Seider, Zegras, Bunting voted Calder Trophy finalists

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider, Anaheim Ducks phenom Trevor Zegras, and Toronto Maple Leafs forward Michael Bunting are the finalists for the Calder Trophy in 2021-22.

Seider led all rookies in assists (43), average time on ice (23:02), and blocked shots (161) while playing all 82 games. The 21-year-old German also ranked fourth in the class in points (50) and third in shots on goal (187).

Zegras captivated the hockey world with several jaw-dropping plays, but he was far more than a viral star. The American forward tied for second in the rookie class in goals (23), ranked third in assists (38), and finished second in points with 61 across 75 games.

The 21-year-old produced the second-most even-strength points (44) among his contemporaries, and Red Wings rookie Lucas Raymond was the only first-year forward to average more ice time.

Bunting, who turns 27 in September, led all rookie forwards in assists (40) and topped the entire class in points (63). He tied with Zegras for second in goals and tied for the lead among his peers in even-strength markers (21). The Canadian forward also led the class in even-strength points (58) by a wide margin of 14 while playing in 79 games.

The Professional Hockey Writers Association votes to determine the winner of the Calder Trophy, which is awarded annually to "the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the National Hockey League."

To be considered a rookie, a player "must not have played in more than 25 NHL games in any preceding seasons, nor in six or more NHL games in each of any two preceding seasons. Any player at least 26 years of age (by Sept. 15th of that season) is not considered a rookie."