Islanders, Wild Rookie Defensemen Starting Something Special

To drill deeper into that, what Kelly is highlighting is the totality of Schaefer’s skill set. As a teenager, he’s already displaying highly intelligent decision-making, superb skating, offensive creativity and an awareness and physicality to handle the rigors of the NHL.

National Champion Turned Blue Line Anchor

Over in the Western Conference, Zeev Buium is making a strong impact with the Wild. A national champion and Hobey Baker finalist over his two years with the University of Denver, Buium was thrust into a postseason push in Minnesota last season after turning professional.

With a full offseason to train and preseason camp with the Wild, the 19-year-old is showing he can join Brock Faber as the anchors on defense. In his first six games this year, he’s recorded a goal and four assists while averaging slightly more than 20 minutes of ice time.

Where he’s been making his biggest impact is on the power play. All of his points Have come via the man advantage.

Calder Trophy Race

These two young studs are going to be at the top of the Calder Trophy race all season long. There are other players that are sure to keep this race interesting, like Beckett Sennecke of the Anaheim Ducks or Jimmy Snuggerud of the St. Louis Blues or the front-runner entering the year, Montreal Canadiens winger Ivan Demidov, but Buium and Schaefer will remain atop this group if they stay healthy. That’s because what they are doing is special, and beyond just the push for best rookie. As the two battle for that title, they also look to carve out their place as premier defenders in the NHL.