Quote:
Originally Posted by N-E-B
Gaudreau wins it in my mind for several reasons (I'm trying to be as unbiased as possible, but let's face it, I am biased):
1. Tied for lead in points by rookies
2. Played in All-Star game, Stone did not, because Johnny has been consistent ALL YEAR, not for just a month and a half.
3. Stone is in his 3rd season of professional hockey
4. Gaudreau is younger (I know many of you think this factor should not count, but I think it does)
5. Johnny Gaudreau means way more to the success of his team than Mark Stone. That team was led by Hammond and Karlsson, the Flames by their top line. I believe that losing Gaudreau hurts the Flames more than losing Stone hurts the Senators
6. Gaudreau is a way more exciting player to watch. Points aside, every time he touches the puck something happens.
7. Gaudreau already has a reputation and hype around him
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Gaudreau played college hockey, which is a lot more similar to AHL level than junior. Can't give the edge to either player for that. If anything, Ekblad gets the edge over both of them.
Also, in terms of bringing success to their team down the stretch, Gaudreau had 29 points since the All-Star break compared to Hudler (37) and Monahan (32). Johnny had a big role but there were many players driving the Flames success - including Giordano, our goalies, Brodie, Russell, etc. Meanwhile, Stone finished the post-All-Star break as the 3rd leading scorer in the entire NHL (38 points in 35 games)! Only Benn and Tavares outpaced him...that's incredible!
Add to that how Stone wins the tie-breaker for the rookie scoring title (based off goals) and has the build-up of being a much better defensive player than Gaudreau (while still matching his offensive totals)...and I think it's very hard to argue Johnny should win it hands down. In fact, I'm not sure how you can argue it's anything but 50/50 at best for Johnny.
I want Johnny to win. I bet on him early in the year when he was a longshot to win the Calder, so it pays off for me to have him win. I'm just trying to temper my expectations as I'm feeling I'll be disappointed when the results come in.