The Race for the 2024-25 Calder Memorial Trophy
The race for the 2024-25 Calder Memorial Trophy showcased unexpected contenders among NHL rookies, with the spotlight primarily on standout forwards from rival teams. While early favorites like Macklin Celebrini from the San Jose Sharks and Matvei Michkov of the Philadelphia Flyers drew significant attention, few predicted that defenseman Lane Hutson would emerge as the eventual award winner.
Rookie Performance: Cutter Gauthier
In this competitive landscape, Ducks rookie Cutter Gauthier found himself performing impressively, participating in all 82 games and achieving a milestone with 20 goals in his inaugural NHL season.
Initially, Gauthier faced challenges, with irregular positioning in the Ducks’ lineup impacting his early performance. However, he turned things around midseason by establishing chemistry with Mason McTavish and later developed a promising partnership with Leo Carlsson following the 4 Nations Face-off break.
Gauthier’s resurgence in the latter half of the season, where he notched 22 points in 28 games, translated into Calder Trophy voting, netting him six fourth-place votes and 74 fifth-place votes overall. His success carried over to the international stage, where he contributed to Team USA’s triumph at the IIHF World Championship, marking a historic gold medal win after a 90-year drought.
Drew Helleson’s Impact
Meanwhile, Drew Helleson, another Duck defenseman, began the 2024-25 season in the AHL before being called up in November. With injuries affecting other blueliners and the trade of Cam Fowler, Helleson secured a regular role on the Ducks. He logged over 16 minutes of ice time after the 4 Nations Face-off break and became a reliable player in critical moments, including late-game situations and on the penalty kill—much to the satisfaction of former head coach Greg Cronin.
Helleson’s efforts earned him a fifth-place vote in the Calder Trophy race, highlighting his contributions as he ranked second among rookie defensemen in goals and points, while leading his peers with a plus-6 rating in plus-minus.
A Season of Change
Despite their promising seasons, both Gauthier and Helleson’s roles may face changes with new head coach Joel Quenneville at the helm and the Ducks entering a season of renewal. Additionally, as a restricted free agent this summer, Helleson’s contract situation becomes a factor in his future with the team.
The Ducks also have a wealth of young talent showing potential, including Beckett Sennecke and Ian Moore, suggesting that the franchise could soon see another player in contention for the Calder Trophy in the near future.
