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In this edition of the hotstove we share our picks for the 2015-16 Calder Trophy winner.
Todd Cordell: Connor McDavid
I know this is the easy pick but I've been scouting Connor McDavid since his 200 point season with the Toronto Marlboros (before he was drafted into the OHL) and he has played exceptionally well almost every time I've seen him.
He's the total package. He can skate, he can score, he can pass and he can play defense. Everything he does is full speed and with a guy like Taylor Hall on his line he should have no problem piling up the points.
This figures to be a good rookie class but if McDavid can stay healthy he should run away with the Calder.
John Jaeckel: Artemi Panarin
Who?
A blazing fast, sharpshooting RHLW out of SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL, where his scoring numbers outnumbered Ilya Kovalchuk's this past season. If he's half what the Blackhawks think he is, he should have a shot.
Panarin could just as easily struggle playing on the smaller North American ice sheet for the first time, and against NHL contact. Still, while he's projected as a "replacement" for Patrick Sharp, he also draws comparison to another Russian speedster of a previous era; Pavel Bure. And Panarin is not your typical lazy, pampered Russian. A close friend of the Blues' Vladimir Tarasenko (who also defies the Russian stereotype), he's willing to work down low for goals too.
Finally, all the unrest with the Blackhawks this summer could play to Panarin's favor as far as increased TOI in promise scoring (top 6/power play situations).
James Tanner: Connor McDavid
There is no reason to expect anything other than McDavid entering the NHL and instantly becoming on of the best players. From a skill/talent level he already is. If he plays 70 games there is a 100% chance he wins the Calder Trophy.
Michael Pachla: Connor McDavid
As a Sabres fan I'd love to say Jack Eichel or would love to pull a rabbit out with some bold prediction like Sam Bennett.
Sorry, not this year. I know. It's boring...Connor McDavid. The Oilers are loaded with young talent up front and there's no reason why he shouldn't have a 30g/70a season.
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