SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Can the Kris Draper psychic hot line be far behind?

Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard was an obvious Calder Trophy candidate as NHL rookie of the year at the end of the regular season. That wasn't so apparent a year ago -- except to teammate Kris Draper.

Howard, who learned of the nomination Thursday, said Draper called it last spring when Howard was the team's emergency goalie as a "Black Ace.''

"I don't know if he's psychic or something, but he said, 'You'll be up for the Calder next year,' " Howard said. "I was like, 'OK, Drapes. Sure.' "

Said Draper: "How about that, eh? I just thought if he was going to get an opportunity he could do some good things. Did I actually think that was going to come true? I was hoping for it. I didn't expect it.''

Howard overcame a shaky start this season to grab the starting job from Chris Osgood early on and finished 37-15-10. He was fifth among all goalies in goals-against average (2.24) and tied for fourth in save percentage (.924).

"It's an honor,'' Howard said. "I'm very thankful, but I wouldn't have been able to do it without these guys. They played so well in front of me.''

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Tyler Myers, 20, and Colorado Avalanche forward Matt Duchene, 19, are the other finalists. The winner will be revealed June 23 at the NHL Awards Show in Las Vegas.

Howard, who turned 26 on March 26, is older than a typical rookie, which prompted some national media to write they wouldn't vote for him because of his age. But as long as a player is not older than 26 before Sept. 15 of the season in which he is eligible, he is a rookie.

"The rules are the rules,'' Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said. "If (some voters) think the rules should be changed then they should change the rules. But until the rules are changed, he's a rookie.

"He's earned it. I think he's a legitimate nominee. He was a real important guy for us in a real important position.''

Draper agreed that Howard's age and previous pro experience (four years with the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins) should not detract from his Calder candidacy.

"He's a true rookie,'' Draper said. "He paid his time in the minors. He showed he truly belonged among not only rookie of the year (candidates), but also tops in all the goaltending categories.''

The rookie helped guide the Red Wings into the Western Conference quarterfinals, where they are tied 2-2 in the series with the Phoenix Coyotes heading into Game 5 on Friday.

"Expectations are very high, and he over-delivered,'' Holland.

Red Wings coach Mike Babcock, like most everyone else -- except Draper, apparently -- didn't see this coming at the start of the season.

"When you think of where he's come from, it's fantastic,'' Babcock said. "There's real good goaltending in this series. (Phoenix's Ilya) Bryzgalov was one of the best in the league this year. There's not much (difference) between those two guys. It's a real battle.''