5 surprise winners for the NHL’s 2020 Calder Trophy

Find out which rookies other than Jack Hughes or Kaapo Kakko could surprisingly take home the 2020 Calder Trophy.

While the first two selections from the 2019 NHL Entry Draft are more than likely set to pan out as superstars at some point in the future, neither New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes or New York Rangers forward Kaapo Kakko will likely win the 2020 Calder Trophy.

Their development to become all-stars at the NHL level appears that it may take longer than expected, and there are a handful of other rookie skaters that are ready to break the headlines and take home the NHL’s Rookie of the Year honors.

Here are five rookie skaters who could surprisingly win the 2020 Calder Trophy.

5. Alexandre Texier

While Columbus Blue Jackets rookie forward, Alxandre Texier, was sidelined recently due to a leg injury; the 20-year-old has a prime opportunity to shine once he returns to the Jackets’ lineup.

Due to the team’s depth on offense, there’s room for the 2017 second-round draft pick (45th overall) to grow and mature into one of the team’s top skaters. Yes, after 11 games played Texier only has three points (2g-1a), but if the forward can adjust to the NHL’s level he could shock the hockey world.

If Texier were to win the league’s Rookie of the Year honor, it would ink him as the first native of France to earn the award.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have been one of the more interesting clubs over the past few seasons, and the team’s success on the ice moving forward is uncertain. However, what’s even more interesting is that the team is off to a better start than expected for the 2019-20 campaign after posting a 5-4-2 record.