Bunting named a Calder Trophy finalist
Not much was made of Kirill Kaprizov winning the Calder trophy last year being 24 years old, after playing 7 years of pro hockey in Russia, but all hell broke loose this year when Bunting started to enter the conversation at 26 years old. Yes, he is much older than Seider and Zegras, who are the other two nominees, but based on the criteria, just like Kaprizov, he is still technically a rookie and until the league changes the requirements to be considered a rookie, it will continue to happen.
Bunting burst onto the scene this year skating alongside Matthews and Marner on the top line. While skating on the Leafs top line in 79 games he amassed 63 points (23G, 40A), leading all rookies. He was billed as Hyman's replacement and he did more than expected. At a cap hit of 950K this season and next he might be the best bang for your buck signing last offseason.
Known for his insane hands and stick handling, Trevor Zegras provided us with highlight reel goals and assists all season, including a one handed zoro goal at the all star skills competition. In just one season, Zegras has already become a household name and was one of the few bright spots for the Ducks down the stretch. He finished second in rookie scoring to Bunting putting up 61 points in 75 games.
Finally, we have the workhorse defenseman from Detroit, Moritz Seider. Detroit was full of rookies this season as they continue their rebuild in the hopes of starting another quarter century playoff run. It was a terrible season overall for the Wings, but fellow rookie Lucas Raymond and Seider gave Wings fans a glimpse into the future with just how good this team can become. While Raymond finished ahead of Seider for points, Seider was dominant both offensively and defensively. He was an off-the-board pick when the Wings took him 6th overall in 2019. After 2 years over seas, Seider made his debut for the Wings this year and was a top pairing defenseman right from the start. At 6'4» and 205 pounds he is a monster on the blue line, but can skate like he is 5'10. Not only can he skate, but his hockey IQ, playmaking abilities and his physical presence will provide the Wings with a number 1 defenseman for years to come. He amassed 50 points from the back end and did it while playing in all situations.
Typically, in recent years the Calder Trophy has gone to the rookie with the most points, but it would not be surprising in the slightest to see Seider be awarded the hardware given how well rounded his game is at just 21 years old.
| POLL | ||
MAI 11 | 753 ANSWERS Bunting named a Calder Trophy finalist Who should win the Calder? | ||
| Seider | 139 | 18.5 % |
| Zegras | 90 | 12 % |
| Bunting | 524 | 69.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
