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yesterday

NHL Names Schaefer, Demidov, Sennecke as Calder Trophy Finalists

PHWA voters will choose the rookie of the year at the June NHL Awards.

Apr 9, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) plays the puck in the third period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
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Apr 26, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Ivan Demidov (93) tracks the play against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The league named Montreal’s Ivan Demidov, the Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer and Anaheim’s Beckett Sennecke as Calder Trophy finalists Tuesday during the draft lottery.
  • Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, 18, tied Brian Leetch’s rookie defenseman goals record with 23 and led all rookies with 2,023:59 of ice time, and he is widely viewed as the front‑runner.
  • Canadiens winger Ivan Demidov led all first‑year players with 62 points and 43 assists in 82 games, helping Montreal reach the second round of the playoffs.
  • Ducks winger Beckett Sennecke tied for the rookie lead with 23 goals, finished with 60 points, and scored in Anaheim’s first‑round win over the Oilers, the club’s first series victory in nine years.
  • The Calder Memorial Trophy goes to the NHL’s top rookie by PHWA vote, with outcomes that could include Schaefer becoming the youngest winner, Montreal earning a second straight Calder, or Anaheim claiming its first.