2021 Calder Trophy Finalists Announced

The NHL announced the candidates for the Calder Trophy and by all accounts there wasn't much room for surprise. The league saw a handful of talented rookies step into lineups this season, but none more than the Minnesota Wild's Kirill Kaprizov, Carolina Hurricanes goalie Alex Nedeljkovic and Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson.

Kaprizov is certainly the favorite at this point, after posting a dominant season that saw him produce 27 goals and 51 points in 55 games. He managed to lead the Wild to the playoffs after some were considering their roster the worst going into the season. The 24-year-old is looking to become the first Wild player to win the Calder Trophy in franchise history.

Nedeljkovic on the other hand is still playing in the playoffs, battling it out with the defending champs in Tampa Bay. He's gone from a taxi-squad fill-in to the team's number one option and his .932 save % is the best ever posted by a 'Canes rookie. 

Maybe the biggest surprise of them all was Robertson bursting onto the scene in Dallas. With major injuries to their roster, the opportunity presented itself and he never looked back. Robertson finished second in rookie scoring, with 17 goals and 45 points in 51 games. The 21-year-old was a beast even strength, leading all rookies in 5-on-5 points. 

Who wins? Let us know in the comments.

Photo credit: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports