Calder Watch : 2024-25 Season

[TheBigDrunkPanda]

 

[Jabba11]

People here would choose Celebrini over Hutson in a draft. But that's the point, Lane Hutson was never meant to be to be in any conversation for the Calder. He's not gonna be picked over a #1C in a redraft. He was not even meant to make it to the NHL as a 5ft9 defenseman.

Yet, he's leading the rookie race as a one and is 7th all time in rookie defenceman in scoring. Hutson is not competing against Celebrini. He's competing against Chris Chelios/Raymond Bourque and he's competing to beat the all time rookie defenceman assists record of Larry Murphy. Connor Bedard won because he put up about 14 points more than Brock Faber. And right now, Lane Hutson is 2 points ahead of Celebrini. and Hutson has almost 20 pts more than Faber. That's a massive difference.

As far as I know, Celebrini isn't competing even closed to Matthew Barzal or Paul Stastny's rookie seasons let alone numbers like Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin or Evgeni Malkin. The thing is, Celebrini will end up with 70 games. Who knows, maybe he was gonna put up 70+ pts. But right now, we won't know what he would have done in those 10 missed games.

And the argument for supporting cast isn't valid. Nobody predicted that the Habs would be in a playoffs position this year. Everybody said we would be competing for a top 5 pick. Lane Hutson is a play driver. He changed our offense. It's not our offense who changed him or made him better.

 

[MoneyManny]

This is the only time i've ever seen people compare forwards to defensemen's point production as 1:1.

How dishonest do you have to be to still debate in favor of Celebrini at this point?

 

[voyageur]

I just hope Dustin Wolf is one of the 3 finalists. I haven't seen a goalie bail out his team the way Wolf has this year, the Flames are close to a lottery team without him.

Early in the year I would have said Hutson's defense wouldn't hold up to deserve the award, but I think he's the front runner.

The fact Celebrini is still 18 years old, and playing at such a high level, might have some sway in the final voting.

Those are my 3.

 

[CHALUPA]

Fans of Montreal, San Jose, Philadelphia, and Calgary shouldn’t be allowed to post in this thread anymore. Or at least be required to wait a day after their team played their last game

 

[MrLunatik]

You want Wolf to win but think Celebrini is winning ? Lane Hutson never happened

reading is hard, huh?

 

[crazynaiman]

Just a reminder: in the 1991–92 season, the Calder Trophy went to Pavel Bure, who had 60 points in 65 games. Second place was Nicklas Lidström, who also had 60 points but in 80 games — and as a defenseman. So, a similar statistical situation is developing here. Yes, the voters look at the whole picture, including the difference in the number of games played. Lidström was also older than Bure, but only by one year, whereas Hutson is three years older than Celebrini.

Lidström had a +36 rating, which is a hugely important stat for a defenseman, and scored 11 goals. Hutson currently has a -1 rating and 6 goals. And still, Nicklas lost the trophy to Bure, who had fewer total points, games played, and a lower PPG than Celebrini has now.

Also, in the 2019–20 season, Cale Makar won the Calder despite playing fewer games and having fewer points than Quinn Hughes. The difference in plus-minus was 22 points in Makar’s favor — and that mattered, since both are defensemen. So history shows that you can miss out on the Calder even with a Lidström-like stat line of +36 and 60 points (let alone Hutson’s case), and that voters often focus more on PPG — where the number of games is naturally taken into account — rather than just total points. And no one really cares that much whether the player is a forward or defenseman when the numbers are similar.

Both players are great in terms of performance. Celebrini has had more standout moments and goals, a better PPG, set some franchise rookie records, became the best rookie in Sharks history, leads the team in offense, and is the top scorer overall — but has a terrible plus-minus (although that’s due to the league’s worst defense, goaltending, and roster). Lane has more assists, far stronger teammates, plays a key role on the blue line and the power play, has a better (though still negative) plus-minus — and he's a defenseman — and still played a crucial role in helping Montreal reach the playoffs.

So Celebrini has a solid shot at the award, even if Hutson is currently the favorite. Once again — people evaluate players as a whole, not just by looking at raw point totals.

 

[domiwroze]

Can’t wait to read all the records Celebrini has broken this year, or at least close to.
None, huh? Weird.

Then, can’t wait to see him finish top 60 in points.
Not even top 60?? Damn.

Alright then, at least top 60 forwards? NO!?

There’s no way he’s getting outscored by a rookie Dman?! HE IS?

Well, can’t compare him to Hutson’s record breaking, top5 Dman in points, strong 2ways game, 23 pts in his last 22games +18 and pushing a team in the playoffs type of season then.

There’s no argument for any type of debate really, it’s over. Saying that Hutson isn’t going to win is either delusion or trolling.

Celebrini is a good player and a good kid. He has a bright future and a very promising career ahead of him. But it’s not his trophy to win. Simple, really.

 

[crazynaiman]

Can’t wait to read all the records Celebrini has broken this year, or at least close to.
None, huh? Weird.

Then, can’t wait to see him finish top 60 in points.
Not even top 60?? Damn.

Alright then, at least top 60 forwards? NO!?

There’s no way he’s getting outscored by a rookie Dman?! HE IS?

Well, can’t compare him to Hutson’s record breaking, top5 Dman in points, strong 2ways game, 23 pts in his last 22games +18 and pushing a team in the playoffs type of season then.

There’s no argument for any type of debate really, it’s over. Saying that Hutson isn’t going to win is either delusion or trolling.

Celebrini is a good player and a good kid. He has a bright future and a very promising career ahead of him. But it’s not his trophy to win. Simple, really.

Hutson is having a historic season — no doubt. A rookie defenseman pushing into the top 5 all-time in points, playing big minutes, and helping his team push for the playoffs? That’s special. He absolutely deserves to be a Calder frontrunner.

But saying there's “no argument” or that Celebrini “has no case” just isn’t accurate.

He’s 18 — the youngest player in the NHL — and he’s leading a bottom-five team in scoring with 62 points in 66 games. That’s elite rookie production in one of the toughest situations imaginable. He’s logging heavy minutes at center, often facing top matchups, with very little support around him. That still counts for a lot.

And since you asked — yes, he has broken records: multiple franchise records for San Jose, including the most points by a rookie (surpassing Logan Couture), as well as several pace records. They’re not league-wide like Hutson’s chase, but they’re still legit milestones.

Also, let’s correct the “not top 60” line: Celebrini is currently 57th among all forwards in scoring — that claim was just factually wrong.

And regarding the sarcastic jab — “There’s no way he’s getting outscored by a rookie Dman? HE IS?” — yes, he is. But again, context matters. Celebrini is a teenage center with almost no offensive support, carrying the load on a weak team. Hutson, while a defenseman, plays on a far better-structured roster with more talent around him. Raw point totals alone don’t paint the full picture when comparing roles this different.

And one more thing — you mentioned Hutson’s “strong 2-way game” and pointed to his +18. That’s just not accurate. His actual plus-minus is -1. He’s incredible offensively, no doubt, but let’s not rewrite reality to fit a narrative.

So yeah, Hutson might win. He’s earned that position.

But to say “there’s no debate” is just ignoring context and facts. Celebrini’s case is very real — and voters will be weighing role, age, position, team strength, and overall impact — not just box score flash.

 

[ole ole]

Just a reminder: in the 1991–92 season, the Calder Trophy went to Pavel Bure, who had 60 points in 65 games. Second place was Nicklas Lidström, who also had 60 points but in 80 games — and as a defenseman. So, a similar statistical situation is developing here. Yes, the voters look at the whole picture, including the difference in the number of games played. Lidström was also older than Bure, but only by one year, whereas Hutson is three years older than Celebrini.

Lidström had a +36 rating, which is a hugely important stat for a defenseman, and scored 11 goals. Hutson currently has a -1 rating and 6 goals. And still, Nicklas lost the trophy to Bure, who had fewer total points, games played, and a lower PPG than Celebrini has now.

Also, in the 2019–20 season, Cale Makar won the Calder despite playing fewer games and having fewer points than Quinn Hughes. The difference in plus-minus was 22 points in Makar’s favor — and that mattered, since both are defensemen. So history shows that you can miss out on the Calder even with a Lidström-like stat line of +36 and 60 points (let alone Hutson’s case), and that voters often focus more on PPG — where the number of games is naturally taken into account — rather than just total points. And no one really cares that much whether the player is a forward or defenseman when the numbers are similar.

Both players are great in terms of performance. Celebrini has had more standout moments and goals, a better PPG, set some franchise rookie records, became the best rookie in Sharks history, leads the team in offense, and is the top scorer overall — but has a terrible plus-minus (although that’s due to the league’s worst defense, goaltending, and roster). Lane has more assists, far stronger teammates, plays a key role on the blue line and the power play, has a better (though still negative) plus-minus — and he's a defenseman — and still played a crucial role in helping Montreal reach the playoffs.

So Celebrini has a solid shot at the award, even if Hutson is currently the favorite. Once again — people evaluate players as a whole, not just by looking at raw point totals.

5 pts in a meaningless game isn't changing the fact that Huton has the Calder wrapped up.

 

[crazynaiman]

5 pts in a meaningless game isn't changing the fact that Huton has the Calder wrapped up.

If Hutson had it 'wrapped up,' people wouldn’t panic every time an 18-year-old center drops 5 points in a meaningless game. Oh wait — it’s not just one game. It’s 62 points in 66 I mean, let’s just enjoy the ride and see how the season ends)

 

[bud12]

If Hutson had it 'wrapped up,' people wouldn’t panic every time an 18-year-old center drops 5 points in a meaningless game. Oh wait — it’s not just one game. It’s 62 points in 66 I mean, let’s just enjoy the ride and see how the season ends)

No one panic. Hutson is the clear winner!!!

 

[crazynaiman]

No one panic. Hutson is the clear winner!!!

If you say so, it must be true.

 

[Frank Drebin]

Hutson is having a historic season — no doubt. A rookie defenseman pushing into the top 5 all-time in points, playing big minutes, and helping his team push for the playoffs? That’s special. He absolutely deserves to be a Calder frontrunner.

But saying there's “no argument” or that Celebrini “has no case” just isn’t accurate.

He’s 18 — the youngest player in the NHL — and he’s leading a bottom-five team in scoring with 62 points in 66 games. That’s elite rookie production in one of the toughest situations imaginable. He’s logging heavy minutes at center, often facing top matchups, with very little support around him. That still counts for a lot.

And since you asked — yes, he has broken records: multiple franchise records for San Jose, including the most points by a rookie (surpassing Logan Couture), as well as several pace records. They’re not league-wide like Hutson’s chase, but they’re still legit milestones.

Also, let’s correct the “not top 60” line: Celebrini is currently 57th among all forwards in scoring — that claim was just factually wrong.

And regarding the sarcastic jab — “There’s no way he’s getting outscored by a rookie Dman? HE IS?” — yes, he is. But again, context matters. Celebrini is a teenage center with almost no offensive support, carrying the load on a weak team. Hutson, while a defenseman, plays on a far better-structured roster with more talent around him. Raw point totals alone don’t paint the full picture when comparing roles this different.

And one more thing — you mentioned Hutson’s “strong 2-way game” and pointed to his +18. That’s just not accurate. His actual plus-minus is -1. He’s incredible offensively, no doubt, but let’s not rewrite reality to fit a narrative.

So yeah, Hutson might win. He’s earned that position.

But to say “there’s no debate” is just ignoring context and facts. Celebrini’s case is very real — and voters will be weighing role, age, position, team strength, and overall impact — not just box score flash.

All good points
A little too little too late in my personal opinion but if macklin can score 10 more points to finish out the season who knows. Still think it’s hutsons to lose.

I always like to use the analogy of money in polls or hockey decisions where people argue whether it’s close or not.

Its like comparing two gifts, one person gives you $1000 and the other gives you $1050. Both are awesome but everyone would say the $1050 gift is better.

In a 8-5 rout of the rangers i was fully expecting to see michkov with the 5 point night. Nope 1 assist and -1. Bad coaching?

 

[Frank Drebin]

not just box score flash.

I do find it a bit ironic however that you posted this writeup after celebrinis 5 point night.

The reasons that habs fans are so confident is that a lot of arguments can be made in hutsons favour totally ignoring his historical statistical season.

Its not like he’s this complimentary player on a team that scored 4 goals per game that had 3 or 4 one hundred point players on it.

Its been a fun season, celebrini fans have a lot to be excited about and they can certainly make a case for their guy. But hutson would win it this year if celebrini scored 85 points.


Because context does matter

 

[bud12]

If you say so, it must be true.

It is. Call me when Celebrini rank in the top5 all time in pts for a rookie forward

 

[waitin425]

5 pts last night. Ridiculous game by Mack. Gonna be a superstar and honestly if he wins the Calder over Lane at this point I wouldn't care. Lane is my homer choice and has a strong argument but Celebrini is unreal.

 

[Barrie22]

It is. Call me when Celebrini rank in the top5 all time in pts for a rookie forward

He is going to by an 18 year old rookie.

 

[karltonian]

Also, let’s correct the “not top 60” line: Celebrini is currently 57th among all forwards in scoring — that claim was just factually wrong.

And 43rd in PPG

 

[le_sean]

5 pts last night. Ridiculous game by Mack. Gonna be a superstar and honestly if he wins the Calder over Lane at this point I wouldn't care. Lane is my homer choice and has a strong argument but Celebrini is unreal.

You should care, it would be stupid. But this is the NHL awards, they are often dumb just like the show itself.

 

[bud12]

He is going to by an 18 year old rookie.

And???

 

[rUmX]

And 43rd in PPG

And Hutson is 8th in PPG amongst dmen

 

[JeffreyLFC]

I do feel that if Macklin wins it over Lane Hutson at this point it would be stolen.

I have zero doubt that without Lane Hutson the Habs do not make the playoff. He did not benefit the supporting cast. He elevated the supporting cast. He could 100% be a case for the Hart trophy and Norris too.

He has been clutch and his improvement defensively is quite noticeable since the beginning of the year.

As for Macklin, I do believe the position in the standing of both team should matter. Not to diminish is achievements but when you are out of the playoff you play with no pressure and the Sharks are exactly doing that right now. They don't care if they lose a game and are more focused on scoring more goals.

I will not even touch the historical and record breaking talk that have been discussed ad nauseam or the position.

That is said for the Calder Trophy.

For projecting their whole career that a whole different story and I would lean toward Macklin and I predict him an HoF career with multiple stanley cups.

 

[MrLunatik]

And yet, it was constantly posted all throughout the season to prove Celebrini was in the lead. Maybe go take a gander at the previous Calder thread before making assinine suppositions.

It's still not evidence of anything pother than people are putting more money on some names than others. And let's not pretend like Habs fans haven't made this thread completely f***ing unbearable the last couple days, as per usual.

And Hutson is 8th in PPG amongst dmen

Cool. Most defensemen worry about stopping goals before scoring them and there is half as many dressed ever night... forwards on the other hand most of them are trying to score before worrying about the defensive side of the game. Comparing ranks between positions is about as useful as the people posting betting odds... it doesn't mean shit

 

[Sasha Orlov]

Celebrini with the desperate late season push, doubtful it will be enough to catch up to the Lane Train