The 2012 NHL draft class will be on full display next season in what promises to be a thrilling battle for the 2013 Calder Trophy.
Since this class had so many quality defensemen, we may see a blueliner win the award, which has happened just twice since the 1996-97 season.
Let's take an early look at the top Calder Trophy candidates from this draft class.
Nail Yakupov
Nail Yakupov would be a Calder Trophy candidate on any team, but since he will playing with such great teammates in Edmonton, he will have a great chance to lead all rookies in scoring next season.
If he has Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or Sam Gagner as his center on the Oilers, then Yakupov could reach 70 points. Gabriel Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche scored 52 points this season and won the Calder Trophy.
With Yakupov's elite-scoring ability, he could certainly hit the 25- to 30-goal mark next season on a very dangerous Oilers offense.
Ryan Murray
I have a tough team believing that Ryan Murray won't be on the Blue Jackets roster next season. He should play on one of their to ...
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Article written by Nicholas Goss
NHL Draft 2012 Results: Nail Yakupov and Top Contenders for 2013 Calder Trophy
June 23rd, 2012 by Nicholas Goss Leave a reply »
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