Philadelphia Flyers' Shayne Gostisbehere Should Win Calder Trophy This Year

When it comes to discussing finalists for the Calder Trophy, the NHL Rookie of the Year, Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere should be part of the conversation. Sadly, he likely won’t be with Chicago Blackhawks forward Artemi Panarin and Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid getting most of the press. The truth is, Gostisbehere should not only receive consideration but should win the award.

If this was a talent show, then McDavid would come away with the win. However, his injury that kept him out for much of the season should bar him from winning the award, even if he is already one of the best players in the NHL. Missing all that time should sway enough votes away from McDavid, but sadly most of those votes are going to Panarin.

There is no doubt Panarin has had himself an outstanding season. However, one must consider that he has been playing on a line with Patrick Kane for much of the year. Kane, if you didn’t know, is the leading scorer in the NHL. The problem is when Panarin is away from Kane he isn’t as good and the Blackhawks have been outscored 9-2, with the rookie recording just two assists. Obviously, Panarin is a good player, but if he were to leave the Blackhawks nobody would really notice. They are a Stanley Cup contender without him.

When it comes to Gostisbehere, he’s a talented 22-year-old defenseman who helped turn a team around. The Flyers weren’t doing much before Gostisbehere arrived, starting the season at just 5-8-3. A month after he got to Philadelphia, the Flyers were 13-12-6. Now, as the season draws to a close, the Flyers are battling for a playoff spot.

Gostisbehere gives the Flyers’ defense an element it didn’t have previously. Not only has he been solid defensively, but he has given the Flyers an offensive weapon as he has recorded 16 goals (on 11.3 percent shooting) and 27 assists for 43 points. He has elevated the Flyers’ power play unit as well, with seven goals and 14 assists with the man advantage. To top it all off, five of Gostisbehere’s goals have been game-winners. He hasn’t just been one of the best rookies, he has elevated an entire team.

Panarin will most likely win the award with some voters giving votes to McDavid. All are worthy players in some way, but Gostisbehere has been the only rookie to help turn a middling team into a playoff contender which should count for something.