Kraken Coach Dave Hakstol Doesn't Capture Jack Adams Award
Seattle Kraken headlines from Monday night's NHL Awards in Nashville: rookie center Matty Beniers wins, coach Dave Hakstol doesn't, and who was general manager Ron Francis sitting with?
As expected, Beniers won the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year.
Despite strong seasons from fellow finalists Owen Power (Buffalo Sabres defenseman) and Stuart Skinner (Edmonton Oilers goalie), Beniers captured a landslide 160 of 196 first place votes.
Beniers centered Seattle's top line, while scoring 24 goals. He also played responsible defense and was a significant piece on a team which came one win from the Western Conference Finals.
Announcing the award was country musician Jelly Roll, who a new documentary says, "(Uses) the power of his platform to raise awareness and funds for at-risk youth across the country."
The 20-year-old Kraken center isn't in need of such help. Characteristically humble, Beniers spent his acceptance speech thanking "my awesome family," as well as the Seattle organization which "supported me all throughout this year."
He saluted his teammates. "I love you guys. You taught me so much this year and you were a huge reason to why I'm up here today." Lastly, he provided a shout-out to Kraken fans. "Seattle, you guys were great all year and you guys made playing at Climate Pledge Arena so fun."
Soon after, Beniers had a second award to go with his first.
The Jack Adams award for coach of the year went to Boston Bruins bench boss Jim Montgomery.
The Bruins won an NHL-record 65 games. In his acceptance speech, Montgomery spoke movingly about his recovery from alcohol addiction.
In addition to Seattle coach Hakstol, who led a 19-win, 40-point improvement by the Kraken, the other Jack Adams finalist was Lindy Ruff of the New Jersey Devils.
Kraken GM Francis earned a mention on the live telecast, just for sitting beside the new Toronto Maple Leafs general manager in the Bridgestone Arena audience.
Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman commented, "I see Brad Treliving from Toronto and Ron Francis from Seattle sitting next to each other. So I've got 46 tweets about what they're up to."
If they were discussing anything besides after-show dinner plans, we'll let you know.