Calder Trophy Award Winners
| Season 1 -- Miikka Elomo (WSH) Season 2 -- Michal Handzus (BOS) |
Starting in 1936-37 and until his death in 1943, Frank Calder, founder and president of the NHL, purchased a new trophy annually that was presented to the top performing rookie player. After his death, the National Hockey League presented the Calder Memorial Trophy to honor his memory.
In order to be eligible for the award, a player has to have played in 25 or fewer games in any single preceding season and less than six games in each of any two preceding seasons for any major professional team. In 1990-91 a requirement was added that stipulated that a qualifying player must not reach his 26th birthday by September 15 of the season in which he is considered.
The Calder Trophy is awarded to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the NHL by a poll of the Professional Hockey Writers? Association. The recipient receives an inscription on the trophy and $10,000. Each of two runners-up receive $6,000 and $4,000 respectively.