Calder奖（2）

5. Will Smith, San Jose Sharks

Yes, I know, not the Sharks player you were thinking I’d select. Celebrini understandably has a lot of attention and Calder hype around him, being the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. But don’t sleep on Smith, San Jose’s No. 4 selection in the 2023 NHL Draft. The 19-year-old led the NCAA with 71 points (25 goals, 46 assists) in 41 games with Boston College last season. Is Smith going to be one of the young Sharks players targeted by opponents? Sure, but probably not as much as Celebrini, and I think he’ll take advantage of that. The Sharks have reason to be optimistic about the future, and I think Smith will start his NHL career by making a big impact his rookie season. -- Tracey Myers, staff writer

6. Logan Stankoven, Dallas Stars

The forward has to be the preseason favorite for the Calder Trophy, ahead of Celebrini or Smith or anyone else who might have been a higher draft pick and carries the burden of heavier expectations. We’ve already seen it from Stankoven. He has already been a top rookie in the NHL, but it was only for 24 games last season. He made his NHL debut on Feb. 24 and, from that point, was tied for fifth in rookie scoring with 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 24 games. He was behind Connor Bedard (22 points), Luke Hughes (20), Logan Cooley (17) and Hendrix Lapierre (15). He was tied with Brock Faber. They’ve all graduated out of Calder contention, leaving Stankoven as the most experienced and the favorite. He solidified his standing with his performance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, when he had eight points (three goals, five assists) in 19 games. He’ll play high in their lineup, get power-play time, and have an opportunity to produce. -- Dan Rosen, senior writer

7. Dustin Wolf, Calgary Flames

The 23-year-old is expected to be the No. 1 goalie for Calgary following the trade of Jacob Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils on June 19. Wolf played 17 games for the Flames last season, so he remains eligible for the Calder this season. The two-time American Hockey League goalie of the year (2022, 2023), Wolf won the AHL MVP award in 2023. Wolf was 7-7-1 with a 3.16 goals-against average and .893 save percentage with the Flames last season, but Calgary is confident enough in the American to give him the chance to compete for the starting job against Dan Vladar. The last goalie to win the Calder Trophy was Steve Mason of the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2009, but if Wolf can get the reloading Flames anywhere near the playoffs he might be a candidate. -- Derek Van Diest, staff writer