2026-27 Preseason Calder Trophy Power Rankings – The Hockey Writers – Power Rankings

The NHL has had some stacked rookie classes in recent seasons, and this one is no different. In a preseason edition of Calder Trophy power rankings, who are the top 10 contenders for the award?

Just missed: Viggo Björck (F, Winnipeg Jets), Victor Eklund (F, New York Islanders), Nikita Klepov (F, Anaheim Ducks), Bradly Nadeau (F, Carolina Hurricanes), Carter Yakemchuk (D, Ottawa Senators)

10. James Hagens, F, Boston Bruins

James Hagens, taken seventh overall by the Boston Bruins in 2025, was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award last season with a 23-goal, 24-assist showing across 34 games at Boston College. The Bruins didn’t rush him into things, as he played six games in the American Hockey League (AHL) and five NHL contests following the completion of his collegiate campaign.

Unfortunately for his Calder Trophy candidacy, it’s unlikely that Hagens gets true top-six minutes to begin the 2026-27 season—or really at all. The Bruins were cautious with his ice time last season, so perhaps he’s more of a middle-sixer to start his career. He can certainly rise up the depth chart, though.

9. Ilya Protas, F, Washington Capitals

Ilya Protas would be a lot higher on this list if not for the Washington Capitals’ busy offseason. After bringing in wingers Jordan Kyrou and Alex Tuch, it’ll be difficult for the 20-year-old to crack the top six. But if anyone can do it, it’s him.

Taken in the third round of the 2024 NHL Draft, Protas immediately outperformed that selection. He recorded 124 points in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in 2024-25, ranking second in the league. Then, in the AHL last season, he scored 29 goals and added 37 assists in 69 games with the Hershey Bears. His stint in the NHL was brief, but he had four points in as many games.

Protas is a big, smart, and skilled forward who has dominated at every level. The Capitals’ top nine is deep, but that makes him a sleeper pick for the Calder Trophy.

8. Jacob Fowler, G, Montreal Canadiens

As Dustin Wolf showed in 2024-25, it’s tough for even a high-end starting netminder to win the Calder Trophy—he lost out to Lane Hutson. So, with Jacob Fowler being the Montreal Canadiens’ backup behind Jakub Dobeš, the odds are stacked against him taking the award home. But even if he doesn’t, he’s a threat to get a lot of votes.

Fowler showed out for Montreal last season. In 17 games, he had a 9-6-2 record with a .908 save percentage, a 2.43 goals-against average, and one shutout. This came after an outstanding collegiate career and solid AHL numbers. The 21-year-old seems to be the real deal, and he might end up splitting starts with Dobeš. This could be a Jesper Wallstedt-type situation.

7. Cole Hutson, D, Washington Capitals

Cole Hutson, a 20-year-old defenseman, is in a similar boat as Protas: he quickly became a steal in the 2024 class, but there may be limited opportunity in the Capitals’ lineup. While he recorded six power-play points in 14 games last season, Jakob Chychrun will be quarterbacking the top unit.

As a freshman in 2024-25, Hutson recorded 48 points in 39 games from the blue line for Boston University. With Team USA at the 2025 World Junior Championship, he had 11 points in seven games en route to a gold medal. Last season wasn’t as impressive from a counting stats standpoint, but he had 10 points in 14 games with the Capitals following his sophomore campaign at Boston University.

Now, there’s a world where Hutson gets top-four minutes in Washington and effectively splits time with Chychrun on the No. 1 power-play unit, helping him secure a Calder Trophy win. After all, he’s incredibly gifted. As it stands, however, a safer bet is that he has a good rookie showing but just not enough to dethrone players who will have more flexibility.

6. Konsta Helenius, F, Buffalo Sabres

Konsta Helenius could be a finalist for the Calder Trophy if the stars align—he’s only lower due to ice-time concerns. The 20-year-old center is one of the most NHL-ready skaters on this list, and he proved it last season. He recorded 62 points in 63 AHL games, then came to the NHL and put up six points in 13 games across the regular season and the playoffs in very limited ice time. As always, his two-way impacts were terrific.

The Sabres have a well-rounded group of skaters, so he’s in a good situation. If he can earn the trust of head coach Lindy Ruff and play higher in the lineup, this ranking will be far too low. Until that happens, No. 6 is a respectable spot.

5. Roman Kantserov, F, Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago Blackhawks winger Roman Kantserov went nuclear in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) last season, becoming the youngest player in league history to reach 60 points in a single season. He registered 36 goals and 28 assists as a 21-year-old, and now he’s headed to the NHL.

Kantserov has a dangerous and deceptive shot, solid speed, and an engaged play style. He’s the kind of player who, if his game translates, will be adored by analytical models while putting up high point totals in the Blackhawks’ top six.

4. Anton Frondell, F, Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks boast another top-five entry on this list, with 2025 third-overall pick Anton Frondell up next. The 19-year-old went on a bit of a goal-scoring clinic last season, putting up 20 goals in 43 games in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) and five in seven games at the 2026 World Junior Championship. He suited up for 12 contests with Chicago, recording three goals and six assists.

Frondell has a leg up on some of the other players here because he averaged 17:42 of ice time with the Blackhawks. He’s not projected to play alongside the team’s best players at 5-on-5, which could be troubling, but he’ll likely get top-six minutes with top-unit usage on the power play. So, the opportunity should be there. His multi-faceted offensive game should have him on the Calder Trophy radar.

3. Ivar Stenberg, F, San Jose Sharks

Ivar Stenberg did, and still does, have people who believe he was the best prospect in the 2026 NHL Draft. His dynamic yet well-rounded game should bode well for him this season, making him a top contender for the Calder Trophy.

The only concern with Stenberg’s candidacy is that he may take over William Eklund’s role on the second line. That’s not a bad place to be, but it could limit his ceiling. Nevertheless, the 18-year-old is poised to have a fantastic season.

2. Gavin McKenna, F, Toronto Maple Leafs

Ranking No. 2 on the list is Gavin McKenna, who went first overall in this past draft. He’s got it all: the talent, the situation, and most likely, the ice time. The 18-year-old could play on a second line with John Tavares and William Nylander. Top-line power-play usage may not come right away, but he should put up high-end numbers.

The only reason for pause at this stage is that he struggled at the start of his freshman season in college, so the same might be true for the NHL. But these same concerns are true for almost any rookie. His deceptive playmaking will come in handy for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

1. Porter Martone, F, Philadelphia Flyers

At the top of this list is Porter Martone, selected sixth overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2025. He won’t be surrounded by the same level of talent as McKenna, but the 19-year-old is arguably just as gifted, only older and with an impressive, albeit small-sample, showing in the NHL.

Martone recorded 25 goals and as many assists in 35 games at Michigan State University last season—a point-per-game rate of 1.43, ranking third behind Ethan Wyttenbach (1.48) and the aforementioned McKenna (1.46). In the NHL, he had 15 points in 19 games, including the playoffs. He averaged just under 17 minutes of ice time and 2.89 shots on goal per game, so he has a ton of leeway. It’s close, but Martone is the No. 1 contender for the Calder Trophy as of now.

Who do you think will end up winning the Calder Trophy this season? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section!