Ranking the top five rookies from the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs so far

May 7, 2025, 12:30 EDT

Ranking the top five rookies from the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs so far

Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

The NHL released its three Calder Trophy finalists for 2024-25 earlier this week, with San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson and Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf getting the nod.

Only one of them – Hutson – made the playoffs, and none of them remains after Montreal’s first-round exit. Playoff performance doesn’t factor into the Calder voting process, but Hutson’s second-half play to get the team into the postseason definitely will help his case to win it all.

So, which rookies have managed to stand out in the playoffs? Hutson made the list, but he’s joined by three more who missed out on Calder consideration – and one who looks ready to challenge for it next year:

1. Jimmy Snuggerud, RW (St. Louis Blues)

The Snugg! The former Univ. of Minnesota star is done for the year, but he made a great first impression with the Blues. He started off by setting a new personal best of 51 points in college, and then registered four points in seven games to close out the NHL regular season. He then had another four points in seven postseason outings, including his first career playoff power-play goal in Game 2.

The Blues were definitely underdogs in this series, but he spread his offense throughout the four games and had his best showing in Game 6 when he had four shots on net. Snuggerud looks to be part of St. Louis’ top six next year and should be a top candidate for the Calder Trophy. Playing just under 20 minutes a night in the playoffs after just a handful of NHL games is a sign of big things to come.

2. Lane Hutson, D (Montreal Canadiens)

The favorite to win the Calder Trophy, Hutson did a bit of everything for Montreal. He had five assists, and although he didn’t score, he contributed to all Montreal’s goals in Game 1 and Game 4. He played more than 25 minutes a night while being the team’s power-play quarterback, as well. That’s a lot to expect from a rookie defender, and he made his fair share of mistakes.

But the fact that Hutson was relied on so heavily and, for the most part, looked great, is a testament to the type of player he is. For reference, Minnesota’s Zeev Buium played the second-most of any rookie blueliner, averaging just 13:36 per game. Hutson improved defensively as the season wore on, but there are still some obvious upgrades that need to be made. That being said, Hutson’s first-round showing was overall positive, and there are many more strong showings to come as Montreal looks to be a more consistent threat.

3. Jackson Blake, RW (Carolina Hurricanes)

Blake played some of his best hockey of the season over the final two games of Round 1. He had two assists in Game 4 and a goal in Game 5 to help the Hurricanes eliminate the New Jersey Devils in five games. After bouncing around the lineup all season long, the 2021 fourth-round pick looked solid on Carolina’s top line. He had 10 shots over the final three games of the series, and while he only scored once, he looked very engaged around the net.

While Blake was never a serious contender for the Calder Trophy, he still managed to put up 17 goals in his first NHL season. For someone drafted 109th overall, that’s nothing to scoff at. He was a high-end college scorer who continued to show more pace and confidence as his NHL freshman season continued. Look for him to be a stable piece of the top six as the Hurricanes chase a second Stanley Cup.

4. Logan Stankoven, RW (Carolina Hurricanes)

Stankoven has given Carolina’s right side a nice boost so far. He had nine points in 19 games to close out the regular season, but he also added two goals and an assist against the Devils. The former Dallas Stars forward had his ups and downs during the regular season as he struggled to find the pace that made him so dangerous in his partial season in 2023-24.

But his two goals in Game 1 were massive and helped give Carolina full momentum. He needed four more games to snag another assist, but he actually played some decent hockey as his ice time increased in the latter stages. Stankoven then started off the second round with Carolina’s first goal in an eventual 2-1 win. The Hurricanes would probably like to see his offense spread out through more games. But away from the puck, Stankoven is an absolute workhorse who isn’t afraid of anyone, no matter how much bigger they are. That’s the type of player every team wants in their lineup, and that’s what makes Stankoven so dangerous.

5. Gage Goncalves, LW (Tampa Bay Lightning)

Goncalves was yet another long-shot prospect the Lightning managed to turn into something tangible. Drafted in the second round in 2020, Goncalves didn’t become a full-time NHLer until late February. He finished the season with a modest 20 points in 60 games, which wasn’t too shabby for a player on a league minimum contract. The Bolts were ousted in five games, but he registered four points in that span, including two against Florida. He averaged 16:54 minutes a night, as well, which was well above his 12 minutes from the regular season.

Goncalves was one of Tampa’s most physical players and did a good job of grinding away on the third line alongside Anthony Cirelli. Goncalves even saw some second-unit power-play time, although he didn’t produce. Goncalves might just be a depth player at best in most situations, but you’re always looking for value at this time of year.

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