Shmits named among NHL's brightest rookies early in new season
In an NHL.com expert poll on the Calder Trophy race, New York Rangers defenseman Abrams Shmits earned two points, tying for ninth place. Florida Panthers forward Sandis Vilmanis received no votes.
After the opening games of the new NHL regular season, NHL.com experts conducted their traditional poll on the race for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the league's best rookie. Among the players who received votes is New York Rangers defenseman Abrams Shmits.
In the poll of 16 experts, the 18-year-old Latvian earned two points, tying for ninth place with Winnipeg Jets forward Vigo Bjork. Shmits played in all four of the Rangers' games to start the season but has yet to register a point. After losing their season opener, the Rangers won three straight games, during which the Latvian defenseman played on the team's third defensive pairing.
Leaders and other Latvians
The current frontrunner for the award is Philadelphia Flyers forward Porter Martone, who has accumulated 70 points and received nine first-place votes. He is followed by Toronto Maple Leafs forward Gavin McKenna with 59 points, while San Jose Sharks forward Ivar Stenberg and Washington Capitals defenseman Cole Hutson share third-fourth place with 34 points each.
Florida Panthers forward Sandis Vilmanis did not receive any expert votes. The 22-year-old is also eligible for the Calder Trophy this season — last season, his NHL debut year, he played 19 games and recorded five points (3+2). Vilmanis continues to establish himself in the NHL this season, having played in all three of the Panthers' games on the team's third line, though he has yet to register a point.
A player is eligible for the Calder Trophy if they have not played more than 25 games in any previous NHL season and have not turned 26 years old by September 15 of the relevant season.
