With the finalists for the top individual awards for the 2022-23 season being announced shortly, NHL.com is running a series of articles detailing the various frontrunners for some of these trophies. Today’s predictions for the Calder Trophy given for NHL Rookie of the Year.

Not just on the ice Matty Beniers has to deal with opposing goalkeepers. So also in the race for the Calder Trophy.

Because Seattle forward Kraken, who is the No. Rookie of the Year at the next League Individual Awards Gala, is there Stuart Skinner He blows his throat as the Edmonton Oilers goaltender finished second in our season-ending poll.

It’s a trend that’s being confirmed as Beniers have had goalkeepers as their main rivals to retain the Calder since the start of the 2022/23 season. In the NHL.com panelists’ poll after the first quarter of the season, Beniers placed second behind him Logan Thompsonthen he had overtaken the latter halfway through the campaign.

Three quarters into the season, Beniers still ranked first ahead of second-place Thompson in the NHL.com poll.

And now, in our final poll before the Calder Trophy was officially presented after the Stanley Cup playoffs, Beniers got all the first-place votes for the maximum possible 50 points on the ballot, but it’s a goaltender, once again, second becomes : Stuart Skinner.

Thompson has only played two games since Jan. 28 through injury, which explains why he only earned eight points on the ballot this time. But Skinner has since established himself as the Edmonton Oilers’ trusted goaltender, doing what it takes to help the Alberta squad battle for first place in the Pacific Division.

Although Skinner is still second among rookie goalies behind Thompson in goals versus average per game (2.80 versus 2.65 for the Golden Knights goaltender) and save percentage (.912 versus .915), he is now good first for games started (46) and for wins (27). Among NHL goalies overall, Skinner ranks 18th in starts and 10th in wins.

That means Skinner, as seventh in the NHL.com poll for the Calder after the first quarter of the season, fourth mid-season, and fifth in three quarters of the season, has the second overall score for the Rookie of the Year title at the end of the campaign with 31 , especially because of six votes in second place out of 10 possible.

But the fact remains that Beniers is considered a big favorite, and with good reason: the 20-year-old forward is first among the rookies in points (56), goals (23) and difference (plus-15). He is also second in winning goals (four) and ice time among rookie forwards who have played at least 70 games (17:09), behind Noah Cates Philadelphia Flyers (five game-winning goals and 17:44 ice time).

In addition, the trio accompanists of Beniers, Jared McCann And Jordan EberleAt his side, both play a brilliant season. McCann has already set new personal bests for goals (39) and points (68), while Eberle is just two points from his personal best of 65.

Not to mention, Beniers was a key part of a Kraken team that qualified for the playoffs in their second season in the league.

“Playing at center in this league when you’re that young is a bit like handing the quarterback job to a young player in the NFL because there’s a lot going on at the same time,” said Kraken coach Dave Hakstol . There is a lot of responsibility that comes with the job and leadership is required. Matty is fine with that. »

Video: SEA@NSH: Beniers and Dunn team up

Except Skinner, Owen power is most likely to join Beniers in the group of players who will soon be named finalists for the Calder, the NHL.com panel believes. The Buffalo Sabers defenseman ranks first among the league’s rookie defensemen in ice time (23:44), differential (up-11) and points (35). If Buffalo are still looking for a playoff spot at this stage of the campaign, then thanks Tagus Thompson And Rasmus Dahlinbut also to power.

Who will be the next Calder winner: a forward, a goaltender, or a defender? Since the Rookie of the Year award was last bestowed on a goaltender — Columbus Blue Jackets’ Steve Mason in 2009 — nine forwards and four defensemen have won.

Voting results (five points for first place, four points for second place, etc.):

1. Matty BeniersSeattle Kraken, 50 points (10 first place votes);
2. Stuart Skinner, Edmonton Oilers, 31;
3. Owen Power, Buffalo Sabers, 23;
4. Matthew MaccelliArizona Coyotes, 21;
e-5. Mason McTavishAnaheim ducks, 8;
e-5. Logan Thompson, Vegas Golden Knights, 8;
7. Jake SandersonOttawa Senators, 6;
8th. Wyatt JohnstonDallas Stars, 2;
9. Cole PerfettiWinnipeg Jets, 1