Ranked: The Five Favorites to Win The Calder Trophy

The start of this season has seen the impact of several rookies with elite talent. Who is going to take home the Calder Trophy? This article ranks the five front-runners for the rookie of the year as December approaches.
5. Miro Heiskanen - Dallas Stars

Picked third overall by Dallas in the 2017 draft, Heiskanen has already made an impact for the Stars. The left-shot defenseman has posted 11 points in 26 games played with seven assists and two game-winning goals. With the stars currently holding the first Wild Card spot in the West, the Finn can continue his strong start with a possible playoff team.

Heiskanen scores his first NHL goal off a feed from Jason Spezza

4. Jesperi Kotkaniemi - Montreal Canadiens

Another Finn makes his way onto the list, drafted third overall by the Canadiens in 2018. Kotkaniemi was not originally thought to begin his NHL career this season, however, after making the team out of camp, the left-shot center from Pori, Finland, has notched 12 points with nine assists. Already a leader for Montreal, he has led them to the surprisingly positive season that was not expected that the start of October.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi scores top-shelf for his first NHL goal

3. Rasmus Dahlin - Buffalo Sabres

One of the most highly touted defensive prospects in the last 20 years, Dahlin was selected first overall in the 2018 draft. The Swedish born defenseman has been a rock for the surging Sabres with 12 assists and a +/- of 7. Currently sitting on top of the Atlantic, Buffalo can attribute their success to not only their star forwards, Jeff Skinner and Jack Eichel, but to their future franchise blue-liner.

Rasmus Dahlin cashes home his first NHL goal off of Skinner's drive to the net

2. Brady Tkachuk - Ottawa Senators

Selected fourth overall in the 2018 draft by Ottawa, the 6'3" winger, has been a force for the Senators so far in his first season. Tallying nine goals and seven assists, Tkachuk has paired his toughness with his offensive capabilities. With his team currently slotted seventh in the Eastern Conference Wild Card, Tkachuk has been a bright spot for the changing Senators.

Brady Tkachuk scores his first two NHL goals against Pickard and the Flyers

1. Elias Pettersson - Vancouver Canucks

Taken fifth overall by the Canucks in 2017, Pettersson has shined brightly at center, netting 13 goals and eight assists. The 6'2" Swede has been the rookie to watch as this season has developed. A favorite for the Calder Trophy, Pettersson leads his team in goals scored as they sit three points back from the second Wild Card spot in the West.