It’s pretty rare that you get an impact rookie in the NHL these days. We did get both Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin in 2005-06; the yield from this year’s crop is more typical.

The Chicago Blackhawks have arguably the two best rookies in Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. But Toews suffered a strained MCL and has played just 55 games, opening the Calder Trophy door for his teammate. Kane has 17 goals and 45 assists after 73 games to lead all first-year players in points.

Nicklas Backstrom of the Washington Capitals was two points back at press time with 11 goals and 49 assists. The top rookie defenseman appears to be Tobias Enstrom, who is playing 24:33 a game for the Atlanta Thrashers. There is one goalie of note that could crash the Calder party: Montreal Canadiens starter Carey Price (.915 save percentage). Nashville’s Dan Ellis (.920 SV%) deserves kudos, but remains virtually anonymous as the Predators backup.