Derick Brassard and Kris Versteeg: The Calder Trophy Race Begins

With a quarter of the NHL season nearly finished, the 2008-2009 Calder Trophy battle seems to be set. Derick Brassard and Kris Versteeg are looking like the top two candidates more and more as each day passes.

New coach or not, Steven Stamkos continues to look like a ghost on the ice. As a result, he'll have to put up some multi-point efforts just to get back in the hunt.

This year's race may not match the Alexander Ovechkin-Sidney Crosby contest, but both of these players bring plenty to the table.

As it stands, Brassard is currently leading all rookies with 19 points (eight goals, 11 assists) in 18 games. Not far back is Versteeg with 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) in 17 matches.

The regular season may begin in early October—but in my opinion, the race for top rookie honours starts now. It's a good indication of who's gunning for the trophy, and who's firing blanks.

During this point of last season, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Peter Mueller were the top three candidates for the Calder. When the season ended, Kane was number one among his class.

Around the 20-game mark, you get a good idea of which guys have the best shot of achieving glory. Mikhail Grabovski has been no slouch either, with 13 points (nine goals, four assists) in 19 games.

The Belarussian is one three-point game away from making this a trio, so don't count him out either. But for now, we'll focus on Brassard and Versteeg.

Columbus Blue Jacket fans haven't had much to cheer about in the team's short NHL life span. Seven seasons and no playoff appearances make them the only remaining team in the league still looking for their first postseason berth.

Rick Nash winning the Rocket Richard Trophy in 2003-2004 has to be the franchise's best accomplishment. On a sour note, Nash did have to share the trophy with Ilya Kovalchuk and Jarome Iginla, as the three each finished the season with 41 goals.

Brassard has a chance to become Columbus' first-ever rookie of the year in a season. The 21-year-old made his living in the QMJHL and won awards such as the Michel Bergeron Trophy, and the Mike Bossy Trophy.

He's one of the better skaters in his draft class. He can make plays, and score—when he chooses to shoot. The sixth-overall pick in the 2006 Entry Draft has shot the puck 37 times this year, and hit the back of the net on eight occasions.

That makes for a 21.6 shooting percentage—fourth among rookies. In an article I read recently, Brassard's friends expressed their joy at having him in their fantasy hockey rosters.

"Some people have told me, 'Oh, I made the right choice to pick you in my pool,' and I say, 'Wait, there's 82 games in the season,'" he said with a laugh.

Columbus' lack of depth only helps Brassard and his ice time.

It's easy to get ahead of yourself when your leading the rest of the pack, but Brassard won't be fooled into doing that.

Now, in Chicago, Versteeg is faced with an opportunity of his own. He can succeed his teammate Patrick Kane, and give the Blackhawks back-to-back Calder Trophy winners.

Versteeg's journey into the league took a little more time as a fifth-round draft pick. Think of the guys like Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg, who were also picked in the later rounds.

Look at them today. His success may not match Zetterberg's or Datsyuk's, but Versteeg has a great all-around game. Blackhawks head coach, Joel Quenneville, hasn't hesitated in using Versteeg in all areas of the game.

You can see him on the penalty kill, powerplay, and on a line with Kane and Jonathan Toews to boot. Don't make the mistake in believing his success is due to the great linemates he has.

Just look at some of the plays he's made this season. Stripping Brian Boucher behind the net and sweeping the puck into an empty net while on the penalty kill. Sending an overhead pass to Dave Bolland for a shorthanded breakaway.

The native of Lethbridge, Alberta, has a real nose for the net, and seems to always make the smart plays. Despite his great numbers, the 22-year old has explained in the past that stats aren't his biggest priority.

Instead, he focuses on the penalty kill and defensive-zone coverage. This opportunity is one that he has anticipated and waited for. By no means will he let it slip away with a lack of effort.

So, we have our two Calder Trophy candidates this year. Two players with strong games that assist their respective clubs in many ways. Only one can win in the end.

Let the games begin.