The start of this NHL season has brought an unexpected contender for Rookie of the Year—Seamus Casey from the New Jersey Devils. Let’s take a look at the leading candidates for the Calder Trophy and see who Casey is challenging for the prestigious title.

Seamus Casey (New Jersey Devils, 46th overall pick in the 2022 Draft)

Last Season’s Stats: 45 points (7 goals, 38 assists), +4 rating in 40 NCAA games

Seamus Casey has joined the Calder Trophy race almost by chance. Injuries to Brett Pesce and Luke Hughes opened the door for the American defenseman. Now, the Devils’ management faces the welcome challenge of figuring out who to keep in the lineup once Pesce and Hughes return.
Right now, Casey is one of the Devils’ best players—not only among defensemen. Although his smaller size initially raised questions about his NHL potential, he’s excelled across the ice. He’s demonstrated his well-rounded skill set in his NHL debut, already racking up 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist), a +2 rating, 5 blocked shots, and 3 hits across six games—all while averaging only 13 minutes per game. While his 7 turnovers are a drawback, they’re largely a result of his frequent puck possession and creative playmaking. As it stands, Casey seems to be outperforming fellow defenseman Simon Nemec in the competition for a lineup spot.

Josh Doan (Utah, 37th overall pick in the 2021 Draft)

Last Season’s Stats: 9 points (5 goals, 4 assists), +6 rating in 11 NHL games; 46 points (26 goals, 20 assists), -1 rating in 62 AHL games

Josh Doan is a top contender based on his impressive finish last season, during which he posted 9 points in 11 games, delivering a strong performance as he debuted for a franchise about to relocate.
This season, however, lacks the emotional momentum of his debut, and with some players returning from injuries—such as Barrett Hayton—Doan’s ice time with top linemates has been reduced. Now playing in the third line and often as a center (an unfamiliar role), his effectiveness has dipped. An injury or lineup change could offer Doan a chance to shine, as he’s shown his potential. For now, he’s posted 2 points (1 goal, 1 assist) over 5 games.

Lane Hutson (Montreal Canadiens, 62nd overall pick in the 2022 Draft)

Last Season’s Stats: 49 points (15 goals, 34 assists), +14 rating in 38 NCAA games; 2 points (0 goals, 2 assists), -2 rating in 2 NHL games

Lane Hutson, like Casey, is a smaller defenseman—perhaps even smaller, standing around 5’10” and 165 pounds. Although his size raises concerns for some, it hasn’t stopped him from becoming Montreal’s leading offensive defenseman.
Hutson has already posted 4 assists in 5 games, and his offensive skills more than make up for his physical limitations. He’s also contributed defensively, recording 11 blocked shots and 4 hits—a surprisingly high count for a player his size. With ample power-play time and consistent play at even strength, Hutson is firmly in the mix for the Calder Trophy.

Macklin Celebrini (San Jose Sharks, 1st overall pick in the 2024 Draft)

Last Season’s Stats: 64 points (32 goals, 32 assists), +25 rating in 38 NCAA games

As a first-overall draft pick, Celebrini is naturally a top Calder contender, especially since he’s dominated at every level he’s played.
Celebrini’s draft position is only part of the story. Although sidelined by an early injury, he made an immediate impact, posting 2 points (1 goal, 1 assist) in his first NHL game. He’s shown he’s ready for the NHL, standing out even on a struggling Sharks team. Once healthy, he’s expected to keep putting up points and remain a strong Calder candidate. His faceoff percentage, however (1 win in 14 attempts), suggests he may need improvement if he continues at center.

Logan Stankoven (Dallas Stars, 47th overall pick in the 2021 Draft)

Last Season’s Stats: 14 points (6 goals, 8 assists), +10 rating in 24 NHL games; 57 points (24 goals, 33 assists), +9 rating in 47 AHL games

Another undersized player, Stankoven’s 5’8″ height has given him agility and skill, which makes him a tough opponent on the ice. His aggressive playstyle, combined with his high hockey IQ, make him a formidable contender. Currently, he leads Dallas in points, with 5 assists in 5 games, solidifying his role in the team’s top-nine forwards.
Stankoven also brings valuable experience. He has already played a full season in the AHL and contributed during the NHL playoffs last year, scoring 8 points (3 goals, 5 assists) over 19 postseason games. His solid start positions him as a strong Calder Trophy candidate.

Matvei Michkov (Philadelphia Flyers, 7th overall pick in the 2023 Draft)

Last Season’s Stats: 41 points (19 goals, 22 assists), -6 rating in 48 KHL games

Despite falling in the draft due to a five-year KHL contract, Michkov joined the Flyers a year later and is showing why he was considered one of the top talents in his class. He’s posted 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists) in his first 4 NHL games, primarily during power plays.
Even John Tortorella—known for his tough approach to coaching younger players—has put his trust in Michkov, giving him a spot in the top-six and significant power-play time. With Tortorella’s backing and Michkov’s strong offensive skills, he is poised to lead rookies in scoring, provided he stays healthy.