The race might not be as fair as most think. Larkin is a 19-year-old who broke the historical system of the Red Wings and has been playing with the team, despite his young age all season. He played last season with the Michigan Wolverines and spent time with the USA World Juniors team.
Panarin spent last season with SKA Saint Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League, the professional hockey league of Russia. The keyword there is “professional.” Panarin was technically a professional hockey player before he came to the NHL.
To be eligible for the Calder Trophy, a player can’t have played more than 25 games in any NHL season and must be under the age of 26.