Ranking the 2025-26 Calder Trophy finalists

The NHL revealed its three finalists for the 2025-26 Calder Memorial Trophy on May 5, during the draft lottery broadcast. This prestigious award honors the league’s top rookie based on votes from the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association. The contenders are Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders, Ivan Demidov of the Montreal Canadiens, and Beckett Sennecke of the Anaheim Ducks. All three played the full 82-game schedule, showcasing remarkable consistency.

Last season’s winner was Montreal defenseman Lane Hutson, making the Canadiens a team to watch for back-to-back honors. This group represents a mix of offensive firepower from forwards and a standout blueliner, highlighting the depth of this rookie class.

Beckett Sennecke: Powering the Ducks’ resurgence

Beckett Sennecke burst onto the scene for the Anaheim Ducks, tying for the rookie lead with 23 goals and finishing second overall with 60 points (23-37) in 82 games. His scoring prowess stood out at even strength, where he notched 21 goals, including just one on the power play and another shorthanded. Sennecke led all first-year players in even-strength goals and points, while ranking high in shots on goal (197) and multi-point games (14, tied).

The 20-year-old right winger, selected third overall in 2024, became the third Ducks rookie to hit 23 goals, matching a franchise benchmark. His 60 points rank as the second-most by a rookie in team history, just behind Trevor Zegras’ 61 in 75 games during 2021-22. Sennecke averaged 17:27 of ice time and helped Anaheim secure a playoff spot for the first time since 2017-18 with a 43-33-6 record.

What makes Sennecke’s campaign impressive is his role in a rebuilding Ducks lineup alongside talents like Jackson LaCombe, Leo Carlsson, and Cutter Gauthier. He was one assist shy of Zegras’ rookie mark, showing near-elite production without dominating power-play minutes. In the postseason, Sennecke continued shining, becoming the second Ducks rookie to score in three straight playoff games, echoing Bobby Ryan’s feat.

• Key stats: 23 goals (tied 1st among rookies), 37 assists (2nd), 60 points (2nd), 197 shots (1st among rookie forwards).
• Standouts: Led rookies in even-strength goals (21), multi-point games (tied 14).
• Team impact: Anaheim’s first playoff return in eight years.

Sennecke’s growth from draft day to playoff contributor positions him as a cornerstone for Anaheim’s future. While not the flashiest, his balanced game and durability make a strong case among forwards.

Ivan Demidov: The points machine fueling Montreal

Ivan Demidov topped all rookies with 62 points (19-43) over 82 games, pacing first-year players in assists and power-play production. The 20-year-old right winger averaged 15:30 of ice time, often lining up on the right of Oliver Kapanen with Juraj Slafkovsky or Alex Newhook on the left. He notched 20 power-play points, seven power-play goals (second among rookies), and four game-winning tallies.

Drafted fifth overall in 2024, Demidov finished fifth in scoring on a Canadiens team that ranked as the NHL’s second-youngest by average age. Montreal clinched third in the Atlantic Division with 106 points—their most since 2014-15—and advanced to the second round after ousting the Tampa Bay Lightning. This marks the Habs’ second straight Calder finalist following Hutson’s win.

Demidov’s transition to the NHL was seamless, blending skill and hockey IQ. He tied for second among rookies with 14 multi-point games and ranked high in even-strength points (42, tied). As the seventh Canadiens rookie with 60-plus points, he signals a shift from secondary to potential primary scorer next season.

• Key stats: 62 points (1st), 43 assists (1st), 19 goals (6th), 127 shots.
• Power play: 20 points (1st), 7 goals (2nd).
• Milestones: Seventh Habs rookie with 60+ points; fourth with 40+ assists.

Demidov’s poise amid Montreal’s youth movement underscores his star potential. For a team eyeing contention, his emergence is a massive boost.

Matthew Schaefer: Redefining rookie defenseman standards

Matthew Schaefer, the 2025 first-overall pick, dominated as an 18-year-old Islanders defenseman with 23 goals, 36 assists, and 59 points in 82 games—tying the NHL record for rookie blueliner goals shared with Brian Leetch. He led rookies in time on ice (24:41 per game, 2,023:59 total) and set marks for an 18-year-old D in goals and points, surpassing Phil Housley.

Schaefer’s debut assist made him the youngest blueliner to record a point, and he notched the youngest overtime goal ever. He paced rookie D in power-play goals (eight), overtime goals (two), and shots (222), while tying for four game-winners. Named NHL First Star of the Week in early March after a four-goal outing, he became the youngest D to hit 20 goals and the first rookie D to lead his draft class there.

The Hamilton, Ontario native elevated the Islanders’ blue line, posting a +13 rating (fifth among rookies). As the sixth Islanders Calder finalist since Mathew Barzal’s 2017-18 win, Schaefer’s two-way dominance has him pegged as a future Olympian. Betting odds listed him as a massive favorite pre-finalists.

• Key stats: 23 goals (tied 1st, record for rookie D), 59 points (3rd), 24:41 ATOI (1st).
• Records: Most goals/points by 18yo D; first D in 90+ years leading rookies in goals.
• Awards: NHL Rookie of the Month (October); First Star of the Week (March).

Schaefer’s blend of offense, ice time, and records sets him apart in a forward-heavy field.

Who takes home the Calder?

These finalists embody the NHL’s bright future, with Schaefer’s historic impact from the back end giving him the edge in many mock ballots. For more on the official announcement, check the NHL’s page. The winner will be revealed soon, but expect a tight PHWA vote. Whichever rookie claims it, their team gains momentum heading into the offseason and beyond—watch for these names in All-Star discussions next year.