Who actually votes on the Calder? Is it the PHWA?
Ekblad has two major things going for him: He plays in the east, so voters see him more, and he is an 18-year-old defenceman who looks like he is 27 (or did as of a few weeks ago, I haven't seen many Panthers games since; will be watching tonight). What hurts him is playing in Florida.
Forsberg had the early season hype, but Gaudreau has been able to sustain that notoriety. And when hockey writers look at their stat packs this morning and see trivia like "Gaudreau first rookie to score 50 points in Calgary since Jarome Iginla", that could well have an impact. Plus, based on biases, Gaudreau should have the Calgary, Boston, Jersey and Philly votes.
|