While that still might be the case in June, after 10 games, defenseman Pavel Mintyukov is leading the race.
While that still might be the case in June, after 10 games, defenseman Pavel Mintyukov is leading the race.
Heading into this season, most people would have expected Leo Carlsson to be the Anaheim Duck's frontrunner for the Calder Trophy.
While that still might be the case in June, after 10 games, defenseman Pavel Mintyukov is leading the race.
Mintyukov is tied for the second-most points amongst rookies with seven and tied for the league lead amongst rookie defensemen with Luke Hughes.
However, Mintyukov is a plus-four while Hughes is a negative one. Mintykov has also been far more productive at even strength compared to Hughes.
Whether you think he's been the best rookie outright, there's no question Mintyukov is the best rookie defenseman.
It's not just the points that stick out for Mintyukov either, although those are a big factor, but his overall play.
Mintyukov has stepped in and taken almost no time adjusting to the NHL, from the opening puck drop, he's looked like a capable NHL defender.
That's in all areas too, defending on the rush, defending within his own zone and offensively, Mintyukov looks like a player with 10 years of experience, not 10 games.
One thing that has stuck out for Mintyukov is his ability to kill plays early. he's aggressive in his defending and often cuts plays off at the offensive blue line.
Here is a tweet that explains this in detail:
Interestingly, it's something that Los Angeles Kings prospect Brandt Clarke has discussed a lot. Trying to get up and kill plays early is something all NHL teams want their defensemen doing and Mintyukov is already one of the best at it.
He makes it very difficult for teams to cleanly exit their zone and create odd-man rush opportunities, and if he is beaten being too aggressive, he has the legs to recover.
Mintyukov has earned the trust of the Duck's coaching staff too, as he's often sent out late in games both when chasing and defending a lead.
The Duck's blue line is littered with young players like Jackson LaCombe, Jamie Drysdale, Tristan Luneau and Olen Zellweger in San Diego, but Mintyukov is quickly rising above the pack.
If he can develop into a true, all-situations, number-one defenseman, the Ducks have an elite blue line in their future.
It's too early for any declaration that he can become that player or that he will be in the Calder Trophy conversation by the end of the season.
But right now, he looks every bit of that player and a lock to be in the top three for Calder voting.