Calder Trophy Power Rankings: Olofsson charges up list with big December

In the third edition of theScore's Calder Trophy Power Rankings, we feature one rookie making his debut on the list, and four others who have been jockeying for position throughout the 2019-20 season.

5. Ilya Mikheyev, Toronto Maple Leafs

Unfortunately, this will be Mikheyev's final appearance in these rankings, as he's been sidelined indefinitely following a scary incident when a skate sliced his wrist.

Although he's bound to fall out of the race, Mikheyev's freshman showing deserves some recognition. The 25-year-old Russian is fourth in rookie scoring, and he developed into a fixture in the Maple Leafs' top six under head coach Sheldon Keefe before the injury.

4. John Marino, Pittsburgh Penguins

A pair of defensemen have been dominating these rankings, but it's time to shed some light on Marino, the rearguard who's been shining in anonymity for the Penguins.

Injuries have thrust the 22-year-old into an elevated role, and Marino now ranks fourth among rookies in average ice time, is tied for seventh in points, and he owns the top expected goals rate among Pittsburgh blue-liners.

3. Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks

Hughes is enjoying a fantastic season, but although he's likely to be a finalist by the end of the campaign, the Canucks defenseman has fallen out of the No. 2 spot on our list for the first time.

The 20-year-old ranks first in rookie ice time and third in points, but a quiet December production-wise bumps him down a spot. After finding the scoresheet 12 times over 14 games in November, Hughes registered just six points in 13 contests this month despite an uptick in minutes.

2. Victor Olofsson, Buffalo Sabres

Olofsson returns to our ranks after missing the cut in November. The Sabres rookie posted his best month yet in December, recording six goals and eight assists in 13 games.

The 24-year-old sniper should remain in the Calder conversation throughout the year while playing alongside Jack Eichel on Buffalo's top line.

1. Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche

He's only appeared in five games this month, but Makar is still the front-runner for rookie-of-the-year honors.

Despite missing eight outings, the Avalanche defenseman still ranks second among his peers in points, and first in points per game. While he was out, Colorado's usually dangerous power play ranked 20th while converting just 18.5 percent of its opportunities, and the team struggled to find consistency, posting a 4-4 record.