Moritz Seider 'enjoyed every single moment' of Calder-winning season

Moritz Seider appeared confident and calm while delivering his Calder Memorial Trophy acceptance speech during Tuesday's 2022 NHL Awards show.

But long before he took the stage to receive his award, the Detroit Red Wings defenseman admitted he was very nervous.
"When you dress up that nice and you don't get awarded, you might feel a little bit disappointed," Seider said in his post-NHL Awards media session. "I was very happy to end the night on the stage with the trophy."

The German blueliner received 1,853 voting points, including 170 out of 185 first-place votes, edging Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras (1,191 points) and Toronto Maple Leafs winger Michael Bunting (877 points) for the award.
"You have to give a big shoutout to the other nominees because they had tremendous seasons," Seider said. "They pushed me to keep building and keep progressing on my own performance."

This season, Seider led all first-year skaters in assists (43), power-play points (21) average time on ice (23:03) and was one of only three NHL rookies to play in all 82 games.
According to Seider, he is most proud of staying mentally tough throughout his first full NHL season.
"Just playing all 82 games," he said about his biggest takeaway this season. "And in the end, to look in the mirror and say you gave your best. I think that's the best for me."

The 21-year-old also credited his teammates for helping him adjust to the North American-sized ice sheet.
"My teammates were pushing me hard, and I just enjoyed every single moment," Seider said. "It was very easy coming to the rink and trying to get better."
And while he routinely deflects credit to his teammates, Tuesday marked Seider's turn to receive high praise.
"Man, what a year," teammate and captain Dylan Larkin said in a personalized video message posted on Twitter @DetroitRedWings. "It's so great to play with you, to watch you continue to get better and to really earn this trophy."

According to Seider, having Larkin and several members of the Red Wings' front office with him at the 2022 NHL Awards was "a really cool surprise."
"It's cool to see not only your captain and teammates have your back, but the whole organization," the rookie blueliner said. "I'm very happy Larks sat next to me."
Seider was also voted to the 2021-22 NHL All-Rookie Team, a first-year class that includes the other two Calder Trophy finalists, along with Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman, Nashville Predators defenseman Alexandre Carrier and Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond.
Like Seider, Raymond put together an impressive debut NHL season in 2021-22, finishing third among first-year skaters in points (57), fourth in assists (34) and tied for second in goals (23) in 82 games.
"I truly believe he should be up here, too, in that (Calder Trophy) conversation and maybe even win that award," Seider said. "But others have to judge that."

When asked what it meant to be the first member of the Red Wings to win the Calder Trophy in more than five decades, Seider said it hadn't crossed his mind.
"Obviously to give something back for the trust Detroit gave me is huge," he said. "Other than that, it's more about what we do as a team. I think that motivates me and keeps me going."
Looking ahead, Seider is focused on carrying that competitive fire into the 2022-23 campaign.
"I'm pumped," Seider said. "Everyone in our locker room is pumped. We're ready to go. I think everyone is preparing themselves to be better next season, to prove more people wrong and to fight for a playoff spot."