Calder Trophy Power Rankings: Pack of newcomers still chasing Pettersson
In the second edition of theScore's Calder Trophy Power Rankings, we spotlight four newcomers to the list, all of whom are still chasing down the runaway favorite out in Vancouver. You can read October's rankings here.
5. Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Montreal Canadiens
Playing center as an 18-year-old in the NHL is no easy feat, and Kotkaniemi's already established himself as a future pillar for hockey's most storied franchise.
His production (12 points in 24 games) isn't setting any records, but he's only averaging 13 minutes per night. It's clear he's comfortable making plays at the highest level, and his hockey sense routinely creates positive results for his teammates. What's more, Kotkaniemi's five-on-five Corsi For percentage (55.89) ranks fifth on the Canadiens. It'll be intriguing to see if he's rewarded with an increased role as the Habs' surprising season progresses.
4. Miro Heiskanen, Dallas Stars
Heiskanen is full steam ahead in his rookie season, leading all freshman skaters by averaging 22:46 per contest - a mark that also ranks third on the Stars.
John Klingberg's injury has elevated Heiskanen's role to top-pairing duties, and the 19-year-old hardly looks out of place. He's notched 10 points in 24 contests and ranks third among all rookies with 47 shots on goal.
Heiskanen possess both the speed and the skating ability to jump into the rush and then seamlessly get back on defense. It's only a matter of time until he blossoms into one of the league's top blue-liners.
3. Rasmus Dahlin, Buffalo Sabres
Although Buffalo has impressed as a team overall, Dahlin's contributions to the red-hot Sabres can't go unnoticed.
The 2018 No. 1 overall pick is tied for second in rookie scoring with 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) through 24 games, and regularly displays his generational instincts with dazzling rushes, passes, and scoring chances. Dahlin is also one of two Sabres defensemen on the positive side of the team's shot share at five-on-five (51.89 percent), and he has a plus-5 plus-minus rating.
His start may be quieter than initially expected, but Dahlin is living up to the hype in his first taste of NHL action.
2. Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa Senators
Tkachuk might've surpassed Elias Pettersson in these rankings if it weren't for a nine-game injury absence, but the No. 2 spot will have to suffice for now.
In only 13 contests, Tkachuk ranks second among Calder candidates with seven tallies, adding six assists in the process. He plays a likable, hard-nosed style that leads to plenty of goals from in tight, and his early presence is making Ottawa's decision to forfeit their 2019 first-round pick in favor of drafting Tkachuk look more justifiable each game.
He's got quite a personality, too:
Tkachuk on Thursday’s fight: “I just thought it was a high hit...and especially on my landlord (Mark Stone). That’s me paying rent”
— Ken Warren (@Citizenkwarren) November 16, 2018
1. Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks
Simply put, it's Pettersson's trophy to lose at this point.
His pace has slowed down a touch over the course of a road-heavy schedule and a return from injury, but Pettersson still leads all rookies with 13 goals and 21 points through his first 20 games. He's also already become a top-level power-play threat, registering eight points so far on Vancouver's 17th-ranked power play.
The Canucks may be stuck in a rut, but Pettersson's contributions alone are worth the price of admission as he continues to make his mark as a freshman superstar.