In this edition of the hotstove, we share our picks to win the Calder Trophy in 2021.
Todd Cordell
Kirill Kaprizov.
The 23-year-old Russian winger absolutely shredded the KHL the last couple of years, producing at a point per game pace while scoring at least 30 goals in consecutive seasons. That’s no small feat as a young player in a low-scoring league.
Kaprizov has high-end puck skills, an elite shot, and he should immediately be thrown into a key role with Minnesota. I think he has more than enough ability to take advantage of it.
I also think, unlike many of this year’s marquee rookies, Kaprizov will benefit from years of experience vs paid professionals; especially as somebody who opposing teams game-planned against on a nightly basis.
He should make magic happen alongside Kevin Fiala, particularly on the power play.
Sean Maloughney Going to go with Igor Shesterkin and if he won he would be the first goalie to win the award in over a decade (Steve Mason was the last in 2009).
Shesterkin only played in 12 NHL games last season, still qualifying him as a rookie this season. In those 12 games he put up 10 wins and a 0.932SV%. The 24 year old netminder will likely have to put up the brunt of the games in this shortened schedule and should he manage to post similar numbers he should absolutely be in contention.
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