BLOG: My Way Too Early 2022-23 Calder Trophy Prediction

The NHL playoffs are starting in ~two weeks, so naturally this is a perfect time to discuss next season's Rookie of the Year award.

There are a handful of young stars who recently signed their entry levels with their respective NHL clubs. Owen Power, Matty Beniers, Mason MacTavish among dozens of others who will undergo their rookie campaigns will be in contention. Beniers looks great as it is & Owen Power cannot be counted out.

However, the name I am looking at is Thomas Bordeleau. Bordeleau is the 2020 38th overall pick for the San Jose Sharks. Formerly a standout for the stacked Michigan Wolverine squad. I admittedly have only watched three full-length games in which Bordeleau appeared so there are probably some gaps in his game, but he's stood out in every game I've seen so far.

In NCAA hockey, he totaled 67 points in 61 games. After turning pro less than two weeks ago, he's appeared in four professional matches (two AHL, two NHL) he's scored 5 assists. Pretty good. Take this beauty from last night's game vs. Columbus:

From what I've gathered, Bordeleau is an effective forechecker & playmaker with an acumen for creating space for himself in tight spaces. His innate offensive instincts are noticeable already playing on San Jose's third line with Rudolf Balcers & Noah Gregor, earning assists in back to back games to open his career.

Imagine him sharing the ice with Logan Couture or Timo Meier? Smells like Calder to me...

Anyway, here is a highlight reel for your viewing pleasure:

MUST READ

56 minutes ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Connor Bedard's Struggles Prove Chicago Blackhawks are in Dire Need of a Coaching Change

1 hour ago  |  By Graham Montgomery NHL Analyst Believes Toronto Maple Leafs are Exploring Possible Reunion With Nazem Kadri

3 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery 800-Game NHL Veteran Nick Bonino Signs an Unexpected New Professional Contract

5 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Jordan Reaves Calls Out Darnell Nurse After He Plays the Victim Following Hit From Brother Ryan

18 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Two Maple Leafs Reporters Have Tense Altercation on Mitch Marner's Market Value

19 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Nashville Predators Practice Takes a Nasty Turn as Players Fight On the Ice Due to Mounting Frustration

21 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks John Gibson Reportedly Willing to Waive No-Trade Clause for One Specific Team

22 hours ago  |  By Daniel Lucente Toronto Maple Leafs on the Verge of a Significant Forward Trade Per Top NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman

MORE STORIES