The National Hockey League has officially unveiled the top rookies of the 2025-26 season.
The league announced that forwards Ivan Demidov and Beckett Sennecke, along with defenseman Matthew Schaefer, have been voted as the three finalists for the 2026 Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded annually "to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition."
Introducing your finalists for the Calder Memorial Trophy! 🏆 #NHLAwards
— NHL (@NHL) May 5, 2026
The Trophy is presented annually to the player selected as the most proficient in their first year of competition. pic.twitter.com/FRzcWehoYl
Schaefer set the record for most goals by an 18-year-old blueliner, became the youngest player to score an overtime goal in the NHL, and tied Brian Leetch’s record for most goals by a rookie rearguard (23). Schaefer finished tied for the most goals by a rookie this season, ending up third in overall scoring by a first-year with 59 points in 82 games.
Demidov led all NHL rookies in points, tallying 62 points. The highly touted Russian winger made an immediate impact in his transition to North American ice. If Demidov were to win, it would give the Habs back-to-back Calder Trophy winners, as defenseman Lane Hutson took home the honor last year.
Sennecke brought size, swagger, and goal-scoring ability to Southern California. Sennecke finished second behind Demidov with 60 points. He also scored a goal as the Ducks eliminated the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the playoffs, marking the franchise’s first series win in nine years.