It’s been almost three decades since the NHL has seen a rookie defenseman step into the league and dominate from the outset of their career. The last rookie D-man to register 60 points in their first season was the legendary Nick Lidstrom in 1991-92.
This year, there were two young D-men who were set to surpass 60 points and looked dominant in the process. They also vaulted themselves into the conversation for being among the best defencemen, both before reaching their 22nd birthdays.
Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar smashed all expectations this season, making this year’s race for the Calder Trophy the tightest in recent memory (even tighter than Crosby vs.