Which Rookie Has an Edge in the NHL’s 3-Man Calder Trophy Race?
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
The 2024-25 NHL season has featured a heated battle for the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the league’s top rookie. With multiple first-year players making strong cases, the race has come down to three clear contenders: Lane Hutson (Montreal Canadiens), Macklin Celebrini (San Jose Sharks), and Matvei Michkov (Philadelphia Flyers). Each player has posted outstanding numbers, making this one of the most competitive Calder Trophy battles in recent memory.
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Lane Hutson: The Playmaking Defenseman Leading in Points
-Team: Montreal Canadiens
-Games Played: 65 (T-1st among NHL rookies)
-Goals: 4
-Assists: 47 (1st among NHL rookies)
-Points: 51 (1st among NHL rookies)
-Plus/Minus: -14
-Blocked Shots: 95 (1st among rookies)
-Odds: +260
Lane Hutson has emerged as the top-scoring rookie in the NHL, leading all first-year players with 51 points. His 47 assists show his ability to create scoring opportunities, and his defensive contributions are highlighted by 95 blocked shots, also leading all rookies. Despite a negative plus-minus, the Montreal Canadiens blueliner’s overall impact makes him a strong Calder contender. The fact a defenseman is leading the rookie scoring race says volume as Hutson’s unlimited potential to become an NHL star. With 21.2% of BetMGM tickets, Hutson is a favorite of the public, but with just 16.7% of the handle, it looks like sharps are staying away.
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Macklin Celebrini: The Elite Two-Way Forward
-Team: San Jose Sharks
-Games Played: 54
-Goals: 20 (T-1st among rookies)
-Assists: 28
-Points: 48 (2nd among NHL rookies)
-Plus/Minus: -26
-Faceoff Wins: 389 (1st among rookies)
-Shots: 188 (1st among rookies)
-Odds: -225
Macklin Celebrini has demonstrated his all-around ability with the San Jose Sharks, ranking second among rookies in scoring with 48 points (28 assists) and tied for first in goals with 20. His 389 faceoff wins lead all rookies, proving his reliability as a centerman. Despite playing fewer games than Hutson and Michkov, Celebrini’s production and defensive responsibility make him a major contender. Celebrini is seeing 16.7% of tickets at BetMGM, but more importantly, 31.5% of the handle, suggesting some big money wagers are on the Sharks rookie.
Matvei Michkov: The Sniper from Philadelphia
-Team: Philadelphia Flyers
-Games Played: 64
-Goals: 20 (T-1st among rookies)
-Assists: 27
-Points: 47 (3rd among NHL rookies)
-Plus/Minus: -15
-Game-Winning Goals: 3
-Odds: +800
Matvei Michkov has been one of the most dangerous offensive threats among NHL rookies. His 20 goals and 47 points place him just behind Celebrini, and his three game-winning goals highlight his ability to step up in clutch moments. While his defensive metrics aren’t as strong, Michkov’s ability to generate offense for the Philadelphia Flyers keeps him firmly in the Calder race. Michkov is seeing significant action at BetMGM, leading in both tickets at 34.9% and handle, taking in 24.4% of the money wagered.
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Who Has the Calder Edge?
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Lane Hutson has the most points and leads rookies in assists and blocked shots, making him a dynamic two-way contributor.
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Macklin Celebrini brings a well-rounded game, leading rookies in faceoff wins while ranking second in points.
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Matvei Michkov is a pure offensive weapon, tied with Celebrini in goals and delivering in key moments.
With the season winding down, the Calder Trophy remains up for grabs. If Hutson continues to lead in total points, he may have the edge. However, if Celebrini or Michkov can surge late, the award could go either way. This year’s Calder race will likely come down to the season’s final stretch, making it one of the most thrilling in recent memory.
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