2009 Calder Memorial Trophy Nominees

NHL Rookie Of The Year A Tough Call

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Mar 23, 2009 Dan Leggieri

The NHL rookie class of 2009 is definitely one to remember. With a strong, league wide rookie showing, it was hard to narrow it down to just five.

The Calder Memorial Trophy is an annual award given "to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the NHL. The 2008/2009 Calder Memorial Trophy candidates should be:

Blake Wheeler, Boston Bruins

2008/2009 Stats to date: 72 games played, 21 goals, 43 points, +36 *as of 04/06/09*

It’s a real mystery why Phoenix would give up on 22 year old, 6'5", 214lb Wheeler, who was their 5th overall pick in the 2004 draft. Wheeler’s size and skill have benefited him as he leads the league in +/- while enjoying playing for the Eastern Conference’s best team.

Bobby Ryan, Anaheim Ducks

2008/2009 Stats to date: 54 games played, 24 goals, 46 points, +12

The former 2nd overall pick in the 2005 draft, Ryan has had a longer road to the NHL than he anticipated. After struggling to crack the Ducks lineup for 3 seasons, Ryan has been a consistent performer in Anaheim since being called up from the American Hockey League early in the season and hasn’t looked back since. Enjoying time on the Ducks first line and plenty of power play opportunity, Ryan has no ambition to go back to the minors anytime soon.

Kris Versteeg, Chicago Blackhawks

2008/2009 Stats to date: 68 games played, 20 goals, 49 points, +15

Originally drafted 134th overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2004 draft, Versteeg has really come of age in his first full season in the NHL. The 22 year old from Alberta has fit in nicely with a youthful Chicago team and currently leads all rookies with 4 shorthanded goals.

Patrik Berglund, St. Louis Blues

2008/2009 Stats to date: 66 games played, 17 goals, 40 points, +16

Chosen 25th overall by St. Louis in the 2006 draft, Berglund is leading the Blues in +/- and fourth on the team in scoring; the 20 year old 6’4” Swede is enjoying a solid rookie campaign with the Blues. A very good two-way player, Berglund has showed poise and maturity beyond his years with the Blues.

Steve Mason, Columbus Blue Jackets

2008/2009 Stats to date: 30 wins, 2.23 GAA, .0919 save percentage, 9 shout-outs

Mason is probably a lock for rookie of the year and has a chance of capturing the Vezina trophy as well. Although a long shot for the Hart trophy, Mason should definitely be given a good look come voting time. Mason leads the league with nine shout-outs and Columbus is poised to make the playoffs for the first time in the franchise’s nine-year history as Mason seems to get better and better as the season draws to a close.

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Comments

Apr 5, 2009 9:03 PM
Guest :
As of 4/6/09, Blake Wheeler only has 43 points. Not sure where 49 pts on 3/23/09 came from.
Apr 25, 2009 11:12 PM
Guest :
Bobby Ryan has 46 points and has played fewer games than any of these guys.
Apr 26, 2009 10:43 AM
Guest :
Mason has 10 shut-outs not 9...Go Jackets!
3 Comments
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