April has begun, and the top of the 2023-24 common season looms on the 18th. Which groups are heating up at simply the appropriate time — and that are falling off?
Our voters have solid their ballots, with some main shifts but once more as one of many closest Presidents’ Trophy races in latest historical past is unfolding. Plus: As a result of it is awards season, we created a hypothetical: If there have been a Calder Trophy given out for every workforce’s rookie of the 12 months, who would the 32 winners be? We reply that query this week as nicely.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 ballot primarily based on the video games by Wednesday, which generates our grasp record right here.
Observe: Earlier rating for every workforce refers back to the earlier version, revealed March 29. Factors percentages are by Thursday’s video games.
Earlier rating: 3Points proportion: 69.08%
Logan Stankoven was a dominant AHL skater. And he has been greater than prepared for a giant league likelihood. The 21-year-old discovered speedy chemistry with linemates Jamie Benn and Wyatt Johnson upon being added to the Stars roster, and he put up 5 objectives in his first tenure to show it. If Stankoven solely will get higher from right here? That is a gold rush for Massive D.
Subsequent seven days: @ CHI (April 6), @ COL (April 7), vs. BUF (April 9), vs. WPG (April 11)
Earlier rating: 2Points proportion: 69.74%
Positive, New York has one headline-generating freshman in Matt Rempe. However when it comes to on-ice affect, the Rangers’ Calder Trophy goes to Will Cuylle. The 22-year-old winger settled right into a fourth-line slot the place he pairs a bodily, forechecking punch with offensive upside (12 objectives in 73 video games) to offer the Rangers’ depth a lift.
Subsequent seven days: @ DET (April 5), vs. MTL (April 7), @ NYI (April 9), vs. PHI (April 11)
Earlier rating: 7Points proportion: 66.45%
Carolina has rallied round rookie goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov. When the Hurricanes’ veteran netminders had been injured (Frederik Andersen) or struggling (Antti Raanta), Kochetkov made his mark. The 24-year-old leads all freshmen goalies with 4 shutouts, and boasts a formidable 20-13-4 file with a 2.38 goals-against common and .911 save proportion.
Subsequent seven days: vs. WSH (April 5), vs. CBJ (April 7), @ BOS (April 9)
Earlier rating: 4Points proportion: 68.18%
Bruins coach Jim Montgomery can put Mason Lohrei wherever and watch him thrive. Lohrei has taken on top-pairing minutes and penalty kill obligations, and averages over 16 minutes per sport as an integral piece of Boston’s again finish. Add to that Lohrei’s penchant for shot blocks and well-timed hits, and it is sufficient to earn him some Calder consideration.
Subsequent seven days: vs. FLA (April 6), vs. CAR (April 9)
Editor’s Picks
2 Associated
Earlier rating: 6Points proportion: 67.11%
The Canucks have not despatched many rookies over the boards this season, however Arshdeep Bains did sufficient within the minors to intrigue Canucks coach Rick Tocchet. With Vancouver on the cusp of clinching a playoff berth this week, Bains obtained a call-up to construct on his stable seven-game stint earlier this season. What Bains does together with his alternatives now could be important.
Subsequent seven days: @ LA (April 6), vs. VGK (April 8), vs. ARI (April 10)
Earlier rating: 1Points proportion: 67.11%
Scary as it’s to think about, Colorado might (ultimately) have a second Cale Makar-type defender in rookie Sam Malinski — however no stress, child. The 25-year-old impressed early this season with three objectives and 10 factors in 23 video games, drawing Makar comparisons alongside the best way. That is sufficient to earn him the Avalanche’s Calder nod.
Subsequent seven days: @ EDM (April 5), vs. DAL (April 7), vs. MIN (April 9)
Earlier rating: 8Points proportion: 64.19%
Edmonton is aware of who to (re)name when filling a spot on the NHL degree, and it is usually James Hamblin. The rookie ahead has weathered the minors-to-majors see-saw with effective leads to a fourth-line position. Dependability and flexibility are stable qualities to have at any degree, and Hamblin has supplied it for the Oilers.
Subsequent seven days: vs. COL (April 5), @ CGY (April 6), vs. VGK (April 10)
Earlier rating: 5Points proportion: 65.58%
There is a vibrant future for ahead Mackie Samoskevich. Whereas he hasn’t collected any factors over seven NHL video games this season, Samoskevich has dominated within the AHL (45 factors in 55 video games), and it is solely a matter of time earlier than he interprets that to a big position with the large membership.
Subsequent seven days: @ BOS (April 6), vs. OTT (April 9), vs. CBJ (April 11)
Earlier rating: 10Points proportion: 63.33%
It is scary to fathom what would have befallen Toronto with out Joseph Woll stepping up within the crease. When starter Ilya Samsonov struggled, it was the rookie Woll offering regular protection and confidence again there. And even on a Leafs’ workforce that has been inconsistent defensively, Woll’s stats (2.87 GAA, .910 SV%) have stayed stable.
Subsequent seven days: @ MTL (April 6), vs. PIT (April 8), @ NJ (April 9), vs. NJ (April 11)
Earlier rating: 14Points proportion: 61.33%
Vegas obtained key contributions from rookie Pavel Dorofeyev throughout a latest surge that cemented his standing because the Golden Knights’ Calder decide. Dorofeyev is a play-driving ahead with unbelievable offensive ability who has turned up the warmth these days with near-nightly objective scoring. He is every thing Vegas might need.
Subsequent seven days: @ ARI (April 5), @ VAN (April 8), @ EDM (April 10)
Earlier rating: 12Points proportion: 61.18%
Defenseman Emil Lilleberg stood out from the pack of spectacular first-year professionals in Tampa Bay. Lilleberg debuted in January on a Lightning blue line decimated by harm and had an instantaneous affect infusing some youthful vitality — and hard-hitting play.
Subsequent seven days: @ PIT (April 6), vs. CBJ (April 9), vs. OTT (April 11)
Earlier rating: 11Points proportion: 60.53%
Nashville noticed one thing particular in Luke Evangelista final season, and the ahead has proved himself additional in his official rookie marketing campaign. The winger reveals up persistently on the scoresheet (15 objectives and 33 factors in 72 video games), produces on particular groups and has developed into an all-around performer.
Subsequent seven days: @ NYI (April 6), @ NJ (April 7), vs. WPG (April 9)
Earlier rating: 9Points proportion: 64.47%
Winnipeg has one candidate to qualify for this dialogue, and it is Declan Chisholm. The defenseman was plucked off waivers from Minnesota in January, although Winnipeg has used him in solely two video games since. However Chisholm did internet an help in that stretch, and that’ll earn you trophy consideration in these elements.
Subsequent seven days: @ MIN (April 6), @ NSH (April 9), @ DAL (April 11)
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Earlier rating: 13Points proportion: 59.87%
The Kings have leaned closely on Alex Laferriere — and for good cause. The 22-year-old is one in every of a dozen rookies across the league to look in additional than 60 video games, and he has change into one of many Kings’ most efficient gamers at 5-on-5 whereas producing 11 objectives and 22 factors by 72 video games.
Subsequent seven days: vs. VAN (April 6), @ ANA (April 9), vs. CGY (April 11)
Earlier rating: 16Points proportion: 54.67%
Washington slotted rookie Hendrix Lapierre right into a top-line heart spot earlier this season and watched the 22-year-old change into one the Capitals’ high performers. That is the facility of Lapierre. He has gathered eight objectives and 18 factors by 42 video games, serving to Washington in its playoff push.
Subsequent seven days: @ CAR (April 5), vs. OTT (April 7), @ DET (April 9), @ BUF (April 11)
Earlier rating: 19Points proportion: 55.26%
First-year professional Joel Hofer stepped in to assist Jordan Binnington and has been serviceable all through the season (13-12-0, .915 SV%, 2.74 GAA), backstopping an usually uneven Blues’ workforce. And that is not simple.
Subsequent seven days: @ SJ (April 6), @ ANA (April 7), vs. CHI (April 10)
Earlier rating: 18Points proportion: 54.00%
Minnesota may see defenseman Brock Faber win the precise Calder Trophy. Faber has excelled for the Wild, taking over top-pairing obligations (and hard matchups), averaging over 25 minutes per sport whereas recording seven objectives and 41 factors by 73 video games. Spherical of applause.
Subsequent seven days: vs. WPG (April 6), @ CHI (April 7), @ COL (April 9)
Earlier rating: 17Points proportion: 54.67%
Here is to you, Simon Edvinsson, the lone rookie skater for the Pink Wings this season. It was Edvinsson getting the nod just lately when the Pink Wings wanted assist for his or her playoff push, and the 6-foot-6 defenseman has not disillusioned. Coach Derek Lalonde praised him for bringing “a giant enhance” to the membership.
Subsequent seven days: vs. NYR (April 5), vs. BUF (April 7), vs. WSH (April 9), @ PIT (April 11)
Earlier rating: 15Points proportion: 54.61%
Philadelphia has leaned on rookie netminder Samuel Ersson, and he has answered the bell. Ersson leads all freshmen goalies in begins (43) and has a 21-16-7 file with 2.79 GAA. It wasn’t the Flyers’ plan to have Ersson manning the cage so usually, however he has grown with the Flyers by their surprisingly robust season.
Subsequent seven days: @ BUF (April 5), @ CBJ (April 6), @ MTL (April 9), @ NYR (April 11)
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Earlier rating: 21Points proportion: 54.61%
The Isles gave Kyle MacLean a six-game audition to start out. That lit a hearth underneath the rookie to earn himself one other recall — and he is not trying again. The Islanders’ latest fourth-line heart has clearly proven why he is NHL prepared, producing three objectives and 6 factors by 23 video games.
Subsequent seven days: vs. NSH (April 6), vs. NYR (April 9), vs. MTL (April 11)
Earlier rating: 23Points proportion: 53.29%
Valtteri Puustinen will push his manner towards a everlasting spot subsequent season. The 24-year-old winger capitalized on his NHL possibilities this season with 18 factors in 43 video games, and he will not be the odd man out among the many Penguins (a workforce determined to get youthful) for for much longer.
Subsequent seven days: vs. TB (April 6), @ TOR (April 8), vs. DET (April 11)
Earlier rating: 20Points proportion: 50.00%
New Jersey may be certain Luke Hughes will probably be an integral long-term piece of its blue line. The 20-year-old has performed past his years this season, averaging over 20 minutes and placing up 9 objectives and 41 factors by 74 video games. If that is the bottom ground for Hughes, then the Devils have each cause to be hopeful about his subsequent steps.
Subsequent seven days: @ OTT (April 6), vs. NSH (April 7), vs. TOR (April 9), @ TOR (April 11)
Earlier rating: 22Points proportion: 50.66%
Zach Benson has joined Buffalo’s high six, and the rookie has elevated his sport accordingly. Benson — nonetheless simply 18 years previous — skates over 14 minutes per sport, and has produced 9 objectives and 23 factors by 64 video games. For somebody nonetheless so early in his growth this has been a transformative 12 months for Benson.
Subsequent seven days: vs. PHI (April 5), @ DET (April 7), @ DAL (April 9), vs. WSH (April 11)
Earlier rating: 25Points proportion: 50.00%
Kraken followers caught a glimpse of Tye Kartye within the playoffs final season, and the rookie has translated that style right into a full-blown unfold of alternative this season. Bringing a bodily edge and including offense (with 9 objectives and 17 factors by 68 video games) is Kartye’s calling card, and Seattle will maintain dialing in on what he can supply.
Subsequent seven days: @ ANA (April 5), vs. ARI (April 9), vs. SJ (April 11)
Earlier rating: 24Points proportion: 48.67%
Calgary has benefitted from Connor Zary’s breakout rookie season that has generated severe leaguewide Calder buzz for the top-six ahead. Zary rose from a short AHL stint to start out the season right into a stalwart among the many Flames’ ahead group — a place he’ll maintain nicely into the long run.
Subsequent seven days: vs. EDM (April 6), @ SJ (April 9), @ LA (April 11)
Earlier rating: 28Points proportion: 46.67%
Ottawa has unlocked nice potential in Ridly Greig’s rookie season. He has been a firecracker up entrance and is a burgeoning scoring menace with 12 objectives and 24 factors by 63 video games. The Senators try to chart a profitable new course and must be glad Greig’s alongside for the experience.
Subsequent seven days: vs. NJ (April 6), @ WSH (April 7), @ FLA (April 9), @ TB (April 11)
Earlier rating: 27Points proportion: 46.67%
Cayden Primeau simply had his finest stretch of his rookie marketing campaign in March, with a 3-1-1 file, 1.97 GAA and .939 SV%. The 24-year-old could possibly be a worthwhile a part of the Canadiens’ hopeful resurgence in coming seasons.
Subsequent seven days: vs. TOR (April 6), @ NYR (April 7), vs. PHI (April 9), @ NYI (April 11)
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Earlier rating: 26Points proportion: 44.67%
Arizona may be unsure about its subsequent enviornment location — however there is no doubt Logan Cooley might mild that place up, too. The freshman has had a blinding season, producing 17 objectives and 39 factors by 74 video games (and is recent off his first profession hat trick, too). Cooley has been higher than marketed for the desert canines.
Subsequent seven days: vs. VGK (April 5), @ SJ (April 7), @ SEA (April 9), @ VAN (April 10)
Earlier rating: 29Points proportion: 40.79%
Columbus is the NHL house to underrated rookie ahead Dmitri Voronkov, and his stats converse for themselves. The sturdy ahead is high 10 in rookie scoring (17 objectives and 31 factors by 68 video games) with a formidable taking pictures proportion (13.2%), and he is an actual asset for the Blue Jackets alongside the boards. Voronkov could possibly be simply scratching the floor of his potential in Columbus, a membership that additionally has top-tier Calder materials in 2023 No. 3 decide Adam Fantilli.
Subsequent seven days: vs. PHI (April 6), @ CAR (April 7), @ TB (April 9), @ FLA (April 11)
Earlier rating: 31Points proportion: 32.67%
Not even a fractured jaw might maintain Connor Bedard again from being a Calder Trophy front-runner this season. Regardless of lacking time, Bedard paces the rookie scoring discipline with 21 objectives and 57 factors by 60 video games. And to suppose that is only the start for the latest face of the franchise in Chicago.
Subsequent seven days: vs. DAL (April 6), vs. MIN (April 7), @ STL (April 10)
Earlier rating: 30Points proportion: 35.53%
Anaheim has one of many league’s high rookie blueliners in Pavel Mintyukov, and he must be a perennial vibrant spot for the Geese. The 20-year-old has hardly seemed misplaced main Anaheim’s again finish with eye-opening (if under-the-radar) play and manufacturing (4 objectives and 28 factors in 63 video games). It is laborious to stay out in a season that additionally noticed Faber and Hughes debut, however Mintyukov is on observe to be an affect participant.
Subsequent seven days: vs. SEA (April 5), vs. STL (April 7), vs. LA (April 9)
Earlier rating: 32Points proportion: 28.00%
Henry Thrun was missed tremendously when he was harm in late January. Happily the blueliner has healed — and picked up the place he left off with an ever-evolving sport that has given the Sharks one thing to be enthusiastic about for his or her future.
Subsequent seven days: vs. STL (April 6), vs. ARI (April 7), vs. CGY (April 9), @ SEA (April 11)
