New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov, and Anaheim Ducks forward Beckett Sennecke were named the three finalists for the Calder Trophy.
Voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association, the Calder Trophy is given "to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition."
Schaefer is heavily favored to win the honor after a historic campaign. He matched Brian Leetch's record for most goals by a rookie defenseman (23) and established a new benchmark for points by an 18-year-old blue-liner (59). Schaefer also tied for the rookie lead in goals and finished third in points.
Demidov led all rookies with 62 points, accumulating 19 goals and 43 assists. This is the second straight season a Canadiens player has been named a Calder finalist after Lane Hutson won the award last year.
Sennecke finished tied for first among rookies in goals (23) and second in points (60). He ranked third on the Ducks in points, helping Anaheim snap a seven-year playoff drought.
