As 2025 begins, the NHL is approaching the midpoint of the 2024-25 season, an opportune moment to re-evaluate and rank the foremost candidates for the Calder Memorial Trophy. This prestigious award is bestowed upon the NHL's Rookie of the Year as determined by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. To be eligible, players must be no older than 26 years by September 15 of their rookie season. Recent recipients include notable talents like Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks, Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild, and Cale Makar from the Colorado Avalanche. While the award typically favors high-scoring rookies, historical precedent shows exceptions; Makar ranked second in scoring during his inaugural season. Since the 2000-01 season, only three goaltenders have clinched the Calder, the most recent being Steve Mason in the 2008-09 season with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Following a preliminary ranking in July and an assessment of the top rookies one month into the season, a clearer picture has emerged as the leading Calder contenders are distinguishing themselves from the rest of the rookie cohort.

Jackson Blake of the Carolina Hurricanes stands out following a successful tenure at the University of North Dakota. Despite facing an 11-game pointless stretch in the early season, the 21-year-old forward has regained his scoring prowess, currently ranking fourth among rookie scorers with eight goals. Meanwhile, Anaheim Ducks' Cutter Gauthier garnered attention last season for his trade from the Flyers, where the 20-year-old winger is adjusting to the NHL pace and has recorded five goals and 17 points across 37 games. Emil Heineman, playing for the Montreal Canadiens, has primarily occupied a fourth-line role but has made significant contributions, ranking third among rookies with nine goals in 36 games. San Jose Sharks' Will Smith, transitioning from Boston College, has faced challenges with injuries and inconsistent ice time, yet he manages a respectable 13 points in 33 games. Maxim Tsyplakov from the New York Islanders, having turned 26 just before the season began, leads all rookies in plus/minus with a rating of plus-9 and holds fourth in points with 19 across 39 games.

Logan Stankoven of the Dallas Stars, eligible for the Calder after narrowly missing the cutoff last season, has emerged as a scoring leader among rookies. Drafted 47th overall in 2021, he transitioned well in his sophomore season, accumulating 18 points in 35 games, including three game-winning goals. Notably, he began the season with 14 points in his first 15 games, although his production has dipped recently. In goal, Dustin Wolf of the Calgary Flames made a compelling case for Calder candidacy. Having secured a 12-5-2 record, a 2.61 goals-against average, and a .914 save percentage, Wolf is establishing himself as a key player in the Flames' future plans, especially with the Flames potentially vying for a postseason spot. Matvei Michkov, selected first overall in the 2024 NHL Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers, has lived up to expectations with an impressive 29 points, making him a frontrunner for the Calder. Finally, the Canadiens' recent addition of Lane Hutson adds depth to their defensive lineup; Hutson, 20, has been a standout player with 26 points, showcasing skills reminiscent of elite offensive defensemen.

Macklin Celebrini, also a first overall pick, faced immediate pressures but has quickly proven his mettle. After suffering a lower-body injury that sidelined him for 12 games, the 18-year-old center returned to achiever an impressive point total of 26 in 28 games, positioning himself among the top Calder contenders. As of January 3, 2025, these players illustrate the diverse talent pool vying for the Calder Memorial Trophy, setting the stage for an exciting second half of the season.