Top 10 Calder Trophy candidates you need to know for 2026-27

Sep 2, 2026, 12:20 EDT

Top 10 Calder Trophy candidates you need to know for 2026-27

Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Calder Trophy race has been damn fun the past few years – and that’s not going to change this season.

It’s always exciting to follow this trophy in particular because you get a different cast of characters every season. Unless you somehow made the greatest impact ever after just 20 games, you only really have a chance to win the Calder once. And this year, there’s no shortage of top quality prospects looking to make their marks.

For reference, all 10 players listed below were in the top 26 top prospects on Daily Faceoff’s Top 75 list earlier this year. There’s a few players who’ll stick in college or stay in major junior and won’t put up a real fight for another year or two. Several players in the top 15 who aren’t listed in this story have the potential to become the top contenders, contingent upon their preseason performances. Keep an eye on Viggo Björck and Alberts Smits.

Today, we’re looking at some of the top candidates to win the rookie of the year hardware. This isn’t an expansive group – a larger one will come when we know the opening night rosters later this year. Instead, this is just a primary list to give you a taste of the talent we should see challenge for the coveted award throughout the season. There’s a chance a few might not even become full-time NHLers. So, if your favorites aren’t here, sit tight.

Let’s break it down, sorted by team:

James Hagens, C/LW, 19 (Boston Bruins)

Hagens had 47 points in 34 games at Boston College as a sophomore, leading the Bruins to sign him to his entry-level contract in the spring. He didn’t play much with the big club to close the year, but he was quite solid with Providence as he got himself up to speed. Hagens’ true value is in making smart plays, being a good two-way player and outthinking opponents, and that’s something that I think we saw already in the AHL. He does play a lot on the perimeter, but the Bruins’ staff will work on him with that. Hagens will have to figure out how to play with a bit more muscle, too. He has gotten a little stronger the last couple of years, so there is that going for him. If Hagens can figure out how to really exploit the middle of the ice and get the puck where it needs to be, he’ll be a valuable NHLer. While Hagens has plenty of experience down the middle, look for him to be eased into NHL duty as a winger.

Konsta Helenius, C, 20 (Buffalo Sabres)

Helenius appeared in nine regular-season games with the Sabres last year, scoring a goal and four points. He returned to the team in the postseason, scoring twice in four games and giving the team much-needed energy. Helenius was excellent throughout the AHL season, and he has nothing left to prove in Rochester. Helenius is slated to play third-line center this season in Buffalo, leveraging his physical attributes and hockey acumen to open opportunities for himself and his teammates. Plus, he has to be riding a monumental high after helping Finland win the World Championship (he was outstanding, by the way). I don’t expect Helenius to ever become a top-line forward, but I do think he’ll be an impact NHLer.

Anton Frondell, C/LW, 19 (Chicago Blackhawks)

With Connor Bedard sidelined to start the season, Frondell is positioned to shoulder a heavier workload right out of the gate. Fortunately, many scouts believe Frondell has the maturity to handle the spotlight. While teams often preach patience with top picks, fast-tracking Frondell simply made sense. He spent his draft year dominating his own age group and proving his mettle in Sweden’s second-tier pro league. Frondell may not have posted explosive numbers in the SHL, but anyone watching closely saw a player who dictated the pace of a shift like few others, and his power-play expertise is fascinating. After a promising start in his early NHL appearances, Frondell is ready to prove himself on the big stage.

Roman Kantserov, RW, 21 (Chicago Blackhawks)

After one of the most impressive seasons by a European-based prospect, Kantserov is ready for the big show. The 21-year-old had 36 goals and 64 points in 63 games this past year, leading the KHL in goals. The 2024 Gagarin Cup champ was downright dangerous every time he hit the ice, and, despite being a smaller forward at 5-foot-9, he’s absolutely fearless. I know the KHL isn’t as strong as it was pre-2022, but Kantserov’s season was the most productive by a U-22 forward in league history. That has to excite Blackhawks fans, and I fully expect him to play a top-six role right out of the gate.

Carter Yakemchuk, RHD, 20 (Ottawa Senators)

Yakemchuk is a big, mean dude who makes himself impossible to play against at times. When you watched him play in the OHL, it was clear that he could physically dominate opponents while being excellent with the puck. But with so-so defensive acumen and subpar skating, there were questions about how he’d be able to translate to the pro game. Instead, he was outstanding in the AHL, scoring 10 goals and 40 points while being physically dominant against older competition. He also impressed in his short run with the Senators to close out the regular season, which makes you think he’s ready for full-time NHL action this year. I think he could still be a bit more active in his own zone, but I don’t feel like his skating has really slowed him down too much. I think he’s strong enough with the puck that he could force his way into power-play time sooner rather than later, too.

Porter Martone, RW, 19 (Philadelphia Flyers)

Martone made headlines last season as one of the highest-profile prospects to transition from the CHL to the NCAA. Heading to Michigan State University was about testing himself against older, stronger competition. His 25 goals led all NHL prospects in college. Blessed with arguably the best vision in the 2025 draft class, he possesses elite offensive instincts. His wrist shot is remarkable, and he processes the game at speed as well as any incoming rookie. Many believe Martone is the favorite to win the Calder, and it’s hard to disagree. He had an excellent end to the 2025-26 regular season, and also had some shining moments with Canada at the World Championship. Martone is ready for the spotlight, and Flyers fans can’t wait to see what’s next.

Ivar Stenberg, LW, 18 (San Jose Sharks)

Stenberg’s floor is very, very high. He’s dynamic in possession, wields a lethal shot and flashes high-end hockey sense. Even though his point production tapered off slightly down the stretch, he still authored one of the most impressive U-19 seasons in recent SHL history and was excellent at the Worlds. Add a stellar gold-medal run with Sweden at the World Juniors to his resume, and his complete profile becomes undeniable. Stenberg will have some depth to contend with on the left side this year, but I fully expect him to leave Sharks’ camp as a middle-six winger and challenge for the Calder Trophy. If he ends up with Macklin Celebrini, he could ultimately be the top contender for the Calder. That pro experience definitely doesn’t hurt.

Gavin McKenna, LW, 18 (Toronto Maple Leafs)

McKenna is stepping into a uniquely advantageous situation compared to other recent first overall picks, such as Macklin Celebrini or Connor Bedard. An underrated factor in accelerating a young star’s development is the quality of their surrounding cast. Toronto offers a strong one already, with McKenna likely to skate alongside Matthews or John Tavares. Not only are both high-end forwards, but they’ve both weathered the storm dealing with the pressure of being first overall picks in the NHL. Matthew Knies might have the inside track as the team’s No. 1 left winger, but it won’t be long until McKenna pushes the envelope and steals ice time away. Look for McKenna to at least be a finalist, finishing with somewhere around 60 points.

Cole Hutson, LHD, 20 (Washington Capitals)

Hutson was considered by many to be the most creative defender in college over the past two years, taking over for his brother, Lane. Cole is exceptionally evasive, using his quick feet and steady hands to force opponents to think he’s going one way before pivoting another. On the attack, he’s essentially a fourth forward. He’s great at getting the pass up the ice, and he’s capable of making crucial decisions at pace. Defensively, Hutson still needs work, at least positionally. And he’s definitely not going to lay anyone out. But like Lane, Cole uses his footwork – primarily his speed – to consistently get himself into defensive lanes. He’ll absolutely be one of the top defenders in the Calder race this year, no doubt about it.

Ilya Protas, LW/C, 20 (Washington Capitals)

Protas took an incredible 50-goal, 124-point OHL campaign in 2024-25 and continued that hot play on his way up to Hershey. He had 29 goals and 66 points in 69 games, leading all AHL rookies in the process. That helped Protas earn a promotion to Washington, where he had four points in four games alongside older brother Aliaksei Protas. Ilya’s offensive dominance has been a treat to watch, making him one of the best prospects in the game today. He’s so talented, and you can’t go wrong with a 6-foot-5, 225-pound frame. Protas’ skating has taken nice strides forward, too; he’s no longer flat-footed against mid-tier players. Look for Protas to be a difference-maker immediately for the Capitals.

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