April 22, 2009 – The finalists for the Calder Memorial Trophy were announced this Wednesday. The trophy is given every season to the year’s most outstanding rookie, a long tradition that began with NHL President Frank Calder over 60 years ago. This year’s finalists are Steve Mason of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Bobby Ryan of the Anaheim Ducks, and Kirk Versteeg of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Last year’s trophy went to Blackhawks player Patrick Kane, who, with 72 points and an astonishing 51 assists, beat out teammate Jonathan Toews as well as Nicklas Bäckström of the Washington Capitals.

The three finalists for this year’s trophy have all brought talent to the NHL in their first year as professionals. But of the three, who is the most likely to win? Take a look at the contestants.

1. Steven Mason

Let’s face it: the guy has proven a priceless addition to the Blue Jackets. The team’s entry into the postseason for the first time in the franchise’s history can be attributed to Mason. In 2006, he was picked in the third round; by 2008-09, Mason led the League with 10 shut outs, while other contenders battled for second place with a mere 6.

Netminding fell on Mason’s not-so-tender young shoulders when former Columbus goaltender Pasqual Leclaire stunned his teammates an underwhelming 3.83 GAA and a .867 save percentage. Mason took up the burden nicely. In the 2008-09 season, he was second in the League with a GAA of 2.19 and seventh with a save percentage of .916. He has also been the reason that Columbus has allowed the 9th fewest number of goals this season.

Now he has the opportunity to do something only four other goaltenders have done in the last quarter-century: gain the Calder Memorial Trophy.

2. Bobby Ryan

Mason may have skill, but Ryan, in addition to skill, has a story. Several stories, in fact. In his childhood home, his father once badly assaulted his mother and, as a result, faced a brief stint in prison. In his career, Ryan suffered through the Ducks’ seemingly capricious decision-making: after the Ducks chose him second overall in the 2005 draft, Ryan was moved back and forth between the Ducks and their AHL affiliates during the next two seasons.

Somebody give this guy a break.

But perhaps he doesn’t need one; his talent speaks for itself. He has a much-sought-after combination of size and skill that translates into scoring plays. So when he joined the Ducks this season, he made a big difference. With only 64 games under his belt this season, he leads all rookie scorers with 31 goals and 57 points. On March 22, 2009, he beat out Dustin Penner’s rookie point record for the franchise when he made 2 assists, gaining his 46th point. He, along with the Corey Perry / Ryan Getzlaf line, has helped move the Ducks into the postseason this year.

3. Kirk Versteeg

The Blackhawks have a chance to gain the Calder Memorial Trophy twice in a row with finalist Kirk Versteeg. Versteeg was a fifth-round choice for the Bruins, but has shown his skills this season. He is a fast forward with incredible skill, pushing for the net and moving easily through traffic. He has proven himself dangerous on the ice.

With 22-31-53, he is fourth on the Blackhawks for scoring and fifth in goals; he tied with Billy Gardener in the franchise’s record for short-handed goals, and tied for third in the NHL with seven short-handed goals. He was named to the NHL’s Young Star Games in January of this year, although, due to an injury, did not play in the event.

Importantly, he beat out all rookies in the League this year with 31 assists, and, with 53 points, is second only to Ryan.

Although Versteeg presents a formidable opponent, Mason and Ryan have received most of the attention this season. Mason, in particular, has been singled out for the award since the beginning of the season. The award will be given out at the NHL awards ceremony on June 18, in Las Vegas.