As the NHL returns from the Olympic pause, the league’s teams have 30 games remaining in the regular season. Players have time to better their standings for league awards. The league’s rookies will look to become finalists for the Calder Memorial Trophy. The following players are leading all rookies in specific categories and are the current favorites to win the league’s rookie of the year award. Here are the top NHL rookies to win the Calder Memorial Trophy.
MORE: 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey, NHL payrolls for final four teams
Advertisement
6. C Fraser Minten, Boston Bruins
Jan 29, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins center Fraser Minten (93) controls the puck from Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale (9) during the third period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Minten has made a presence for a Boston team currently sitting in the Eastern Conference’s final Wild Card spot. The Bruins’ rookie center is sixth on the team in points, fourth in goals, and fifth in shot percentage. Along with being among the Bruins’ leaders, Fraser Minten continues to stay highly ranked among all NHL rookie skaters. In 57 games, he ranks sixth in points, fourth in goals, sixth in assists, and first in plus-minus.
5. RW Ryan Leonard, Washington Capitals
The Capitals’ rookie continues to play vital minutes as the team pushes for a playoff spot. In 52 games for Washington, Ryan Leonard ranks seventh in points, eighth in goals, and sixth in assists. Leonard has been one of the NHL’s top rookies, ranking fifth in points, sixth in goals, fourth in assists, and fifth in power-play points. Washington has time left to reach a Wild Card spot, and Leonard will play an integral role in the Capitals reaching the playoffs.
Advertisement
4. C Oliver Kapanen, Montreal Canadiens
Jan 20, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Oliver Kapanen (91) plays the puck against the Minnesota Wild during the second period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
The Canadiens have been one of the Atlantic Division’s best teams throughout the season. Rookie Oliver Kapanen has been a mainstay on the team’s second line. Among Montreal skaters, the rookie ranks seventh in points, third in goals, and ninth in plus-minus. Kapanen’s production also ranks highly among the rest of the league’s rookies. The Montreal center ranks fourth in points, tied for first in goals, and fourth in shot percentage (minimum 30 shots).
3. D Matthew Schaeffer, New York Islanders
The Islanders are amid a playoff berth and rookie defenseman Matthew Schaeffer has been the team’s best player on the blue line. Schaeffer is third in points among Islanders skaters, and his 39 points lead the team’s defensemen. It’s rare for a defenseman to be among a team’s top goal scorers, and the rookie ranks third in goals. The New York defenseman is one of the league’s top rookies, ranking third in points, second in goals, third in assists, and leading NHL rookies with 14 power play points. If Schaeffer wins the award, it will be the first time in league history that defensemen have won the Carder Memorial Trophy in back-to-back years.
Advertisement
2. RW Beckett Sennecke, Anaheim Ducks
Jan 25, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Anaheim Ducks right wing Beckett Sennecke (45) against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Currently in the Western Conference’s final Wild Card spot, and with the Pacific Division within reach, the Anaheim Ducks have received consistent production from rookie winger Beckett Sennecke. Among Anaheim skaters, Sennecke ranks second in points, third in goals, third in assists, and third in power play assists. The rookie’s impact started at the start of the season and has the Ducks positioning themselves for the playoffs. Compared to NHL rookie leaders, Sennecke is second in points, tied for first in goals, second in assists, and second in shots.
1. RW Ivan Demidov, Montreal Canadiens
Ivan Demidov and fellow rookie Oliver Kapanen have given playoff-bound Montreal more production than expected. Among his teammates, Demidov is fourth in points, third in assists, and fourth in shot percentage. The rookie has been one of the team’s best producers and is a direct correlation to Montreal’s high standing within the Atlantic Division. The right winger continues to be one of the NHL’s top rookies, ranking first in points, first in assists, fourth in plus-minus, and tied for second in power play points. If Demidov wins the award, Montreal will have back-to-back seasons with rookies being awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy.
Advertisement
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
OLYMPICS: Team USA flag bearers revealed for 2026 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony
NFL: Predicting the 2026 NFL free agent signings
MLB: Detroit Tigers drop unreal alternate jerseys for 2026 MLB season
NBA: Charlotte Hornets share update after LaMelo Ball’s car crash
SPORTS MEDIA: Olympics reporter apologizes for drinking, slurring words during live segment
The post Top NHL rookie of the year (Calder Trophy) candidates appeared first on The Big Lead.