Ranking the Top Candidates for the 2014-15 Calder Trophy

More than a few rookie NHLers are making an impact with their respective teams already in the 2014-15 season. The race for the Calder Trophy is a hot one, as you could make a case for a handful of candidates.

Typically, the trophy goes to the freshman who puts up the most points, but you can't count out goaltenders who rack up victories and defensemen who post strong point totals to back their big minutes and the learning curve for the position.

We take all the numbers into account, as well as the position played and predicted trend for the full season, to give you the top candidates for the 2014-15 Calder Trophy.

Weigh in with your thoughts in the comments. Click ahead to see who comes out No. 1.

Honorable Mentions

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Andre Burakovsky, Washington Capitals: The first of two Caps candidates for the Calder enjoyed a great deal of success on the score sheet early with two goals and eight points over his first nine games. He's been up and down the depth chart in recent days, however.

Mark Stone, Ottawa Senators: The 22-year-old is making an impact with the Sens, moving to the top line with Kyle Turris over the weekend after a strong start to his season offensively. According to the Winnipeg Sun's Ken Wiebe, Stone worked on his fitness after getting a taste of the NHL late last season.

Linden Vey, Vancouver Canucks: The former Los Angeles Kings draft pick (fourth round in 2009) is hitting his stride as a bit of a power-play specialist with the Canucks. Three of his four goals have come with the man advantage. 

7. Aaron Ekblad, Florida Panthers

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By the numbers: 12 games, one goal, five assists, six points, 21:45 average ice time

What they mean: Only Damon Severson of the New Jersey Devils is averaging more ice time per game than the first overall pick in June's draft. Ekblad has done a great job early this season of adapting to the NHL pace while playing alongside veteran Brian Campbell on the Florida Panthers' top pairing. Ekblad suits up in all situations, but only one of his points has come on the power play.

Projection for 2014-15: Ekblad's point-per-game pace is on the rise as time progresses ,and he may also earn more time on the power play as the season goes on and his skills improve. He'll battle Severson for the defensive scoring lead but may finish a little shy of the surprise Calder candidate in that regard, hurting his own chance for Rookie of the Year honors despite his well-rounded game.

6. Jonathan Drouin, Tampa Bay Lightning

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By the numbers: 10 games, one goal, six assists, seven points

What they mean: After missing the start of the season with a thumb injury, he produced a goal and three points in his first four games—which saw him play big minutes mostly on the top line with Steven Stamkos. The impressive thing about Drouin is his minutes have dipped considerably since then and he's been bumped down to the "fourth" line (by minutes played) with fellow youngsters Cedric Paquette and Vladislav Namestnikov, but his point production has remained high.

Projection for 2014-15: At some point this season, Drouin is likely to find himself back on the top line with Stamkos. His minutes will increase as he gains more NHL experience, and the points will climb. Many predicted he would win the Calder ahead of the start of the season for good reason: He's one of the most talented young players in the league.

Because of his flash, though, he needs to win the scoring race to lock down the votes over someone like goalie Jake Allen or a defenseman who finishes not far behind.

5. Jake Allen, St. Louis Blues

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By the numbers: 4-1-0 record, 1.40 goals-against average, .944 save percentage

What they mean: Allen is getting fewer starts than so-called starter Brian Elliott in the St. Louis Blues net, but he's putting up more impressive individual numbers. He leads his cohort in goals-against average, save percentage and winning percentage per start.

Projection for 2014-15: It will be tough for Allen to rack up 30-plus wins while sharing duties with Elliott—that total gave the last goalie to win the Calder the nod—but if Allen continues to win one of every five games he plays and suits up for 40, he'd be on pace for that and essentially be a lock for the rookie honor. It's more likely that he steals more frequent starts but his winning percentage drops a little over time. But a big win total, low goals-against average and high save percentage will be hard to ignore.

4. Damon Severson, New Jersey Devils

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By the numbers: 15 games, four goals, four assists, eight points, plus-six rating, 39 shots, 22:10 average ice time, four power-play points

What they mean: Severson has made a very successful jump straight from junior hockey to the NHL at arguably the league's toughest position to learn. Not only does he lead the team in shots, quarterback the power play and suit up on the team's top two-man tandem on the blue line, but he's second in minutes per game and third in plus/minus. Not bad for the 20-year-old. His team-leading 12 giveaways are something to work on, however.

Projection for 2014-15: Only 10 defensemen have ever won the Calder Trophy in more than 70 years, so Severson will have to continue to put up points at a hectic pace to have a realistic shot. With the minutes he's been playing in all situations as a top-pair defenseman, he has a great chance at a Tyler Myers-like season from 2010—when the Buffalo Sabres blueliner finished third in the rookie scoring race with 48 points to take Rookie of the Year honors.

3. Tanner Pearson, Los Angeles Kings

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By the numbers: 15 games, seven goals, three assists, 10 points, plus-13 rating, 25.9 shooting percentage

What they mean: The chemistry we saw in the 2014 playoffs has definitely carried over for That '70s Line with Pearson and Tyler Toffoli flanking veteran Jeff Carter—each wearing a number in the 70s, of course. Pearson is leading the rookies in goal scoring, and his plus-13 rating is second only to Filip Forsberg.

Projection for 2014-15: As long as that line stays healthy and faces weaker competition than the Anze Kopitar trio, Pearson will continue to put up decent point totals despite averaging just 13:20 of ice time per game. His chances of winning the Calder Trophy might hinge on him earning some more playing time, as the early success that earned him Rookie of the Month honors for October may not be sustainable for an entire season.

2. Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Flames

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By the numbers: 16 games, three goals, nine assists, 12 points, two game-winning goals, plus-nine rating

What they mean: Whatever the reason for his slower start before a healthy scratch gave him a breather five games into his first NHL season, he's turned things around in a hurry. Gaudreau is earning more minutes in key situations and has quickly become the Flames' most dangerous playmaker. After starting the year with no points in five games, he's racked up three goals and 12 points in his past 11 contests.

Projection for 2014-15: Despite his lack of size (5'9", 150 pounds), Gaudreau has the agility to avoid injury and the skill and vision to make a difference against even the savviest and most fleet-footed defender. He's already in the hunt for the rookie scoring lead, and if he comes out on top, he might be the popular Calder pick because of his small stature and rapid rise as a prospect.

1. Filip Forsberg, Nashville Predators

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By the numbers: 14 games, six goals, nine assists, 15 points, plus-15 rating, 41 shots, 16:35 average ice time, four power-play points, one game-winning goal

What they mean: The talent that made Forsberg the 11th overall pick of the 2011 NHL draft by the Washington Capitals is finally on display at the NHL level after a couple of seasons of unmet expectations. His first forays into the league after a deal to the Nashville Predators at the 2013 trade deadline were underwhelming—a goal and six points in 18 games over two seasons—but he's flashed strength, finesse and speed this year. He leads all rookies in scoring.

Projection for 2014-15: Forsberg will continue to be relied on by head coach Peter Laviolette with important minutes and a scoring role on the top two lines. He will have to keep his lead in the points race against some stiff freshman competition to become the first Predators rookie to win the Calder Trophy.