It’s not rare for a young player to enter the league at age 19 or 20 and grab hold of the NHL’s attention. Two of the nominees for this year’s Calder Trophy, defenseman Rasmus Dahlin and forward Elias Pettersson did just that. Dahlin was a defensive boon for the Sabres in an overall disappointing season, with 44 points and 35 assists. Pettersson outpaced Pavel Bure’s 60 point rookie season by six points, with 28 goals and 38 assists. He led all rookies in goals, assists, and points.
But those two young men are enjoying the off-season right now.