Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings’ Seider Wins Calder as NHL’s Best Rookie

Published

2 years ago

June 21, 2022

Nate Brown

There was concern from many Detroit Red Wings fans that Moritz Seider would be overlooked as the league’s top rookie. Rest assured Red Wings fans, the voters made sure the dynamic Detroit defenseman walked away with the Calder Trophy.

After a 50-point season that included seven goals, Seider becomes the first Detroit Red Wing to win the Calder since Roger Crozier back in 1965. Seider recorded 170 first place votes for the Calder.

“It’s crazy, but obviously you’re very thankful and honored to be awarded with this trophy and I’m very happy to bring something back to Detroit,” Seider said. “I know it’s been a while. I’m very happy and very thankful but also you have to give a big shoutout to the other nominees because they had tremendous seasons.

“They obviously pushed me to keep building and keep progressing my own performance.”

“Seider, Raymond Both On NHL All-Rookie Team

Both Seider and teammate Lucas Raymond were named to the NHL All-Rookie Team.

“I still truly believe he should be up here, too in that conversation and maybe even win that award but others have to judge that,” Seider said of Raymond.

Seider was a front runner for the award from nearly the beginning of the season, impressing out of training camp and then with every passing game. Highlight-reel plays, from his first goal to a big hit, were almost a daily occurrence for Red Wings fans during the season.

Seider played all 82 games and was a minutes eater on the ice, constantly matching up against the league’s best night in and night out.

FIRST NHL GOAL FOR MORITZ SEIDER‼️

And it is a beauty in @EASPORTSNHL OT. pic.twitter.com/8QCfLu8oad

— NHL (@NHL) November 7, 2021

The German defenseman is barely 21 years old and is already collecting hardware. Selected sixth overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, the pick was a shock at time. General Manager Steve Yzerman famously told inquisitive reporters that fans should “Google” Seider and that they would certainly like what they see.

Three years later, Red Wings fans are giddy wondering what else Seider can do after an impressive rookie debut.

Former head coach Jeff Blashill, who was always careful about hyping any player on the team, admitted that Seider should easily win the award.

“Seider for me is hands down the Calder winner with the minutes that he’s had, the defensive and the offensive responsibilities he’s had,” Blashill said.

On and Off the Ice, Seider was a Difference Maker

When asked back in April about winning the Calder, Seider shrugged it off.

“To be honest right now for me it’s about finishing the season strong,” he said. “It’s definitely an honor but I don’t even think about that at all.”

Seider’s teammates always saw what he brought to the Red Wings every night.

“Every night he was in the spotlight,” goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic said. “Every night he was being talked about. And he showed up every single night and he did something special.”

🙌🙌🙌 pic.twitter.com/2ZeXAXmYx2

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) June 21, 2022

Though the accolades were never the focus, it seems that the young defenseman is poised for even more.

“There will definitely be a moment when you’re sitting at home, be by yourself or with your friends and you will be very happy with what you’ve achieved in the last couple of years,” Seider admitted. “But other than that, I think it is more about the team.

“Sometimes it’s good to reflect on your personal goals. I think for us as the Detroit Red Wings, we want to build and want to push each other forward.