The race for the 2025 Calder Trophy is heating up, with three promising NHL rookies vying for the prestigious award. At the forefront is 18-year-old Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks, who is currently viewed as the frontrunner. Following closely are Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson and Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf. While Celebrini showcases remarkable skill and performance, the paths of Hutson and Wolf could bear significant impact on the final voting as playoff ambitions rise.
As of March 18, 2025, Macklin Celebrini leads the charge in the Calder Trophy race. He stands out not only for his age but also for his elite performance on the ice, placing him among the top rookie performers of the season. His solid play has earned him favorable odds at major sports betting platforms, such as FanDuel, which lists his odds at -280 (1.36). Such odds imply that Celebrini is the expected winner of the coveted rookie award, as many betting experts predict.
Conversely, Lane Hutson's rise has been remarkable this season too. Recognized for both offensive and defensive contributions, the rookie defenseman plays a critical role for the Canadiens, contributing to their playoff aspirations. Just recently, Hutson has garnered attention for being the favorite among 16 NHL experts to clinch the Calder Trophy, despite FanDuel placing his odds much lower at +450 (5.5). This disparity highlights how perceptions of players can differ from statistical evaluations and betting perspectives.
Another fascinating angle is Hutson's impressive record-keeping this season. As of March 17, he equaled rookies Nicklas Lidstrom and Brian Leetch with 48 assists, just a dozen behind the record of 60 set by Larry Murphy. Moreover, Hutson has scored 52 points in 66 games this season, creating an intriguing comparison with Connor Bedard, who also has 52 points but with a game in hand. Such stats underline Hutson's exceptional rookie performance and reflect his potential to disrupt expectations.
Dustin Wolf, meanwhile, remains a strong contender as Calgary's goaltender. While he may not command the same attention as Celebrini and Hutson, his performance can sway opinions. As the teams gear up for critical games, the pressure mounts on each player to bolster their teams' performances. Specifically, Hutson's ability to help the Canadiens secure a playoff spot could significantly boost his Calder candidacy.
Indeed, Hutson has demonstrated his impact on Montreal's current ranking in the standings. Carter Hutton, discussing on a recent episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, noted: "If Montreal gets into the playoffs due to Hutson's performance, it would make a huge argument for him to be the Calder winner." This possibility adds an extra layer of suspense to the unfolding Calder race.
Conversely, Hutton asserts that while Celebrini may be the favorite, how players like Hutson and Wolf contribute to their team's playoff prospects will weigh heavily on Calder votes. The dynamic between being a standout individual performer and a pivotal team player comes into sharp focus through the lens of the Calder Trophy race.
As the season progresses, betting odds reflect not only expectations of player success but also underscore public interest in their performances. The odds for Hutson fluctuate significantly across different platforms, ranging from 5.5 at FanDuel to 2.75 at Mise-O-Jeu. This variation reveals a complex picture of how each player is perceived in relation to emerging outcomes based on actual game performances.
The outcome of the Calder Trophy has never been solely about individual statistics; it also hinges on how significant each player's contributions are to their respective teams' achievements. With all three players in focus, the conversation around the Calder Trophy will intensify, driven largely by the pivotal games that lay ahead.
Therefore, as teams gear up for important matches in the closing weeks of the season, watching the trajectories of Celebrini, Hutson, and Wolf will be crucial. Each player possesses the talent to secure the Rookie of the Year honor, but the true test will lie in their performances when the stakes are highest. As they approach critical junctures in their rookie campaigns, it's the blend of personal achievements and their impact on team outcomes that will ultimately decide who takes home the prestigious Calder Trophy.
The 2025 Calder Trophy race remains a tightly contested battle, filled with potential surprises and exciting matchups. Celebrini may be leading in the betting odds, but the resurgence of Hutson and Wolf shows that the battle for the NHL's top rookie is far from over. The upcoming playoff ambitions of their respective teams could redefine the narrative, making every game count toward the final award announcements.
