Calder Trophy Power Rankings: Dahlin continuing historic season
In the fifth edition of our Calder Trophy Power Rankings, we've got our first goalie entry of the season, and another first-timer breaking into the top three.
You can read the previous installment here.
ATOI = Average time on ice
SCF% = Percentage of scoring chances generated while the player was on the ice at 5-on-5
HDCF% = Percentage of high-danger scoring chances generated while the player was on the ice at 5-on-5
HDSV% = Save percentage on high-danger chances against
GSAA = Goals Saved Above Average
Courtesy: Natural Stat Trick
5. Carter Hart, Philadelphia Flyers
| GP | W-L-OT | GAA | SV% | HDSV% | GSAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | 13-8-1 | 2.79 | .917 | .842 | 4.96 |
If last week could be eliminated, Hart's debut on our rookie power rankings would have been much higher. Unfortunately, being pulled in a pair of starts and suffering a lower-body injury puts him at No. 5 for now.
Still, an impressive body of work for a 20-year-old starter puts him on the list. He may not be able to push Philly into the playoffs this year, but Hart is showing that the organization finally has a bright future in goal.
4. Miro Heiskanen, Dallas Stars
| GP | G | A | P | ATOI | SCF% | HDCF% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | 10 | 17 | 27 | 23:05 | 50.52% | 51.99% |
Heiskanen isn't showing signs of rookie fatigue, and he easily leads all freshman in ice time. He's also notched seven points in 13 games since our last Calder rankings, and his underlying numbers are increasing, too.
3. Andreas Johnsson, Toronto Maple Leafs
| GP | G | A | P | ATOI | SCF% | HDCF% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | 17 | 17 | 34 | 12:58 | 51.43 | 50.99 |
At 24 years old, there's an asterisk next to Johnsson's rookie contributions. However, the Maple Leafs winger has come on strong lately, leading all Calder nominees with 12 points since the last edition of these rankings.
He also sits second among rookie skaters with 17 goals this season, and Johnsson is getting it done despite averaging less than 13 minutes per game. His recent promotion to Auston Matthews' line should give Johnsson the minutes he deserves.
2. Rasmus Dahlin, Buffalo Sabres
| GP | G | A | P | ATOI | SCF% | HDCF% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | 8 | 28 | 36 | 20:55 | 50.93 | 48.77 |
Dahlin is second in the rookie scoring race, but the proper perspective on his production shows the Swede's extraordinary talent.
His 36 points so far rank fourth in NHL history among 18-year-old rookie defensemen, trailing only Aaron Ekblad (39), Bobby Orr (41), and Phil Housley (66).
1. Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks
| GP | G | A | P | ATOI | SCF% | HDCF% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52 | 26 | 30 | 56 | 18:23 | 46.42 | 48.37 |
Pettersson hasn't put up blistering numbers lately, notching a modest 11 points in 12 contests since our last rankings. But the Canucks' phenom is still on pace to record 75-plus points if he stays healthy.
With about 20 games left for most teams, it's going to take a remarkable effort to knock Pettersson off his perch at No. 1.