Kaprizov, Nedeljkovic, Robertson named finalists for 2021 Calder Trophy

Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) looks for the puck. (Tony Avelar/AP)

Kirill Kaprizov, Alex Nedeljkovic and Jason Robertson have been named the finalists for the Calder Memorial Trophy, given to the NHL's top rookie.

Kaprizov posted a dominant rookie campaign for the Minnesota Wild in 2020-21, pacing all first-year NHLers with 27 goals and 51 points through 55 games, and topping his fellow rookies with 157 shots on goal, too. Those 51 points also ranked more than any other Wild skater this season, making Kaprizov the fourth rookie in the past two decades to lead his team in scoring in his first year. The 24-year-old is looking to become the first player in his franchise's history to claim the Calder.

Nedeljkovic transitioned from taxi squad extra to one of the league's best netminders in 2020-21. The Carolina Hurricanes goaltender led the league with a .932 save percentage and 1.90 goals-against average, helping the Canes claim their first division title since their championship 2006 season. His .932 save percentage was the best ever posted by a Hurricanes rookie, and the best posted by any rookie netminder (with at least 20 games played) since the statistic was introduced in 1955. Should he win, Nedeljkovic would be the first goaltender to win the Calder since Steve Mason in 2009.

Robertson emerged as a key piece for a Dallas Stars team forced to play the majority of the season without two of its top two forwards. The young winger finished second in rookie scoring behind Kaprizov with 17 goals and 45 points through 51 games. However, 21-year-old paced his rookie class when it came to even-strength scoring (39) and assists (28). Should he win the rookie honour, Robertson would be the first player in Stars franchise history to win the Calder.

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