Nylander, contender for highly coveted honor?

It's actually a fair question to ask.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
 Nylander, contender for highly coveted honor?
Keystone press agency

After being named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for the second time this season, Toronto Maple Leafs sensation William Nylander is building a serious case for a Calder Trophy consideration as the NHL’s top rookie. In a team that’s stacked with rookie talents including Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, Nylander is the only player to earn multiple Rookie of the Month honors this season. Might that give him the edge in some voters eyes?


Nylander currently ranks third for points in the NHL amongst first year players, with only teammate Matthews and Winnipeg Jets sniper Patrik Laine ranked higher. While the point spread may be too much for Nylander to cover at this late stage of the season, his consistently high level of play from October through March should earn him merit when it comes time to name the trophy’s nominees.

Matthews and Laine seem to be the odds on favorite to earn nominations, so if Nylander is to work his way into the conversation, it may come at the expense of teammate Marner. Muddying the waters further are Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Zach Werenski and Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Matt Murray who have both also had outstanding seasons. This season has produced an incredible crop of rookies, so while Nylander has a legitimate shot at the Calder, he’ll have plenty of competition. 


Source: Twitter