Calder Trophy no two-man race
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Matthews and Laine the top candidates, but surprises happen
Even now, Pierre-Luc Dubois still gets goose bumps.
It’s been two months since the 18-year-old leapfrogged into the No. 3 spot at the NHL Entry Draft — a surprise no one, not even Dubois, saw coming — and yet just thinking about that day gives the Columbus Blue Jackets prospect the shivers.
It was a similar effect when Dubois was asked to handicap the upcoming Calder Trophy debate. At first, he sort of blushed. Then he spent a second or two searching for the right answer.
For others, it’s a bit more obvious. Most assume the award will come down to Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine, who were the No. 1 and No. 2 picks. But as someone who already came out of nowhere, Dubois believes the rookie race could get crowded — if he isn’t back playing in junior next season, that is.
“Well, we’ll see,” said Dubois, a 6-foot-3 and 212-pound centre. “I think if I’m in Columbus I might have a shot for that. We’ll see. It’s a different level, so it’s new. “But if I’m in there, I’ll have a shot.” The key word was “if.” With Matthews and Laine, there are no ifs. While nearly 30 prospects had their photos taken for Upper Deck trading cards at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase Monday, most will probably have to wait another year or two before they’re NHL rookies.
Not so with Matthews and Laine. Both skipped the event because they are preparing for the World Cup of Hockey, with Matthews representing Team North American and Laine playing for Finland. As such, both are not only expected to make their respective NHL teams, but could be counted upon for significant contributions right out of the gate.
“They’re special players,” said Ottawa Senators defence prospect Thomas Chabot, the 18th overall pick in 2015.
“When I played against them, it’s like when I played in the prospects game two years ago against (Connor) McDavid. I don’t think they should have any trouble playing in the NHL next year.”
Unlike most rookies, who sometimes struggle with the jump from junior to the pros, Matthews and Laine have already played professionally against grown men — and not just played, but dominated.
Matthews, who was raised in Arizona, spent last season in the Swiss league where he scored 24 goals and 46 points in 36 games. Laine, meanwhile, won a Finnish league championship and was named playoff MVP with 10 goals in 18 games.
Both played in the world championship, with Matthews leading the U.S. in scoring and Laine again claiming MVP honours. Expecting them to continue that success in the NHL shouldn’t be a stretch.
“Obviously, they’re both really good players,” said New York Islanders’ forward prospect Mathew Barzal, the 16th overall pick in 2015. “I’m actually pretty good friends with Auston Matthews. I know him pretty well. He’s pretty unreal.
“Hopefully, I’m a rookie this year and I can be in that conversation. But both guys are exceptional. It should be fun to watch this season.”
That Barzal and Dubois would put themselves in the rookie discussion with Matthews and Laine is not a case of misplaced confidence. As we saw last season when an undrafted 24-year-old from Russia won the award, anything can happen.
Tyler Myers, who was the 12th overall pick in 2008, beat out John Tavares and Victor Hedman — the top two picks in 2009 — to win the Calder Trophy in 2009. A year later, seventh-overall pick Jeff Skinner won the award ahead of top picks Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin.
At this time a year ago, most assumed the Calder Trophy would come down to McDavid and Jack Eichel, the No. 1 and No. 2 picks in the draft. But with McDavid missing half the year with injury, Chicago’s Artemi Panarin ended up winning after finishing in the top 10 in overall scoring with 77 points.
A similar result could happen this year, especially if Dubois and fellow top picks such as Edmonton’s Jesse Puljujarvi (fourth overall), Vancouver’s Olli Juolevi (fifth overall) and Calgary’s Matthew Tkachuk (sixth overall) can crack their NHL rosters.
It is not just this year’s draft class Matthews and Laine have to worry about. Whether it is Toronto’s William Nylander (eighth overall, 2014) and Mitch Marner (fourth overall, 2015), Arizona’s Dylan Strome (third overall, 2015) or Colorado’s Mikko Rantanen (10th overall, 2015), the Calder Trophy could be up for grabs.
“Every year, there’s someone who surprises, so maybe next year there’s going to be a surprise,” Dubois said. “Maybe it’s going to be Auston, maybe it’s going to be Patrik or Jesse.
“Or me ,also.”