Could John Gibson win the Calder Trophy?

Despite a wealth of talented young forwards making an excellent first impression around the league, it's a goalie who's emerging as arguably the top candidate to be named the 2016 NHL rookie of the year.

Since being called up from the AHL by the Anaheim Ducks in late November, John Gibson has performed like a legitimate No. 1 goaltender, and could very well win the Calder Trophy should he maintain his current level of play.

Gibson, 22, has retained rookie status despite his previous regular and postseason experience, according to NHL guidelines:

To be considered a rookie, a player must not have played in more than 25 NHL games in any preceding seasons, nor in six or more NHL games in each of any two preceding seasons. Any player at least 26 years of age (by September 15th of that season) is not considered a rookie.

It all checks out for Gibson, who on Wednesday was named an All-Star.

Helping Gibson's case is the fact that on Nov. 23, the day before he made his first start, the Ducks boasted a record of 7-10-4, good for fifth in the Pacific Division.

Heading into Wednesday's game against Toronto, Anaheim's record has improved to 16-15-7, bringing the Ducks within three points of second place and a playoff spot. His performance is even more impressive within the context of Anaheim's ongoing scoring woes, with three of Gibson's shutouts coming in 1-0 decisions.

Still, Artemi Panarin's 36 points in 41 games have given him an eight-point lead in the rookie scoring race and a big leg up over the competition. But if anyone can usurp him for the Calder, Gibson's as solid a candidate as anybody.

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