2009-10 NHL Calder Trophy Race Revisited

As the Olympic break approached, five players were still in the running as the best rookie of the 2009-10 NHL season. In no specific order, John Tavares, Jimmy Howard, Matt Duchene, James Van Riemsdyk, and Tyler Myers were at the top of the rookie class. Other players were either too old (Antti Niemi) or too hurt (Semyon Varlamov) to be considered. With the Olympic break behind us, two of those players seem to have hit the wall. This does not mean their futures aren't as bright though, as Tavares had a 5-point night last night and Van Riemsdyk continues to play well. In fact, only three strong contenders remain.

Jimmy Howard



Jimmy Howard was supposed to be a good goalie from day one. Detroit knew it too. They just took their time releasing him and his skills to the world. His play after October cemented him as the Red Wings #1 goaltender and this late-bloomer seems to be the real deal.

Matt Duchene



Matt Duchene wasn't even the best rookie on his team in October and November as Ryan O'Reilly drew most of the attention. However, steady play and a super burst in December put this favourite of Don Cherry into the spotlight.

Tyler Myers



Tyler Myers was supposed to be a project defenseman. His splendid early season play was no fluke and this massive Zdeno Chara clone is a franchise player of epic proportions. Not only is he playing big minutes against the NHL's best but he is putting up amazing offensive numbers for a defenseman as well. A big 4 point night in March proved that he can play a full season and continue to make an impact.

Prediction - Barring a late season charge by one of the other two, this award will go to Tyler Myer. As stated earlier... Who dares steal this trophy away from the hulking defenseman?

Duchene and Myers have rookie cards available in most 2009-10 products available at Canada Card World. Jimmy Howard has rookie cards available in many 2005-06 products.

Rookie Update - Antti Niemi

Impact rookies. That's what every NHL fan hopes their team can find. A player that can make a strong statement every time they're on the ice.

He may have only started 6 games but Antti Niemi is an impact rookie. A goaltender who will be a fixture in the Chicago Blackhawks bright future, Niemi is making Cristobal Huet start to sweat with his consistently brilliant play.



With only 6 starts this season, Niemi has impressed with 4 wins and 2 shutouts. Not only that, but he has a phenomenal 1.85 GAA and a .921 save percentage. It's getting harder and harder to keep this impressive Finnish goaltender on the bench.

Below is a short list of some of Antti Niemi's rookie cards for the 2009-10 season:

09/10 NHL UD Artifacts Rookie #184
09/10 NHL OPC Marquee Rookie #548
09/10 NHL UD Series 1 Young Guns #225
09/10 NHL UD Series 1 Young Guns #225 UD Exclusives
09/10 NHL UD Series 1 Young Guns #225 High Glossy
09/10 NHL UD Victory Rookie #241

Who to Collect - Sleeper Suspect - Antti Niemi

Antti Niemi is not your usual suspect when thinking of rookie cards to collect in the 2009-10 NHL season. He's 26 and he's a back-up goaltender. But consider this. Most goaltenders do not come into their own until their mid-20's, Chicago's team is stacked with stars and future stars like Toews, Kane, Hossa, Campbell, Barker, Bolland, and Seabrook to name but a few, and Cristobal Huet, Chicago's #1 goaltender, has been good but has never really been a player who could carry a team.



Niemi will be playing his second full season in North America after a successful career with the Pelicans in Lahti, Finland. His first start of the 2009-10 season resulted in his first NHL shutout. Although Niemi may not play more than 40 games this year, the future looks very bright for next year and the years that follow. This team is a Stanley Cup contender. Don't forget about Niemi!

Antti Niemi's rookie cards will be available in most NHL releases for the 09-10 NHL season at Canada Card World