The NHL has announced the winner of the Calder Trophy, given annually to the first-year player who makes the most impact, and although a few Montreal Canadiens players were in the running, the trophy was awarded to New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer.

It’s a fair decision, considering that Schaefer is an 18-year-old defenseman who somehow managed to score 23 goals. Full marks to the young blueliner for a fantastic year in an incredibly difficult situation.

Montreal Canadiens Brass Tacks

Ivan Demidov was the runner-up for the award, having a remarkable rookie season where he recorded 62 points in 82 games, leading all rookies in scoring in the process.

That being said, it was not a close vote. Schaefer won every first-place vote, leaving Demidov to receive the majority of second-place votes.

Demidov was given 120 votes in second place, while Beckett Seneca (Anaheim Ducks) was given just 41 votes.

Interestingly, Canadiens netminder Jacob Dobbs received the fourth-most second-place votes, enough to finish fourth in all Calder Trophy voting.

Coming into the season, there was no guarantee that Dobbs would play more than a handful of games, and yet, he not only managed to take over as the team’s de facto starter, but he has also been their most valuable player in the playoffs.

Full voting table for the Calder Trophy for Best Rookie, won unanimously #island Defender Matthew Schaefer. pic.twitter.com/mlxsfErw9v

– NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) 13 May 2026

We should also note that Oliver Kapanen received some votes, and despite the fact that he is currently in the playoffs, it cannot be denied that he was the surprise story of the season for the Montreal Canadiens.

Playing the majority of the season alongside Ivan Demidov, Kapanen scored 22 goals in 82 games. Yes, Demidov gave them plenty of high-end scoring chances, but Canadiens history is littered with players who failed to capitalize on their scoring opportunities, while Kapanen did a great job of complementing the team’s offense during his first season in the league.

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leeds united Defender Gabriel Gudmundsson has refused to comment on the status of his injury, with it appearing that he will miss another game this season.

hollandsport The full-back provides comments today after being included in Sweden’s squad for the World Cup.

sweden inclusion

Sweden manager Graham Potter announced his squad for the tournament this week. He decided to drop many big names from the group. These also include players like Dejan Kulusevski, who is still struggling with a knee injury.

However, other injured players were also involved. For example, Gabriel Gudmundsson of Leeds United was one of them.

He has not played for the past few weeks after suffering a back injury in Leeds United’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea on 26 April.^th. He is on his way back from that, but cannot say whether he will play in the final two Premier League games for Leeds.

“There’s nothing I can comment on,” He said.

“I stepped back a bit. But I have had good talks with the national team management and I will be fully prepared when the World Cup squad assembles on May 27.”

Strong leeds united season

It appears that the 27-year-old has no concerns about his fitness for this summer’s tournament. But he is also now talking about the past this season, a sign that he can avoid any risks now that Leeds United are safe in the Premier League.

“It will be difficult to go straight from a season in the Premier League to playing in the World Cup. But at the same time it is a big dream for me.” He added.

“I had a great season at Leeds where we got a contract and then it will be fun to travel with the national team to Mexico and the USA.”

That’s not even the only sacrifice he’s making. This summer he will also become a father for the first time, which he will miss.

“A special summer. It will be hard to top 2026,” He concluded.

“Of course I would love to be there when the baby is born. So there are mixed emotions. But my wife is incredibly strong and we have good support from home.”