NHL Calder Trophy Tracker: Matty Beniers Leads from Start to Finish

The race for the NHL's rookie of the year moved around month by month, but a Seattle Kraken forward led the pack from the get-go, writes Tony Ferrari.

It’s Matty Beniers, and it’s pretty much always been Matty Beniers. The NHL’s rookie of the year race this season has been Beniers fighting off various challengers throughout the months.

Shane Pinto started red hot but cooled as the season wore on. Stuart Skinner and Logan Thompson had excellent seasons in net that warranted consideration near the top of the rookie class at different points. Owen Power has been a true play-driving top-pair defender for the feisty Buffalo Sabres. Jake Sanderson has done the same to a degree for the upstart Senators. Matias Maccelli led rookies in points per game but missed some time.

The 2023 NHL rookie class has featured so many players making an impact in so many ways. Hot streaks, cold spells, and injuries all play a factor, though. This year’s group goes beyond the stat lines in many ways. The underlying numbers and analytics that some of the players have put up have been impressive.

Beyond Beniers, the race to be a finalist for the Calder is wide open. Just about every player on this list has an argument to deserve a finalist nod. Let’s dive into the final installment of the 2023 Calder Trophy tracker.

The likely rookie of the year hasn’t won a single rookie of the month honor this year, as it has gone to goalies except for October when Pinto received the recognition. That won’t mean much when it comes to Beniers’ Calder case, though. He has been the most consistent rookie across the league, becoming the Kraken’s No. 1 center and leading the rookie class in scoring, all while taking just one penalty on the season.

Beniers has been as advertised when he was drafted second overall in 2021. His speed and relentless motor are major tools at the NHL level. He already understands the nuances of the defensive game centers need to play. With 24 goals, Beniers has shown his shot is an asset, and his playmaking has been excellent as well. Simply put, Beniers plays like a veteran center already despite being just 20 years old.

At the 2021 NHL draft, Power went first overall, and Beniers went second. In the 2023 Calder Trophy race, it could be the reversal of fortunes as Beniers takes home the top spot while Power comes in right behind him. 

Power has had a wonderful season for the Sabres this year, delivering impressive results at both ends of the ice for a team that was battling for a playoff spot right up until game 81 after missing the playoffs for more than a decade.

Power leads all rookie defenders in scoring. He’s been a catalyst for offensive creation and has been one of the Sabres’ best defenders when it comes to shot and goal differentials. The future of the Sabres blueline looks to be in good hands with Power and Rasmus Dahlin leading the charge.

The Oilers wouldn’t be anywhere close to where they are now without the play of Stuart Skinner. The struggles of off-season signing Jack Campbell have been well documented. Skinner’s ability to step into the crease and earn a contract extension while solidifying the Oilers as Stanley Cup contenders. He attended the All-Star Game this season as well.

Skinner leads rookie netminders in wins and sits second in save percentage. Since the beginning of March, Skinner leads all goalies with 13 wins, going 13-1-1 in that span with a .919 save percentage. Heading into the playoffs, Skinner will be a key piece to Edmonton going on a deep run.

The Arizona Coyotes haven’t had many bright spots this season, but Maccelli’s arrival and instant impact has certainly been among them. He has displayed impressive playmaking ability, and although he doesn’t use his shot as much as he should, he is a highly efficient finisher. His offensive skill has given the Yotes some secondary scoring depth and made them more watchable on a nightly basis. Despite missing a decent chunk of time around mid-season, Maccelli still sits second in rookie points.

The Stars rookie has been one of the most underrated players on this list. He’s played a prominent role on one of the Western Conference’s best teams. Slotting in as the third-line center for the majority of the season, Johnston has done everything from providing thrilling overtime moments to playing a solid two-way game. Johnston is tied for second in rookie goal-scoring and sits fifth in total rookie points while earning every minute of ice time he gets with a stout Stars lineup.

Sanderson had been arguably Ottawa’s best defender this season prior to the arrival of Jakob Chychrun. The former University of North Dakota star has stepped right into the lineup and made an impact at both ends of the ice. His transition defense was good, and he flashed the in-zone defensive skill that made him an intriguing prospect coming out of the draft. His offensive and transition game showed glimpses of what could make him a very effective two-way defenseman. He never managed to tilt the ice the way Power did, though, which is why he is down the list a bit.

The Anaheim Ducks have been putrid in many facets this season, but the development of McTavish has been a welcome sight. McTavish has played both on the wing and as a center in the top six, producing the third-highest point total amongst rookies. His blend of power and skill gives the Ducks an element in the top six that every team needs. McTavish finding a way to produce in such a poor environment should be a credit to what he can do.

The best highlight from the rookie class may have come from Johnson. Pulling off one of the most seamless Michigan goals in recent memory, Johnson put his skills on display this season. Finishing fourth in rookie scoring certainly doesn’t hurt his case, either. Johnson lacked consistency this season, but if he figured that out, he could be one of the most skilled offensive players in the class.

Injuries ultimately killed Thompson’s Calder chances as the Vegas netminder had a rough second half of the season from a health perspective. He attempted to return to action last month after nearly two months off, and Thompson reinjured himself in his first game back. The former U Sports netminder helped Vegas find the form they had prior to last season, putting the Golden Knights back into the playoffs and vying for a division title.

Buffalo has had a number of impact rookies this season, and many of them have been overshadowed by the outstanding season that Power has had. Quinn has been one of those rookies. The Sabres winger has been a key cog in the offense, growing into a bigger role as the season has worn on. Quinn is just scratching the surface of his offensive capabilities as he rides with the offensive talent that Buffalo is developing.