Matvei Michkov Snubbed, Not Named a Calder Trophy Finalist

Despite leading all rookies in goals (26), and being tied for the most points by a rookie forward (63), Michkov was not named one of the best three rookies this season.

While Michkov was never going to win the trophy, he should have been a finalist.

Matvei Michkov was Snubbed

The plain and simple fact of the matter is that the Calder Trophy is Lane Hutson’s to lose. He had an impressive rookie season and is a big reason the Canadiens made the playoffs. None of the top four rookies could say that.

Despite not having a legitimate shot to win the award, Matvei Michkov should have been a finalist at least.

Compared to all other rookie skaters, Michkov was tied with Celebrini for the second most points at 63, had the most goals with 26, the most power-play goals at 8, and the most overtime goals with three.

Michkov scored more with fewer shots than Celebrini, and also averaged more than three minutes less on ice time. Michkov also turned the puck over far less than Celebrini.

Despite playing 10 games less than Michkov, Celebrini had 50 minutes more on ice time than Michkov.

As for Wolf, I do not want to discredit the efforts of a rookie netminder. He had a .910 save percentage and a 2.64 goals against average–impressive numbers for a rook.

However, March was not terribly kind to the rookie netminder. During a crucial stretch for the Flames’ postseason hope, the wheels had fallen off a bit for Wolf as Calgary faded away from the playoff picture. He turned things around and ended the season on a high note, but that stretch in March was enough that the case for Michkov over Wolf should have been made.

Matvei Michkov was snubbed.