2014-15 Calder Trophy Race

[Weitz]

On puck daddy they did a mid season award thing and the Calder on everyone's lists was between Gaudreau, forsberg, Hutchinson, and Ekblad in a variety of orders.

I feel it will be one of those. I know, I'm going on a limb here.. Ha.

[Saqe]

Originally Posted by #-3

I'm curious on Ekblads quality of comp?

And advanced stats geeks?

Not saying it is the case and the guy is young, and has lots of room to grow. But when i see a high scoring young Dman on a minus team with plus stats playing with an experience partner (Like Campbell or Hamrlik), I wonder if there is some of the Dion Phanuef effect? Getting really good match ups for the first two years and looking better than he is. If this is the case he will either need to grow allot as a player or will struggle when the competition improves.

Now Phanuef never really grew as a player, and if your not the Oilers I think you can expect growth out of most of your 18 year olds. So I still think the future looks bright for Ekblad. Just Musing about the possibility that his numbers are inflated.

Ekblad is no dummie though. There are pretty obvious deficiencies in his defensive game like he needs more speed, strenght and agility etc but unless you are a physical specimen like Doughty you have those at 18.

And analyzing him based on yesterday's game is dumb since that was one of the worst games he has played the whole year. That blind backhand pass he made which lead to Stajan's goal was totally uncharacterisic of him. Normally he doesn't try to do too much and just makes the smart play, he is mature beyond his years.

[Rick M.]

All rookies struggle at times. Gaudreau has looked like he might be hitting the wall lately; the NHL season is relentless after college hockey.

[JJ1532]

All 3 of the leading rookies in the Calder discussion put up points tonight. Forsberg got 1 goal, Johnny notches 2 and Ekblad grabbed 2 assists.

Johnny now 1 behind Forsberg and Hoffman for the most goals by rookies.

[Bunk]

I think Johnny will end up passing Forsberg in points but Ekblad will probably pick up the hardware.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by Bunk

I think Johnny will end up passing Forsberg in points by Ekblad will probably pick up the hardware.

I'm with you. Can't see Ekblad not winning unless he really falters

[bob-loblaw]

Originally Posted by Bunk

I think Johnny will end up passing Forsberg in points but Ekblad will probably pick up the hardware.

I'm not sure about Ekblad. If Johnny passes Forsberg he wins, and Flames get in the playoffs I think he should be a lock. I honestly think that the dynamism, the undersized-underdog story, and the fact that he's American helps him out with the majority of the voters.

[crapshoot]

Johnny needs his Calder.

[bomber317]

Player - GP - G - A - PTS - +-
Forsberg - 46 - 16 - 25 - 41 +25
Gaudreau - 47 - 15 - 22 - 37 +12
Ekblad - 45 - 6 - 21 - 27 +5

Pretty impressive numbers for Ekblad considering his position, age and team.

[Knut]

I think Ekblad likely wins if Forsberg-Johnny are a saw off in points. That is especially true if Ekblad keeps playing heavy minutes.

[FlamesAddiction]

It really is a true race this year.

I give Ekblad the Eastern edge as well though.

[Weitz]

At this point it still is likely Ekblad - Forsberg - Gaudreau. Still can change though!

Should be a tight race!

[Hackey]

Ya Ekblads numbers are quite impressive. Johnny catching Forsberg though.

[polak]

I think the only way Johnny wins the Calder over Ekblad (short of going on an absolute tear and ending the season with some crazy stats) is flashy goals.

If he can make him self visable by scoring some crazy goals like we know he is capable of, I think that might put him in front.

[SuperMatt18]

And if he doesn't win the Calder we get to see him next year with a chip on his shoulder after he feels like he was snubbed.

See post being cut from the WJC team for a previous example.

[Bandwagon In Flames]

At this point I'm not going to be upset if Gaudreau doesn't win the Calder. All that matters is that he's put up a Calder Trophy worthy performance this season. Johnny will have plenty more opportunities to win hardware with the Flames.

[GranteedEV]

You know, Michael Hutchinson should really be right there in the Calder Race

1.90 GAA
.935 SV%
14-4-4

[You Need a Thneed]

Hutchinson needs more starts to get in the consideration, but he might be the front runner if he can keep up those numbers with getting more starts.

EDIT: Actually he's played over half of Winnipeg's games. Definately in contention.

[GioforPM]

Non Calder winners: Crosby, Perry, Getzlaf, Kariya, Zetterberg, Iginla, Lidstrom, etc.

Meanwhile, in hindsight, the answer to this article is "no".

http://thehockeywriters.com/could-dr...rophy-drought/

[puckedoff]

I think it goes to Ekblad.

Big fan of what JG has done, and Hutchinson has been great but Ekblad is putting up unprecedented numbers and is more impressive as he is a defenseman.