The Chicago Blackhawks have two rookies who could realistically win the Calder Trophy in 2026-27.
The Chicago Blackhawks have a lot of youth. Even a lot of the players who have been there for a while are under the age of 25. Most of them aren’t even close to that age milestone, including the face of the franchise, Connor Bedard.
A handful of guys are hoping to make their NHL debut in 2026-27. It is not out of the question that Marek Vanacker or Vaclav Nestrasil, amongst others, will get their chance at some point. However, only two Blackhawks rookies have a realistic chance to win the Calder Trophy as the top first-year player in the NHL.
There are plenty of candidates outside of the Blackhawks, including the number one overall pick Gavin McKenna of the Toronto Maple Leafs, but these two Blackhawks are good enough to have a shot:
Anton Frondell
Anton Frondell may spend some time at center, and he may spend some time on the wing. Who his linemates are in either situation remains unknown and could change a lot throughout the year. Injuries and the success or failure of his teammates will play a role.
Regardless of how these variables shake out, Frondell is going to score goals, make plays, and have a strong presence in all three zones. All of those attributes don’t exist right away in many rookies, but he is a special player.
If Frondell could find a way to reach the 20-goal plateau, or possibly more, his name could find its way onto a Calder Trophy ballot. Being a former 3rd overall pick, he also has the name recognition, which could work in his favor as well. It won't be a perfect season for Frondell, or any rookie, but he will impress more often than not.
Roman Kantserov
Roman Kantserov may not be as well-known a prospect as Frondell, but people are starting to learn. The Blackhawks drafted him in the second round (44th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft, and his development curve has been excellent.
In 2025-26, Kantserov led the KHL in goals. That isn’t some developmental league, either. The Kontinental Hockey League has a case for the world's second-best pro league. Kantserov was wildly successful, and that caught the attention of North American hockey people.
Now, whether he plays wing or center in the NHL remains to be seen. That is a common theme for Blackhawks prospects, but the diversity could be helpful down the line. In his rookie year, however, he has to remain focused on translating that goal-scoring ability to the NHL.
No matter what, he should have a great playmaker on his line. Whether it’s Patrick Kane, Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, or even Anton Frondell, he will have guys who can get him the puck in dangerous areas. A goal total at or near the top of the rookie leaderboard will almost certainly have his name in Calder Trophy talks.
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