A recognized broadcast hockey analyst has noted that two Russian players are among the 20 nominees for the Calder Trophy, the NHL honor awarded to the league’s best rookie in the regular season. The list, compiled to recognize emerging talent across the league, highlights how newcomers from a range of teams showcase promise and impact beyond their first full season. This recognition often serves as a barometer for future stars in the National Hockey League and underlines the breadth of young talent circulating through North American franchises. The announcement is typically accompanied by discussion about how rookie performances translate to long term development and team contribution, making the Calder a milestone that fans and executives track closely as the season unfolds.
Within this cohort, Vitaly Kravtsov of the New York Rangers and Kirill Marchenko of the Columbus Blue Jackets occupy the 16th and 20th positions respectively, reflecting strong showings despite playing on rosters with varied depth and structure. Kravtsov has demonstrated a blend of speed, skill, and tenacity that keeps him in the rookie conversation, while Marchenko has shown flashes of scoring touch and two-way play that the league often rewards in young forwards. Their rankings reinforce the idea that rookie contribution is not measured solely by points but also by how well a player adapts to the pace, physicality, and strategic demands of the NHL. Observers note that each game contributes to a broader evaluation of potential career trajectories and long-term value to their teams.
Looking at the frontrunners for the Calder Trophy, the analyst identifies Owen Power of the Buffalo Sabres, Matty Beniers of the Seattle Kraken, and Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks as the top three contenders. Power has stood out with a mature defensive presence and puck distribution that belies his rookie status, Beniers has translated college strength into NHL production with consistent playmaking, and McTavish has leaned into a versatile two-way game that combines physicality with creative scoring chances. Together, they symbolize a cohort of players who not only accumulate stats but also influence games through intelligent decision-making, leadership on the ice, and the ability to elevate a team’s tempo during critical stretches of the season. The discussion around these players often includes consideration of how their teams maximize their development and how they might shape future rosters.
There has also been recent commentary about the defensive class, with Russian players reportedly not appearing on the list of the league’s top defenders. This perspective is part of a broader debate about how defenders are evaluated, particularly when rookie and second-year players face tough assignments against established veterans. The discussions emphasize different dimensions of defense, from shot suppression and gap control to transition game and power-play responsibilities. The outcome of such debates often influences talent evaluation, contract planning, and the strategic emphasis a team places on nurturing young blueliners in a highly competitive league landscape.
On the defensive leaderboard, the first position is held by Canadian star Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, who is widely recognized for his exceptional skating, playmaking, and game management. In second place sits Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning, a veteran who continues to set a high standard for size, reach, and playmaking from the blue line. Third is Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators, whose vision and puck control repeatedly drive his team’s transition game and power-play efficiency. These selections illustrate how elite defenders are valued for more than raw numbers; their leadership, decision-making under pressure, and ability to influence both ends of the ice are equally important to how they are ranked. The landscape of top defenders reflects a blend of experience, consistency, and the ability to elevate a team’s competitive level when it matters most.
The defender rankings have also drawn attention for excluding certain high-paid players who, by reputation and salary, are expected to lead the charge on defense for their franchises. The conversation has specifically pointed to Mikhail Sergachev as an example of a player whose contributions sometimes spark debate about how salary and on-ice impact align in evaluating top defensemen. The dialogue underscores how performance metrics, defensive zone presence, and offensive contribution must be weighed against contract value and comparative peer performance as teams chart long-term rosters and negotiate cap space in a crowded market.
In related developments, CSKA Moscow issued a formal statement addressing ongoing rumors concerning Ivan Fedotov, the former CSKA goalkeeper who is currently serving in the military. The club rejected speculative reports about any contract discussions, emphasizing that no such talks were taking place at that time. This clarification is part of a broader pattern in professional hockey where clubs, players, and agents carefully manage information about contracts, player movements, and national service obligations. The situation highlights how external factors such as national service requirements can intersect with professional sports negotiations, affecting planning and decision-making for teams and players alike, while also illustrating how public narratives around player futures are shaped by official communications. (citation attribution: league announcements and team statements as reported by league media outlets)