Early Look at 2024-25 Calder Trophy Candidates & Their Season Starts

It's way too early to know for sure, but some Calder candidates have had a better start than others.

The 2024-25 NHL regular season is in full swing, and several Calder Trophy hopefuls are already proving why they were considered frontrunners. Meanwhile, some others have started slower, slipping off the radar. While it's too soon to make definitive conclusions about these early performances, has anyone established a clear lead? Or is anyone already falling out of contention?

Matvei Michkov

Matvie Michkov, selected seventh overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, is making an immediate impact with the Philadelphia Flyers. Tied for the team lead with four points (two goals, two assists) in five games, he’s come as advertised.

Matvei Michkov has looked good early for the Flyers

His presence has revitalized the Flyers' power play, which has already scored five goals this season. He’s the most talented Flyers prospect since Eric Lindros and as exciting a Russian prospect as there’s been since Kirill Kaprizov, Alexander Ovechkin, and Evgeni Malkin.

There are high expectations for the young forward, but he has already showcased his potential. The Flyers have preached patience, but they’re putting him into the deep end and he’s swimming. He’s played the second-most minutes per game of any forward on the team.

Macklin Celebrini

Macklin Celebrini, the top pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and rookie for the San Jose Sharks, is sidelined for at least two weeks due to a lower-body injury, as confirmed by general manager Mike Grier. That’s a blow to his early quest to be a Calder winner.

Celebrini, who has been out since October 10, will not accompany the team on its upcoming four-game road trip. While he can be activated off injured reserve at any time, this injury may significantly impact his chances of being named as the NHL's top rookie. Any rookie who gets in less than 70 games is in tough to win.

The absence of valuable playing time shouldn’t necessarily hinder his development, but it will limit his opportunities to make a strong impression out of the gate.

Logan Stankoven

Logan Stankoven is off to an impressive start this season with seven assists, ranking him tied for fourth in the NHL and leading all rookies in points, assists, and plus/minus (+4). The Dallas Stars rookie has accumulated these points in just six games, after proving he was a threat with a strong showing in both the regular season (albeit brief) and playoffs last year.

Stankoven's hockey smarts, quick decision-making, and fearlessness, despite his smaller size, have allowed him to jump out to an early Calder lead. He sets up practically everyone and he’s being used on the power play. He has yet to score this season, but that will come and his impressive playmaking ability is standing out early in the season. If he continues this pace, Stankoven could run away with the award.

Cutter Gauthier