*Note: Stats courtesy of Frozen Tools

Today we will be looking a look at the rookies who are off to a hot start to begin the season. For fantasy managers it can be a smart move to keep a rookie or two on the roster, even if just to sell them later in the season when their value increases. Who is currently the favorite for the Calder Trophy? Let's take a look at the Top 10 Early Calder Favorites.

10. Porter Martone, RW, Philadelphia Flyers

It hasn't been an ideal start for Porter Martone and the Flyers as the team lost nine straight to open the season, and Martone lacked production as a result. However, things have turned around for both himself and the team. Expect him to continue to climb the Calder Trophy power rankings as the season progresses. Despite his positioning on this list, he should be considered one of the more valuable rookies in fantasy this season.

9. Roman Kantserov, RW, Chicago Blackhawks

Kantserov was considered by many to be one of the favorites to win rookie of the year at the start of the season. He's shown some flashes of what has fans excited about the Russian prospect. He's being given an opportunity to play alongside captain Connor Bedard, which should increase his productivity in the coming games.

8. Anton Frondell, C, Chicago Blackhawks

The second Chicago Blackhawk on this list is former third-overall pick Anton Frondell. He has seen plenty of ice so far in his young career as part of an exciting top-six in Chicago. He's been more of a playmaker early on, but that's to be expected as young players often defer to the veterans rather than playing selfishly. This will improve with time, and once the goals start coming, expect him to be one of the rookie of the year favorites.

7. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, RW, Detroit Red Wings

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard is a name that wasn't part of many Calder discussions to open the season as he wasn't necessarily favored to make the Detroit roster out of camp. However, he's come flying out of the gates for the Red Wings and has been one of their more productive players. His production has been a bright spot in what is a dark time for the franchise.

6. Cole Hutson, D, Washington Capitals

Much like his older brother Lane, Cole Hutson has had no issues adjusting to the NHL level early on in his career. With the departure of John Carlson, he is seeing lots of ice on the backend for Washington. His role will only continue to grow as he earns the trust of his coaches and teammates. He is a defenseman that fantasy managers should look to add for defensive depth as he has tons of offensive upside.

5. Ivar Stenberg, RW, San Jose Sharks

The second overall selection in this year’s draft, Ivar Stenberg has come as advertised thus far for the San Jose Sharks. He recently earned himself a promotion to the Sharks top line alongside Macklin Celebrini. Playing alongside Celebrini alone is enough to make anyone a relevant fantasy option, but even more so for someone with the elite skill that Stenberg possesses.

4. Trevor Connelly, LW, Vegas Golden Knights

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With the departure of Pavel Dorofeyev, there was suddenly an opening on the wing for Trevor Connelly in Vegas. While he's no Dorofeyev, he has surprised many with his early-season productivity for the Golden Knights. He's proving why many viewed him as one of the steals of his draft class.

3. James Hagens, C, Boston Bruins

James Hagens has had an impressive start to his 2026-27 campaign. The Bruins have been hot to begin the season, and Hagens role should only continue to grow as the year progresses. Boston is thin down the middle, which could see an opportunity for the youngster to earn a top-six role in between some elite shooters like David Pastrnak, Morgan Geekie, and J.J. Peterka.

2. Gavin McKenna, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs

Number one overall pick Gavin McKenna has been one of the most productive rookies so far at only 18 years old. He's been given an opportunity in the Maple Leafs top-six, and with some key injuries to Kirill Marchenko and John Tavares, McKenna will see more time alongside Auston Matthews. This could be one of the more formidable duos in the league in a few years’ time. McKenna should be able to produce at least 50-60 points this season, making him a solid depth fantasy option.

1. Jacob Fowler, G, Montreal Canadiens

Jacob Fowler has not only been the best rookie this season, but he's also been one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. He began the season in the AHL with the Laval Rocket, but the injury to Samuel Montembeault, coupled with the early struggles of Jakub Dobes, saw Fowler earn the crease. He hasn't looked back since and has been dominant for Montreal down the stretch. With the Canadiens missing some key players, Fowler has stepped up in a big way and looks to have earned the starting job for the time being.

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