Early look at the Calder Race

Early impressions of the Calder Trophy race are already giving fantasy managers plenty to discuss. This years first overall pick Gavin McKenna, second overall pick Ivar Stenberg and 2025 third overall pick Anton Frondell entered the season with plenty of hype, but how many of us thought that Trevor Connelly of the Vegas Golden Knights and James Hagens of the Boston Bruins would also be gunning for a top spot. Meanwhile, Porter Martone of the Philadelphia Flyers is off to a slower start as is the entire Philadelphia Flyers Squad.  Martone has managed just three points in 11 games with Philadelphia. His 12 shots on goal is a a far cry from the 32 shots he recorded over nine games to close out last season. The pedigree, skill and talent are still there, but Philly needs to figure out its identity, as the entire team looks completely lost on the ice right now.

Connelly has recorded rookie leading four goals and three assists for seven points through 10 games, doing so while averaging just 13:59 of ice time. His 21 shots on goal and three power-play points are encouraging signs, and continued production could lead to a larger role in Vegas. Gavin McKenna on the other hand has seven points in 10 games with Toronto, including three goals and two power-play points despite the controversial 6.36-minute game. Expectations are understandably high after he recorded 51 points in 35 NCAA games at Penn State last season. Now that the Jonathan Tavares’ injury leaves a hole in the lineup, it also opens the door for McKenna to gain ground in the Calder race, especially on the power play, where he has averaged over four minutes per game over the last three contests.

Stenberg has seven points, of which six are on the man-advantage through 10 games in San Jose. He is literally making the most of this time on the powerplay as his even strength minutes are scattered across a few linemates in Michael Misa, Alexander Wenbrg and Keifer Sherwood. Stenberg posted 33 points in 43 SHL games and 10 points in seven games at the 2026 World Juniors, so it is not surprise that he has the ability to create offence. His power-play production is particularly encouraging from a fantasy perspective, although he has only done it on 15 shots (1.5 shots per game). It will be even more exciting to see what he can do once he gets that top line deployment with Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, everyone is waiting!

Fellow Swede Anton Frondell has six points in nine games with Chicago, including five assists, while averaging 17:24 of ice time. However, he has yet to record a power-play point, with all his production coming at even strength. As yet, he has not seen any top-unit power-play duties alongside Connor Bedard. If Frondell earns that opportunity, his production could take another step forward, while also benefiting rookie linemate Roman Kantserov, who currently occupies a spot on the top unit. We’ll likely see some line shuffling at some point, especially if the offense dries up, so don’t be surprised if Frondell gets a look alongside Bedard. His current production is promising, and an increased role on the power play could make him an even more intriguing fantasy option.

An unexpected opportunity in New York

Few things can change a goaltending prospect’s fantasy value as quickly as an injury to the established starter. Dylan Garand has found himself in that situation with the New York Rangers, creating an opportunity that could accelerate his development while giving fantasy managers another name to monitor.

With Igor Shesterkin sidelined for the season, Garand has been thrusted into the starting role. Through seven games, he has posted a 4-2-1 record with a 1.85 GAA and 5.69 GSAx. So far, he is holding his own, and let’s not forget that the Rangers are providing him with goal support as well. The question is whether Garand can turn this opportunity into consistent results. Handling a handful of NHL starts is one thing, but carrying a starter’s workload over several months is another. The Rangers will likely need to bring in another goaltender, whether to step in a take the starters crease or help Garand to form a 1A/1B tandem. Regardless, at this point Garand should be picked up in nearly all leagues, especially for managers looking for goaltending help. If he can take advantage of this opportunity and establish himself, his fantasy value could look a lot different by the time Shesterkin is ready to return next season.

Can Ilya Protas follow his brother’s path to fantasy relevance?

Washington Capitals prospect Ilya Protas is beginning to make a name for himself, and comparisons to older brother Aliaksei Protas are inevitable. Both are big-bodied forwards who have developed within the Capitals organization, but can Ilya follow a similar path to becoming a productive NHL player?

Naturally it is hard to tell with only eight games this season, however Ilya has recorded five points (1G,4A) while largely playing on Washington’s third line.

His brother Aliaksei provides an interesting blueprint. He broke out with 30 goals and 66 points in 2024-25 before following that up with 25 goals and 52 points last season. His success came as he established himself in Washington’s top six. However, the challenge for Ilya is that this Capitals team looks considerably different. Washington has added Jordan Kyrou, Boone Jenner and Alex Tuch, creating more competition for top-six minutes. The Capitals are expected to be serious contenders this year, Ilya will likely have to earn his opportunities rather than simply benefit from a lack of established options ahead of him.

That doesn’t mean he can’t follow a similar trajectory to his brother, but Aliaksei’s breakout came with a larger NHL sample and a sustained top-six role. Ilya is still establishing himself, and while his AHL production points to considerable offensive upside, translating that scoring into the NHL is a whole different ball game. For now, he’s a prospect worth monitoring, especially on a Capitals team with the offensive firepower to support his development and production as his role grows.

All stats courtesy of Frozentools. 

Thanks for reading! See you next month! For more fantasy hockey content and analysis, follow me on X @Punters_hockey. If you have any questions about your team or a trade? My DMs are always open, happy to help!