The past few seasons have been anything but easy for die-hard fans of the Detroit Red Wings franchise. One of hockey’s Original Six teams has fallen on hard times as the club continues to navigate through a long and painful rebuild.
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Although the Wings are a team in transition, there are indeed a few bright lights with the likes of Lucas Raymond, Dylan Larkin, and Alex Nedeljkovic in the fold. However, the brightest of them all appears in the form of rookie phenom Moritz Seider. So, what makes Seider such a shoo-in to win the Calder Trophy, and what is his future prognosis in the Motor City?
Vegas Knows
The old adage is “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” However, that is of course unless you are a professional sportsbook, or just someone who enjoys a good old-fashioned sports bet. As it stands, the Detroit standout is the odds-on favorite to hoist the Calder Memorial Trophy at the end of the 2021-22 NHL campaign as the league’s most outstanding rookie, according to various professional sports betting enterprises.
For example, www.sportsbettingdime.com lists Seider as a (-120) favorite to take home the prestigious award. For people who may be unfamiliar with such terminology, this means that (because he’s a favorite), an individual would assume a risk of $120 to win $100. It’s certainly worth a “sprinkle,” for someone as esteemed (and favored) as Seider. Lock that one in, hockey fans.
“Seider-Man” & “Apple Seider”
It did not take long for Seider to burst onto the scene and quickly establish himself as one of the best young blue-liners in hockey. When you watch the Zell, Germany native both up close and from afar, a few things about his game stick out like a sore thumb. For starters, this kid is an absolute unit, standing at a whopping 6-foot-4, 196 pounds (and counting) at the tender age of 21. The “full package” with few weaknesses in his game, Seider has almost single-handedly given Red Wings fans a glimmer of hope as the club hopes to return to the “glory days” in Detroit for the foreseeable future.
From a sheer statistical standpoint, Seider’s production has been impressive and consistent all year long. In 71 games so far this season, he has notched five goals and 45 points to go along with a minus-five rating in 23:17 worth of ice-time. He’s also fired a grand total of 150 shots on goal and tallied three game-winning goals with 30 penalty minutes. This is a kid who’s only tipping the iceberg and oozing with raw talent and ability. Wings faithful should be salivating.
Looking Ahead
The vast majority of rookie skaters (especially defensemen) are bound to experience the rookie jinx, fatigue, or just get worn down by the day-to-day rigors of the National Hockey League. That is of course unless you’re Seider, whose game has not faltered since the puck first dropped in 2021-22. There have been no slumps or mid-season “lulls” for this guy.
As mentioned (and barring anything extravagant or unforeseen), as it stands, Seider is the consensus selection to take home the Calder. What’s even more scary is that it is certainly within reason to think of him as a potential Norris Trophy candidate 2-3 seasons down the road as the league’s best defenseman. The sky really is the limit for one of hockey’s best young players. Stay tuned.
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