidates for the yearly awards that will be given out during the 2013 Stanley Cup Finals.

The first award on the docket: the Calder Trophy for the rookie of the year.

The three finalists for the rookie of the year award this year are Montreal Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher, Florida Panthers center Jonathan Huberdeau, and left wing Brandon Saad of the Chicago Blackhawks. Despite arguments stating the opposite, all three are deserving candidates — I would have put Minnesota defenseman Jonas Brodin in the mix instead of Saad –, but just who has the edge towards getting the award? Let’s take a look.

Brendan Gallagher:

The 21-year old rookie was a real surprise in terms of his production during the lockout-shortened season for Montreal. He compiled 15 goals and 13 assists for 28 points in 44 games played in 2013. Not bad for a player selected in round five of the 2010 NHL Draft, and was viewed as being undersized and not skilled enough to make up for his lack of size to produce points at the NHL level. His play was a big reason Montreal went from last in the Eastern Conference in 2012 to second place and a Northeast Division title in 2013. He scored two goals in Montreal’s first round series against Ottawa, and was one of the few bright spots for a team that was eliminated in five games and didn’t show much fight.

Jonathan Huberdeau:

Huberdeau was the only true glimmer of hope for the Florida Panthers in a lost 2013. The third overall pick in 2011, Hurberdeau made an immediate impact on the Panthers roster during his rookie campaign, scoring 14 goals and 17 assists for 31 points in 48 games. In addition to being the youngest of all the nominees at age 19, he was also the only rookie nominated for the award to play in every single one of his team’s regular season games. He finished tied for first in rookie scoring with Edmonton Oilers winger Nail Yakupov.

Brandon Saad

At first glance, Saad’s inclusion in the list of nominees comes off as unexpected to many, including myself. However, when you think about it, his nomination isn’t all that surprising. Saad may have only produced 27 points — 10 goals, 17 assists — in 46 games, but he went from a winger playing on the fourth line to a player getting time with the team’s top line by the end of the season. That accomplishment alone has to mean that he is doing something right with the way he is playing the game.

Who Wins?

Gallagher: Gallagher was a major key to the remarkable turnaround by Montreal this season. While having another top rookie in Alex Galchenyuk may cause a few voters to sway away from Gallagher, at the end of the day, the feisty winger will win enough voters over to capture Montreal’s first Rookie of the Year award winner since the great Ken Dryden won it in 1972.

Who do you think will take home the Calder Trophy this year? Leave a comment below with your prediction or let me know on twitter @MikeStrawQCS

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