Editor In Leaf
Fansided

Toronto Maple Leafs: Michael Bunting and More Calder Trophy Candidates

By Mike Jack

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 16: Michael Bunting #58 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his 1st goal as a Maple Leaf against the Ottawa Senators during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on October 16, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Senators 3-1.(Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 16: Michael Bunting #58 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his 1st goal as a Maple Leaf against the Ottawa Senators during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on October 16, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Senators 3-1.(Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 7
Next
Feb 10, 2022; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Michael Bunting (58) and Calgary Flames defenseman Christopher Tanev (8) fight for position during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2022; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Michael Bunting (58)   Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

Toronto Maple Leafs rookie, Michael Bunting, is gaining praise around the NHL for his magnificent play this season.  Bunting currently leads the NHL in rookie goal scoring.

There hasn’t been this much hype surrounding a Toronto Maple Leafs rookie since Bunting’s linemates, Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews, entered the league during the 2016-17 season.

After that season both Matthews and Marner were named to the NHL All-Rookie Team, and Auston Matthews won the Calder trophy as NHL rookie of the year becoming the first member of the Toronto Maple Leafs to win the Calder since 1966.

Before Matthews and Marner were on the All-Rookie Team, there was Jake Gardiner (2012), Luke Schenn (2009), Mike Johnson (1998), Sergei Berezin (1997), Kenny Jönsson (1995), Félix Potvin (1993), Wendel Clark (1986), and Dan Daoust (1983).

What are Michael Bunting’s chances of making the NHL All-Rookie Team or winning the Calder trophy?  Could he at least be a Calder finalist?

NHL Calder Candidates vs Michael Bunting of the Toronto Maple Leafs

The NHL rookie scoring race is tight.  There’s currently only three points separating the rookie scoring leader from fourth place.

There are also some hot rookie goalies taking over the net in the NHL and at least one of them has a really good chance of beating the competition for the Calder.

Here’s my list of the six players I think will be named to the 2022 NHL All-Rookie Team.  They’re in order from least likely to win the Calder to most likely to win the Calder. (Stats from TSN.ca).

Home/Analysis