5 NHL rookies who are favorites to win Calder Trophy in 2024/25 season ft. Macklin Celebrini 

By Evan Bell

Modified Aug 24, 2024 19:51 GMT

The odds for this year's Calder Trophy winner are incredibly close, with a number of standout rookies in the running to win the coveted award. Last season, Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard was named the winner after logging 61 points over 68 games with 22 goals and 39 assists.

Bedard finished the 2023-24 Calder Trophy race with 1,808 voting points, with Minnesota rookie Brock Faber finishing in second place with 1,464 voting points.

Much like last year, injuries will likely have an impact on how things play out. Last year's race was impacted by Connor Bedard missing significant time for a broken jaw midway through the year.

Because Bedard played just 68 games, whereas Faber played all 82, opinions were divided during the vote. This year, we could wind up seeing a few rookies engaged in a closely contested race for the Calder Trophy if the current odds are anything to go by.

Five rookies who are the favorite to win the 2024-25 NHL Calder Trophy

#5: Will Smith

NHL: Preseason-Seattle Kraken at Edmonton Oilers - Source: Imagn

Drafted as the fourth pick of the 2023 NHL draft by the San Jose Sharks, Will Smith made the jump to the NCAA level last year. Over 41 games with Boston College, the 19-year-old center tallied a whopping 71 points with 25 goals and 46 assists.

He then kept the momentum rolling with Team USA at the WJC U20 tournament, logging nine points in seven games en route to capturing the gold medal. With the Sharks looking to bounce back from a 19-win season, Smith is expected to be a big part of their long-term plans.

#4: Cutter Gauthier

NHL: Anaheim Ducks at Vegas Golden Knights - Source: Imagn

Drafted fifth overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2022 NHL draft, Cutter Gauthier was a part of the United States' 2024 WJC team that captured gold in Sweden this summer.

After making waves with the US National Development Team in the USHL, he put together two impressive seasons at Boston College. Last year, over 41 games, Gauthier logged 65 points with 38 goals and 27 assists.

#3: Logan Stankoven

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Edmonton Oilers at Dallas Stars - Source: Imagn

Although Logan Stankoven has already impressed in the NHL, the 21-year-old forward has played just 24 games. Given that, he's eligible to win the 2024-25 Calder Trophy.

Last season, Stankoven logged 57 points in 47 games with the Texas Stars, before playing 24 games for the Dallas Stars where he tallied another 14 points. Given that he has already shown flashes of brilliance at the NHL level, Stankoven is expected to be one of the top contenders for the Calder.

#2: Macklin Celebrini

NHL: NHL Draft - Source: Imagn

The top pick in this summer's NHL draft, many in the community believe Macklin Celebrini is poised to have an immediate Connor Bedard-like impact in the NHL.

Last season, Celebrini left fans and analysts in awe with his multi-dimensional offensive play. Over just 38 games with Boston University, Celebrini tallied 64 points with 32 goals and 32 assists.

#1: Matvei Michkov

NHL: NHL Draft - Source: Imagn

Drafted with the seventh pick in the 2023 draft, Matvei Michkov currently sits as the betting favorite to win the Calder Trophy on several US sportsbooks. Those who have had a chance to see him compete with HK Sochi in the KHL already know why.

Michkov is considered to be an exceptional scorer who can find the back of the net anywhere. At the same time, his numbers from last year also reveal that on top of being an elite scorer, Michkov can find his teammates as well, which is expected to open up the Flyers' offense.