If you’re just tuning in to the 2019 Calder Trophy Power Rankings here at DobberProspects, you’ve found us at as good of a time as any. I’ve been excited to use this bi-weekly ramblings platform for this ongoing segment that I’ve found to be a fun way to track the progress of our 2019 NHL rookie class. If you’re interested in how the rankings have progressed over the course of the first couple months of the year, you can find any of the previous editions here: 

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Some of the movement seen in this series of the rankings illustrates that despite us approaching the Christmas holiday, after the top-two, the Calder race continue to be extremely volatile. 

1. D, Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche (-) | 8-20-28

The Av’s defender had decidedly separated himself from the pack through the first two months of the year. His suspected shoulder injury has held him out for what has now climbed past the five-game mark, however, none of the other rookies have done enough to close the gap in that missed time. 

2. RW, Victor Olofsson, Buffalo Sabres (-) | 14-16-30

Buffalo’s invaluable offensive weapon has been one of the few bright spots for the team this year. Since his nervous blip in late October, the Swede has been indisputably the leagues most dangerous rookie forward. He’s the first to surpass the 30-point threshold, something that only 10 other rookie forwards are on pace to do by the end of the season.

3. RW, Ilya Mikheyev, Toronto Maple Leafs (+3) | 5-13-18

Mikheyev’s success as a rookie has been one of the most notable feel-good stories of the 2019-20 slate to this point in the year. His deployment amongst the top-loaded Buds makes his production, especially at even strength all the more impressive. While he might not be noted as one of the flashiest rookies, his versatility in the team’s transition period has been an invaluable resource. 

4. D, Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks (-2) | 2-22-24

Vancouver’s prized defender has quickly elevated his offensive status to that of a top-two defender in the Pacific Division. On pace for a 64-point rookie campaign, Hughes has recorded more than half of his contributions on the man-advantage – a luxury that hasn’t been afforded to many of his rookie rivals. If he sustains this rate of production through to year-end, he’ll likely finish much higher in the final Calder vote.

5. C/RW, Martin Necas, Carolina Hurricanes (-2) | 6-10-16

Necas’ second quarter of his rookie slate has seen a sharp drop in production as compared to his first 20 games. Despite the lack of offense coming from the Canes’ forward, his on-ice tendencies have remained consistent. The Czech does an excellent job creating space for his teammates, and his advanced statistics indicate that the offense should return. 

6. C, Nick Suzuki, Montreal Canadiens (NEW) | 6-9-15

The Habs forward is on pace for a 37-point rookie slate after a consistent despite being shuffled through the teams’ lineup, and being deployed with an ever-circulating pair of linemates. He’s benefited from a small amount of power play deployment, but has earned the majority of his 15 points at even strength. 

7. Joel Farabee, Philadelphia Flyers (NEW) | 3-8-11

Despite a late start to the year, the Flyers rookie has had no trouble becoming accustomed to the NHL pace. The chemistry he’s found, primarily alongside center, Kevin Hayes has allowed Farabee to excel on both sides of the puck, without sacrificing any part of his game. There’s no indication that his scoring rate will see a significant uptick in 2020, but he could finish the year with as much as 35 points. The rookie was recently suspended for a three-game term after nailing Jets forward Mathieu Perrault late. 

8. D, John Marino, Pittsburgh Penguins (NEW) | 3-10-13

One of the hottest rookies in the second quarter of the NHL slate has been Pittsburgh defenseman, John Marino. The Penguins blueliner has received a dash of powerplay deployment, but is earning his offense the old-fashioned way alongside Brian Dumolin. It’s unlikely that he catches either of the other two defenseman ahead of him in the rankings, but if he continues to perform, Marino could finish the year as a top-five rookie.

9. D, Philippe Myers, Philadelphia Flyers (NEW) | 3-6-9

Plagued with back trouble entering the Christmas season, Philippe Myers has been an unheralded star on the Flyers back end. Through 18 contests, he’s been one of the teams most offensively consistent defenseman. His season outlook is questionable considering the injury that he’ currently managing, but at least temporarily, he’s broken into the top-10.

10. Nikolai Prokhorkin, Los Angeles Kings (NEW) | 4-3-7

After getting off to a timid start with the Kings in Mid-November, Nikolai Prokhorkin has . Disappointingly, he’s been occasionally rotated out of the team’s lineup, even recently. His results, when given the opportunity have been promising, however, his opportunity needs to increase before the level of optimism can increase.

Notable streaking players who are vying for a spot in the next edition of the top-10 include:

Carson Soucy

Some notable players who have been jockeyed out of the top-10 include:

Adam Fox

Ethan Bear

Emil Bemstrom

Denis Gurianov

Make sure to check back in a couple of weeks for the next revision of the Calder Trophy Power Rankings. 

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@olaf1393