Confirmed with Link: Calder Finalists ~ Ekblad, Gaudreau, Stone

[Pirate King Luffy]

Gaudreau plays at a different level.

Without him, I doubt the Flames would generate much offense

Debatable. Each team wouldn't be where they are at without any of these guys. Either one deserves it.

 

[Wheels of Poirier]

You are correct that it isn't supposed to have any bearing on the voters. But we can still discuss it. It's not just about games played. It's about NHL practices, NHL training camps and just being around that environment. It's a big adjustment, and to spread it out over a few years does make a difference over coming in fresh.

And keep in mind that Gaudreau was a college prospect, so he wasn't allowed to partake in any training camps or anything prior to this year. Just that one game at the end of last season.

Regardless of whether or not this will be a factor in voting, it should be. IMO it's a two man race between Gaudreau and Ekblad, but considering the overall transition Johnny's had to make for a number of reasons, it's not certainly not just bias that he gets my vote.