2025-26 Calder Trophy November Update: Matthew Schaefer takes early lead

Nov 4, 2025, 09:00 ESTUpdated: Nov 4, 2025, 13:05 EST

2025-26 Calder Trophy November Update: Matthew Schaefer takes early lead

Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

October really flew by, didn’t it?

We knew the Calder Trophy race would be a doozy, and it sure has lived up to expectations. The reigning No. 1 draft pick, Matthew Schaefer, didn’t play a meaningful game of any kind in 2025 before making his debut with the New York Islanders. Suddenly, pundits are questioning whether he should be considered for Canada’s Olympic team while still eligible for the World Juniors.

The Montreal Canadiens, meanwhile, are one of the hottest teams in the league – and three youngsters are helping to lead the way. We’ve seen some notable players make it to game No. 10, burning their entry-level contracts earlier than expected – namely Anaheim’s Beckett Sennecke, San Jose‘s Sam Dickinson and Pittsburgh’s Benjamin Kindel.

There’s plenty of quality freshmen making their names known early this season, so let’s look at 10 of the best rookies from the first month of the season.

1. Matthew Schaefer, D (New York Islanders)

Schaefer is off to a special start. He had eight points in 11 games in October and is coming off an incredible two-goal performance against Columbus on Sunday. He continues to play heavy minutes (as high as 27:40 against Philadelphia on Oct. 25) while being the jack of all trades for the Isles. He’s tracking for 68 points, which would just edge Lane Hutson’s 66-point output a year ago. Don’t be surprised if Schaefer starts tracking closer to 75 sooner rather than later.

2. Jakub Dobes, G (Montreal Canadiens)

Dobes not only had the best numbers by a rookie goalie but was one of the best goaltenders, period. He went 6-0-0 with a .930 save percentage, while his 9.63 goals saved above expected was fifth among all goaltenders. Dobes got a bit of a taste of the NHL last year when he took over as backup midway through. But now, he’s outplaying Samuel Montembeault in every notable metric – and by a long shot. Demidov might have all the points, but Dobes has been absolutely crucial to Montreal’s early-season success. What a start for a guy trying to prove himself.

3. Ivan Demidov, RW (Montreal Canadiens)

Demidov was the most productive rookie last month, registering nine points in 11 games. He’s been one of Montreal’s most impactful forwards at 5-on-5 production, and he three power-play assists, as well. Demidov is playing with so much confidence, and he’s continuing to prove why his playmaking abilities were loved by scouts back during his time in Russia. If Demidov could figure out how to score, he’d be unstoppable. Right now, he’s living up to the hype – 65-70 points are absolutely on the table.

4. Emmitt Finnie, LW (Detroit Red Wings)

A hot preseason thrust Finnie into the spotlight – but was it going to last? For as good as he was during exhibition play, it always felt like the 20-year-old pro rookie was bound to head down to Grand Rapids. Instead, he has stepped up in more ways than anyone could have expected, especially with Patrick Kane out with an injury. Finnie had eight points in October, putting him fourth in team scoring. Given he was taken in the seventh round in 2023, that’s incredible. But a second-to-none work ethic and a boatload of confidence have made Finnie untouchable – there’s no way they’re sending him down to the AHL now. What a story.

5. Oliver Kapanen, C (Montreal Canadiens)

Kapanen averaged just 12:24 in ice time last month but absolutely made the most of it. He scored a shorthanded goal against Toronto in the season opener and finished the month with four goals and seven points. He kills penalties, is strong defensively and clearly is finding ways to stay productive with the puck. Kapanen was known for his outstanding shot back in Finland, but he needed some extra seasoning last year to really find his rhythm. Now, Kapanen looks to be a long-term part of Montreal’s bottom-six, a group that’s having plenty of success early this season. Given Kapanen’s production and the role assigned to him, he deserves a ton of love.

6. Zeev Buium, D (Minnesota Wild)

Buium was exceptionally productive on the power play, with five of his eight points coming with the man advantage. He’s also averaging 19:37, the third most of any rookie outside of Schaefer and Sam Rinzel. Buium has struggled at 5-on-5, though, which hasn’t totally been his fault. The Wild are still a work in progress, and it’s asking a lot for Buium to be up to snuff while playing so much out of college. That being said, he’s near the top in many metrics among Wild defenders and has started to show a bit more control in his game as of late. There’s absolutely zero reason to be worried about Buium, who should be a serious contender to finish as a finalist.

7. Jimmy Snuggerud, RW (St. Louis Blues)

October was a difficult month for the Blues, but Snuggerud finished with seven points – tying him for second on the team. He has had plenty of opportunities to play a key role early on given St. Louis’ lack of depth, and he hasn’t disappointed. Snuggerud leads all rookies with four power-play points, and no first-year players have more goals than his four, either. His shot release is among the best you’ll find of any NHL rookie – look for him to easily pass 20 goals by the time the year is over.

8. Alexander Nikishin, D (Carolina Hurricanes)

Nikishin had a solid six points in October, putting him on pace for just fewer than 50 over the full season. I think we haven’t seen him close to his full potential yet, though. The Russian blueliner was dominant in the KHL, putting up excellent numbers year after year with SKA St. Petersburg. He has needed a bit of time to get used to the speed of the NHL, but it feels like he’s getting better quite quickly. Nikishin’s decision-making looks improved compared to this time a year ago, and he’s doing an excellent job of adjusting to the physicality, too.

9. Arseny Gritsyuk, RW (New Jersey Devils)

The Devils are an absolute force, and Gritsyuk has looked the part, as well. The Russian winger had six points in 11 games, while also seeing time on the power play. He’s big, built strong and plays with a ton of power, which has helped him contribute at 5-on-5. He’s also one of the top rookie shot generators, even if the goals haven’t come in droves. Given the Devils needed some offensive depth, the 24-year-old has done everything to succeed early on.

10. Beckett Sennecke, RW (Anaheim Ducks)

Hockey Canada probably wishes Sennecke was sent down by now, but the Ducks clearly love him. The 6-foot-4 forward had little left to prove in the OHL, with his game being much more suited for the NHL limelight. The Ducks have a young team, and they clearly value having Sennecke learn and grow with the group rather than beating up on junior-aged kids. He didn’t light the NHL on fire in October, but he proved he can hang in the team’s middle-six by hitting everyone in sight and generating quality chances in the slot.

Also considered: Fraser Minten, C (Boston Bruins); Artyom Levshunov, D (Chicago Blackhawks); Sam Rinzel, D (Chicago Blackhawks); Matthew Wood, RW (Nashville Predators); Ben Kindel, C (Pittsburgh Penguins); Ryan Leonard, RW (Washington Capitals)

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