Top NHL Rookies One Month In

Tuesday Nov 5th, 2024: The NHL 2024-25 rookie class is living up to the hype, with emerging stars breaking out and others quietly making a significant impact on the ice. To be considered a rookie in the NHL, a player must be 26 years-old or younger on September 15th of the current season and have played fewer than 25 games in any previous NHL season. Here is a rundown of the top NHL Calder Trophy candidates thus far. 

Logan Stankoven - Dallas Stars

Dallas’s Logan Stankoven has been one the most consistent rookies so far. The 21 year-old center has posted a strong start with 10 points in 11 games, including 8 assists. Known for his playmaking ability, Stankoven has enjoyed playing top-line ice with Jamie Benn and Roope Hintz, in the absence of Tyler Seguin as Dallas has shuffled their lineup. He has seamlessly stepped up in these moments helping set up scoring opportunities for the Stars. Stankoven’s play has really caught the attention of fans and analysts as he is currently leading all rookies in scoring so far. Stankoven has most certainly thrown his hat into the running for the Calder Trophy and may be the top candidate one month into the season. 

William Eklund - San Jose Sharks 

San Jose’s William Eklund has turned heads early in the season with his poise and offensive production. At 21, Eklund has stepped up with 8 points (3 goals, 5 assists) over his first 12 games. He has displayed a maturity level and hockey IQ that is beyond his age which has helped add some depth to a weaker Sharks roster. Eklund has quickly become a fan favorite and although he might have not been a top contender for the Calder Trophy in preseason, he could be a sleeper moving forward. 

Matvei Michkov - Philadelphia Flyers 

Coming in from Russia with a lot of attention, Matvei Michkov has been making his mark in Philly. With 9 points (4 goals, 5 assists) in 12 games, Michkov is quickly adjusting to the pace of the NHL. His speed and skill have translated well, and have provided some offensive help to a struggling Flyers offense so far. His contributions, despite being one of the youngest rookies at 19, indicate he has the potential to not only play in the NHL but develop further into a star. He can easily also be a viable underdog in the race for the Calder Trophy. 

Macklin Celebrini - San Jose Sharks 

The San Jose Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini is the biggest name among the rookie class. Despite his recent injury, Celebrini remains a top candidate for the Calder Trophy and is expected to rejoin the Sharks lineup tonight. Celebrini has demonstrated the kind of offensive talent that often defines a generational talent. Known for his goal-scoring ability and elite skating ability, his return will reignite his Calder campaign. Looking ahead, if he remains healthy, Celebrini is likely to lead in points if he continues his pre-injury form. 

Impressive surprises: 

Lane Hudson, Matvei Tsyplakov and Dustin Wolf have made notable impressions thus far for their teams, surpassing expectations thus far. Hudson has surprised many with his offensive skills, showcasing a remarkable ability to read the ice, move the puck and create scoring chances. He has zero goals and 7 assists for 7 points in 12 games played. Meanwhile, Maxim Tsyplakov and the Islanders had emerged as a dynamic force, playing on the second line with Kyle Palmieri and Brock Nelson. He has fit right in on that line showcasing his defensive responsibility and poise, while having 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points offensively through 12 games. Dustin Wolf, the Flames rookie goalie has demonstrated his great reflexes and poise as a goalie, he has started 5 games and has 3 wins and 2 losses, with a 3.19 GAA and a .907 SV%. 

Slow starts: 

Will Smith's slow start with the Sharks has raised some eyebrows this season, as he has only managed 2 points (both goals) in 10 games, with a limited 14 shots on goal thus far. Despite his promising potential and high expectations, Smith has struggled to find his offensive rhythm, as he is often hesitant and unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The slow start could be from a variety of factors, like adjusting to the robust talent pool and fast pace of the NHL or finding his place within the offensive structure of the Sharks. As the season progresses however, it is expected he will pick it up and find his groove. 

As the 2024-25 NHL season unfolds, the rookie class is showcasing an exciting level of talent and potential. With standout performances from players such as Stankoven, Eklund and Michkov, the race for the Calder Trophy is shaping up to be competitive. While some rookies, like Will Smith face early challenges, the journey ahead promises plenty of action and changes in the race. We’ll check back in a month on how the race has progressed.