I fully realize that we're not yet even a month into the 2025-26 season, but it's time for a poll I run every year around this time, asking you to decide who'll be the three finalists for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the NHL's top rookie. Here are the key things to keep in mind before you cast your votes.

The focus on this site is of course fantasy hockey; yet there are times when one or more Calder finalists are arguably not the three best rookies in terms of fantasy performance. But remember that you're voting on the actual finalists, which might explain why one or more choices are not on fantasy radars, especially in one year and/or shallower leagues.

I kept the list to 19, not just because if I added more I'd have really have had to reach, but also to allow for one or more "come from nowhere" candidates, as reflected in the final choice, which is "One or more rookies not listed here." If you select this "wild card" choice, then it's up to you whether to vote for any of the 19 as well. For example, if you think that none of the 19 will be a finalist, the "One or more rookies not listed here" should be your only vote. If instead you think one of the 19 will be a finalist, then choose him and "One or more rookies not listed here." Lastly, if you think that two of the 19 will be finalists, then vote for those two but also choose "One or more rookies not listed here" as your other choice.

With that all sorted out, listed below – in alphabetical order – are the 19 player choices. The link to cast your votes will be at the end of the column. 

Yaroslav Askarov

Although Askarov has already seen action in three prior NHL seasons, he's still Calder eligible. But early returns are not good, and San Jose has Alex Nedeljkovic as insurance, such that if Askarov does keep struggling he might be ticketed to the AHL to help preserve his chance at future success.

Zeev Buium

His arrival in the NHL had been much heralded, and thus far he hasn't disappointed. We also know from Brock Faber in 2023-24 that Minnesota is more than happy to hand the reins to a rookie; and let's not forget Faber was a Calder finalist that season.

Easton Cowan

Just 20 years old, Cowan got immediate attention when placed on a line with Austin Matthews and Matthew Knies. But it looks like the Leafs aren't quite "all in" on Cowan, although if he's able to make a mark he could explode. Or he could be Nick Robertson 2.0.

Ivan Demidov

The odds-on favorite coming into the season, Demidov has been eased into the line-up more so than most expected, but he's still scoring quite well. It does seem he's as good as advertised, meaning it'll be difficult to envision him not being a finalist in view of what we've seen thus far.

Jakub Dobes

While Incumbent Samuel Montembealut has been shaky, Dobes has looked solid, and might be making a case to be a 1B more so than a back-up. Plus, even if he plays only 30 or so games, if he's as great as he's been thus far it might be enough to earn him a finalist spot.

Emmitt Finnie

From 203rd overall pick in 2023, to seemingly having leapfrogged a number of Wing prospects to earn top-six minutes. He has not looked out of place either, plus brings with him toughness that Detroit has lacked on scoring lines.

Arseny Gritsyuk

He's been producing despite not being deployed in offensively favorable situations. But perhaps by doing he'll see even better deployment, which would go a long way toward putting him in the running for the Calder.

Oliver Kapanen

Going into 2025-26, most everyone would've thought Demidov and perhaps Dobes would be the only potential Calder finalists from Monreal. Yet Kapanen has produced at a very solid pace despite very little ice time, including almost none on the PP. If he turns out to be Montreal's version of Brandon Hagel, that could be enough to make him a finalist.

Ryan Leonard

Many figured Leonard would already be making his mark; but then the Caps came together as a team so well last season that there was no need to rush him. And it seems like there still isn't, as he's in the bottom six and getting PP scraps. But he's producing; and if any Cap wingers get hurt or slump, Leonard likely would be tapped for a far bigger role.

Artyom Levshunov

So far it's been the Sam Rinzel – spoiler alert, he makes the list too – show in Chicago, but the former second overall pick is lurking. And if Rinzel doesn't carry over the scoring touch he had last season, Levchunov could become enough of a focal point to secure a Calder nomination.

Alexander Nikishin

With many having anointed him as the next Moritz Seider, Nikishin has delivered multicat stats as advertised but also some offense. What's interesting is although he's being sheltered, he's also not sniffed any PP time. Still, he's on a high scoring team, so enough points may continue to come to put him in contention for being a Calder finalist.

Zayne Parekh

Calgary had been cautious with Parekh, and he's wasn't forcing the issue, surprising many who felt he'd be right there with Buium in terms of instant impact. He may still find success. But he finally was installed on PP1, and that, plus an 87%(!) OZ%, might be the ticket to get him to start scoring as expected, in which case he could move into the Calder picture.

Sam Rinzel

Logging 20:00+ a night, Chicago is giving Rinzel every chance to find success, with all that ice time and as PP1 QB. He's also a plus player; and unlike many young d-man, he's tasked with tough minutes, with a sub-50% OZ%. That's a pretty good Calder resume.

Axel Sandin-Pellikka

Entrusted with substantial TOI and responsibility, ASP has been up to the task. If he raises his scoring a bit, while still playing like a vet, he could sneak into the Calder picture.

Matthew Schaefer

The 18 year old has stepped in and looked not at all a boy among men. In fact, he's getting ice time usually reserved for veterans, and shooting a ton plus producing on the PP. It's gone from whether New York will return him to juniors, to how much more of an integral role he'll play.

Beckett Sennecke

The third overall pick in 2024 was plopped into the top six and so far is playing like a seasoned vet, rather than the teen he still is. He's not made PP1 inroads, at least not yet. But if he keeps on thriving at ES that should come and only bolster his Calder candidacy.

Arturs Silovs

Yes another goalie who's appeared in the NHL each of the last three seasons yet remains Calder eligible. And his stats thus far are quite solid. That, plus the very real possibility that Tristan Jarry falters yet again this season, might put Silovs in position to secure a Calder finalist spot.

Jimmy Snuggerud

Much like Rinzel, Snuggerud turned heads with his NHL cameo late last season. And thus far he's been featured mainly in the top six and often on PP1. The good news about the Blues is the team doesn't lean on any line too much; so as long as Snuggerud stays in the picture, he will have a real shot at doing enough to challenge for the Calder.

Jesper Wallstedt

With Filip Gustafsson inking a major deal prior to the season, some felt 2025-26 would be an audition for Wallstedt to attract trade offers, much like what happened with Askarov in Nashville. But with Gus struggling out of the gate, Wallstedt could be counted on more than was expected, and he might be up for the task if he can revert to the form he showed a few years ago in Sweden.

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Don't forget that you should vote for the three exact players you think will end up as the Calder finalist, that is unless you think one, two, or three won't. In that case, choose the "One or more rookies not listed here" and then vote for either zero, one, or two more, depending on how many of the 19 you do think will be finalists. The link to cast your votes is here.

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Questions for Mailbag Column

My monthly mailbag column is looking for questions. To get yours to me, either private message “rizzeedizzee” via the DobberHockey Forums or email [email protected] with “Roos Mailbag” as the subject line.