Below are a handful of stats for a couple of defensemen. Since you’re smart, you’ve probably guessed (correctly) from the picture and title above that one of them is John Carlson. Anyway, take a look at some numbers (“ES” denotes even strength stats):
Pretty similar – Player A gives up a tiny bit of offense, but has better defensive numbers, albeit against minimally easier competition and with worse teammates. Both players led all rookie defensemen in total ice time in their respective rookie seasons (there’s a hint for you as to who the other is).
Alright, enough mystery – Player A is Carlson; Player B is towering Buffalo Sabres blueliner Tyler Myers from a season ago.
Myers added three goals and 13 helpers on the power play and ran away with the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year last season. (Carlson has just one grape and five apples with the extra man in 46 seconds less power-play ice time per game.)
Carlson, on the other hand, has gotten some support locally, but likely won’t even be a finalist for the award.
All of which isn’t necessarily to say that Carlson should win the Calder this year, but rather to highlight just how incredibly solid his rookie season has been. John Carlson has had a Calder-calibre season… he’s just had it in the wrong year.
H/t to Corey Masisak for putting this bug in my ear.
