Michael Bunting, Moritz Seider, Trevor Zegras named 2021-22 Calder Trophy finalists

Michael Bunting, Moritz Seider and Trevor Zegras were announced Wednesday as finalists for the NHL's 2021-22 Calder Trophy, awarded annually to «the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the National Hockey League.»

Members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association vote on the Calder. Winners of all NHL awards will be revealed during the conference final and Stanley Cup Final at dates to be announced.

Toronto's Bunting is the oldest rookie of the year candidate at age 26. He was drafted in the fourth round, 117th overall, by Arizona in 2014 but didn't make his NHL debut for another four years. Bunting appeared in 26 NHL games for the Coyotes from 2018-21 before signing as a free agent with the Maple Leafs last summer. Bunting made an immediate impact on his hometown team, earning top-line placement with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner while tying for the second-most goals (23) and tallying the most points (63) among NHL freshmen through 79 games.

Detroit's Seider, 21, took on a pivotal role anchoring the Red Wings' blue line. Drafted sixth overall by Detroit in 2019, Seider paced the Red Wings in ice time (averaging 23:02) and led all league newcomers (as well as all Red Wings' defensemen) with 50 points. He was relied upon in all situations, logging a major role at 5-on-5, on the power play and the penalty kill. Seider would become the first Red Wing to win the Calder since Roger Crozier in 1965.

Anaheim's Zegras, 21, was one of the NHL's most impressive — and fearless — forwards. Drafted ninth overall by the Ducks in 2019, Zegras turned heads this season with highlight-reel goals, including the now-famous «Michigan» play with teammate Sonny Milano, and finished second among