April Calder Trophy Update: Nobody can catch Schaefer… right?

The NHL regular season comes to a close on April 16 – and we’ve got a very, very good idea of who’s going to win the Calder Trophy.

Matthew Schaefer is a near lock to win the NHL’s rookie of the year honors. His season has been truly special – he’s already one of the best defenders in the league. But forwards Ivan Demidov and Beckett Sennecke have kept themselves relevant in the Calder race, while a handful of goalies have found themselves in the top five conversation, as well.

The 2025 Calder race was dominated by Lane Hutson, with a handful of prospects swapping in and out of the top 10 all season long. This year, we haven’t seen much turnover in the top 10, but the quality has been much more impressive overall.

Here’s a breakdown of the Calder race with just a couple weeks left:

1. Matthew Schaefer, LHD (New York Islanders)

Let’s be real: this was essentially wrapped up in October. Schaefer has had a special season, entering the final stretch run with 22 goals and 57 points. He’s also averaging an incredible 24:33 a night – that’s bonkers for an 18-year-old. His mix of high-end hockey sense, elite-level skating, and two-way prowess has allowed him to have one of the most impressive rookie seasons in recent memory, regardless of position. Schaefer likely won’t match Lane Hutson’s 66-point rookie campaign, but his overall impact at both ends of the ice has allowed the Islanders to keep themselves in playoff contention throughout most of the season. It won’t be long until Schaefer is in the Norris Trophy conversation in a serious manner.

2. Ivan Demidov, RW (Montreal Canadiens)

The Canadiens are one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference – probably a little earlier than expected. But a big reason for that has been the play of their 20-year-old Russian rookie. Demidov is tracking for just under 20 goals and 65 points, which would be a remarkable output for the youngster. For reference, Juraj Slafkovský (10 points in 39 games) and Cole Caufield (43 points in 67 games) were nowhere as productive (albeit the Canadiens weren’t in the playoff hunt). Demidov has battled Beckett Sennecke for the rookie scoring race all year long, but Demidov is on track to edge him out by Game 82. Demidov is a high-end passer who makes everyone around him better – imagine what he could do with consistent top-line minutes.

3. Beckett Sennecke, RW (Anaheim Ducks)

Sennecke is tracking for more than 60 points this year – what an effort for a guy who surprised most when he went third overall in 2024. The big, high-end producer hits everyone in sight but is offensively gifted, too. Sennecke has quick hands, quick feet and a knack for the net – magic tends to happen when he’s battling around the crease. Seriously, Sennecke is one of the most skilled forwards you’ll find, exhibiting elite skill on a consistent basis. Sennecke’s ability to absolutely obliterate opponents, with and without the puck, should allow him to become a truly effective power forward for the next 15+ years.

4. Jakub Dobeš, G (Montreal Canadiens)

As the Habs look to establish their crease heading into the playoffs, Dobeš picked an excellent time to stay hot. He went 3-0-0 in the final week of April, registering a .962 save percentage. Dobeš’ 21.36 goals saved above expected at 5-on-5 is fifth in the NHL. Even the surface-level stats – a 26-8-4 record – are impressive. Dobeš finished April with a 7-3-0 record with a .927 save percentage, finishing as a finalist for the NHL’s rookie of the month honor. He can have some down streaks, but the highs have been absolutely massive as he looks to lead the Canadiens deep into the playoffs. Seriously, when he’s hot, he’s unstoppable.

5. Jesper Wallstedt, G (Minnesota Wild)

Wallstedt started the season with four shutouts and an 8-2-0 record through 10 games. It felt like there was no stopping the 23-year-old Swede, who eventually made the Olympic team. The last stretch of games has been a bit less fruitful, with Wallstedt going 2-3-2 since the Olympic break. He has had a few standout performances, and he’s still an excellent backup. But his numbers have gone from sublime to merely good as the season has worn on. Wallstedt’s name appeared in trade rumors in the winter, but the Wild would be smart to keep him around for the long run.

6. Alexander Nikishin, LHD (Carolina Hurricanes)

Like we’ve said many times this year, Nikishin’s value doesn’t often make the scoresheet. He’s strong and loves to force opponents to the outside. He also breaks up a ton of plays with his long reach and is defensively responsible. The Hurricanes play him when they need someone to shut a play down, and Nikishin often delivers. He was known more for his scoring touch in the KHL, and, honestly, a 32-point pace as a rookie NHL defender is nothing to sneeze at. The Hurricanes mostly keep him in the 14-16-minute ice time range, but he has played some of his best hockey when skating 18+. We’ll see what the future holds for Nikishin, but he’s a promising young blueliner.

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

The 21-year-old winger was named NHL rookie of the month for April after scoring seven goals and 15 points in 14 games. Suddenly, the Blues are back in the playoff hunt – and Snuggerud is a big reason why. The University of Minnesota alum is on the verge of crossing the 40-point threshold, which would be an impressive output given the Blues found themselves near the bottom of the standings quite early on. Snuggerud has the potential to be St. Louis’ No. 1 right winger for more than a decade – he’s smart, skilled and loves to control the puck. It’s been nice seeing him playing with so much confidence over the past few weeks.

8. Ryan Leonard, RW (Washington Capitals)

Leonard is coming off a massive month, scoring six goals and nine points for the best stretch of his season. Only Jimmy Snuggerud (seven) scored more among rookies. Leonard’s ability to battle hard around the net, while consistently firing shots from dangerous areas, makes him an absolute force. Leonard is a quality power forward who is still finding his way in the NHL. But as the Caps play for their lives, Leonard has been a force for good. Long term, Leonard looks like a future top-line winger. For now, he’s a good fit – and a brutal matchup – on Washington’s third line.

9. Oliver Kapanen, C (Montreal Canadiens)

Kapanen has found himself on every single one of these lists this year, and for good reason. He’s one of just a handful of rookie forwards to crack the 20-goal mark and should surpass 40 points by the end of the campaign. Kapanen has had excellent chemistry with Demidov, often on the receiving end of Demidov’s passes. Michael Hage’s impending arrival will push Kapanen down Montreal’s lineup moving forward, but it’s been good seeing the 22-year-old stand out in Montreal’s middle six this year after a bit of a false start in 2024-25.

10. Fraser Minten, C (Boston Bruins)

Minten has blown expectations out of the water this season. Most expected him to settle into a third-line role – it fits his game quite well. But the 21-year-old has spent significant time as Boston’s No. 1 center, playing alongside David Pastrnak. The offense hasn’t been anything to write home about – he’ll fall short of 20 goals and 40 points. But we’re still talking about a reliable, two-way center in the early stages of his career. It has been a solid year, all things considered.

Other notables: Ben Kindel, C (Pittsburgh Penguins); Arturs Silovs, G (Pittsburgh Penguins); Yaroslav Askarov, G (San Jose Sharks); Zeev Buium, LHD (Vancouver Canucks)