Last season, NHL viewers were blessed with an extraordinary rookie class. Right from the get-go, 2016 top picks Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine led the way while emblazoning their identities as superstars.
While Matthews' 40-goal campaign ultimately won him the top prize, Laine, along will fellow rookies William Nylander, Mitch Marner, Zach Werenski, and Matthew Tkachuk, each put forth seasons worthy of Calder consideration.
And although 2017's top draft choices, Nico Hischier (New Jersey) and Nolan Patrick (Philadelphia), will surely garner their fair share of buzz in the Rookie of the Year race, we're going to devote our attention - for now - to five candidates capable of leapfrogging the favorites.
Clayton Keller - Arizona Coyotes
After notching 45 points in 31 games with Boston University last season, Keller played a three-game stint with the Coyotes, recording two assists.
The 19-year-old continued his stellar developmental year with Team USA at the World Championship, scoring five goals and adding two assists in eight contests.
The ultra-dynamic winger oozes skill, and a full NHL campaign on a seemingly improved Coyotes roster could put the 2016 seventh overall pick firmly on the map.
Charlie McAvoy - Boston Bruins
Another Boston University product, McAvoy showed promise on several platforms in his first year as Bruins property.
First, the 19-year-old anchored Team USA's blue line at the world juniors, where he played a pivotal role in capturing the gold medal. From there, he virtually assured himself a spot on the Bruins' roster with a promising showing in the first round of the playoffs, during which he averaged an astonishing 26:12 of ice time per night.
McAvoy showed incredible poise in his first taste of the pros, and should put voters on notice in his official rookie season.
Tyson Jost - Colorado Avalanche
Jost earned a six-game stretch with the hapless Avalanche as last season concluded, tallying one goal.
The forward also recorded 35 points in 33 games as a rookie with North Dakota in 2016-17, and should play a prominent role in Colorado's offense.
Jost possesses legitimate offensive talent and a developing two-way game. He could very well be the centerpiece that helps Joe Sakic and Co. turn things around in Denver.
Thomas Chabot - Ottawa Senators
While McAvoy walked away with the gold, Chabot earned MVP honors and the top defenseman award at the 2017 world juniors, leaving Senators supporters salivating at the idea of their prized prospect teaming up with Erik Karlsson for years to come.
Chabot, a 2015 first-rounder, has all the makings of an NHL workhorse, and looks to have outgrown the junior level, where he recorded 45 points in 47 games with Saint John last season.
Mikhail Sergachev - Tampa Bay Lightning
As one of the top defensive prospects in the NHL, Sergachev has a tremendous chance to make an immediate impact on the league should he shine with the Lightning - a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.
He was the main piece in Tampa Bay's return for Jonathan Drouin, and a campaign alongside - or even just learning under - All-Star Victor Hedman could easily fast-track his development.
(Photos Courtesy: Getty Images)
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