How will Boeser, McAvoy injuries impact the Calder Trophy race? | The Hockey News
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Among the most likely to overtake either injured player is Tampa Bay Lightning rookie Yanni Gourde. An early contender, Gourde has hung around the race all season and continues to fly under the radar as one of the more impressive freshmen this season. Of course, he's going to garner a bit more attention after winning NHL rookie-of-the-month honors for February with five goals and 16 points in 14 games. That was simply the continuation of what he has achieved all season, though, as Gourde is tied for second among rookies with 22 goals and sits third in freshman scoring with 50 points. The only knock against Gourde is the age-old age debate. He’s been a pro for five full seasons and turned 26 in December. By definition he's a rookie, but some won't see him in the same light as other first-year players.
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The final outside shot belongs to Mikhail Sergachev, who at one point looked to have the potential to blast his way into the Calder conversation. But as the Lightning blueliner’s offense slowed, his chances of sneaking away with the rookie-of-the-year honors diminished. A late charge could do wonders, however, particularly with McAvoy out. He does have just one fewer point than the Boston defender. However, given his limited ice time, it would take a Shayne-Gostisbehere-circa-2016-17 style charge for Sergachev to really re-enter the Calder conversation."
