Ivan Demidov (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
As the leaves turn and the sound of skates echoes again, the NHL’s storied tradition of awarding the Calder Memorial Trophy for rookie of the year is already heating up. Each season brings a fresh crop of young talent, eager to stake their claim and make an early‐season statement. This year is no different. From slick puck-movers on the blue line to goal-getting forwards crashing the net, the race is already taking shape—and it is rich with narrative, hope, and surprise.
What makes this Calder race especially compelling is the variety of rookie paths on display. Some players arrived after dominating junior or international leagues; others are stepping up unexpectedly into larger roles due to team needs, injuries, or development curves. The intrigue lies not only in raw numbers, but in how these rookies are adapting to pace, physicality, and the relentless rigors of the NHL schedule. Will one burst through and become a runaway favorite? Or will the competition tighten as the season progresses?
We took some time to pool some NHL sources on their favorite rookies so far, and let’s just say that league officials are excited at the young talent hitting the ground running this season.
Matthew Schaefer
It’s rare for an 18-year-old defenseman to step into the NHL and look immediately at home, but Matthew Schaefer has done exactly that for the New York Islanders. The 2025 first-overall pick has already made believers out of teammates, coaches, and scouts across the league with his calm puck movement and innate feel for the game. Schaefer’s skating stands out — smooth, efficient, and deceptively powerful — and his confidence with the puck belies his age and limited experience at the pro level.
“He’s been out of the world for the Islanders,” said an NHL source. “If he continues this pace all season, he’s the front-runner for the Calder.”
There’s an ease to his game that’s drawing comparisons to veteran blueliners like Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes. He doesn’t force plays, rarely looks rattled under pressure, and seems to process the ice a step ahead.
In just six games, Schaefer already has two goals and seven points in just six games – all while playing over 22 minutes a game.
“He’s just so smooth and already looks like the clear best defenseman on his team at 18 years old,” added the source. “There so many details in his game that are going to make him an elite player for a long time.”
Still, the grind of a full NHL season can test even the most gifted rookies, especially one who’s missed time due to limited play in his draft year.
“But there is still a bit of a fear that he may hit a wall this season due to how little hockey he’s played,” continued the source. “He’s so talented, he just may overcome it, but it’s tough to be this good for a young defensemen so early.”
Whether he can sustain this level remains to be seen — but the early signs suggest Schaefer isn’t just surviving in the NHL; he’s thriving.
Ivan Demidov
In Montreal, patience has been the plan with Ivan Demidov, but flashes of brilliance are making that patience harder to maintain. The 19-year-old Russian winger, taken fifth overall in the 2024 draft, oozes creativity and offensive flair every time he touches the puck. His ability to shift gears, find seams, and create off the rush has made him one of the Canadiens’ most exciting players — even without a spot on the team’s top power play.
The Canadiens have been deliberate in easing him into NHL tempo, protecting him from overly tough matchups while giving him freedom to explore his offensive instincts. Despite that, he’s still been able to put up a goal and six points in eight games so far this season.
“He’s been great for the Canadiens, who seem to want to bring him along slowly,” said an NHL scout. “He’s looked like their most dangerous forward of late, and this without being on their first power play wave.”
“His game will continue to grow, as will his usage, and that’s when this race could get really interesting,” continued the source. “Of the top rookies, he’s the player who we want to see more of.”
Demidov may not be leading all rookies in scoring as pre-season predictions foresaw, but every shift feels like the calm before the storm. If his role expands, he could quickly become the league’s most electrifying rookie in a hurry — and the leading contender for the Calder.
Zeev Buium
Over in Minnesota, defenseman Zeev Buium is already living up to the hype. The 12th-overall pick from 2024 has stepped into the Wild lineup and instantly become a fixture, averaging over 20 minutes a night — an impressive feat for any rookie, let alone one just 19 years old. His skating is dynamic, his offensive instincts are sharp, and his ability to quarterback a power play has added a new dimension to Minnesota’s attack.
“Buium has been exactly as advertised really, a perfect offensive defenseman that is already playing over 20 minutes for the Wild,” said a Western Conference source. “His defensive game still needs work, but he’s already showing improvements there.”
Playing alongside Kirill Kaprizov on the man advantage has accelerated his learning curve, giving him room to experiment and confidence to take risks.
“Getting regular shifts on the power play with Kaprizov is going to really help his stat line, but it’s the details in his game that make him so fun to watch,” continued the source.
There’s still polish to be added defensively, but Buium’s early composure and confidence hint at a top-pairing future — and perhaps, some rookie hardware by season’s end.
Beckett Sennecke
Few rookies have looked as comfortable in Anaheim as Beckett Sennecke. The 19-year-old winger, drafted third overall in 2024, has slotted seamlessly alongside Mason McTavish, helping reignite the Ducks’ offense with his blend of size, skill, and fearless play around the net.
Sennecke’s confidence has been growing with each game, and he’s beginning to find that sweet balance between finesse and power that defines elite modern forwards.
“He’s settled in quite nicely on Anaheim’s McTavish, playing almost 19 minutes a game or so. He isn’t afraid to go to the net, and his chemistry with McTavish really brings out the best in him,” said a Western Conference scout.
The Ducks are still a young team finding their footing, but Sennecke’s emergence has made them one of the more entertaining watches early on.
“He’s going to have to shore up the two-way aspects of his game, but the Ducks are a fun team to watch again and he’s been a big part of the out of the gate,” continued the source. “For me, it’s going to be the physicality and learning curve of the NHL that is going to make or break his rookie season.”
So far, he’s passing the test — and his presence is giving Anaheim fans a glimpse of a promising future.
Emmit Finnie
Then there’s Emmitt Finnie, the rookie nobody saw coming. Drafted 201st overall in 2023 by Detroit, the 20-year-old winger has become one of the best stories in hockey this fall. Finnie’s not a highlight-reel player — he’s a grinder who wins battles, goes to the net, and earns every inch of ice he gets.
But that blue-collar style has turned him into a perfect fit for the Red Wings’ top six, where he’s contributed timely goals and relentless energy.
“What a fun player he is to watch right now for the red-hot Red Wings, isn’t he? Just an honest player that goes to the net and the high danger areas and gets reward,” said an NHL source.
He’s fit in nicely with Dylan Larkin and the returning Lucas Raymond on the top line, putting up three goals and six points in seven games so far; but it’s the maturity in his game that has everyone paying attention.
“He plays such a mature game already that he looks like a veteran out there, really complements that line with Larkin quite well,” continued the source. “He’s been great for them and looks like he could be a surprise entrant in this Calder race.”
For a player drafted 201st overall, Finnie’s emergence is as improbable as it is inspiring. If he keeps producing at this rate, he’ll not only stay in the Calder conversation — he’ll redefine what’s possible for late-round picks.