Moritz Seider named Calder Memorial Trophy finalist

The Detroit Red Wings raised eyebrows across the National Hockey League when they took Moritz Seider sixth overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

And now, after a standout debut NHL season, Seider is a step closer to jumping to the head of the 2021-22 rookie class.

The NHL announced on Wednesday that Detroit’s German defenseman was named one of the three finalists for the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the player selected as the most proficient in his first season of NHL competition as voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

This season, the 21-year-old Seider led all rookies in assists (43), power-play points (21), average time on ice (23:02) and was one of only three rookies, along with New Jersey Devils forward Dawson Mercer and Red Wings teammate Lucas Raymond, to play all 82 games this season.

Video: PHI@DET: Seider’s sensational PPG snipe

Seider also paced all first-year defensemen with 50 points, becoming just the fifth rookie blueliner in the past 32 years to reach the 50-point plateau, joining Quinn Hughes (2019-20), Cale Makar (2019-20), Vladimir Malakhov (1992-93) and Nicklas Lidstrom (1991-92).

Other Calder Trophy finalists include Toronto Maple Leafs winger Michael Bunting and Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras. 

Members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association submitted ballots for the award at the end of the regular season. The winners of the 2022 NHL Awards will be revealed during the Conference Finals and Stanley Cup Final, with exact dates, format and times to be announced.

Seider looks to become the sixth player in franchise history to capture to Calder Trophy, and would join Roger Crozier (1964-65), Glenn Hall (1955-56), Terry Sawchuk (1950-51), Jim McFadden (1947-48) and Carl Voss (1932-33).

“He’s an unbelievable player, does it on both sides of the puck,” Sam Gagner said on April 26. “He’s running our power play, he’s playing big minutes defensively, penalty kill, you name it. He does it all for us. Already at his age, he’s a leader for us.”

Seider made his professional debut for the Red Wings’ AHL-affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins, finishing with 22 points on two goals and 20 assists in 49 games in 2019-20.

Last season during the heart of the pandemic, Seider played with Rögle BK of the Swedish Hockey League, tallying 28 points on seven goals and 21 assists in 41 regular-season games, including five points in 13 playoff contests. He concluded the season by winning the SHL Elite Prospects Award and was named a finalist for SHL Defenseman of the Year.

While adjusting to the NHL hasn’t been easy, facing many of the top players in the league has been beneficial for Seider.

“You mature and grow as a person,” Seider said on April 26. “You put the time in the summer to get better. It’s still a very long way, but I think as long as the season was going on, I think I’ve progressed and got better.” 

Video: NYI@DET: Seider rips a slap shot glove side

Seider burst on the scene by being named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month in October, becoming the first Red Wings player to earn the honor since Dylan Larkin in November 2015.

Seider’s play throughout the season earned constant praise from his teammates.

“He’s a fantastic player,” Gagner said. “I imagine he’s gonna keep getting better with his work ethic, his attention to detail and his will to improve. He’s been a lot of fun to watch this year.”

Opposing players and coaches have also been impressed with the rookie’s steady play.

“He’s just really solid, all around,” Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews said on April 26. “He’s really big and has really good poise with the puck. He makes a really good first pass, which maybe isn’t appreciated as much.”

Among Seider’s most notable performances was his first NHL goal in overtime on Nov. 6, helping the Red Wings complete a 4-3 comeback road win over the Buffalo Sabres. He also became the fourth rookie defenseman in league history to record a point streak of at least eight games on March 4, joining Shayne Gostisbehere (2015-16), Kevin Shattenkirk (2010-11) and Barry Beck (1977-78).

Video: DET@BUF: Seider scores game-winning goal

“I hear nothing but good things and I see nothing but good things,” Devils coach Lindy Ruff said on April 24. “I just think he’s gonna be a top performer in the league.”

Despite finishing with the third-most points (57) and tying for the second-most goals (23) among NHL rookies this season, Raymond was not included among the Calder finalists. Like Seider, Raymond’s impact in the lineup was evident, as the 20-year-old winger finished third in every major offensive category for the Red Wings.

But when asked who deserves to win the Calder, Raymond quickly voiced his support for Seider.

“He has my vote, for sure.”