Experts Weigh In On Beniers' Calder Trophy Win

"Beniers Has Look Of Foundational Piece For Kraken"

Editor's Note: Later today, we'll report on the on-ice sessions at Kraken Development Camp. 

Almost everyone agreed Seattle Kraken center Matty Beniers was deserving of the Calder Trophy, awarded to the 2022-23 NHL rookie of the year.

Almost.

Beniers did capture an overwhelming 160 of 196 first place votes from members of the Pro Hockey Writers Association.

If the selection was up to my Edmonton Oilers' THN colleague Caleb Kerney, however, Berniers would be Calder-less in Seattle. Caleb wrote that his hometown finalist, goalie Stuart Skinner, was "snubbed" by the PHWA.

"What Beniers did was impressive... so I understand the logic," Caleb said. "I personally think it's more difficult for a rookie to play 50 games and win 29 of them than it is for a rookie forward to get 57 points." Earlier, he'd predicted, "This is a two horse race between Skinner and (Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen) Power."

So why did Beniers skate to a landslide victory? Here's three opinions from experts who don't reside in Seattle, Buffalo, or Edmonton.

Steve Konroyd, 13-season NHL defenseman, on NHL Network:

"He was such a difference-maker as a youngster. He looks like he's 30 years old. Hard to believe he's a rookie. A big part of the reason they made it to the playoffs. He can play it any way you want. He's certainly not afraid to go to those tough areas."

John Torchetti, Philadelphia Flyers assistant coach, on NHL Network:

"Probably their best high-end skilled forward. Getting to play with Jordan Eberle was really good for him. When your teammates are scoring, it gets you to be a little more confident. The coaches put him in a great spot. He did a fantastic job on the power play."

NHL.com deputy managing editor Adam Kimelman:

"The Kraken controlled 51.7 percent of the 5-on-5 shot attempts when Beniers was on the ice, and he was plus-16 in even-strength goal differential.

"Beniers was the Kraken's No. 1 center and stepped up his play in all the big spots. He had 31 points (16 goals, 15 assists) in 41 road games, second for Seattle. Beniers has the look of a foundational piece for the Kraken; what we saw this season was only the beginning."

By the way, five of the six THN writers (I could identify) who are PHWA members voted for Beniers. One went for Skinner.

Among hometown voters, all three of the Seattle-based PHWA members went with the hometown selection.

In the cities of the other finalists, results were more mixed. Two of four Buffalo-area voters went with Sabres defenseman Owen Power, but two others wrote Beniers on their ballots. One Edmonton voter also chose Beniers, and another picked Power. Three others sided with Skinner, the Oilers goalie.

If you'd like to fry your retinas like I did, the PHWA provides a spreadsheet of how each member voted. Bring your eye drops.