The NHL announced at the beginning of June that the Calder, Vezina, Hart and Norris trophies as well as the Ted Lindsay award would be awarded during the Stanley Cup Finals. With the semi-finals coming to a close it is time to take a second look at the nominees for these awards. Here are the Calder Trophy finalists.
Kirill Kaprizov
Kirill Kaprizov was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the fifth round of the 2015 entry draft. He spent the next five seasons in the KHL and playing for the Russian national team. In the five seasons between his draft and his NHL debut, Kaprizov improved significantly and transformed into an NHL-ready player. His rookie season did not disappoint and he fulfilled the hopes of those who envisioned him as a star player.
In 55 regular-season games, Kaprizov recorded 27 goals and 24 assists. He led all Minnesota players and all rookies in both goals and total points. Kaprizov played a large part in the Minnesota powerplay, recording eight powerplay goals (eight in the league). Aside from his offensive contributions, Kaprizov also played well defensively. The five-foot-nine, 200-pound winger laid down 29 hits and forced turnovers from opponents. His determination on the ice helped him quickly become a star on the Wild and earn himself the nickname “Kirill the Thrill”.
Jason Robertson
Jason Robertson is a 21-year-old winger for the Dallas Stars. He was drafted 39th overall in 2017 by the Stars. Between being drafted and his rookie season Robertson played in the OHL and AHL where he found considerable success. Robertson made his NHL debut in the 2019-2020 season but did not earn a permanent roster spot until the 2021 season.
In 51 games in the 2020-2021 season, Robertson recorded 17 goals and 28 assists. Out of his 28 assists, 20 were primary assists, indicating his involvement in successful plays. Robertson reached the 30-point mark in a mere 37 games after putting up 15 points in his first 20 games. Robertson’s excellent shooting and passing abilities making a double-threat on the ice and force teams to pay attention to him. His on-ice intelligence and adaptability allow him to create plays and perform well without the puck. Robertson’s contributions and his willingness to step up in the absence of star players were important to his team and indicate his leadership abilities.
Alex Nedeljkovic
Alex Nedeljkovic is a 25-year-old goaltender for the Carolina Hurricanes. He was drafted 37th overall in 2014 and played in the OHL, ECHL, AHL and had brief stints in the NHL prior to his rookie season in 2020-2021. Ndeljkovic was not the Hurricanes’ first choice for goaltending this season, but when their starter Peter Mrazek was hurt in January Ndeljovic took over the starting role.
Nedeljkovic started 23 regular-season games and nine playoff games. He recorded 15 wins, five losses and three overtime losses in the regular season. Nedeljkovic’s regular-season goals-against-average was 1.90 and he recorded a 0.932% save percentage. His goals-against average and save percentage were the best out of any goaltender in the NHL, rookie or non-rookie. Nedeljkovic stepped up when his team needed him and was important in winning Carolina’s first division title since 2006. While he received less praise over the course of the season, Nedeljovik proved himself to be a worthy goaltender.
Comparison
Kirill Kaprizov and Jason Robertson both enter the Calder race as impressive forwards. Each contributed heavily to their respective team and put up impressive statistics for rookies. Kaprizov brings a flashier style of play and more goals, while Robertson brings a high hockey IQ and more assists. Both players hold high plus/minus ratings (Kaprizov at plus ten and Robertson at plus 13) and contributed defensively to their teams. It is difficult to say which of these two forwards was more impressive as each plays differently and had a different role on their team.
As a goaltender, Alex Nedeljokvic brings different aspects to Calder contention. Like Kaprizov and Robertson, he found significant individual success, but his was within the realms of save percentage and goals-against average. His personal achievements directly propelled his team towards success, likely more so than Kaprizov or Robertson. Taking over a starting role as a rookie also should command respect for Nedeljokvic.
This year’s Calder Trophy finalists all excelled in their own ways. Each is deserving of the trophy and the recognition of their talent. While only one of them can win the Calder, they should all be able to achieve on a high level for the rest of their hockey careers.