Feb 11, 2022; Beijing, China; ROC defender Alexander Nikishin (57) passes the puck against Denmark forward Julian Jakobsen (33) in men’s ice hockey Group B play during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images Lane Hutson won the Calder Memorial Trophy last season. Will his Montreal Canadiens teammate Ivan Demidov follow suit in the coming campaign?
For those interested in putting down a few dollars on that bet, the odds are in their favor. Demidov, the fifth overall pick in the 2024 draft, provided a glimpse of the future when he joined the Canadiens late last season and netted one goal and one assist in a pair of regular-season clashes. He added two assists in five playoff games.
But the list of potential Calder Memorial Trophy winners is lengthy, with a litany of highly touted players poised to become full-time NHLers.
Here’s a look at the candidates to watch when the season kicks off:
Alexander Nikishin, Carolina Hurricanes
A big defenseman capable of collecting points, Nikishin will turn 24 before the season begins. The 2020 third-round pick stepped into Carolina’s lineup for the playoffs and recorded one assist in four games.
Jimmy Snuggerud, St. Louis Blues
Apr 15, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Jimmy Snuggerud (21) and goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) celebrate a win against the Utah Hockey Club at Enterprise Center to clinch a spot in the playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-Imagn Images After finishing his junior year at the University of Minnesota, the 23rd overall pick of 2022 joined the Blues late last season. The right wing notched one goal and three assists in seven regular-season games and added two goals and two assists in seven playoff tilts. Snuggerud is pegged to step into a top-line role.
Michael Misa, San Jose Sharks
The second overall pick of 2025 may head to Penn State instead of turning pro, but the Sharks would love for the center to join a squad loading up on young talent. Misa was named the Ontario Hockey League MVP after collecting 62 goals and 134 points.
Ryan Leonard, Washington Capitals
The eighth overall pick in 2023, Leonard turned pro after his sophomore season at Boston College and scored once in nine regular-season games. He added one assist in eight playoff games. He likely will start on the third line at right wing but could move up.
Zeev Buium, Minnesota Wild
The defenseman drafted 12th in 2024 jumped to the NHL following his sophomore year at the University of Denver and logged one assist in four playoff outings. He likely will be a top-four blue-liner right away.
Zayne Parekh, Calgary Flames
Another defenseman who made an immediate impact, the ninth pick of 2024 scored in his NHL debut. His defensive game needs work, but after racking up 107 points last season in junior, Parekh will be given ample opportunity on the rebuilding Flames.
Isaac Howard, Edmonton Oilers
The 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner was acquired via trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Howard scored 26 goals and 52 points in 37 NCAA games and will be considered for a top-six role with the high-scoring Oilers.
Matt Savoie, Edmonton Oilers
Despite reaching the Stanley Cup Final in consecutive years, the Oilers must integrate youth, with Howard and Savoie likely to benefit. Savoie, the ninth overall pick of the Buffalo Sabres in 2022, spent last season honing his craft in the minors.
Gabriel Perrault, New York Rangers
The Rangers essentially made a third-line spot available for Perrault, the 23rd pick of 2023, by trading away Chris Kreider. Perrault played five regular-season games after leaving Boston College following his sophomore year.
Easton Cowan, Toronto Maple Leafs
After winning consecutive OHL titles and playoff MVP honors en route to claiming this year’s Memorial Cup, the 28th pick in 2023 will turn pro. Toronto has a major hole to fill on the second line after the departure of Mitch Marner, and Cowan has the tools to score 30 goals in that role.
