So here we are, about a quarter of the way through this young NHL season. We have seen our share of surprises already this season, many of them coming from the strong rookie class of 2010-2011. Here's a look at the early favorites for the Calder Trophy.
1. Jeff Skinner F, Carolina Hurricanes
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Many expected Jeff Skinner to be playing in Kitchener this season, so when it was announced that he would be sticking with Carolina, more than a few heads were turned. Skinner's performance this season has surprised everyone, putting up 15 points in 19 games to date, and even getting some top line minutes with Eric Staal, showing off just how skilled he is. If Jeff Skinner does happen to hold his early season pace, he's a shoe-in for a Calder nomination.
2. Logan Couture F, San Jose Sharks
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Unlike Skinner, Logan Couture was expected to do big things this season. Playing 25 regular season games last year(1 short of losing his Calder eligibility), Couture scored 5 goals, assisting on 4 more, and also scored 4 goals in 15 post season games. Although those aren't spectacular stats, Couture brings more than just an offensive presence, he is very defensively sound at all areas of the ice. High hopes have translated into strong performances for Couture, tallying 12 points in his first 18 games. Due to Couture's reliable all around play, he has even stepped up to the top line in the absence of Joe Thornton, and with Thornton in the lineup, he has taken a permanent role in the top 6, supplanting Devin Setoguchi.
3. Sergei Bobrovsky G, Philadelphia Flyers
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To put it bluntly, Sergei Bobrovsky didn't have a name before this season. Outside of Philadelphia, very few people had even heard of the Russian goaltender. Bobrovsky made himself known in a hurry, starting the season with 2 wins and 2 losses, followed by a span of 10 games in which he did not have a regulation loss, going 9-0-1. Bobrovsky has posted a .925 save percentage and a 2.29 goals against average, good for 9th and 10th in the entire league(although those stats are slightly skewed by a wild game vs. Tampa Bay on Thursday). Although it is very hard for a goaltender to win the Calder, it seems with 11 wins in just 16 games, Bobrovsky is aiming to do just that.
4. Jordan Eberle F, Edmonton Oilers
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Jordan Eberle was a Canadian hockey hero before he ever put on an Oilers Jersey, but with high end prospects Taylor Hall and Magnus Paajarvi in town, Eberle was not expected to be the main attraction in Edmonton. Eberle has outperformed both Hall and Paajarvi in his first 18 games, and has done so in spectacular fashion. In his young NHL career Eberle already has a number of highlight reel goals, but flair aside his 12 points in 18 games is good for 3rd on his team and has even earned him some top line minutes.
5. Tyler Ennis F, Buffalo Sabres
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Much in the same way as Jordan Eberle, Tyler Ennis has been proving skeptics wrong ever since juniors. Comments about his size have time and time again been proven wrong. Ennis first came into the NHL late last season, notching 9 points in 10 regular season games. Ennis went on to be the Sabres top forward in a short playoff stint against Boston. This year, Ennis has 11 points in his first 21 games, and his ability to keep plays alive with his stick skills have made him yet another rookie spending some minutes on the top line.
Honorable Mention: Michael Neuvirth, PK Subban, John Carlson
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