Red Wings Daily: Could Bunting Be Bad News For Seider?

Detroit Red Wings fans are certainly having plenty of fun creating internet memes mocking the age of Toronto Maple Leafs forward Michael Bunting, one of the NHL’s three Calder Trophy finalists. At 26 years of age, Bunting barely snuck under the barrier for Calder qualification at the start of the season.

There’s a reason, though, why Bunting’s presence might not be a laughing matter for the Red Wings faithful. Is it possible he could spoil Moritz Seider’s party?

Michael Bunting at the rookie party.. pic.twitter.com/oOiXZMSZ5E

— swayze (@xHatrickSwayze) May 12, 2022

The last two Leafs to win the Calder were forwards – Auston Matthews in 2016-17 and Brit Selby in 1965-66. As well, in two of the last three instances in which a Leafs player was the NHL’s top rookie, the runner-up in the balloting was a Red Wings defenseman.

Detroit defenseman Moritz Seider is also a Calder finalist this season. He’s the betting favorite to win the award.

When Selby won, Detroit defenseman Bert Marshall was runner-up. Second in rookie voting to Toronto defenseman Kent Douglas in 1962-63 was Red Wings rearguard Doug Barkley.

On the other hand, in two of five Calder wins by Red Wings players, the runner-up was a Leafs player. Red WIngs netminder Terry Sawchuk beat Toronto goalie Al Rollins for the award in 1950-51. Leafs forward Ron Ellis finished second to Detroit goalie Roger Crozier for the Calder in 1964-65.

Johansson A Champion

Red Wings draft pick Albert Johansson is a champion. Johansson and Farjestad beat Lulea 3-0 in Game 7 of the SHL final on Thursday.

Forward Pontus Andreasson, who will join the Wings as a free agent for next season, was among the vanquished Lulea players.

Griffins Criscuolo Honored

Grand Rapids Griffins forward Kyle Criscuolo was named the team’s winner of the IOA/American Specialty AHL Person of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to the Grand Rapids community during the 2021-22 season.

Criscuolo played six games for the Red Wings this season, collecting two assists and plus-1 rating.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• What does the future hold for Red Wings forward Carter Rowney?
• Former Red Wings defenseman Troy Stecher is proving to be a playoff hero for the LA Kings
• Which NHL mock draft is producing the Detroit first-round pick you like the best?

Hockey Now Network

Boston: For the sixth straight game, the home team won. The Boston Bruins beat the Carolina Hurricanes, forcing Game 7 in their Stanley Cup series.

Pittsburgh: The Pittsburgh Penguins are recalling forward Radim Zohorna from AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, fueling speculation that captain Sidney Crosby (head injury) won’t be playing in Game 6 against the New York Rangers on Friday.

Washington: Washington Capitals coach Peter Laviolette isn’t blaming goalie Ilya Samsonov for the team’s 5-3 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 5 of their playoff series.

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Florida: One more victory over the Washington Capitals and the Florida Panthers will be winning their first Stanley Cup series since 1996.

Colorado: The Colorado Avalanche will be facing the St. Louis Blues in the second round of the playoffs. Last season, the Avs swept the Blues in the opening round.

Calgary: Left out of the Hart Trophy finalists, Calgary Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau will be happy to settle for the Stanley Cup as consolation.