Sennecke, Demidov, Schaefer Vie for Calder Trophy

Key facts

• Ivan Demidov, Matthew Schaefer, and Beckett Sennecke are the finalists for the 2025-26 Calder Memorial Trophy.
• Demidov led all NHL rookies with 62 points and 43 assists.
• Schaefer tied the NHL rookie record for defenceman goals with 23.
• Sennecke also scored 23 goals, tying Schaefer for the rookie lead.
• The Calder Trophy is awarded to the most proficient player in their first year of NHL competition.
• Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens won the award last season.
• The Professional Hockey Writers Association selected the finalists.

Rookie Trio Nominated for League's Top Honour

The National Hockey League announced its finalists for the Calder Memorial Trophy on Tuesday, with Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov, New York Islanders defenceman Matthew Schaefer, and Anaheim Ducks forward Beckett Sennecke emerging as the top contenders. This prestigious award recognizes the league's most proficient player in their inaugural season. The Professional Hockey Writers Association made the selections, setting the stage for a compelling conclusion to the rookie of the year race. The trophy, named in memory of Frank Calder following his death in 1943, has a storied history of honouring emerging talent. This nomination marks a significant achievement for all three players, highlighting their immediate impact and promising futures within the league. The announcement comes as the NHL season draws to a close, with anticipation building around which of these standout performers will take home the coveted prize.

Demidov's Dominance on Offence

Ivan Demidov, a 20-year-old native of Sergiyev Posad, Russia, has been a standout for the Montreal Canadiens. He led all NHL rookies in both total points and assists, amassing 62 points and 43 helpers over 82 games. His offensive prowess was further demonstrated by his league-leading 20 power-play points, including seven goals and 13 assists. Demidov's season was punctuated by consistent high performance. He was named NHL Rookie of the Month for December after recording 14 points in 15 games. Furthermore, he became the first Canadiens rookie in recent memory to achieve 10 multi-point games within his first 50 appearances of a season, ultimately finishing with 14 such outings. His selection as a finalist continues a recent trend for the Canadiens, as this marks the second consecutive year a player from the team has been nominated for the Calder Trophy. Last season, defenceman Lane Hutson captured the award.

Schaefer and Sennecke Share Goal-Scoring Lead

Matthew Schaefer, a defenceman for the New York Islanders, has made a significant mark on the league. He tied an NHL rookie record for goals by a defenceman, finding the back of the net 23 times. This impressive feat matches the total set by Brian Leetch in the 1988-89 season. Schaefer's contributions extended beyond scoring, as he added 36 assists and maintained a plus-13 rating over a full 82-game schedule. His defensive and offensive capabilities have made him a crucial player for the Islanders. Sharing the rookie goal-scoring lead with Schaefer is Beckett Sennecke, a forward for the Anaheim Ducks. Sennecke also netted 23 goals and contributed 37 assists, showcasing his dual threat as a scorer and playmaker. His performance has been a bright spot for the Ducks this season.

The Calder Memorial Trophy's Significance

The Calder Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the player deemed most proficient in his first year of competition in the National Hockey League. Established to honour the memory of Frank Calder, a former NHL president, the award is one of the league's most prestigious individual honours. Past recipients include some of the game's greatest players, signifying the importance of a strong rookie campaign. The selection process involves voting by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, who cast their ballots based on the players' performance throughout the regular season. This year's finalists represent distinct paths to rookie success: Demidov's all-around offensive dominance, Schaefer's record-tying goal-scoring from the blue line, and Sennecke's potent combination of scoring and playmaking. The diversity of their achievements underscores the exceptional talent pool among this year's first-year players.

A Look Back at Last Season's Race

The Canadiens' Lane Hutson claimed the Calder Memorial Trophy last season, a testament to his impactful rookie year. Hutson secured the award with a commanding 165 first-place votes. He outpaced formidable competition, notably Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf and San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini, who also had strong campaigns. Hutson's victory highlighted his immediate influence on the Canadiens' lineup. This precedent sets a high bar for Demidov, who, as a Canadiens player, is looking to achieve the same recognition. The ongoing presence of Canadiens players in the final stages of this award consideration speaks to the organization's success in drafting and developing young talent.

The bottom line

• Ivan Demidov, Matthew Schaefer, and Beckett Sennecke are the three finalists for the 2025-26 Calder Memorial Trophy.
• Demidov led all rookies with 62 points and 43 assists, while Sennecke and Schaefer tied for the rookie goal-scoring lead with 23 goals.
• The Calder Trophy honours the most proficient player in their first NHL season.
• Matthew Schaefer tied a rookie defenceman record with 23 goals.
• Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens was the Calder Trophy winner last season.