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Artemi Panarin Races for the Calder


CHICAGO, IL -- I got the notification during my noon class.

"Artemi Panarin has been named the NHL's First Star of the week after posting 8 points (3G, 5A) in 3 games."

What a crazy thing to think that this rookie (though I've heard he doesn't quite enjoy being called one) from the KHL could meld so quickly with his almost comically similar linemate, Patrick Kane, and another newbie to the team (and also Russian), center Artem Anisimov.

He's had a really incredible season thus far, so when people say he doesn't deserve the Calder, I scratch my head a little.

Is it the age thing? NHL says he's a rookie, so I'll take their word for it.

Is it the fact that he's played for another hockey league? NHL doesn't recognize it as a professional league.

Is it the fact that he plays on a line with Patrick Kane? Well, you do want to put players with chemistry and similar game play on the same line.

Sure, he had a nine-game scoring drought, but let's be honest: March wasn't the highlight of the season at all for the Blackhawks.

 But, he's picking up at the point in the season when the team needs him to the most.

 He's leading the rookies in goals, assists, and points (28-44--72), and in each of those categories, he's leading by a fair amount. He leads rookies in points by 20, the next runner-up being Eichel with 52. Panarin's three-game run has been a good one, putting him that much further in front of his competition. And, this isn't even his first 'First Star of the Week'--in fact, it's his third on the season, which is pretty impressive.

 Remember, too, that this is really the first time in a while that Patrick Kane has had a solid line to play on. The second line hasn't changed much this season aside from when Panarin or Anisimov were sick or out with injuries. They've also done the most scoring for the Blackhawks this season, which helped them in the early part of the season to maintain an upper seed in the standings. It's what helped make March less dreadful.

 The thing that bites the most about this is that people refuse to even suggest he could be a nominee for the Calder Trophy. Now, I'm slightly biased, but... what?

 With that impressive of a rookie season in the NHL, he's deserving of the trophy. He's the first to tally 72 points in a rookie season for the Blackhawks since his twin, Patrick Kane, did it in 2007-08. He's also the first rookie to post consecutive four-point games for the Blackhawks. Ever.

 Now, people will have their opinions about all of this, and that's fine. But, if you're discrediting the hard work he's put in this season because of his age, or because he plays for a good team, or because he's on a line with Patrick Kane, you need to take a step back and look at the stats.

 If for one second you think someone else is more deserving of this trophy than Panarin, well... I don't know what to tell you.

The evidence for him is pretty damning.
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