Mid-Season Calder Predictions?

[Walter Sobchak]

I know its a bit early to even start talking about things like calder winners but I think it would be interesting to hear what all my fellow SCFers feel about rookie performances so far this year. Its definitely a deep, talented field of rookies this year which should make for some interesting debate. Tell us who you think will win if current stats/impact were to continue for the rest of the season. Try to explain your reasons and not just post "Tavares" lol


My semi-biased prediction: Tyler Myers

Reason: Quite simply this kid is good. I was at the Sabres/Leafs game tonight and he chipped in for 2G, 1A in a 3-2 win. If you havent seen him play much I would definitely advise it lol. He is playing a tough position, and is already expected to play in the most demanding, high pressure situations. Also, as a 19 year old defensman he currently sits tied for 3rd in rookie scoring with 26 pts. behind Duchene and Bergfors with 27 and Tavares with 28. On top of that, he leads rookies in assists and is 2nd in +/- with a +9. He also currently plays more minutes than any other rookie at just over 23 minutes per game.

As good of a year as Tavares and Duchene are having, I feel that Myers has had a more significant impact for his team than they have. I could be wrong here of course, as I havent had the pleasure of seeing either of them play as much as Myers.

Sorry for the long-ish post. I just cant believe how good this kid is already lol...

So..Whos gonna win the calder? :)

[wolf1bh]

antti niemis nummbers in goal are amazing but i dont know if he would play enough to qualify

[cnshockey]

You're both wrong. Matt Duchene. The kid is a BEAST. One of the fastest players in the NHL at 18, incredible hands, on a team that was expected to be TERRIBLE (worse than the Islanders really since they lost Sakic), and the deal sealer? He plays on the PP AND PK. MD4C!!!

[agold2121]

Myers, though I really wish it were Bergfors. NO ONE saw him coming.

[FuriousD82]

Here are my thoughts right now:

1. Tyler Myers
2. John Tavares
3. Jimmy Howard
4. Matt Duchene
5. Niklas Bergfors

[jmdorsey]

Last night's Sabres vs Avs game was the first time I had a chance to see Duchene play and I definately wouldn't be surprised if he won it. I'd have to chalk both of his goals up to bad defense, but the first one was a great individual effort and the second, even though it was a "garbage goal" and there were 2 or 3 Sabres that could have cleared it, he fought through them all and smacked it in.

That said, my homer pick is Myers. He's 4th in rookie scoring as a defensemanwith 20 assists, leads all rookies in TOI, plays the PK and is starting to quarterback the PP a bit, and he is a +9 where Tavares, Duchene, and Bergfors combine for a -20 (-10, -7, and -3 respectively).

I know it's easy to just pick and choose stats that help your arguement and ignore the ones that hurt it, but that pretty much covers all the main stat categories that a D-man should be getting.

[RGM81]

I don't want to pick a winner at this point, but I will give my three finalists.

1. Tyler Myers - the Kelowna Rockets system has done it again with this kid. There was a lot of talk at the beginning of the season regarding whether or not he was indeed ready for the NHL, no doubt a product of last year's situation with Luke Schenn, but Myers has been incredible for Buffalo. As Walt said, he's playing top pairing minutes at the age of 19 and he's doing it incredibly well. In addition to being solid defensively he's an offensive threat that isn't afraid to carry the puck to the net, pinch in deep, and go hard into the corners. With his size and speed, he can make up for it quickly if he gets caught, which is rare in itself.

2. John Tavares - he is the real deal. He's not putting up Crosby-esque rookie numbers, but he also doesn't have the talent surrounding him that Sid did back in 05-06. He is elevating the play of those around him (who would have thought that Matt Moulson would become such a threat?) and he is leading the way for rookie scoring. He's instantly made the Islanders a respectable team again.

3. Matt Duchene - I don't get to see a lot of this kid other than the highlights, but boy does he ever provide them. Like Tavares on the Island, he's playing a major role in carrying a team that many thought would be cellar-dwellers into a legitimate playoff position. His speed and skill have given Colorado fans in the post-Sakic era something to look forward to for many years to come.

[Prime B]

It's no doubt a 3 horse race between Tavares, Duchene and Myers.

It is unfortunate the east coast bias might come into play (along with the # 1 overall tag) and Tavares might get more love than he deserves unless he gets things going in the second half.

Right now, based on their overall and recent play, it is really down to Myers and Duchene in my eyes with the edge going to Myers because he plays D, hands down the toughest position to play as an 18 or 19 year old rookie.

But that is as of now, any of the aforementioned 3 could go bananas in the next 3 months and walk away with it.

[30ranfordfan]

I'm going to join in and agree with the three horse race. Myers, Duchene, and Tavares have to be the contedners.

If the votes were cast today, my guess is Tavares would win. Myers might deserve it, but he plays D.... and that works against you for everything but the Norris. Duchene has been great too, but I think so long as Tavares keeps a 1g and /or a 1 point edge on him.... Tavares wins it. He's the sexier pick, and plays on the East Coast.

[geschrocks33]

Honestly, screw Tavares. All his hype is from his #1 tag, and sure he's "leading" rookie scoring, by what, a point?

No one saw Bergfors coming, so quite frankly my rankings stand as this

1. Tyler Myers/Matt Duchene

The reason why BOTH of them are above John Tavares is because BOTH Tyler Myers and Matt Duchene play a well rounded, 100% effort game. Myers plays PK, PP, and is an offensive D-man even in 5 on 5 situations.

After watching last nights game, and being there to see it, Matt Duchene is all over the ice. He puts in great individual efforts (1st goal) and plays an unbelievably amazing all around game. He's everyone, plays amazing D, and is obviously quite the talent on offense as well.

2. Tavares/Bergfors

Both are playing equally great IMO. Bergfors is more of a surprise, while Tavares is expected to produce, therefore Bergfors is likely to receive less credit.

I agree that Niemi has played great as well, but don't think he's been enough of a "difference maker" to win the Calder