Demidov, Schaefer, Sennecke named finalists for 2026 Calder Trophy
Three magnificent young players have been recognized for their first impressions in the NHL.
On Tuesday night, the NHL announced that Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov, New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer and Anaheim Ducks forward Beckett Sennecke are the three finalists for the 2025-26 Calder Trophy.
Introducing your finalists for the Calder Memorial Trophy! đ #NHLAwards The Trophy is presented annually to the player selected as the most proficient in their first year of competition.
The award is handed out to the NHLâs top rookie.
Schaefer is considered the odds-on favorite to take home the trophy. While he might not have led all first-year players in scoring, and is the only of the finalists who didnât make it to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the efforts from last yearâs first-overall pick restored hope on Long Island thanks to a sensational rookie season. He set the record for most goals by an 18-year-old blueliner, became the youngest player to score an overtime goal in the NHL, and tied Brian Leetchâs record for most goals by a rookie rearguard (23). Schaefer finished tied for the most goals by a rookie this season, ending up third in overall scoring by a first-year with 59 points in 82 games.
Schaefer is vying to become the sixth Islander to win the Calder, and first since Mathew Schaefer earned the award in 2017-18.
The man who led all rookies in scoring is Ivan Demidov. After coming to Montreal with pomp and circumstance at the end of last season, the Russian winger proved that he was no fluke. On a rising Canadiens squad, Demidov showcased his playmaking abilities and then some. He sat atop the freshmen leaderboard in assists (43) and points (62), and has helped Montreal reach the second round of the playoffs.
If Demidov were to win, it would give the Habs back-to-back Calder Trophy winners, as defenseman Lane Hutson took home the honor last year. Demidov would become the eighth player in franchise history to be named rookie of the year.
Sennecke has been one of the gameâs pleasant surprises. Some didnât expect the 20-year-old to stay on the Ducks roster for the entire season. Yet, he has erased all doubt that he belongs in the big time. Along with finishing the regular season tied with Schaefer in rookie goal scoring, Sennecke finished second behind Demidov with 60 points. He also scored a goal as the Ducks eliminated the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the playoffs, marking the franchiseâs first series win in nine years.
Sennecke would be the first player with Anaheim to win the award. Former Ducks Trevor Zegras, Bobby Ryan and Paul Kariya have been finalists for the award.