Lane Hutson's Calder Trophy victory in 2025, the first for a Montreal Canadiens player since Ken Dryden in 1972, has ignited excitement about the team's future. While Ivan Demidov is the obvious frontrunner for future Calder consideration, several other Canadiens prospects could realistically contend for the award in the coming years.
One such prospect is Jacob Fowler. The Canadiens' 2023 third-round pick has demonstrated maturity and consistency in his play, posting a .940 save percentage and a 1.63 goals-against average in 35 starts for Boston College. Goalies typically take longer to develop, but Fowler's trajectory suggests he could be NHL-ready sooner than expected. After a year or two with the Laval Rocket, Fowler could find himself in Montreal, potentially mirroring the rise of a goaltender like Dustin Wolf.
David Reinbacher is another name to watch. The towering defenseman boasts size, reach, and strong positioning, making him a potential cornerstone on Montreal's blue line. While the Calder Trophy often favors high-scoring rookies, Reinbacher's defensive prowess and steady progress could put him in the mix. If he can anchor a pairing, contribute 25-30 points, and play significant minutes for a playoff-contending team, he could garner attention from voters.
Logan Mailloux is a wildcard in this conversation. Despite defensive inconsistencies, Mailloux's offensive capabilities are undeniable. In his second AHL season, he scored 12 goals and 21 points in 63 games, ranking among Laval's top-scoring defensemen. The challenge for Mailloux is opportunity, as he faces stiff competition for a roster spot in Montreal. However, if he can break through and secure a significant role, his offensive production could make him a Calder contender.
Beyond these players, other prospects could emerge as Calder contenders. Florian Xhekaj is a hard-working forward who scored 24 goals in 69 AHL games. The Canadiens also added Alex Burrows and Lauri Korpikoski to their player development staff, entrusting them to develop prospects being assimilated into the Habs system.
The Canadiens have assembled a well-rounded prospect pool, increasing the likelihood of multiple Calder Trophy contenders in the coming years. With continued development and the right opportunities, these players could follow in Hutson's footsteps and bring more accolades to Montreal.
