2018 Calder Trophy race: 5 best rookies in the NHL
By Dave Lambert
3. Charlie McAvoy
How about we introduce a defenseman to the list? Charlie McAvoy burst onto the NHL scene with a brief playoff cameo at the end of last season and impressed immediately.
After finishing his season with Boston University, the 2016 first rounder stepped straight into the playoff action with the Bruins. McAvoy showed confidence and poise that defied his age, and was immediately penciled in for a prominent role with the team this year.
McAvoy has set himself apart as Boston’s best blueliner in record time. He is already logging huge minutes on the top pairing with captain Zdeno Chara and is noticeable on nearly every shift – in a good way. From defense-splitting saucer passes to sound positioning and composed breakout play, McAvoy can do it all.
He was picked 14th-overall in the draft, but that already looks like a steal. The youngster is not only brilliant in his own end, but has an impressive five goals and 24 points so far this season.
It’s always difficult to compare forwards against defenseman when it comes to awards consideration. But it could absolutely be argued that McAvoy has been just as good as any rookie forward in the NHL. He should be a lock for one of the Calder Trophy finalist positions.