Patrick Kane is making a case to be named the Calder Trophy winner. (CP Images)
Kane, as it turns out, is indeed able but he's got some company in the race for the Calder.
On a hot muggy June night in Toronto sometime this summer, odds are tilted in Chicago Blackhawks' superstar Patrick Kane's favor he will be named the Calder trophy winner as the NHL's most outstanding rookie.
A case could be made for several players, but this is looking like Kane's time.
Of my top five candidates for the Calder, it seems more and more likely only one - Canadiens' standout goaltender Carey Price - will still be playing once the playoffs roll around.
Given the promise these kids are showing, however, that will be a temporary trend. They will be taking their teams to the dance for years to come.
Here is a look at my final five for the 2008 Calder:
PATRICK KANE, Chicago
Not all that long ago, Kane looked to be home and cooled as the Calder winner until Nicklas Backstrom happened. Backstrom's mid-to-late-season push has without doubt caught the collective eye of the voters, but this is still Kane's award to lose. Let's just say he does more with less. My guess? Kane will become the first American to win the Calder since Scott Gomez in 2000.
NICKLAS BACKSTROM, Washington
Backstrom will get his recognition but most will give him the once-over, considering how he is playing on a line with the best player in the world right now. No matter, Backstrom is the real deal. He'll likely not win the Calder, but goalies are going to have nightmares about Ovechkin and Backstrom for many years to come.
PETER MUELLER, Phoenix
Part of the resurgence of the Desert Dawgs has to be attributed to Mueller, who is currently fourth in team scoring. The ‘Yotes aren't quite there yet, but Mueller is one reason why Phoenix is no longer a running joke. Unfortunately for him, he has to go against Kane, Backstrom and Toews for the Calder.
CAREY PRICE, Montreal
Price is just the latest superstar goaltender to come down the chute in Montreal. While there is a long way to go before mentioned in the same sentence as Roy and Dryden, Price, less than a year after leading the Hamilton Bulldogs to the Calder Cup, is showing remarkable poise for a freshman with a .915 save percentage. This is one Calder he won't win, but Montreal fans won't complain. Not with this kid minding the fort for the foreseeable future.
JONATHAN TOEWS, Chicago
Had he not missed 16 games with a sprained knee, Toews would probably be battling Kane and Backstrom for the Calder. Oh well. If you are looking for some long-lost optimism in Chitown, two of the five names on this list show why things are looking up for the Hawks.