Unlike many years where there is a clear-cut favorite for the Calder Memorial Trophy, the 2024-25 season had different ideas. A reasonable case could be made for any of this year’s finalists: Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens, Dustin Wolf of the Calgary Flames, and Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks.
Hutson likely has the strongest case of the trio. The former 62nd overall selection scored six goals and 60 assists in 82 games for the Canadiens this season, tying Hall-of-Famer Larry Murphy for the most assists recorded by a rookie defenseman. The 20-year-old blue liner ranked second on Montreal in ATOI (22:44) and was a large part of their run to the postseason for the first time since the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs. Additionally, Hutson led the Canadiens in postseason scoring with five assists in five games.
Meanwhile, Wolf looks to become the first netminder to win the award since Steve Mason of the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2008-09. He finished with a slightly worse year than Mason, comparatively, managing a 29-16-8 record in 53 games with a .910 SV% and 2.64 GAA. Still, although Mason backstopped the Blue Jackets to their first postseason appearance in 2009, Wolf was a major reason the Flames remained competitive until the last week of the regular season.
Lastly, last summer’s first overall pick will also be up for the award. Celebrini was one of the few bright spots on a rebuilding Sharks team, leading the team in scoring with 25 goals and 63 points in 70 games. His offensive output tied with fellow-rookie Matvei Michkov of the Philadelphia Flyers (in 10 fewer games), and bested last year’s Calder recipient, the Chicago Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard, by two points in two additional contests. Celebrini’s 25 goals accounted for 12% of all San Jose goals this season.
Although the members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA) will have the final say in who ultimately wins the award, it’s time to cast your vote. Who do you think will win this year’s Calder Memorial Trophy? Vote below!
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I wouldn’t trade Wolf for Lane Hutson or Celebrini for two Lane Hutsons but Hutson will win the 2025 Calder.
No Michkov is really questionable.
Is it that questionable? Who does he deserve to be in over? Dude only plays winger and is all offense and no defense and yet had less points/ppg than the other two skaters here. It’s not to say he did bad he did great considering his age and the team he was one but he was a bit streaky and maybe doesn’t deserve it over these three
Wolf. Small young goalie plays like a superstar. What Hutson did is incredible and celebrini looks absolutely beastly but you cannot underestimate how tough it is for a young goalie to find his bearings so quickly in the big leagues. All 3 are very good candidates.
I agree that Wolf SHOULD win. But the question was who WILL win, and that’s probably Hutson.
Putting the hex on poor Dustin Wolf by comparing him to Steve Mason, who was never as good as he was during that fantastic rookie campaign.
Celebrini will win. Hutson should win
West Coast bias?
Social media bias. Hutson was more integral and the reason why MTL made the playoffs but Celebrini sold more jerseys :)
It takes a special type to see bias continually being out to get you. That said, east coast bias is so yesterday – congratulations on changing the message to social media bias. Gotta stay current! Bonus question: how many jerseys did each player sell?
Had the Flames made the playoffs I seriously think that Wolf would win it. Macklin will be the best of the group going forward. Hutson gets the Calder, and albeit was an impressive rookie season, it was St.Louis’ coaching (deserves Jack Adams consideration) and Suzuki’s flowers that got the Habs into the playoffs.