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In this edition of the hotstove, we share our choices for the Calder Trophy.
Todd Cordell
Picking between Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar is like splitting hairs – perhaps more so than the top two candidates for any other award.
Their offensive numbers are very similar. While Makar has been a little more productive on a per-game basis, he’s also playing on the 3rd highest scoring team in the league and has a better supporting cast to work with.
Both of their relative numbers are positive as well, although Hughes does separate himself a little bit in that regard.
The Canucks control 6.4% more of the shot attempts, 7.3% more of the expected goals, and 4.42% more of the actual goals with Hughes on the ice. Makar’s impacts (+1.6%, +4.1%, +0.5%) aren’t as great but the bar is higher in Colorado.
I just think Hughes deserves a little extra credit for driving the bus so significantly; and as a younger player, no less.
Sean Maloughney
This season's Calder will be given to one of two defensemen which shows how much the game has changed and how offense is back at every position. Cale Makar has been more impressive offensively (an injury hurt his chances greatly) but Quinn Hughes does so many incredible things that he has to be the choice,
With 53 points (8-45-53) through 68 games it's obvious that Hughes brings an elite level of offense from the backend but he does so much more than that. Hughes is a beast in his own ends, limiting shots against far better than Makar, his positioning and ability to get in exactly the correct spot as a rookie is a marvel to watch. His transition game from defense to offense can be switched on a dime and he has made guys like Petterson and Boesser look even more dangerous.
The injury to Makar probably is the thing that gives Hughes the final edge in this race but predicting long term success of these two players I think Makar will be great but Hughes is elite.
James Tanner
I think the Calder should go to Quinn Hughes, and not just because I own his rookie card. Hughes plays for a fairly bad team, and yet he has a 52% CF and a 53% expected goals rating.
Relative to his team, he is a positive across the board, and he has a ridiculous 53 points in 63 games. He's the rookie of the year, and while I am not taking the time right now to compare him statistically to Pietrangelo, he probably isn't too far off being at least a Norris Candidate.
Numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com
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